tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805253602173658652024-03-19T03:57:37.656-07:00Manuroy Ta!!Marites' Travel TalesMariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-27030534580842767142013-05-10T08:19:00.002-07:002013-05-10T08:23:58.014-07:00Skywatch#135 Sunset At El Nido<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/media/palawan/palawan%202013/5acaae96-cbac-4b25-a80a-ce2707c2bd63_zps9da63ea3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5acaae96-cbac-4b25-a80a-ce2707c2bd63_zps9da63ea3.jpg" border="0" height="390" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/palawan/palawan%202013/5acaae96-cbac-4b25-a80a-ce2707c2bd63_zps9da63ea3.jpg" width="510" /></a><br />
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On our way back to El Nido, Palawan we stopped by Commando Beach, our last destination for the day's island hopping. It rained for a few minutes and afterwards, this showed up.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-57927481006308397862013-04-18T09:22:00.000-07:002013-04-18T09:22:29.332-07:00Skywatch#134 The Mighty Mount Apo<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/media/7a6a8b28-6395-45bd-a9b7-3d0c46bea765_zps055bc036.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 7a6a8b28-6395-45bd-a9b7-3d0c46bea765_zps055bc036.jpg" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/7a6a8b28-6395-45bd-a9b7-3d0c46bea765_zps055bc036.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Partially hidden from the clouds, Mt. Apo stays majestic. We were trying to catch a few more photos before it was hidden entirely by the clouds.
It has always been considered as the grandfather of the Philippine mountains. Not surprisingly, as it is the tallest at more than 10,000 feet. It is also a popular must-climb, must-see destination for climbers. The peak season is during summer in the months of March-May. It has a number of trails but the Kidapawan trail is considered as the more accessible. Some people are proposing to build stairs to the peak but I personally could not agree about it.
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>
Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-28477300834178697022013-04-12T08:48:00.001-07:002013-04-12T08:48:55.699-07:00Skywatch#133 Summer in Britania IslandsWe had an early start for summer last month. For years, we have been planning to get to Britania Islands, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Finally, after coordinating our group's schedules we did it on a weekend. With one van full of my friends, we started our trip in the early morning of Saturday. The trip took more than six (6) hours but thankfully, the road was mostly paved. <br />
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Here was one of our rewards after the long trip, a magnificent view from Hagonoy island (one of the 24 islets of Britania islands):<br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/media/surigao%20mar2013/bdefdcdb-0535-4665-91a6-0d825f4afd11_zps8719a9dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bdefdcdb-0535-4665-91a6-0d825f4afd11_zps8719a9dd.jpg" border="0" height="425" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/surigao%20mar2013/bdefdcdb-0535-4665-91a6-0d825f4afd11_zps8719a9dd.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-3807938188634950882013-03-01T07:36:00.003-08:002013-03-01T08:11:22.746-08:00Skywatch#132 Windmills of Tarifa<a href="http://s290.beta.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/media/europe2012/27b57981-df37-4e58-a0d1-4c1fdbaf17fa_zpsea1b4949.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 27b57981-df37-4e58-a0d1-4c1fdbaf17fa_zpsea1b4949.jpg" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/27b57981-df37-4e58-a0d1-4c1fdbaf17fa_zpsea1b4949.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />
They were like sentinels fanning the clouds. The windmills of Tarifa were lined up on the hills and valleys and can be seen along the highway.
That day, we went out of our hotel in Seville in the early morning for our destination, the small town of Tarifa. The town is our jump-off point to the continent of Africa.
Tarifa is a small town in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, on the southernmost coast of Spain. The town is located on the Costa de la Luz ("coast of light") and across the Straits of Gibraltar facing Morocco.
At exactly 36 degrees latitude, it is the southernmost point of the European continent, situated south of both African capital cities of Tunis and Algiers.(source: Wikipedia)
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-79172455566258000942013-02-22T06:09:00.001-08:002013-02-22T06:13:18.244-08:00Skywatch#131 Twilight Skies Over Christchurch<a href="http://s290.beta.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/media/europe2012/IMG_4396_zps990c489f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_4396_zps990c489f.jpg" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_4396_zps990c489f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Twilight was setting in while we waited on the line to get into the Christchurch Museum in Oxford, England. It was eerie but beautiful.
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-89506806376656774932013-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:002013-01-25T19:19:44.130-08:00Skywatch#130 Silhouette of Philip IV<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/?action=view&current=IMG_5316-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_5316" border="0" height="400" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_5316-1.jpg" width="580" /></a><br />
Silhouette of Philip IV at Plaza de Oriente </div>
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The statue is located at the east side of the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain.<br />
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Philip IV of Spain (Spanish: Felipe IV; 8 April 1605 – 17 September 1665) was King of Spain (as Philip IV in Castille and Philip III in Aragon) and Portugal as (Portuguese: Filipe III). He ascended the thrones in 1621 and reigned in Spain until his death and in Portugal until 1640. Philip is remembered for his patronage of the arts, including such artists as Diego Velázquez, and his rule over Spain during the challenging period of the Thirty Years' War.
(source wikipedia)<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-6994162023026771872013-01-20T01:52:00.001-08:002013-01-24T07:26:19.955-08:00Skywatch#129 Different Skies and Different TimezonesA few years ago, a friend told me that when I get the chance to travel through continents, I should look out for what she called the "timezone sky". She saw it while traveling from the Philippines to Canada and said that it was really beautiful. Not sure if it's her own label but her explanation was that the sky looks quite different when crossing timezones. <br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/?action=view&current=IMG_0496.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0496" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_0496.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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I love taking photos while airborne. Not only do I feel like I am in heaven as what most people say, I also like how the colors of the clouds change constantly. The favorite time for me is during sunset or sunrise when an array of kaleidoscope of colors change within seconds. <br />
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The above photo was taken while we were on our way home from London last year. As can be expected, London was covered with clouds. <br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/?action=view&current=IMG_0497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0497" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_0497.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
More than 30 minutes after, the sunset blue hour started and pastel colors started battling over the blue-black color of the skies.<br />
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I never got to see what my friend said years ago about the "timezone
sky" and so I stayed awake most of the 17-hour trip to home from our Europe trip just to try if
I could see it. When I saw it, it did not disappoint. <br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/?action=view&current=IMG_0524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0524" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_0524.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
This was no ordinary sunset or sunrise colors I thought when I opened the window shade. Before that, I watched about 5 movies on the plane just to try to see if I could catch this. This should be the "timezone sky" my friend was talking about. Checking out the time, I realized that we must be somewhere between Europe and Asia. How cool is that!<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-86095848827743691702013-01-11T07:42:00.002-08:002013-01-11T07:51:25.584-08:00Skywatch#128 Dark Clouds Over Big BenA friend said that London's weather is almost always unpredictably gray. Meaning, London would always have gray clouds and intermittent rains hovering above but in a few lucky moments in a day, blue skies would peek out to tease and then, it would be back to gray clouds again. I definitely agreed with the observation as can be seen in the photos below:
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/?action=view&current=IMG_3469.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_3469" border="0" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_3469.jpg" /></a>
We started our day with threatening gray clouds over London but we kept to our itinerary for the day. As we went from one place to the other, taking photos here and there, I took photos of the Big Ben in a span of a few minutes. The photo above shows dark gray clouds over Big Ben but..
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/?action=view&current=IMG_3472.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_3472" border="0" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_3472.jpg" /></a>
in a few minutes, blue skies are peeping out to tease.
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-61851121818040829142013-01-10T08:01:00.001-08:002013-01-10T08:01:35.030-08:00Will Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fastloantree.com/blog/where-does-the-money-go-on-new-year/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img alt="Top 10 Reasons holiday makers overspend Infographic" border="0" height="1700" src="http://www.fastloantree.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Where-does-the-money-go-on-new-year.png" width="450" /><br />
</a></div>
Source: <a href="http://fastloantree.com/">FastLoanTree.com</a><br />
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When I came back from my Europe travel late last year, my mother asked me when will I ever stop traveling. My answer was, "Never." I will save, I will take credit, I will work hard for it and I will always plan for a travel at least once a year.<br />
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There is something about traveling that is quite addicting. There is so much to learn, to see, to experiment and to explore when traveling that it is like being young and bold again.<br />
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Not surprising, my mother caught the travel bug last year when I took her with me somewhere in the northern and central Philippines. She was amazed of what she had seen and experienced that she was asking when would be our next travel again. Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-29905944405556354272013-01-10T07:54:00.001-08:002013-01-10T07:54:12.113-08:00Save And TravelSome people think that one needs to be filthy rich to do some traveling. With this mentality, a lot of people have given up their dream to travel to some distant land because they thought they could not afford to do it. Sure, to travel means to spend some money but there are several ways to save for one's dream travel. I am no millionaire but my friends and I have found a way to get to places we wanted to get to by just saving, strategizing and planning.
People get jealous that we could get to places we wanted to get to but it takes a lot of discipline, will power and careful planning and strategizing before we could get to where we want. Taking out a loan helped a lot along the way but saving did more. For long travels, I saved for years. The first one was my first China travel. I saved for five years and most of which were done through the Pag-IBIG Fund's Pag-IBIG II program. The said program offered higher dividend rates than most if not all saving institutions. The rest of the expense for the said travel, I saved little by little.
So, one needs not to be filthy rich to get to Spain or France or just even to Boracay or Sagada. One just needs to save and work hard. The destination awaits, excitedly.Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-55686021492134574962013-01-08T05:56:00.004-08:002013-01-08T06:02:27.909-08:00Last Minute Bargains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thomascook.ie/images/caimages/insp/289X131-faraway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thomascook.ie/images/caimages/insp/289X131-faraway.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To minimise the headache of searching for your next family getaway, it makes sense to </span><a href="http://www.thomascook.ie/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">book holidays online</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Why?
Because searching and booking through the internet is one of the
quickest ways to find the holiday to suit all of your requirements. It
saves time and money as you will be able to search quickly through
thousands of resorts to find the one which is most suited to you and
your travelling companions, as well as by the amount you want to spend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" />There
are many ways in which to search for your holiday. As the internet has
become so advanced it has meant that by modifying the search box on the
travel agents' website, you can see a list of results that will offer
you a seemingly tailor-made holiday. During the search, filter the
results by the things that matter to you - such as your chosen
destination, desired holiday date, star rating of your hotel, board
basis and also any additional requirements such as kids clubs or adults
only. This will ensure that the list of hotels presented to you will be
the most suitable. You can also narrow it down by price to make sure
that you are right on budget.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" />Another great way to find a holiday to match your budget is to snare a cut-price package. The best way to do this is to </span><a href="http://www.thomascook.ie/deals/last-minute-holidays/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">book last minute holidays with Thomas Cook</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
A little trick is to decide when you want to go away, and then search
through the website a few weeks before the departure date and look at
the deals best suited to you. You can leave booking right up to the last
minute to really catch a bargain, but if the location and facilities
are important to you, especially if you are travelling with youngsters,
it may be worth keeping your options a little more flexible.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There
are plenty of different ways to find the right holiday - it's just a
matter of setting out your priorities and budget, doing your homework,
and choosing the one that best fits your wish list.</span><br><br>
Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-3948527903836010892012-12-28T07:10:00.002-08:002012-12-28T07:31:32.760-08:00Skywatch#127 Last Full Moon Of The Year<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0481marites-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0481marites" border="0" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_0481marites-1.jpg" /></a> </div>
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The full moon the other night was obstructed by clouds and I was already itching with the camera. Thankfully, the clouds cleared momentarily tonight allowing for a few shots. The next full moon will be happening next year.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-74331818066059631332012-12-14T06:53:00.003-08:002012-12-14T06:53:53.730-08:00Skywatch#126 <a href="http://s290.beta.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/media/europe2012/IMG_3950_zps5adae0c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_3950_zps5adae0c1" border="0" height="395" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/europe2012/IMG_3950_zps5adae0c1.jpg" width="500" /></a>Photo taken at Hyde Park, London, UK. <br />
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We communicate to God through prayers (sometimes they become solicitation of favor/s) but one way of giving back what is due Him and appreciating of what He did for us is to appreciate nature. To stop for a moment in a day to see, to feel, to smell the wondrous thousands of colors a day could evoke, from sunrise to sunset. I dare say, God will feel really appreciated for that.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-1245298440753037372012-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:002012-10-25T08:37:42.651-07:00Skywatch#125 It's More Fun In Davao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.beta.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/library/davao%202012" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_2837.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Department of Tourism's present slogan is "It's More Fun In the Philippines!". For me, Davao's got a lot of share of that fun. Surrounded by mountains and facing the sea, we got the best of both worlds. Ziplining, scuba diving and mountain climbing are just some of the activities Davao City offers. I've done most of those activities and I am not finished yet hahaha!<br />
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<a href="http://s290.beta.photobucket.com/user/marites1034/library/davao%202012" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2838A" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_2838A.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
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In the meantime, the photos were taken during a Worldwide photowalk last October 13. There were three photowalks happening in the city on that day but I chose Sta. Ana Wharf.
The photos were of the newly made statues at the entrance of the old wharf. The eagle is city's iconic symbol while the statue of the family is of the indigenous tribe carrying their produce. The backlight was of the sun rising on that day.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-68836042290320122732012-10-12T08:24:00.005-07:002012-10-12T08:29:20.549-07:00Skywatch#124 Sunset At Airport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/manila%202012/?action=view&current=DSCN0396A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSCN0396A" border="0" height="390" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/manila%202012/DSCN0396A.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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Fly in, fly out. That's what we did this week in Manila. While on the way to the airport (NAIA 3), I saw the sunset peeping thru the trees and just had to take a photo. Thankfully, the traffic lightened for a second for me to steal this one.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-15536472590073566412012-09-08T08:53:00.000-07:002012-09-08T09:30:29.103-07:00Skywatch#123 Sta. Ana Wharf..For Now<br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0919a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0919a" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_0919a.jpg" width="510" /> </a></div>
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Plans are underfoot for the improvement of the old Sta. Ana Wharf. It used to be teeming with people, commercial, fishing and passenger ships when I was just a child. But things changed, the old port looks dilapidated and only a few small ships use it nowadays. Passenger boats plying to and from Samal Island still dock on the port.<br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0910A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0910A" border="0" height="520" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_0910A.jpg" width="375" /> </a></div>
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While waiting for the improvement plans to happen, life goes on. The port is still a favorite among the locals for an early morning walk like the old man was doing. </div>
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0927A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0927A" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_0927A.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Neighborhood families still bath in its waters although I think it could pose danger to their health.</div>
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0917A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0917A" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_0917A.jpg" width="510" /> </a></div>
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Water taxis are already available for island hopping adventure tours at the Sta. Ana Wharf. </div>
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0914A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0914A" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/davao%202012/IMG_0914A.jpg" width="510" /> </a></div>
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And tourists, locals and foreign, wait for their boats for Samal Island while ambulant vendors ply their wares to them. The port has also become one of the favorite locations for photoshoots. Life goes on at the Sta. Ana Wharf.</div>
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-59255594387504164392012-09-07T09:09:00.001-07:002012-09-07T09:09:22.291-07:00Kadayawan Backdrops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_2310a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2310a" border="0" height="540" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/IMG_2310a.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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They were used as backdrops and fence/cover for the participants. They are commonly colorful, with intricate designs, made of light materials mostly wood, cartoon, sometimes foam, plastic, or even cloth.<br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_2319a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2319a" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/IMG_2319a.jpg" width="510" /> </a></div>
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</div>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-51982453381453404602012-09-01T06:56:00.001-07:002012-09-01T07:01:41.012-07:00Skywatch#122 Kadayawan Floral Float Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_2481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2481" border="0" height="510" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/IMG_2481.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
With the sky blue background and some green colors from the tree leaves, this floral float participant for the Kadayawan Festival floral float parade was one of my favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_2478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2478" border="0" height="385" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/IMG_2478.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Its most prominent feature is the Child Jesus and the Philippine eagle.<br />
<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-12757939743586870792012-08-24T08:52:00.000-07:002012-08-31T09:46:56.787-07:00Skywatch#121 Kadayawan Floral Float Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_2420-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2420" border="0" height="510" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/kadayawan%202012/IMG_2420-1.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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The rains kept coming in the afternoons and in the evenings consistently for weeks now. Heavy and sudden, they flooded the streets almost immediately. So, the blue skies during the Kadayawan Float festival (Pamulak sa Kadalanan) last August 19, 2012 was a real gift. And oh boy, did the people come out! in droves!<br />
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This float by Kisan Lu Lands is this year's Best Floral Float. They truly deserve it with dancers garbed in tribal costumes high up the ground.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" banner.jpg="" d="d" k8qrisgzvne="" leonor="leonor" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-88658555065820594012012-08-09T08:54:00.002-07:002012-08-09T08:54:16.065-07:00Explaining the allure of last minute cruises<span id="internal-source-marker_0.9145993272625659" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You
would be forgiven for thinking that the phenomena of the last minute
holiday bargain are only to be found in the world of sun-drenched
seaside getaways but you would be mistaken and it is time you knew the
truth. Yes indeed, you can pick up some eye-watering discounts on quite
superb family holidays that will take you and your party from one
amazing destination to another day after day. And you can see it all
from the comfort of your sun-lounger or as you gaze out from the side of
what is always likely to be a quite magnificent vessel. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These days in fact, </span><a href="http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">last minute cruises</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
are an increasingly common feature of the holidaymaking picture, with
families, individuals and groups of friends all taking a chance to see
the world in style and at seriously discounted prices. As we know by
now, booking last minute can mean making significant savings but if
you're considering the option you would do well to be flexible about the
kind of trip you take and the places you line up to visit. But being
flexible on these points can work out beautifully in a way because you
are relieved of the tough choices most cruise holidaymakers must make
and it all adds to a sense of genuine adventure. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You
might be surprised about the scale of discounts that even the most
reputable holiday companies are ready to offer on quality </span><a href="http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">cruise holidays</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
as the relevant departure date approaches. Clearly, it is in no one's
interest for rooms aboard the great sea-going entertainment and
relaxation paradises that now cruise the oceans to be going unused at
any point and the savviest among us have been quick to take advantage.
In fact, a little homework and decisive action could soon see you and
yours setting off on a truly amazing journey and perhaps even the
holiday of a lifetime. </span><br><br>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-4711964494932864792012-07-19T08:29:00.001-07:002012-07-19T15:54:53.215-07:00Skywatch#120 View From The Plane<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0096-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0096" border="0" height="426" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/IMG_0096-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The plan was to take photos of San Pablo City's seven lakes from the plane. So, with fingers crossed that I could get some clear view of Laguna Province I held on to my camera waiting for the opportunity.<br />
<br /><a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0097-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/IMG_0097-1.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0097"></a>
It seemed though that the clouds could won over so I just took some shots. And lo! a glimpse of the lakes suddenly came into view. I took several shots but the plane was too fast for me to get some good shots without the plane's wings. Here is the only shot that did not include the unwanted plane wings...
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0098.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0098" border="0" height="426" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/IMG_0098.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" d+leonor+banner.jpg="" k8qrisgzvne="" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-41599612193201587772012-07-13T20:41:00.000-07:002012-07-13T21:54:18.734-07:00Skywatch#119 Entrance To the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0613-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0613" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/laguna%202012/IMG_0613-1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This is the entrance to the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Nagcarlan, Laguna. Both the church and the cemetery are now considered part of the national historical sites of the Philippines.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" d+leonor+banner.jpg="" k8qrisgzvne="" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-8092888056706228232012-07-11T07:49:00.000-07:002012-07-11T07:51:10.119-07:00A Visitor’s Guide to Florence<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Florence is considered as one of the most
important cities of Europe. The city is the birthplace of the opera, the
Italian renaissance and also the neo-classical architecture. Florence was also
a major cultural and political hotbed in its time and this makes it one of the
must-visit places for anyone visiting Italy. Below is a brief visitor’s <b><a href="http://www.urbantravelblog.com/info/fashionable-florence">guide to
Florence</a></b>.</span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ideal Time to Visit</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Florence falls in the Tuscan region which gets
pretty hot during the summer’s peak. This causes most of the local people to
retreat to the coastal areas in the period between June and August. As a
tourist, the ideal time would be to visit either before or after the summer
season passes. April, May, September and October are quite warm and sunny
without being too hot.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Notable Attractions</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is the star
attraction of Florence. It is a beautiful piece of architecture that dominates
the city and is a must-visit. Giotto’s Tower, adjacent to the above cathedral,
offers viewers an excellent view of the city that is worth appreciating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are also plenty of places to visit in
case you want to combine history with leisure shopping. The Ponte Vecchio (literal
meaning is ‘Old Bridge’) is home to many shops. The place is also known to be
the traditional jewelry buying destination for Florentines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can also visit the tombs of great medieval
personalities like Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo and Machiavelli.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Exquisite Cuisine</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=280525360217365865" name="0.5__GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Italians love
their food and Florentines are no different when it comes to their palates.
Although both meat and fish dishes are dominant in the region, the cuisine is
mostly seasonal. There are also many places that serve up inexpensive and yet
tasty stuff. Wine lovers can also have a drink in Florence.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While it’s only a brief <b>guide to Florence</b>,
most of these places will ensure that you experience the heart of Florentine
culture.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-37705354398003717082012-07-06T08:32:00.001-07:002012-07-06T08:40:46.402-07:00Skywatch#118 Quezon Memorial CircleI took a chance to explore Quezon Memorial Circle on my first weekend of my study-training. We had rainy days previous to that weekend and it was just such a relief when Saturday promised to be a sunny day. While my roommates were busy lounging inside our hotel room, I explored the circle where the former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon and his wife are buried.<br />
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I got off at the Philcoa Building and walked through the underpass to get to the circle's gate. The park was clean, green and spacious. Families were walking around and there were some brave souls who jogged under the scorching sun. Security guards were seen around patrolling the area and to my surprise, the park has a lot of interesting nooks for people from all walks of life to enjoy in. <br />
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/manila%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0241" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/manila%202012/IMG_0241.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://s290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/manila%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_0256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0256" border="0" height="380" src="http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll265/marites1034/manila%202012/IMG_0256.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
This monument is located at the center of the circle. Underneath it is a museum housing the memorabilia of President Quezon and also his sarcophagus. His First Lady, Dona Aurora Quezon, is also buried here. The museum is being managed by one of the daughters.<br />
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<a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/kjpweb/skywatch/govisitbanner.jpg" style="display: block; height: 43px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /> <http: -064k6mwx-ie="" 4.bp.blogspot.com="" a="" aaaaaaaadia="" d+leonor+banner.jpg="" k8qrisgzvne="" s400="" trdlq-cfqui=""></http:></a>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280525360217365865.post-87072555336903200372012-06-23T18:55:00.002-07:002012-06-23T18:55:41.615-07:00Three of the Best Short Haul Holiday Hot Spots<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Are
you hoping to travel abroad in 2012? The current economic climate has meant
that fewer holidaymakers are venturing abroad for stints in the sun. With <a href="http://www.directholidays.co.uk/destinations/spain/canary-islands/tenerife/">cheap
Tenerife holidays</a> and bargain <a href="http://www.directholidays.co.uk/destinations/cyprus/">holidays in Cyprus</a>
on offer online, why settle for a staycation this summer?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cyprus</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Holidays in Cyprus offer the most varied resorts and
most sensational climate in the Mediterranean. Whatever your travel tastes, the
birth place of Aphrodite caters for love birds, families and party rockers
alike. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Limassol’s shallow waters are superb for young
families, while Paphos is a great all round resort for couples, culture lovers
and families with plenty of sightseeing opportunities as well as a local
waterpark. Ayia Napa is the place to be if you are looking to hit the clubs on
the island.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rhodes</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rhodes is officially the driest island in the
Mediterranean with over 300 days of sunshine every year. Whenever you choose to
stay from mid-May to October, you are guaranteed to experience gorgeous
weather. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The striking resort of Lindos is home to the
Acropolis of Lindos, one of the most visited landmarks on the island. A
favourite spot for couples tying the knot, Lindos boasts some of the more elite
hotels in Rhodes. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The tip of the island is reserved for those who want
to experience the best of both worlds – Rhodes Town is an eclectic mix of old
and new, with the ancient walled town standing adjacent to the cosmopolitan
centre.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tenerife</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cheap Tenerife holidays are excellent for those
travelling on a budget. As part of the Canary Islands, just off the coast of
Africa, Tenerife benefits from sensational summers with highs reaching 30
degrees C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Once of the livelier Canarian destinations, Tenerife
resorts are active with plenty of watersports lining their 16 blue flag
beaches. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Wherever
you choose to stay, search online to discover some of the best prices on
holidays in Cyprus, Rhodes and Tenerife. </span></div>Mariteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624098864390552460noreply@blogger.com1