Buhay may bahay

Knockout....

2010-03-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Ishie likes to sleep with this position =P...

---------------------

Today I dropped her to Humane Society at Benicia...

Got her license/dog tag and implanted microchip at her back.

next month will be her spay/neuter schedule....

One Lazy Sunday

2010-03-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

Ishie likes to lie down on my legs...
Ishie's favorite past time ;)

Luck wasn't on my way....

2010-03-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

I read about the ebay rare auction last week about this NES game console that was bid for $43,000 and some of the games for $13,000 ....

I got this game console before from my cousin jimmy... he sent me this 1985 NES with 1st Edition Super Mario Bros., Top Gun, Road Racer, donkey kong and 5 other games. The crazy part was when we move from the Grand Ave. apartment to Lee St., we sent some of the stuff to Salvation Army and this was one of the things that I decided to sent at that box....

What a bummer !!!

"20 random things about me"

2010-03-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ano kamoo ?! 25 Random Things.... !!! Oo, Nauso ito sa facebook nuon pero ibinabalik ko lang. Matagal na din pala ako hindi nakapag-blog... Na-toxic, Na-busy, ang daming dahilan pero ngayon siguro makakapagsulat na ulit ako dahil naaayos ko na yung ibang naka-schedule na dapat gawin.... Sige na nga umpisahan na natin ang chikahan....So, sino ba talaga ako...

1. Bunso ako sa magkakapatid, kung ilang milyon ko na narinig ang salitang "Latak" sa tuwing mapaguusapan kung sino ang bunso. 39 yrs old na kasi yung nanay ko ng ipinagbuntis nya ako. Hindi naman ako menopause baby dahil sa edad na 39 marami naman dyan ang nanganganak ng ganung edad o higit pa. Nabasa ko nga minsan sa "ODD NEWS" sa yahoo na merong lola na nagbuntis pa... nyeeekkk!!

2. Isa akong Nurse... Oo... maski ako nagulat din ako! Sino ba namang magaakala! Natatandaan ko pa nung minsang umuwi ang kapatid ko nuon mula sa school nya... tinawag kaming dalawa ng ate ko at pinabasa nya kami ng kanyang medical book... sa aming dalawa ako yata ang hindi nakapronounce ng "Schistosomiasis"... eh pano' ko kase mapo-pronounce yun eh wala akong ngipin sa harap.

3. Oo.... nakumpleto lang ang mga ngipin ko nung Grade 2 na ako.... Ang saklap dba ? Ilang bungang langka ang hinintay ng tiyahin at nanay ko para lumabas lang ang ngipin ko sa harap... Pinapunta ako sa dentist at duon nila nalaman na sa sobrang dami ng ngipin ko ay may isang ngipin na hinimatay sa loob ng gums ko at hinarang nya ang isang permanent front teeth ko kaya ginawan nila iyon ng paraan upang palabasin at maging kumpleto! Pero Kahit nakumpleto na yung ngipin ko... hindi ko pa rin natikman ang langka na tanim ng tiyahin ko kasi namatay yung puno nya bago pa man ako naoperahan... (nyek!)

4. Mahilig akong magpalamig ng kulangot sa ref..... nung bata pa ako syempre!! Kasi kung hanggang ngayon eh ginagawa ko pa yun eh dapat nasa mental na ako =P kadiri talaga yun noh... kaya mga kidzzz.... wag gayahin!! BAD Manners should stay inside the baul!

5. Nalaglagan ako ng isang malaking kabinet na puro laruan....Ayan, puro kase laro... nakita ko yung lego sa itaas ng kabinet kaya pinilit kong abutin... para akong si spiderman na nawalan ng pandikit sa kamay!!

6. Tinatakan ko ang buong dingding namin ng Hello Kitty pad stamp.... pero si Ate ang napalo dahil deny to death ako.... bwahahaha....

7. Simula nuong bata pa ako mahilig ako sa babae.... Babaeng aso... Nag alaga ako nun... Si ChaCha, Princess, Honey.... Tapos ngayon si Annie.... este Ishie pala!

8. Nagkaroon ako ng PTSD for 1 month pagkatapos ng 1990 earthquake.... Ngayon na alam ko na yung mga symptoms... masasabing PTSD yung nangyari sa akin nuon na palaging pag gising ko ng madaling araw na kinakabahan at nanginginig sa takot pagtapos kong mapanaginipan yung batang babae na naipit sa Cabanatuan College.... scary but true....

9. Isa lang yata ang naging boypren ko.... Nagkahiwalay pa kami kase nung umorder sya sa isang kilalang fast food chain sa una naming date eh na-turn off ako .... sabi kase nya " One Hamburgers and One Cheeseburgers, please!" Sabi nung crew... "for here or to go..." sagot nya... "OR na lang kase di ko alam kung dito kami kakain o sa labas...!!!" Bwahahahaha..... na turn off ako kase the next day hindi na kami... hahahahha !!

10. Minsan na akong lumayas sa dorm na tinutuluyan ko nung college ako. Nag cause ako ng panic sa buong kaklase ko at sa faculty... tumawag sila sa bahay namin pero kinuntsaba ko na yung kuya ko na wag nyang sabihin na nandun ako. Halos atakihin na yung teacher ko sa kakahanap sa akin at muntikan na nila akong ipa-blotter sa pulis na missing.... pagbalik ko... Major Offense! Nakulong ako sa dorm ng isang buwan....

11. Umarte akong minsan na may sakit sa dorm kaya dinala ako sa E.R. .... sugod ang pamilya.... kinindatan ko ang nanay ko sabay bulong "kunwari lang ito.... ayokong bumalik sa dorm!!" sumakay naman ang nanay ko at binalik nya ako sa bahay.... kaya labs ko si mader... super kunsinti sa akin nung panahon na iyon... napailing na lang sya paglabas ng E.R. sabay sabi ng "mana ka talaga sa kin' Best Actress op ol taym!! " sabay batok!

12. Takot na takot ako sa pinagagagawa ng kapatid ko na pagbaliktad ng talukap ng mata nya. Feeling ko kasi nuon ... Kapatid nya ni Linda Blair at hindi ako !!

13. Minsan na akong nakagat ng aso sa kamay.... na hanggang ngayon, kita pa rin ang peklat ng kagat ni Chu-chu, ang asawa ni Chacha! (pinoy na pinoy ang pangalan ng mga aso diba ?!)

14. Nagalaga ako ng isang daan na Daga.... dagang puti hah!!(sosyal, foreigner sila!!)

15. Nagkaroon ako ng grade na 69 sa Science nung Grade 6 ako.... nauso ang badminton sa school, imbes na magaral sa exams.... nagbadminton ako maghapon kaya ayun ang lumabas, nahampas ako ng badminton ng nanay ko nung natanggap nya yung card ko.

16. Naiyak ako ng minsan akong kumain ng french fries.... dahil hindi ko natanggap na ang una kong trabaho sa amerika ay sa isang hamburger stand. Pero sa tuwing dumadaan ako sa Hamburger stand na iyon ay naaalala ko ang dati kong trabaho at mga kasamahang taga-Ghana.

17. Mahilig ako sa mais... lahat ng may mais...

18. Na-holdap na ako. Pero ang naholdapan eh yung holdaper na nangholdap sa akin. Ang labo noh...in short, parang hindi din ako naholdap.

19. Ako ang nagdala ng Chicken pox virus sa bahay namin.

20. Minsan kong nalagay sa Autograph sa "Ambition": To be a doctor

Ενθουσιασμένοι για αυτό το ταξίδι

2010-02-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Vegas next week for my bday celebration. Tickets for two at cirque de soleil "VIVA ELVIS". A day trip to Red Rock Canyon. A visit to Penske Wynn Ferrari Maserati Collection. Window (only) shopping... (ay' puro bintana lang?! sa home depot dami nun eh!). And taking myself away from work. The yearly financial meeting at the house was over couple of days ago. It means, we wrapped up the vacations we have to take this year. Yes... and we are finally booked for the Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Israel Trip. Even though this will be 2 1/2 months from now...This is more exciting than next week ;) Curious to taste the Skordalia,Spanakopita,Taramosalata, Gyros, and Baklava. A tour of the greek islands was included. And a cruise going to Istanbul, Egypt, Israel on the 9th- 14th day of the tour. Eventhough we will spent only 1 day at Port Said & Alexandria, At least an excursion going to Cairo was offered. And as we arrive at Ashdod, an excursion to go around Jerusalem & Bethlehem was an option. I don't know how long will be the flight from here to Athens....I am sure it will be long...More time to fill up the ipods & iphones with games & music =) And the last trip for the year will be "HOME".

Christmas at HOME will be the best ever !

Brickmaster ........

2010-01-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen Beetle - 5.2 lbs

----------------------------------------

Puyatan to' ...

at last.... 3 pang' box ang dapat bunuin =)

so far....
---------------------------------

Another Year.... Another Busy Year !!

2010-01-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

Spending Christmas Holiday at Disneyland was great !!

One of the chipmunk was shy for photos...
(then why did you put that darn costume!!!)

The famous statue of Walt Disney and Snow Whites' Castle.

"Is my pose okay now ?!?"

Taking a bite of the Turkey Leg !

Rippled clouds at the background of It's a small World park.

Disneyland Christmas Tree.

The Blue Moon is showing up at the sky....

(2nd Full Moon December)

After the fireworks....

Snow is falling...

Annie & Nanay at the Christmas Tree....

California Adventure Park !

Arriving at the backlot...

Monster Inc.

Yep, my favorite character....

Live performance of Disney's Character...

At the Paradise Pier...

Rides & Roller Coaster....

Our Images.....

Snow Whites' Winter Castle...

Disneyland Fireworks

2010-01-05T18:42:00.001-08:00

Enjoying the Fireworks at Disneyland !!

Munich, Germany

2009-12-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

We arrived at Munich the eve before the Oktoberfest...

It was also the stretch of our tour....

This Octoberfest venue was just 3 blocks away from our hotel...

Yessss.... Attending Oktoberfest !! Wohooo!!

"Let the drinking session... Begin!!!"

Like a gypsy carnival centuries ago....

At the door of Biergarten....

Munich, Germany always expects 2million beer drinkers on Oktoberfest...

last year, it has 3.2 million beer drinkers who attended.

One of the tents....

Unfortunately, all the tents were closed when we visited the eve before the event...

this tent was the "Schottenhamel" the Mayor of Munich will be here the next day at 12 noon

to do the "tapping" ceremony for the opening of the 176th Oktoberfest...

We just took a snapshot of the tent workers having the party a night before the event.
-----------------------

The BMW headquarters in Munich.

The building that represents the cylinder head.

It was the world HQ for BMW and museum.

The New City Hall at the Marienplatz

The Neues Rathaus (New City Hall)

On the face of this tower is the famous Glockenspiel.

The Glockenspiel was a gift to the city of Munich in 1904.

During the summer tourist season, the Glockenspiel plays 3 to 4 times each day.

Frauenkirche or "Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady"

is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising and is considered a symbol of the Bavarian State Capital.
Inside the cathedral was the tomb monument of Emperor Louis IV.
------------------------------

The Marienplatz Market

Beer stands at the market ....

More of stalls and meat shops
"Einen Guten Appetit!"

From Blutwurst, Bockwurst, Bratwurst,Cervelat, Frankfurter to Knockwurst

We sat down to taste some of the German sausages and cheese....

and got a souvenir of a tote bag...

Prague Castle

2009-12-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

The Vladislav Hall seal

From the 16th century the Vladislav Hall served particularly royal state purposes. It was the scene of coronation festivities and banquest, knights tournaments and markets with artistic and luxurious goods. The Vladislav Hall still partly fulfills a state function: the electionsof the president of the Czech Republic and solemn gatherings connected with important days in the life of this country take place in it.

Neighbouring on the Vladislav Hall is the Diet, which through the furnishings of its interior affords an idea of the way in which the proceedings of the Diet took place after 1627 and also All Saint's Church.
All Saints' Church

was built on the site of the Romanesque palace chapel, also consecrated to All Saints, by Peter Parler. According to old sources, the church was magnificently decorated in the manner of La Chapelle in Parin. However, after the great fire of 1541 only its peripheral walls remained. In the course of its renewal the church was extended as far as the facade of the Vladislav Hall and during later modifications it was connected with it by means of a portal.

A view of south side - St. Vitus Cathedral

The Prague Castle courtyard and fountains....
St. George Basilica and Convent
It is the second oldest church in Prague ever. It's appearance today though, does not really denote a construction from the year 920. It was founded by Vratislaus I of Bohemia and dedicated to Saint George.

The interior of St. George Basilica with paintings decorated from the 15th century.

Station of the cross painting from 15th century

Underneath the nave choir, there is a crypt from the 12th century.

And you can see a Late Gothic statue of Brigita there, representing a dead and decaying girl's body... It is a symbol of impermanence.

The dome ceiling of the Basilica....

closer look at the altar....

notice the crypt below --- skeleton below the altar...
--------------------------

A walk at The Golden Lane

Annie at house no. 22

the house house of Franz Kafka -- the famous writer...

The Golden Lane or Zlata Ulicka is a street full of small houses built in Mannerism style at the end of 16th century. The Golden Lane got its name from the story of alchemists living in the street during the reign of Rudolf II who tried to make not only the philosopher stone or the elixir of youth, but also to transform metals into gold.

The walls around The Golden Lane....

Prague Toy Museum

is said to be the second largest museum of this kind in the world.

Seven exhibition rooms of toys collected from all over the world, starting from greek ancient times and ending with the most modern.

The Entrance to the courtyard of Prague Castle...

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague

2009-12-01T23:40:00.000-08:00

St. Vitus Cathedral

the seat of the Archbishop of Prague.

Located within the Prague Castle and containing the tombs of many Bohemian Kings,

This cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic Architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country.

The front view of the Cathedral with it's rose window.

Pls. take a closer look on the both lower side of the photo

as you will see the 20th century architects around the neo-gothic elements.

This Cathedral was founded on 21st of November 1344.

A view from the south...

the golden gate of the cathedral

The Prague Castle courtyard

the golden window of the main tower

a very detailed doorway

gargoyled and spires

St. Wenceslas Chapel

This is perhaps the most outstanding place in the cathedral, where the relics of the saint are kept. The room was built by Peter Parler between 1344 and 1364 and has a ribbed vault. The lower part of the walls are wonderfully decorated with over 1300 semi-precious stones and paintings about the Passion of Christ dating from the original decorations of the chapel in 1372-1373. The upper part of the walls have paintings about the life of St. Wenceslas.

A small door with seven locks on the right corner of the picture that leads to the Crown Chamber containing the Bohemian Coronation Jewels... Unfortunately this Chapel is not accessible to the public but can be viewed from it's doorway instead.

The tomb of John of Nepomuk

or John Nepomucene -- national saint of the Czech Republic

the door that leads to another crypt/tomb

The tomb of the Bohemian king

The Mucha Stained glass window.

--------------------

a breathtaking art in every corner of the cathedral...

the stained glass shows stories from the bible....

a look at the ceiling....as the interlocking vault bays create a dynamic zigzag pattern down the length of the cathedral.

Stained glass at The Rose Window

The intricate stained glass at the altar

main altar

choir chamber

towards the altar

towards the back area of the cathedral

Next year ?!?

2009-12-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Spending my birthday in Cairo will be exciting!

I want to wear a Pith Hat when I arrive in Cairo...

But here's another choice of my Birthday Trip...

Cairo or Mexico Riviera ? Helppp me to choose....

And God reminded me some promises...

2009-11-30T23:16:00.000-08:00

Then God said, "I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the Earth. When I send clouds over the Earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Genesis 9: 12-15

Prague, Czech Republic

2009-11-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

From Vienna to Prague, it was 187 miles...

Arriving in the afternoon was right on time as

we get ready for a tour of the town at night time

plus a panorama shot of the town.

Our first stop was

The Strahov Monastery.

It is not only an active place of pilgrimage but also a valuable museum and a famous library, still holding an unbelievable number of rare volumes.. At year 1182 this romanesque stone monastery was built on the place of an older foundation of Prince Vladislav II.

Panoramic Night Shot of Prague, Czech Republic....

Annie and I really stunned with this panoramic view of Prague.

Klasterni pivovar Strahov

(Strahov Monastery Brewery)

This is a large brew pub and restaurant, completely renovated in 2001 and beautifully located across from the Strahov Monastery Near the Prague Castle. The brew pub and St. Norbert Restaurant are divided into separate buildings with a pleasant outdoor area in between. The historic brewery dates back to the 17th century and brews the very tasty St. Norbert Beer (amber and dark). The beer was a bit pricey but because it was included in our tour, they just asked us if we wanted a light or dark one...

Annie tasted the light brew....
Drinking beer with our new found friends....

The Krizik Fountain
a well know outdoor spectacle of fountains synchronized with music and lights..

relaxing musical fountain...
--------------------------------

The Jewish Quarter

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra....

Vtlava (Moldau) River

Charles Bridge from Afar...
The bridge is 516 meters long, decorated with 30 statues and statuaries and most of them Baroque style, erected around 1700, Now the original statues are kept in the Lapidary, the statues on the Charles Bridge are replicas.

Four Season Hotel in Prague.

The Old Town Bridge Tower is definitely one of the most beautiful Gothic constructions in the world. It was designed by Peter Parler at the end of the 14th century and it served not only as an ornament for the magnificent Charles Bridge, but also as watch tower and part of the defensive structure.

The museum of medieval torture

cathedrals and churches at the old town

The Charles Bridge Tower....

Annie at the Charles Bridges...

One of the 30 statues at Charles Bridge.

some of the sculptures at the Charles Bridge.

-------------------

The church of our Lady before the Tyn is one of the most preeminent symbols of Prague Gothic style. It was built starting with the 14th century, in the times of Charles IV. And construction was not finished until the mid of the 15th century. The interesting thing about the twin towers is that if you take a closer look, they are not identical. One of them is in fact a bit more solid and it is said that it represents the stronger side of the family, the man. At night time, the towers seem to be dominating the entire panorama of the old Prague.

Pavel Josef Safarik
leading figure of the Czech national revival and a pioneer of slavonic philology and archaeology.

The Astronomical Clock.

According to the latest researches, it was constructed in 1410 by the clockmaker, Mikulas of Kadan in collaboration with Jan Ondrejuv called Sindel, professor of Mathemathics and Astronomy of Prague Charles University.

The Clock Tower

Amazing to see the Astronomical Clock !!!

(sa wakas.... nakita ko na itong malaking wall clock na ito!!hehehe... dati nung bata pa ako, madalas ko itong mabasa sa encyclopedia...nakakamangha pero mas nakakamatanda kung malapitan mo itong makikita!)

The lower clock has a figures of the 12 apostles, the four figure at the clock dial are symbol of the Prague medieval society. On the left side are reepresented Vanity admiring himself in a mirror and the Miser/Jew holding into his bag of gold. On the right side are represented Death ringing his bell and a Turk (or the Piper) shaking his Head.

The Sphere or clock dial shows most important astronomical events; movement of the sun, phases of the moon, the equinoxes, the seasons and the days and the zodiac.

we waited infront of the Astronomical clock because when the clock strikes to the hour the 2 small door at the top of the Sphere will open up.

the old town square .... people awaiting and taking photos of the Astronomical Clock.

St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria

2009-11-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

The Romanesque towers on the west front...

The St. Stephen's Cathedral ornately patterned, richly coloured roof
with 230,000 glazed tiles

Schonbrunn Palace

2009-11-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

It is the former Imperial Summer residence in Vienna, Austria.

Schonbrunn means "beautiful well"

The fascade of the palace

The view of The Great Parterre.

The Schonbrunn Palace Garden...

4 hours tour of the Palace was not enough for us.

We went inside the palace for the tour ... No photographs was taken (of course)

We saw Marie Antoinette's Room, Emperor Franz Joseph's room and where he died
and all the rooms that are very detailed...some of which

are being renovated as the gold leaf colored walls and ceiling

are being cleaned....

The Roman Ruins ...

The back portion of the Schonbrunn Palace....

Facing the garden...

Neptune's Fountain at the Middle.

Nanay's B-day

2009-11-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

Bought her a cake and flowers....

Happy Birthday !!!

Vienna, Austria

2009-11-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

This is the place I really wanted to see...Vienna, Austria.

From Budapest to Vienna was 172 Miles.

The morning was already full of historical places...

A local tour guide show us at the city area.

------------------

Annie at the entrance of St. Stephen Cathedral.

A 12th Century Cathedral.

Renovation of the church in progress when we visited.

The Mosaic roof with a detailed coat of arms of Vienna.Because the church was made of limestone... preservation and repair was always continuous.Baroque Main altar...
When we enter the church....a lot of tourist, locals attending the Masswith a Gregorian chant heard at the background that will make you speechless... The sculptures on the walls and pillars will help you travel to the 12th Century.
-------------------
The best Ice Cream we tasted was here in Eissalon Schwedenplatz.
Located in the U-Bahn, Schwedenplatz station.
Annie and I sat down and ate ChocoMallow
whatever (it was written down in German)
ice cream after a walk around the downtown.
U-Bahn train station in Vienna...

Wurstelprater (Amusement park in Vienna)
I took a photo of Weiner Riesenrad (german for Viennese giant wheel)
It was the oldest amusement park and ferris wheel
as it was built in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Josef I's golden Jubilee.

Putting a beach like place in the middle of Vienna's downtown area
was a little bit funny...

Konzerthaus in Vienna....

Parliament House

Built in the Greek Style in 1874-83.

The Statue of Pallas Athene, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

Town Hall

Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1872-83.

Perched on the 97.3 m tower is the " Rathausmann"

a symbol of Vienna. Votivkirche (1865-79)

Built in Thanksgiving after an abortive assassination attempt on the life

of Emperor Francis Joseph.

One of the famous cafe house in Vienna.

-------------------------------

We Arrived at the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

The Grand Entrance at the palace courtyard.

Schweizertor of the Hofburg.

One of the Vienna's few renaissance monuments.

The passage to the Treasury and the Hofburg Chapel,

where the Vienna Boys Choir can be heard every Sunday.

The Weiner Hofkapelle....or the very known

Vienna Boys Choir court Chapel.

Hofkapelle Vienna.

Here's the Chapel inside the Hofburg Palace wherein

the Vienna Boys Choir sings every Sunday.

(sinabi ko kay Annie ...pwede ako sigurong mag-audition... sabay batok ni Annie sa akin...

"sira, BOYS choir nga diba ?!? " heeheehee)

and the famous spanish Riding school...

Lippizan Breed of horses are only used...

Statue of Horses on top of this building...

The Spanische Hofreitschule...

I can be the Hofburg Imperial Palace Doorman...

(is that a good job ?!)

National Library and Museum

Heldenplatz

Main Entrance to the National Library.

Inside the Hofburg Palace.... courtyard

--------------
The Hofburg Imperial Palace was expanded over centuries...

there was the -various residences - the chapel - the museums -

the library -the treasury - the national theater - the riding school -the horses stable.

Next stop: Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens

Artist Village Szentendre & Budapest.

2009-11-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

Szentendre is a town full of Arts and Museum.

It was considered the center of Hungarian-Serb Community.

It was near the capital city of Budapest.

Cobbled stone alley at Szentendre.

Shops and folk arts sold here.

St. John Catholic Church at Szentendre, Hungary.

It was built during the middle age.

It was rebuilt in the 18th century as it went to ruin

during the Ottoman occupation.

The altar of St. John Church.

18th Century of paintings.

Painted ceiling.

Margit Kovacs- Ceramic Museum.

No Camera was allowed.

----------------------

Hungarioan Jewish WWII Memorial....

Bronze Shoes along the Danube riverbank.

Closer look at Parliament Building....

--------------------------------------
These are the Roman Ruins found under the streets of Budapest

Some Archaeologist are still digging up to find the rest of the ruins.

---------------------------------
Heroes Square

Annie at the Heroes Square, Budapest.

The statue of archangel Gabriel, holding the crown of St. Stephen,

the first king of Hungary

Annie was showing the Museum of Fine Arts

(Szepmuveszeti Muzeum)

Fisherman's Bastion - Budapest, Hungary

2009-11-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

We started the tour walking 0.5 mile from the tour bus parking to the Fisherman's Bastion.

The tour director shows us some of the remaining houses

and establishments that was still preserved and shows

the art and history of the Budapest.

-------------

One of the buildings with old paint and art left after the war.

A old barrack that was turned into police post.

You will notice the bullet holes remaining at the building.

Overlooking Danube River

and the Parliament Building. Bronze Statue of Stephen I of Hungary.

Annie at one of the towers at Fisherman's Bastion.

Rapunzel at the balcony =)

A nice view of the Danube River and Budapest.

Hungarian Parliament Building....

It was built in Gothic revival style.

Due to the extensive building details,

this building is always under renovation.

Largest Building in Hungary and 2nd Largest in Europe.

---------------------------

Matthias Church

Officially named as the Church of Our Lady,

Named after the King Matthias Cornivus.

The Tower of the Church being renovated.

We are amazed by the diamond pattern roof tiles and the gargoyles laden spires.

Church facade.

The door leading to one of the tower.

One of the seven tower's of Fisherman's Bastion.

Sandor Palace.

The Official residence of the hungarian president.

While ae are visiting this area, we saw the formation of the police and military..

and we heard that there will be a japanese diplomat that will be arriving.

Annie at the gates of Sandor Palace.

Behind me was the Statue of Turul,

The most important mythological bird

of the origin myth of the Magyars (hungarian people).

This statue sits on top of this highest hill,

facing towards the River of Danube

and looking over the whole city of Budapest.

It represents god's will and power.

The largest bird statue in the world and

largest bronze statue in Central Europe.

Playing Catching up.....

2009-11-21T11:34:00.001-08:00

Now I have a little time to update the blog.
Ishi, the new dog .... dominates some of my time lately...
I left my blog updating the last trip ....
I'll try to catch up....

From Poland to Hungary

2009-11-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Tour bus left Krakow, Poland very early.

The 247 miles drive to Budapest was like half of the day.

Of Course, we have couple of stops on the town

and we have to pass at Slovakia.

--------------------

Here's one of the town in Slovakia....

Typical Houses.....

Do I look like one of them ? My braids are gone tho'....

Fetching water like Jack & Jill....

Annie tries to read what it says...

Castle at Tatra Mountains....

Noynoy Aquino " Hindi Ka Nag iisa " Music Video

2009-10-31T22:59:00.001-07:00

Noynoy for President

Wieliczka Salt Mines - Krakow, Poland

2009-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Wieliczka salt deposit was formed approximately 13.5 million years ago, in the middle Miocene period . Its creation was closely linked to the formation of the Carpathian Mountains.

The shaft was excavated between 1635 and 1640, when Mikołaj Daniłowicz was the head of the mine. It was initially used only to transport the salt to the surface, but in the 19th century it began to function also as the transportation route for the mine’s officials and tourists

Annie at the Level I of the Mine.

We took the Elevator that can only fit 6 person.

It was dark and cold while we're inside the elevator ---

and it was like a rollercoaster ride going down the shaft.

Level I, 64 m underground
Tourists come down the staircase in the Daniłowicz Shaft into the mine, descending 378 steps. The tour of the historic excavations starts at the bottom of the shaft on Level I.

Passage way at Level 1

Level I, 64.4 m underground
The chamber was named after Nicolaus Copernicus, who was one of the first tourists to visit Wieliczka Mine. On the 500th anniversary of the famous astronomer’s birth, Copernicus’ monument by the sculptor Władysław Hapek was placed in the chamber. The chamber has been carved in a salt block and is secured by wooden casings.

Level I, 63.3 m underground
In the Middle Ages the Wieliczka and Bochnia mines contributed one third of the total royal revenue. In the chamber, a sculpture by Władysław Hapek is placed, presenting King Casimir the Great, who organized and set in the form of a statute the law regulating the management of the salt mines. In the centre of the chamber, a horse-drawn Saxon tread wheel, which could transport salt rolls up to 2 tones in weigh, is to be seen.

Thick layer of salt at the walls of the cave passages.

Passageway towards Level II of the Mine....

Getting colder as we descend to the next level.

Piles of wood that supports the whole Mine

Upper Level II, 90.7 m underground
The display in this part of the chamber presents authentic wooden drains which were used to eliminate underground leaks. In the times of old, water was directed to vats, from where it was transported to special tanks, one of which is visible near the stairs. The water was then directed through wooden troughs and pipes to the main reservoir located by the shaft, up which it was drawn to the surface.

We came all the way up there.... Stairs... and more wooden stairs

Going down the mine....
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Lower Level II, 101 m underground
The Saint Kinga’s Chapel is the most impressive and opulent of underground temples. The chamber, carved in a block of salt, has been a place of worship since 1896. The chapel ornamentation has been created over a period of more than a hundred years. From late 19th century until 1963, the sculpting was conducted by self-taught miners-sculptors, Józef and Tomasz Markowski and Antoni Wyrodek. Their work is continued by the new generation of miners, who create new sculpting projects.

The chapel is illuminated by large salt chandeliers. The entire decoration of the underground temple, including the floor, has been carved in salt.

The detailed Altar....

Annie showing the walls of the chapel.

Sculptures which decorate the chapel walls are New Testament scenes.

The figures of Christ Crucified and two kneeling monks

are salt copies of the sculptures from the Saint Anthony’s Chapel,

which were presented at EXPO 1900 in Paris.

the scene of the Last Supper, carved by Antoni Wyrodek and modelled after the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci, is to be seen.

The stairs from other chambers of the mine...

The Main Altar....

Annie and Pope John Paul's monument made by salt.

The statue found here is the world’s only monument of the Polish pope, John Paul II carved in salt. It was made in 1999 by the miner-sculptor Stanisław Anioł assisted by Paweł Janowski and Piotr Starowicz as a gift of thanks for the canonising the Blessed Kinga.

Me at the Saint Kinga's Chapel.... my tour guide right beside me

is the only one with hard hat....

The walls decorated with sculptures....

lumber that supports the walls of salt...

Sculpture of Mother Mary... in Salt illuminated with light...

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Lower Level II, 100.4 m underground
The Erazm Barącz Chamber owes it allure to a small salt lake, 9 m in depth, filled with brine, a saturated solution of salt. The wooden gallery around the highest part of the chamber gallery is used to monitor the condition of the salt walls. Of particular interest is also the salt pillar, which is a natural way of securing the excavated chambers.

Lower Level II, 110.6 m
The chamber was created as a result of excavating a vertical block of green salt in the early 20th century, the chamber was protected by constructing a casing as and a two-level wooden construction connected by platforms and galleries. In the year 2000, after renovation works which lasted for ten years, the chamber was reincorporated as part of the Tourist Route. At present, the chamber is a venue where exhibitions, concerts and banquets are held.

Goethe's Monument in salt

Kazanów split-level, 130.9 m underground
The chamber was created by combining the excavations of two adjacent blocks of green salt. In the 1830s, the Austrians linked the twin chambers with a 10-m tunnel when setting up the first tourist route. They also built wooden stairs and a platform, and filled the bottom of the chamber with brine. A special tourist attraction was provided by raft crossing through the tunnel to the accompaniment of fireworks and music played by the mine orchestra. Of particular interest is also the 19th-century figure of Saint John Nepomucene, the patron saint of the drowning.

The Kazanów mid-level, 124.7 m underground
For centuries, the miners believed in the good spirit of the mine, who warned them of the danger of fire, caving or explosion. When the ghost, the Treasurer, appeared in an area of the mine, it was a sign for the miners to withdraw to a safe place. The sculpture showing a meeting between the Treasurer and the miners was carved by the miners-sculptors Mieczysław Kluzek and Piotr Cholewa in 1968.

The Kazanów mid-level, 122.5 m underground
The chamber was excavated in the 19th century by digging a total of 20,000 tons of salt. Due to its impressive size and the décor, the chamber is an ideal venue for various events. It is one of the few interiors of this magnitude in the Małopolska region, where conferences, or training sessions for 600 participants or a banquet/ a reception for nearly 400 guests can be organised.

Level III, 135 m underground
The Saint John Chapel (also known as the Holy Cross Chapel) was originally situated in the Lipowiec Chamber at Level I of the mine. The chapel is considered to be the mine’s most beautiful wooden chapel. The polychrome barrel-vault ceiling of the chapel holds an altar with crucifix set against a multi-coloured panorama of Jerusalem. On the ceiling, a painting of the Holy Trinity against a setting of a blue sky is placed. The most precious object in the chapel is an 18th-century figure of Christ Crucified.

Level III, 137 m underground
The Izabela Chamber is the only excavation open to tourists which has been dug in a very pure dike salt deposit. The chamber has special geological values – on the walls, traces of bed deposition toward the south are visible, which confirms the theory of influence of the Carpathian orogenetic process on the formation of Wieliczka salt deposits. The chamber is used for organizing temporary exhibitions.

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photos taken by: arquiambao

Canon EOS T11

information researched (re:photos) at http://www.kopalnia.pl

Krakow, Poland

2009-10-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sept. 12, 2009

Frankfurt -> Weimar -> Berlin ->Poznan -> Warsaw -> Czestochowa -> Auschwitz -> Krakow

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We spent the morning visiting the Jewish Quarter or Kazimierz,

best known for being home to a Jewish community from the 14th century until the Second World War.

Annie at the oldest synagogue in Europe.

The Stara synagogue is the oldest in Kazimierz (dating from the early 15th century) and is now the oldest synagogue in Poland. It has, of course, undergone many architectural changes over the centuries and was badly damaged by the Nazis (who used it as a warehouse). The synagogue was renovated after the war, and opened as the Museum of Jewish History and Culture in 1958. There is a monument in front of the muweum to the 30 Jews who were exceuted there in 1943.

Helena Rubinstein was born in this house in Kraków's Kazimierz district.

a Polish cosmetics industrialist, founder and eponym of Helena Rubinstein, Incorporated, which made her one of the world's richest women.

Ariel Jewish restaurant, Szeroka Street, Kazimierz 2009

In 1993, Steven Spielberg shot his film Schindler's List largely in Kazimierz .

The Wawel Castle in Old Town District.

The Wawel Castle (Zamek wawelski) served as a royal residence and the site where the country's rulers governed Poland for five centuries from 1038 until 1596.

Annie at the gardens of Wawel District

Southern side of the Wawel Cathedral.

The Wawel Cathedral is Poland's national sanctuary.

It was the coronation site of nearly all Polish monarchs.

The monument of Pope John Paul II in front of the Wawel Cathedral.

Renaissance courtyard of Wawel Castle

Where John Paul II once lived as a priest and bishop.
From 1951 to 1963 Father Karol Wojtyla, future Pope John Paul II, dwelled at 19 and 21 Kanonicza Street, where his former rooms have been turned into a papal department of Krakow's Archdiocese Museum, otherwise exhibiting mostly church art.

The Copernicus is nestled at the foot of Krakow's Royal Castle.

Hotel Copernicus stands on Kanonicza Street, Krakows oldest street.

This is where Nicolas Copernicus spent his college years..In 1491 Copernicus enrolled in the Kraków Academy (now Jagiellonian University).

The Town Hall of Krakow (the tower at the right) & Sukiennice (yellow fascade at the right)

is one of the city's most recognizable icons.

It was once a major centre of international trade.

St. Mary's Basilica is a brick gothic church re-built in 14th century.

On every hour, a trumpet signal — called the heynal

— is played from the top of the taller of St. Mary's two towers.

Exterior of the Basilica.

Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków is one of the best known bronze monuments in Poland, and a favourite meeting place at the Main Market Square in the Old Town (Stare Miasto) district of Kraków. The greatest Polish Romantic poet of the 19th century.

The Main Square is surrounded by old brick walls and buildings.

Auschwitz, Poland

2009-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sept. 11, 2009
Frankfurt -> Weimar -> Berlin -> Poznan -> Warsaw -> Czestochowa -> Auschwitz

The gate to the Auschwitz II - Birkenau camp was part of the main SS Guardhouse.

Prisoners referred to it as the "Gate of Death".

Part of the Railroad to leads inside the camp.

SS Physicians carried out the selection of the Jews.

Photos of the Jews who arrived at the camp.

One of the Guradhouse outside the camp.

The entrance to Auschwitz I.

The gate has inscription "Arbeit macht frei"

("work will make you free")

Barrack of the guards --

Camp kitchen

Camp blocks & buildings.

The watchtower.

Block 11 or the "Wall of Death"

The Death Wall where shoting executions took place.

A lot of visitor leave rosary and photos on the small slots

to remember the victims.

fencing system at the camp

Gallows in Auschwitz I where camp commandant Rudolf Höß was executed on April 16, 1947

The building that contained the first crematorium and gas chamber.

The electrified perimeter fence.
-----------------------
Facts:

-September 3, 1944-Anne Frank is transported to Auschwitz

-Schindler's list & The Piano are movies that focus more about the holocaust.
-----------------------

We're able to visit the blocks, though unable to take pictures....

I thought that it would be a good idea that we couldn't store any photos

of the remains of the victims like the gas pellet containers, hair from their shaven heads,

luggages with names of the person who own them, comb,shoes, shoe brush, eyeglasses, crutches and prosthetic leg. It was unbearable to see and unbelievable that it happened before.

Czestochowa, Poland

2009-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sept. 11, 2009

Frankfurt -> Weimar -> Berlin -> Poznan -> Warsaw -> Czestochowa

The Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa Poland is the most famous shrine to the Virgin Mary in Poland and the country's greatest place of pilgrimage - for many its spiritual capital.

Annie at the Entrance of the Jasna Gora Monastery.

Rising above the architecture complex of Jasna Góra is the splendid belltower (Which is 106 meters and 30 cm's tall).This belltower, damaged several times in fires, was reconstructed in 1906. The lower part dates to 1714 and is in the baroque style. Externally, at the height of the second floor, there are four clocks on each of the tower's side. All the clocks are worked by a single mechanism of 36 bells which ring Marian melodies every 15 minutes. Inside on the third level, there are four statues, one in each corner: St. Paul the Hermit, St. Florian, St. Casimir and the Saint and Queen, Hedvig.

The main nave of the basilica.

When Annie and I arrived at the Monastery, a lot of tourist already lined up to see the Black Madonna at the altar of the church. This line in front of us is moving towards the altar. No flash photography, that's why I am trying to get a good picture as I can. They are very strict on taking photos with flash.

When you look around, you will be overwhelmed with the sights of the church interior.

On the right side (wall), you can see that people leave some of their personal offerings to the Black Madonna -- like bracelets, rosary, necklace, anything that they could offer... I even saw a hairclip, hankerchief.... and other stuff that they could leave at the altar.

The walls of the chapel are covered with votive offerings in thanks for the grace and miracles received after intercession by the Mother of God.

Annie took this on her Nikon camera, of course, without a flash.

After the restoration of 1430, the painting's backdrop was covered in sheets of gold and silver inlaid with crowns.

I tried taking a picture on my Canon T11 but because of no flash policy plus

I am moving because we're on line to see the Black Madonna, a little wuzzy picture can be seen

but at least it can describe how colorful & "GOLD" it was.

If you try to look at the left side of the picture, Pope John Pauls' scarf was hanging.

Pope John Paul did offer his scarf.

This one of the window inside the church.

The facade of the chapel.

This window opens up at 6:30 am then closes at 12 noon

and opens up again at 1:00 pm. We saw that small red dot... a camera facing the Black Madonna

for security purpose....

Warsaw, Poland

2009-10-03T13:19:00.001-07:00

Sept. 10, 2009

Frankfurt -> Weimar -> Berlin -> Poznan -> Warsaw

Our Central Europe - Tour Group at Lazienki Park.

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Old Town Square (Stare Miasto)

The UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Świętojańska Street used to be one the most important streets of the Old Town. The so called “Mansjonaria”(Świętojańska number 2), a tenement-house from the second half of the XV century, was reconstructed in a renaissance tradition by two Italian architects, Antonio Visconti and Bernardo Morando (in 1688).

St. Anne Church

in the historic center of Warsaw, Poland, adjacent to the Castle Square, at Krakowskie Przedmieście 68. It is one of Poland's most notable churches with a Neoclassical facade. The church ranks among Warsaw's oldest buildings.

The Interior of the church.

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Wilanov Castle

It was built for the Polish king John III Sobieski in the last quarter of the 17th century and later was enlarged by other owners.

Annie at the Wilanow Palace.

At the Wilanov Palance Garden, you can see the

Mausoleum of Stanisław and Aleksandra Potocki.
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Koniecpolski Palace in Warsaw.
Bertel Thorvaldsen's equestrian statue of Prince Józef Poniatowski.

Church of The Holy Cross.

Baroque Church with the characteristic figure of the Christ.

Into its pillars are walled the urns with the hearts of F.Chopin (1882)

At the time we visited, the church was in the process of renovation.

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The Royal Castle.

The present building is a reconstruction of the complex bombed during combat in September 1939, and blown up by the Nazis in 1944.

The view of the castle from the street.

One of the pillars left after the Nazi bombed the Royal Castle in 1945.

Image of a mermaid have been used on the crest of Warsaw as its symbol, since the mid of the 14th century. Legend tells that once upon a time two mermaid sisters swam to the shore of the Baltic Sea from their home in the depths. One can be seen at the port of Copenhagen.

Historical Museum in Warsaw.

We watched a documentary film about the History of Warsaw

before the war and after...

The old town of Warsaw.

This carriage will tour you around the town.

Annie at the house of the Famous Scientist Marie Curie.

The Building was made as a museum.

The town has this defensive walls that surrounds it.

The sun-dial - by Tadeusz Przypkowski,

Annie and our group.

Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw.

Remembering the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

Warsaw Uprising Monument.

Unveiled the day of the 45th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising on August 1st, 1989.

It consists of two groups of sculptures representing soldiers fighting on the barricades and coming down to the sewage channels.
-----------------------------------

Annie at Frederic Chopin Monument.

The monument to the most outstanding Polish composer.

During the World War II, the Nazis destroyed it, but it was reconstructed after the war and brought back to its previous place in 1958.

Palace of Culture and Science at night.

The tallest building in Poland.

The building was originally known as the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science.

As the city's most visible landmark, the building was controversial from its inception. Many Poles initially hated the building because they considered it to be a symbol of Soviet domination.

Poznan, Poland

2009-10-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

Sept. 09, 2009

Frankfurt -> Weimar -> Berlin -> Poznan

Poznan, Poland

It is situated on the Warta River, and is one of the oldest cities in Poland, making it an important historical center. Poznań's impressive cathedral is the earliest church in the country, containing the tombs of the first Polish rulers: duke Mieszko I, king Boleslaus the Brave, king Mieszko II, duke Casimir I the Restorer, duke Przemysł I and king Przemysł II.

The dominant building is the mid-sixteenth-century town hall , designed by Giovanni Battista di Quadro of Lugano. Its monumental façade has a three-storey arcaded loggia and is topped with a high threetower attic.

The town hall has had a clock with effigies of goats, produced by Bertel Wolf of Guben. Every day, as the town-hall clock strikes twelve, the doors of the small tower on top of the façade open to show two metal billygoats. The clockwork goats hit each other with horns twelve times. Legend has it that having completed the clock, Bertel Wolf decided to show his work to city councillors and the Poznań voivod. While preparing an official feast, the cook carelessly burned a piece of meat, so he decided to steal two goats in order to kill and roast them, but these escaped to the town-hall tower. When the visitors spotted the animals hitting each other on the cornice of the town hall, the voivod commissioned an additional mechanism with goats.

The Well of a Bamberg Woman

The stone water well standing between the Weigh-house and the Town Hall is adorned with a statue of a Bamberg woman. The statue was made by Josef Wackerle in 1915 and modelled after Józefa Gadymska from Winiary, one of the Bamberg settlers. The well had been relocated several times: it stood in front of the merchant houses, near the west wall of the town hall in the years 1929-45, in Mostowa Street since 1964. It was again placed in the Old Market Square in 1977.

We ate lunch at this restaurant and ate Pierogi & Frytki.

A very good drawings and paintings at the Old Market Square.

Museum of Archaeology
Its permanent collections include The Prehistory of Wielkopolska, Life and Death in Ancient Egypt and The Archeology of Sudan.The Prehistory of Wielkopolska features archeological finds illustrating the ancient history of Western Poland. The Life and Death in Ancient Egypt collection illustrates papyrus and hieroglyphic writing, the evolution of Egyptian art, worship and funeral rite objects (including mummies).

In the corner of the Old Market Square, near Wodna Street and Świętosławska Street. A figure of Apollo on the pedestal inside the basin. A work by Marian Konieczny, it opened in 2002.

The Fountain of Neptune

In the corner of the Old Market Square, near Szkolna Street and Paderewskiego Street. The sculpture in the basin is the work of Adam Piasek and Marcin Sobczak. The fountain opened in 2004.

The Guard House
is now the seat of

Museum of the Wielkopolska Uprising of 1918-1919.
Its permanent exhibition is devoted to the history of Polish arms and features Polish Army uniforms, side-arms, firearms and others, 10th-20th century armour and military equipment as well as a section of the panorama (A Battle of Pyramids), painted by Wojciech Kossak in 1901.

Back side of the Town Hall.

Museum at the top of the Town Hall Building.

Potsdam, Germany

2009-10-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sanssouci is the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, in Potsdam, near Berlin.

The palace became a residence of Frederick William IV.

Sanssouci and its extensive gardens became a World Heritage Site in 1990 under the protection of UNESCO in 1995, the Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens in Berlin-Brandenburg was established to care for Sanssouci and the other former imperial palaces in and around Berlin.

The terrace gardens, looking down from the palace, towards the park.

Frederick had wished to be buried next to his greyhounds on the vineyard terrace on the side of the corps de logis of Sanssouci.

Wonder why there's a potato at the grave ?!

Frederick the Great of Prussia saw the potato's potential to help feed his nation and lower the price of bread, but faced the challenge of overcoming the people's prejudice against the plant. When he issued a 1774 order for his subjects to grow potatoes as protection against famine, the town of Kolberg replied: "The things have neither smell nor taste, not even the dogs will eat them, so what use are they to us?" Trying a less direct approach to encourage his subjects to begin planting potatoes, Frederick used a bit of reverse psychology: he planted a royal field of potato plants and stationed a heavy guard to protect this field from thieves. Nearby peasants naturally assumed that anything worth guarding was worth stealing, and so snuck into the field and snatched the plants for their home gardens. Of course, this was entirely in line with Frederick's wishes.

A trellised gazebo at Sanssouci.

Annie at the colonnades enclosing the cour d'honneur on the northern side of the palace.

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Potsdam is the capital city of the German federal state of Brandenburg and is part of the Metropolitan area of Berlin/Brandenburg.

The Cecilienhof Palace

The Cecilienhof Palace was the scene of the Potsdam Conference from 17 July, to 2 August, 1945, at which the victorious Allied leaders (Harry S. Truman; Winston Churchill and his successor, Clement Attlee; and Joseph Stalin) met to decide the future of Germany and postwar Europe in general. The conference ended with the Potsdam Agreement and the Potsdam Declaration.

Cecilienhof was the last palace built by the Hohenzollern family.

Courtyard with red flower star, planted by Soviet armed forces in 1945.

Me and Annie at the Cecilienhof Palace.

The "Face like" facade of the palace.

This palace was turned into a museum and hotel.

485 Euros a night stay.

Cecilienhof Gardens

Part of the Cecilienhof Gardens.

The window at the left side is part of the room

where the Potsdam Conference was held.

Berlin, Germany

2009-10-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

Sept 08, 2009

Frankfurt -> Weimar -> Berlin

Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtnis Kirche

Was built in 1895 and is one of Berlin's most well-known landmarks. Situated in the commercial district on Kurfurstendamm Avenue, the church was hit by a bomb in 1943. The church structure, however, was retained as a memorial.

Annie at Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtnis Kirche

Inside the cathedral...

The cathedrals' ceiling
The display consist of what was left at the church after the war.
Detailed ceiling of the tower.

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Berlin Zoo
Oldest Zoo in Germany with the world's lagestnumber of species.

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Schloss Bellevue

Was constructed in 1785 and is today the residence of the German President.

During the Nazi era, Hitler used this palace for his Museum of Germany Ethnology.
Schloss Bellevue is located on the north side of Tiergarten Park next to the Spree River.

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The Haus der Kulturen der Welt ("House of World Cultures") in Berlin is Germany's national centre for contemporary non-European art.

My tour guide told me that it looks like Jimmy Carter's Smile.

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The Reichstag is German's Parliament and home to the Bundestag since 1999.

The building was originally built in 1894, however, the glass dome was added in recent years.

The Reichstag was the location of a pivotal event in world history.

On February 27th, 1933 a (mysterious) fire occurred at the Reichstag

which Hitler blamed on the communists.

He then used the event as a rationale to seize power.
The Reichstag was badly bombed during the war but has now been fully restored.

In October of 1990, the reunification of Germany was proclaimed in this building.

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Hotel Adlon is a hotel on Unter den Linden, the main boulevard in the Berlin city centre,

directly opposite the Brandenburg Gate.
Michael Jackson infamously dangled his son out one of the hotel's windows during a visit to Berlin in November 2002.

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The Holocaust Memorial is located just south of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

This large and powerful tribute to the millions of Jews murdered by the Nazis was designed by Peter Eisenman.

Remembering the Holocaust Victims..

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Me and Annie at Brandenburg Tor

The back side of Brandenburg Tor.

The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is perhaps the best known landmark in Berlin Germany. The gate became a symbol of a divided world when the Berlin Wall was erected on August 13th, 1961. In 1987, President Ronald Regan delivered his now famous speech "Mr. Gorbachev - Tear down this wall!" at this site.

On top was the "Quadriga of Victory," a statue of a chariot drawn by four horses. Heavily damaged in World War II, the gate was restored in 1957-58.

From 1961 to 1989 the Berlin Wall shut off access to it for both eastern and western Germans; the gate was reopened in 1989 with the reunification of East and West Berlin.

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Giraffe made from Lego at Potsdamer Platz.

It was Berlin's commercial and entertainment centre.
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Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier erected by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) (East Germany) completely encircling West Berlin, separating it from East Germany, including East Berlin. The Berlin Wall was erected in the night of August 13, 1961. It was a weekend and most Berliners slept while the East German government begun to close the border. In the early morning of that Sunday most of the first work was done: the border to West Berlin was closed. The East German troups had begun to tear up streets and to install barbed wire entanglement and fences through Berlin.

Me at the Famous Wall.

You will know the difference if you are on the east or the west side

by looking at the Pedestrian stoplight.

This is what's left of the last wall or the famous "Berlin Wall"

The cobbled street...

Checkpoint Charlie...

Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of east and west, and — for some East Germans — a gateway to freedom.

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This is a tethered balloon that people can go up in to get a bird's-eye view of Potsdamer Platz.

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The Franzosischer Dom is a church built by the Huguenots who settled in Berlin in the 17th century. The structure is very similar to the Deutscher Dom, which is located on the other side of Gendarmenmarkt Square.
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Humbolt University (Humbolt Univerisitat) is Germany's most prestigious institute of higher learning. Among the many people who studied here were Karl Marx and Fredrik Engels. Humbolt's professors included Albert Einstein and Otto Hahn.

Weimar, Germany

2009-10-02T16:20:00.001-07:00

Sept 06, 2009

Frankfurt -> Weimar.

Weimar is a city in Germany mostly known for its cultural heritage. It is located in the Bundesland of Thuringia (German: Thüringen), north of the Thüringer Wald, east of Erfurt, and southwest of Halle and Leipzig. Its current population is approximately 65,000. The oldest record of the city dates from the year 899. Weimar was the capital of the Duchy (after 1815 the Grand Duchy) of Saxe-Weimar (German Sachsen-Weimar). Its cultural heritage includes the Weimar Classicism of Goethe and Schiller, the Bauhaus as well as the Weimar Republic.

Goethe and Schiller in front of the Deutsches National theater and Staatskapelle Weimar.

Weimar became an important cultural centre of Europe, having been home to such luminaries as Goethe, Schiller, and Herder; and in music the piano virtuosi Hummel (a pupil of Mozart), Liszt and Bach.

Schiller House

Friedrich Schiller spent the last three years of his life in this townhouse on the former Weimar Esplanade. Still containing part of the original furnishings, it reflects the style prevalent in Schiller’s day.

Bauhaus-Museum
The world-famous Bauhaus school of architecture and applied arts was originally founded in Weimar. The museum contains about 500 exhibits made by teachers and students of this avant-garde college

Schiller Museum

Ginkgo Museum

The philosopher and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Duke Carl August of Weimar both had a common interest in botany and the creation of exotic parks and gardens.
Goethe, of course, is very well known for his studies on the 'metamorphosis of plants.' Duke Carl August had sent his court gardener to the gardens of Kew (England) to study and learn about gardening and it was here that he learned about the Ginkgo. The gardener returned to Weimar and made the first attempt to introduce the Ginkgo tree in the Weimar Orangery at the Duke’s Belvedere Castle. During Goethe’s lifetime, the first Ginkgo was only about 3-4 m. high. Such was the success of the nursery, that by about 1800, a Ginkgo tree could be purchased for 1 Taler in from the Belvedere in Weimar.

Cranach House

Cranach House bears witness to the early Renaissance period. Lucas Cranach the Elder had his ‘painting room’ here, where he worked on the famous three-panel altar picture for the town church. In the end, he died before it was finished, and the picture altar had to be completed by his younger brother. An elaborately decorated building including columns, shell niches and round arch ornaments, it was badly damaged during World War II but subsequently restored. Nowadays it is home to a small arts venue.

Town of Weimar

Town Centre / Market square
Town Hall

After its two predecessors burned down, it is the neo-Gothic version erected in 1841 modelled on Hof Town Hall that can now be admired. The Mayor of Weimar’s office is contained here, along with the marriage chamber of Weimar Registry Office. One delightful detail is the use of bells made out of Meissen china in the tower’s carillon.

Frankfurt, Germany

2009-10-02T15:05:00.001-07:00

Frankfurt AM Main center on a panoramic view...

----------------

We arrived at Frankfurt at 10 am, Sept. 06 Sunday..

The 14 hrs. Flight from San Francisco was not that bad...

a stop over at Philadelphia helps us a bit to stretch out

and have time for dinner...It was an overnight Transatlantic flight.

When we arrived at the hotel,

we just set our luggages down and started to walk around the city.

Our hotel is 10 mins. away at the center.

So we took the bus towards the town and spent the afternoon

walking around the market.

We found this Sausage stand....

And tasted the Rastbratwurst...

Great sausage....

Overlooking at the
St. Bartholomeus' Cathedral and the center...

St Bartholomeus Cathedral (Dom Sankt Bartholomäus) is a Gothic building which was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries on the foundation of an earlier church from the Merovingian time. It is the main church of Frankfurt. From 1356 onwards, kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected in this church, and from 1562 to 1792, the roman-German emperors were crowned here.

Since the 18th century, Saint Bartholomeus' has been called "the cathedral" by the people, although it has never been a bishop's seat. In 1867, the cathedral was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in its present style. The height of the cathedral is 95 m.

The Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg) is already well over one hundred years old.

The engraved water levels show how high the water once stood in Frankfurt.

The Römer (German for "Roman") is a medieval building in Frankfurt am Main, one of the city's most important landmarks. It has been the city hall or Rathaus for 600 years. The Haus Römer is actually the middle building of a set of three located in the Römerberg (a plaza). The Römer merchant family sold it together with a second building, the Goldener Schwan (Golden Swan), to the city council on March 11, 1405 and it was converted for use as the city hall.

In front of the Historical Museum at Romerberg.

Getting Ready....

2009-09-03T22:12:00.001-07:00

One more day at work. Then we'll be off for the much awaiting 20 days tour in Central Europe.

The 9am Flight to Frankfurt, with the Bay Bridge Closed through the Labor Day weekend...

We are already set and planned for a route using the San Mateo Bridge. The last packing of our carry on baggage will be done after our work tomorrow. Just can't wait to get out in here.... We just wanted something different !! Annie's Birthday yesterday seems like a regular day for us. Working and trying to hold on until Saturday comes!

A Day of Prayer

2009-08-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Me and Fr. Jerry Orbos

at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Vallejo.

He put that scapular on me and had this picture taken.

-------------------

Annie is at work today.

I should be working pero good thing...

na-off ako for this weekend.

Nakapag-simba din ng sabado.

Pero syempre punta ulit sa church bukas kasama

naman si Annie.

Ang buong church service ay tumagal ng 3 oras.

Napuno ang simbahan ng mga may-sakit,

naka-wheelchair, at matatanda na may mga baston at walker.

Mabuti at maaga ako at nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na

makaupo sa harapan...

Maganda ang message nya...

It really fits for any situations

people are going through...

I find it helpful...

Like a renewal of Faith...

Minsan kailangan natin ito.

Lalo na when everything becomes

tougher than what we thought.

Stick to GOD

and

Surrender everything.

Life Is Wonderful.

------------------

I thought It was a joke...

2009-08-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Akala ko joke lang ang lahat...

paano kase...maraming nanloloko through e-mail.

hanggang sa nagcheck ako sa website nila...

$500 was still a nice free money =)

this was the night I was just surfing the net

and found this Coke Design Contest.

I told myself...

"what the heck...it's like drawing in a can.."

there are 3000+ who entered...

15 will be picked....

and there are 6 designs I submitted....

For now, I don't know the design they picked...

I have to faxed them the Liability and Publicity release...

before they will put it online at mycokerewards.com

I only got 5 days to submit the form.

And hopefully ... the designed can will comeout

soon online.

----------------------

this if for you, lolo....

Because I grew up where ?!?

2009-08-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

I had my eyes checked today...

I found out that my eyes got worst.

-3.00 on the left and -4.00 at right.

My astigmatism got worst on the left eye.

A new set of contacts was given to me.

Annie's eye was better than mine,

tho' she just needed a reading glasses.

Dr. Pfost explained to me that

more people who lived and grew up in warmer

countries, wore glasses than the ones

who lived in colder areas and away

from the equator...

something about the UV rays...

than harm our eyes.

Well, whatever the explanation was...

I still don't like wearing glasses

or contacts as it dries up my eyes.

------------------

Anyway... today was a blessing inspite of all the appointments. God is always GOOD !!

Thumbs Up & Down...

2009-08-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

THUMBS UP for.....

- the 4 officers that stood for 9-10 hrs at Presidents Cory's Procession.
- the conjoined twin girls at PHC fighting for their lives.
- the Perseid Meteor that we saw last night at the freeway.
- the upcoming vacation next September....

THUMBS DOWN for....

- the President with her entourage, who spent $20,000 dinner at NY and $15,000 dinner at a Washington restaurant.... tsk!tsk! --- you can at least feed 5,000 families with 3 square meals for that =(
- Best BUY .... refunding the $9.99 - 52" Flat Screen TV.... I hate Misprints !
- big oil companies... for making gas prices go up....

Perseid Meteor Shower

2009-08-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Annie & I woke up at 4 am to watch the Meteor Shower..... we drove up to Hwy. 505 just to get out on the city lights. We are in the middle of the freeway when all of a sudden a fast light pass by in front of us.... Annie just jump up on her seat and was so amazed to see a meteor. The sky was covered with stars..... we stopped and parked near the sunflower farm and just looked up and wait. We saw 7 meteors.... very bright and fast... we are just amazed ! And thankful to GOD that He made those amazing things to light up the sky !

*Sorry, No pictures.... my camera was all set up to take a photo of the shower but the photographer was just amazed to see this event....

Praying for your Family

2009-08-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

from Victoria Osteen's Blog

It´s so important to take time to pray, especially for your family—your immediate family, your extended family, and even your church family. Every person in your family has been given to you by God. They may not always act right; they may not always treat you right; they may not say the right things all the time, but we still have the responsibility to lift them up in prayer. Even if the relationship is not where it needs to be, God can use your prayers to turn things around.
I know sometimes family relationships can be the most difficult. There can be pain, hurt, and offense; but when you pray, you are opening the door for God´s healing in your life and in your family relationships. God doesn´t want you to go through life carrying a load of heartache and offense. He doesn´t want us to be prisoners of pain. I talk to so many people who have been hurt by family members—someone walked out on them, a child´s not living the right way, but I want you to know that if you want to be free, you have to begin to pray past the pain. Even if you don´t feel like it, take a step of faith because God sees your obedience to Him. He´ll honor you because you´ve honored His Word.
Remember, God loves you so much today. He wants to restore you. He wants to restore your family. He has a great future for you and your family. There´s nothing too difficult for Him. Stand in faith, keep believing, and keep praying. Don´t give up even if it takes years because God is a faithful God.
I want to encourage you today, when you feel that unction in your heart to pray for a family member, don´t ignore it. Maybe they just came to mind out of the blue. That´s the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray. You never know what may be going on in their life, and your prayer may be the prayer that changes everything both in their life and in yours.

The Most Powerful Lines.....

2009-08-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

"Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat at lalong-lalo na sa Panginoong Diyos, na ginawa niya akong isang Pilipino. Talagang karangalan ko iyon, na maging katulad niyo at maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay niyo sa akin."
– Corazon C. Aquino (1933 – 2009)

"I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life." - Corazon Aquino

Apollo 11 - Splashdown

2009-07-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

The 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 was celebrated

at Alameda Naval Base.

Buzz Aldrin was present at the USS Hornet,

signing books.

The line was heck long ...

the book was sold out

but getting to see the museum was worth the wait.

The Command Module

Astronaut's Couches...

Neil Armstrong sat at the middle....

With the Service Module at the back

Naval Helicopter that picked up the Astronauts

The famous picture of Apollo 11 crew inside the

Mobile Quarantine while

President Nixon looks on.

Mobile Quarantine Facility

Apollo 11 crew was sent here after the mission

to ensure that there will be no bacteria

that might infect the Earth.

----------

Inside the USS Hornet

At the Flight Deck

USS HORNET

Other Naval ship that was docked at Pier 3

Annie and a re-print of the Newspaper

at the day when Apollo 11 landed the moon.

curious

2009-07-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

- night sky -
Fog rolling in.

Say what ?!

2009-07-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

I asked Annie yesterday on how to wash my jacket --

she told me to look at the information on the tag.

I was expecting that it was a hand wash,

or a "wash in a cold water"

"do not bleach" or maybe "tumble dry only"

but I was wrong...

simple but true...

Ferrari wants it "wash when it is Dirty"

----------------

JAIRUS WITH HIS BIG DUMPTRUCK!

"vvvvvrrrooooommmm"

No Worries

2009-07-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

(from Joel & Victoria Osteen Blog)
Posted by Joel Osteen on July 22, 2009

There's a scripture in Matthew 6 that tells us not to worry about anything at all. We shouldn't worry about what we will eat, what we will wear, or where we will live. It goes on to say that we shouldn't even worry about tomorrow because God loves us, and He will take care of every concern that we have.
Last week, Victoria and I were in Australia with our ministry team, and they have a saying that I think we should use more here in the United States. Everywhere I went, people were saying, "No worries" with a sunny disposition. One day, I was out eating at a buffet and turned around too quickly and dropped my plate on the floor. I was so embarrassed, and I made a big mess, but the waiter quickly walked over just as cheerful as he could be and said, "No worries!" Immediately, I felt at ease. If he wasn't going to worry about it, then I wasn't either. And I'm sure he wasn't thinking of it this way; but when he said "no worries", it was as if he was declaring that not only was he not going to worry, but there would be no worries about the situation at all from anyone at all. It was as if he were holding up a stop sign to worry and saying, "Worry, you're not allowed in this situation. No one is going to fret over this, no one is going to be upset over this, and no one is going to be anxious over this situation. We are going to have peace."
What situations in your life do you need to declare "no worries" over? It's time to put up the "stop sign" to worry because all worry does is steal your peace and distract you from God's best. Are you having a struggle in a relationship today? No worries! God is the restorer. Are you having challenges with your job, fearful about layoffs? No worries! When you are faithful with the little, God will make you ruler over much. He is the One who brings promotion. Do you need a place to live or a better car to drive? No worries! God promises to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He provides shelter for the birds of the air, and He will take care of you! Make the decision today to close the door on worry so you can set your mind on the good things that God has in store for your future!

I moved.....

2009-07-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

...to another domain.

.... so that nobody can find me.

.... for the sake of my own sanity.

Something New...

2009-07-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

"Corked"

"Blued"

"trumphets"

--------------------------------------

photography by: aquiambao

---------------------------------------

Reviews: A two thumbs up on the new Canon Rebel T1i - the D-SLR with 15.1 megapixel, 3" LCD, HD 1080p and VGA Video capture and more features. A clear settings probably caught my attention as a beginner. I compared this camera to the top rival - Nikon ... It blew up my mind as I looked up on the screen - ISO, Av, AF - all these terms exposed and unable to digest the photographers high falutin words for a rookie like me. Nikon was for "serious" shots (as I project). Both of the company have the D-SLR now. Nikon got the swinging LCD which Canon doesn't have (which sucks) and both got a 3.5 grade at CNET and 4.5 grade at the consumer reviews.... still, it compensate for the design and simplicity for a beginner like me.

-------------------

We're getting ready for the next trip to C. Europe -- The camera would fit in for images with a lot of details. We just wanted a picture that is so clear that can bring us back to that place again as we look at those photos.

Makes You busy

2009-07-08T19:56:00.001-07:00

I was off for the start of the week.

Finally browse through my shelf and found this

Tshirt Transfer (paper)

and made one for the undershirt

I've seen at the laundry room

(gulp'!)

yup! -- Lick the platter !

------------------

The 4 wheels of Annie's car got changed ...

after 6 years of service

(which shouldn't be....)

the truck --- I'm sure, was so happy for

having 4 new set and a wash up...

------------------------------

Let's get ready for the 2 day shift!

The Wind of God is Blowing in Your Direction

2009-07-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Posted by Joel Osteen on July 8, 2009

The other day, I was out taking a run. For about the first quarter of a mile, the wind was blowing strongly against me at about twenty to twenty-five miles per hour. I felt like I was running uphill, and it was taking all of my energy. The path I run is a big square, so finally, I was able to turn. But I knew that coming back that last mile, the wind was going to be blowing in my face again—I was starting to dread it. However, when I made that final turn onto the home stretch, I was pleasantly surprised. The winds had changed direction. No longer were they blowing against me, they were blowing with me. It was a night and day difference! I could feel those winds propelling me forward.
Today, you may be feeling like there are all kinds of forces coming against you. But I believe those forces, those winds that have been trying to hold you back, are about to change in your direction. I believe that you are going to have times when you can feel God breathing His favor, grace, and mercy upon you.
No matter what you may be facing right now, no matter how difficult things may seem, remember, God is in control of the winds. Just a simple shift can make a huge difference. Those same winds that are trying to defeat you, God can cause to change direction and be the very winds that propel you into the destiny He has in store for you!

Las Vegas Trip 2009

2009-07-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

We just stayed in Vegas for the whole 3 days...

The trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion was cancelled due

to the number of people who booked the trip..

I think we are less than five (persons)

that's why they cancelled it.

Anyway -- we thought that It was okay,

the temp. was so high in Vegas so what more in the canyons...

so we decided that we'll book that trip next time.

The weather was 105F at around 10am...

and it feels like we're right in the oven --

the wind blowing off HOT air and it was very dry,

my contacts are ready to popped out due to the hot and dry weather.

Our 2nd summer in Vegas!

Runways are very busy --

we lined up as we take off.

CROP CIRCLES ?!?

this in not Area 51 ... isn't it ?

It's me... getting roasted at the temp. (105F)

Annie and I watched the LOVE by Cirque d Soleil...

My 4th Cirque d Soleil show (that I watched in Vegas)

and this time...

I didn't yawn... not even once!

I'll give it 5 stars and 2 thumbs up.

There was a long line getting in for the 2 slot

and we had the 930pm show...
We heard it was a really sold out tickets for the whole week...

That's not a space ship...

if im not mistaken it was a convention center

across Wynn Hotel...

I just took a photo of it --

I remember the movie -- Independence day...

The fascade of the LOVE theater...

nice set up !!
colorful and unique, really a 1960's era

with the ushers dressed like the Queen's Household Cavalry.

Bellagio with the fountain show ---

It was 12 midnight when I took this photo.

The fountain moves in tune of the National Anthem.

Champs-Elysee...

and the Eiffel Tower in the middle of the strip...

The panoramic shot of the strip....

Mirage Hotel

We stayed here and watched the show.

Annie at the Venetian Hotel and Palazzo...

The new Encore hotel and Wynn....

We stopped by at the Ferrari Showroom and Store...

"....brought to you by the good folks at Sesame Workshop...

and of course, the letter O..."

heehee... Annie was sitting at the

REVOLUTION lounge at the Mirage...

and we had a Great time !!

Saturday ....

2009-06-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

It was a late Father's day celebration...

We all worked last Sunday,

that's why we are catching up for the event...

Jairus with his first pool...

the temperature was 93F

and we thought about having this little pool for Jairus--

He enjoyed the day and doesn't want to get out

of his pool...

Another day, Another dollar...

2009-06-18T20:41:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow will be my "monday" at work...

It means, after the 3 days off--

It will be the start of another week.

Weekend is not that bad... I guess, it depends ---

But no complaints... I thank GOD for work...

I pray for many work to come =)

------------

My next door neighbor is moving out...

I hear all the 'bang' of doors and moving furnitures...

Kids next door pushed our doorbell yesterday

and was trying to sell me a "Scene it" boardgame

and a Gibson Kids Guitar... for 5 bucks!

I dunno' if their parents knew about it...

Anyway, I just asked them why are they selling those...

and they told me that they are moving and they want a new toy.

*good grief*

I just thought -- *of course, new house means new toy!*

I told them that I don't have any kids that's why I can't buy those...

----------------

I dispatched my recycle cans & plastic today for $23.00

Yup! ... money on my garbage !

The power of GOD

2009-06-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

God looks at the Heart, not the hand; the giver, not the gift.

Faith looks across the storm - It does not doubt.

Or stop to look at clouds and things without.

Faith does not question why when all His ways

Are hard to understand, but trusts and prays.

----------------

Yesterday, I asked God for something I really need...

actually it was not for me but for someone who needed it badly.

Today, it was given to me.

Few minutes ago -- I received an email.

I am sure God will work on this.

I am already thankful...

And for now, all I need to do is wait...

Meditate on these things.

2009-06-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

"I will meditate on the glorius splendor of Your majesty,

and on Your wondrous works."

-Psalm 145:5 -

Something from the past....

2009-06-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

We went here at Muir Woods last May 30.

Now,I have a lot of time to post more at my blog.

I had a busy month and made a decision to prioritized

what needs to be done first.

Anyway, here's the photo... sorry for the delay...

-----------------------------

yey! BIG trees...

We're almost inside the tree...
there was like a cave inside... and I was looking up
when this picture was taken.

-------------------------

Point Reyes...

Foggy but nice to walk around

and see the tip of the Marin-San Francisco Area

No pets allowed...

The Rock... nice layers... look like a sand form

The Point Reyes Lighthouse ....

Happy cows came from California !

Finally, It's over....

2009-06-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Sa wakas... natapos na rin ang araw na ito.

Nakailang palit ako ng testing date

dahil lagi kong iniisip na hindi ko kayang

upuan ang 3 oras na exam na ito.

Ang mga tanong ay nakakaloko...

sa tatlong libro na nabasa ko,

ni isang tanong na kapareho ay wala man lang lumabas...

Ang kakaiba lang sa exam na ito,

hindi mo na kailangan antayin ang resulta..

habang kinukuha ko ang gamit ko sa locker,

inabot na sa akin ang resulta ng exam...

isang pinay ang proctor ng Prometric testing center,

inaabot nya sa akin ang resulta ng exam na ito

sabay sabi ng congratulations...

hindi ko gaanong naintindihan ang huling

salita na sinabi nya.

Akala ko kase resibo ang inaabot sa akin...

mas naisip ko na simula sa lunes

ay bibilang ako ng 2 linggo para antayin ang resulta,

dead-ma lang ako ng mga 30 minuto dahil iniisip ko

na kung sakaling lagpak ako dito

ay magpapahinga lang ako ng isang buwan tapos ay

susubukan ko ulit na kuhanin..

'just for the sake of my own sanity' ika ko nga.

Marami pa nga akong naisip bago ko pansinin ang

inaakala kong resibo...

Inisip ko na paglabas ko ng pinto ay kakain ako ng marami..

manunuod ako ng sine,

o di kaya ay uumpisahan ko ulit ang Stamp book

na isinantabi ko ng halos ilang buwan..

marami akong naisip na gawin.

Paglabas ko ng pinto,

tsaka ko lang binuksan ang papel na ibinigay sa akin...

"Anak-ka-ng-tutcha... resulta na pala yung ibinigay..."

wahahahaha... pasado pala ako !!

buti na lang at nagkainteres akong buksan ang papel...

muntik ko ng maitapon sa basurahan ang resulta !

Sa wakas.... panandalian akong mapapahinga sa pagrereview.

Excited ako sa mga gagawin ko ngayong tapos na ang exam na ito.

----------------------------

Salamat sa mga sumusunod...

(naks, parang awards night!)

Unang una ...

kay Lord....

kase hindi sya napagod sa paghingi ko ng kung ano-ano

alam kong makulit ako sa mga request ko

siguro nga nakulitan na kayo... preo tenkyu talaga...

Pangalawa...

sa pamilya ko..

nanay, tatay -- sa lahat ng ito.. da' best kayo!

kay Kuya Ron' -- idol... sa gitna ng lakwatsa natin at kainan

at review ng dalawang araw... natapos na rin...

it runs in da blood talaga!

kay jairus -- sa tuwing napupunta ako

sa oakland, at nakakatulog sa sofa..

salamat sa paggising mo sa akin..

kung hindi sa pagdutdot mo sa ilong ko...

hindi ako magigising at makakapagreview!

Kay Annie --- ang cheerleader ko.

Sa mga kaibigan namin na kasama namin sa Carribean Cruise...

ang masayang getaway na iyon ang nagpa-relax sa akin

habang nagrereview ako sa balcony ng barko!

And to my greatest mentor in nursing...

my college life was not that great because of not so great people

around me at that time

but for all those experiences,

I tried to become a better person,

and to become a better nurse as I see people suffers.

Life is wonderful.

God is good...

Something to Ponder

2009-06-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

If you can believe,

all things are possible to HIM who believes.

- Mark 9:23

backpackers

2009-05-20T16:54:00.001-07:00

Annie just got me a LeSportsac backpack.

Thanks ! I think I am getting the message....

I'm the one who will carry most on our next trip to Germany....

(*gulp*)

Last day of the tour

2009-05-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Our last night at the ship was great...

our dining server, Charlie & Micheal

served an Excellent meal ---

Pinoys' national food....

ADOBO, PANCIT & White RICE...

I ate Fillet Mignon at Captains Dinner

but nothing beats ADOBO!

--------------------------------

streets at Old San Juan

This is a well known photo spot.

Dungeons & Dragons ?!

The last Glimpse of our Carnival Victory.

Nice!

We had dinner at Restaurante RAICES

The restaurant was very local that's why a lot of tourist

stop by here -- see the line just to wait for the seat.

The 1 hr. wait time was worth it.

Great food! And we did enjoy our last night of our trip.

Jojo was making fun of the buttcrack!

Basseterre, St. Kitts

2009-05-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

St. Kitts West Indies

Carib Volcanic Rock

Romney Manor Gardens

"pssst... bawal mamitas ng mangga"

Brimstone Hill Fortress

the dummy soldier

the museum... shows the life of the soldiers at Brimstone

Panoramic view of the site.

our last island tour... on our way back to the ship...

St. John's, Antigua

2009-05-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

Arriving at St. John's

Panoramic view of St. John, Antigua

The town of St. John's and the Anglican Cathedral.

Dickinson Bay - Antigua

Enjoying the sun & clear blue waters in Antigua --

--------------------------

Nelson Dockyard

His Majesty's Antigua Naval Yard at English Harbour was built starting about 1725.

Its function was to maintain the Royal Naval warships that captured valuable sugar islands of the Eastern Caribbean thus cutting off enemy trade and increasing Britain's own wealth.

"UP-ENDED CANNON"

(behind us)

Captured and unserviceable cannon were re-utilised as bollards to which ships were secured when alongside the wharfs.

BOAT HOUSE & SAIL LOFT (1796)
72 black masons built its large circular stone pillars in 15 months. A waterway between the massive greenstone pillars was used for hoisting sails from boats through a trap door in the sail loft floor. The building has been roofless since a hurricane in 1871, after which concrete caps were placed on top to guard against erosion..

Joseph was trying to lift

THE CAMELFORD ANCHOR

Legend has it that the anchor marks the spot where Lt. Lord Camelford shot Lt. Peterson over an argument of seniority.

The anchor weighs about 7,000 lbs and would have been used on large ships-of-the-line (battleships).

PITCH & TAR STORE (1788)
On the top floor were the engineer's offices and below pitch, tar & turpentine was stored over brick-lined pits. Today it houses the Admirals Inn.

NAVAL OFFICER'S HOUSE (1855)
This was once the Store Keeper's residence and office. The Dockyard Museum is on the ground floor of this balconied Victorian building while the military story of English Harbour is told upstairs.

I think this is what they put in front of the galleon.

Me getting serious -- wanted to become a royal navy.

here's the old ship...

yup... I'm one of the first people.

------------------

Shirley Heights Lookout.

The Royal Artillery Guard House

Eric Clapton's Crossroad Center

(rehab center) on that island behind me.

probably this cactus fell many times...

too many bumps on it's head.

On our way back to our ship.

Castries, St. Lucia

2009-05-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Overlooking St. Lucia

Colonial House of typical merchants in the old days at St. Lucia.

The balcony of the house with the view of the port of Castries.

Overlooking Marigot Bay.

South of Castries, this west-coast yachties haven is the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. Some 400 years ago, its palm-lined shore was home to the Carib warriors.

Batik making...

Visiting Rum Distillery

a lot of molasses

want some rum recipe ?!

trying to use the Calypso Steel Drum

this is where the Pirates of the Caribbean

movie was shoot.

our cabin -- getting ready for the formal dinner.

Bridgetown, Barbados

2009-05-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Our ship docked at Bridgetown, Barbados

Sunbury Plantation.

It was built around 1660 by Matthew Chapman, an Irish/English planter,

one of the first settlers on the island.

The elegant dinning area.

Maps of the old Bridgetown.

The first washer and fridge at the island.

old collection of optical machinery and sight testing
bought by the late Dr. Harcourt Carter.

My camera can't match on this collection.

The first phonograph at the island...

and more collections...

I don't think I can fit on this armor suit...

I need to lose more weight...

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The cellars, originally used for storing yams and other root vegetables grown on the plantation, now house a unique collection of antique carriages, the largest collection in the Caribbean, as well as many items used in the domestic life of the plantation. It also houses the very old collection of optical machinery and sight testing equipment some of the first to come to the West Indies
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St. George is the largest and most important of the military outposts in Barbados..

Overlooking the town of St. George, Barbados

St. John Parish Church.

the first church of St. John that is presumed to have been a simple wooden building, but its date is unknown. The parish along with St. George, was carved out of St. Michael in 1640–1641. But successive churches were badly damaged by the hurricane of 1675, the Great Hurricane of 1780, and finally destroyed by the Great Barbados hurricane of 1831. The present church building (the fifth) was built is 1836, and the chancel added in 1876. It is the prototype of the restrained Barbadian version of the Gothic parish church, and a beautiful Westmacott sculpture, commemorating Elizabeth Pinder, on the left of the main door.
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After the tour, we met Yvonne at the Cove Shepard (mall)

at downtown Barbados.

We had lunch at Lobster Alive...

On my way back to our ship...

Roseau, Dominica

2009-05-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Panoramic Photo of Roseau, Dominica.

Arriving at the port of Roseau

The island tour includes a visit of the botanical garden

A school bus under this banyan tree --

a result from a strong hurricane..

Canon Ball Tree

Description: A large, tropical tree, up to 23 m (75 ft) tall, with thick, tough bark; leaves up to 15 cm (6 in) long, are simple with serrate margins; tree bears remarkably striking long woody racemes 1-2 m (3-6 ft) in length, crowded along the trunk from the base upwards, with large, complex, pink, yellow and white fleshy flowers, 8-13 cm (3-5 in) across, seeming to grow directly on the stem; flowers with exposed reproductive organs, have sweet-smelling odour which attract bats and other pollinating agents feeding on the nectar; the few fertile flowers develop into a large, heavy, hard-shelled, globose, brown fruit, borne on long tangled stalks on main stem below foliage branches, take 8-9 months to ripen, growing as big as a man's head, look like big, rusty Cannon Balls, hence the name; when ripe these Cannon Balls fall to the ground and break open, giving off a putrid scent.

Sausage Tree

Tough wood used for shelving and fruit boxes, and dugout canoes from the tree; fruit very fibrous with numerous hard seeds, tending to be inedible to humans as well as being poisonous when unripe; said to be strong purgative, causes blisters in the mouth and on the skin; E. Africans brew a liquor from the fruit, although fruit itself not eaten; the fruit has antibacterial activity; is used in medicine in Cent. Africa, with unripe fruit as a dressing for wounds, haemorrhoids and rheumatism; extracts of Kigelia africana used as herbal relief for eczema and psoriasis; Tongans apply powdered fruit as a dressing to ulcers.

Jaco Falls

a great photo of the falls...

On our way back to the ship...

The day was finally over --

Captain's Dinner

St. Thomas, USVI (05/04/09)

2009-05-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Our ship arriving at Charlotte Amalie Harbour.

Thick black clouds arriving at the islands too.

We already knew that this will be a little rainy week

at the Carribean...

St. Thomas, US Virgin Island panoramic shot.

Our ship was docked at Charlotte Amalie Harbour.

The tour starts by going at the Skyline Drive to see this

perfect view of St. Thomas and other small islands.

The view of the island and two Carnival Ship.

Annie doesn't like donkey...

can you see on her face ?

But she likes to count all the animals she sees everytime

we drive around and do our long drive...

Magen's Bay.

Magens Bay features a well-protected white sand beach stretching for nearly a mile.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island.

The rain was pouring but still taking photos

of the Blackbeard Castle.

Built in 1679 by the Danes as a watchtower to protect the harbor,

it was originally called Skytsborg Tower (meaning gun tower).

It is located at the highest point on Government Hill.

More Bronze statue of pirates

overlooking the harbour

(covered with fog)

"Yaaaahhhh..."

drenched... but still having a great time
at St. Thomas, USVI....

We went back at the ship after the tour...

we just sat down at the balcony to enjoyed

the harbour view..

I saw this plane landed at the port...

I didn't know that Charlotte Amalie was also a seaplane base...

M/S Carnival Victory sailed at 5pm...

Next Stop was Roseau, Dominica.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

2009-05-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

The start of our tour was in San Juan, Puerto Rico...

We had lunch here at Barrachina Restaurant.

The Birthplace of the famous Pina Colada !
We attended the mass at
The Cathedral de San Juan Bautista...

The cathedral contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer
and settlement founder Juan Ponce de León.

Interior of Cathedral de San Juan.

This photo was taken right beside the Cathedral....

Across the church was this El Convento Hotel...

I read about this hotel years ago...

it was 350 years old -- renovated Carmelite Convent

that was turned into a luxury hotel.

and this caught my attention....
'Pare" is a shortening of the Tagalog word "Kumpare"

which means "male friend or buddy" ...

But I guess, In Puerto Rico,

PARE means STOP !

Caribbean trip

2009-05-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

We just arrived here at Puerto Rico--

after the 9 hrs. flight from SFO...

here we are -- we're glad to see the ship...

Carnival Victory at the port in Puerto Rico

Carnival Miracle at my back...

Annie took my picture at our cabin's balcony

Carnival Miracle was docked next to us --

2 hours before we leave the port

Lido deck --- Deck 9 of Carnival Victory

an hour before we leave Puerto Rico

Our ship is moving when I took this photo

of the other Carnival Ship

Annie at the top deck

Yeaahhhhh !!!

Leaving the Port of Puerto Rico...

we missed something

2009-05-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

now that we're back from a week vacation...
first thing we did when we enter our house was to run upstairs
and jump on our bed....
we missed our house...
the trip was nice, a little time off from the routine activities makes a difference.
my luggages still at the car, intact and not moving...
the almost 9 hours trip from Puerto Rico to SF worn us out...
Annie was knocked out.
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Updates:
My tomato plant died.
The chives,green pepper,basil started to grow on my pot.
Got tons of mail to sort out tomorrow.
I have multitudes of photos to upload here at the blog.
I have 22 days remaining for the nail bitting, nerve racking exam.
I have a day to do all the errands before I go back to work.
I have 3 more months for my next trip to Europe.

_got to snooze_

Uyyy...Excited !!!

2009-04-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Siguro akala ni Annie nasa Carribean na sya...

Tsk!Tsk!Tsk! Excited talaga magbakasyon...

Magimpake na daw ba... !?!
Almost one week na lang...

Wahooo !!

To'-may`-to

2009-04-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

my tomato plant starting to grow....

Annie's Orchids

2009-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

We are glad that it bloomed this year.

It's been a while that we have not seen any flower.

And this made Annie realized that she had

a GREEN thumb...

Summer is Here !!

2009-04-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

It was the first weekend of the year with this temperature !

Yey! Summer is here !

The weather was just alright,

compare from the Philippines...

back here is not humid..

just warm and dry.

Annie and I went at the Lake Merritt...

The park right across my parents house.

We spent few minutes eating ice cream

under the sun...

"Want some ice cream ?!"

Yey... we like to spend the whole afternoon at the park !

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A long hair for Jairus ...

parang punkista'...

dito kamukha nya' si Kiray ng Goin' Bulilit.. hahaha..

A Doctor's Note

2009-04-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

I saw my doctor yesterday.

And gave me advices about losing my weight.

I am above the normal BMI ---

So the 30 mins. of talking to my doctor was about how to quit my soda drinking...

changing my white rice to brown,

my white bread to wheat

and my walking 3x a week to weight lifting.

And was told to lose 15 pounds...

Wahahahaha!!!

Uh-Ohhh....

2009-04-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ordering some Liquor ?!?

heeheehee!!

(photo got from AP)

Weed, Man ! Weed !!!

2009-04-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Naging hardinero ako ngayong araw na ito...

Nakakainis magtanggal ng weed dahil pagtapos nito,

sugatsugat ang kamay mo kung sakaling hindi

ka magiingat sa pagalis nito.

Nagsisimula na akong maglinis ng backyard--

gusto ko na kasi ulit magumpisang maggrill

ng ribs at mais ngayong summer.

O di kaya ay magumpisang magtanim ng kung ano-ano..

(sana lang hindi kainin ng ibon... ilagay ko kaya piktyur ko-- pantaboy ng ibon hehehe!!)

Happy Easter !

2009-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more - Romans 5:20

Being sick is not bad...

2009-04-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 days that I stayed in bed.

I got this bad colds and cough

and flu like symptoms

but never resulted for any fever

or any serious kind.

I guess, my flu shot just prevented

the worst type of flu,

instead just the symptoms existed

and my body is battling all of it.

We planned to go to church yesterday,

in observance to Black Saturday..

but because I am too weak to get out

and the dog-like cough,

we just stayed at home after Annie arrived from work.

My whole day was just basically

watching TV,sleeping and drinking the DAYQUIL

like it was a tequila shot.

I watched NatGeo about the Mafias,

the tomb of Tut's mother...

and other archaeology topics...

Notting Hill,

and of course if you are sick,

you wanted to watch the Classics...

The Sound of Music was on TV last night

and while I was browsing the internet this morning

I found this

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

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The video make me laugh for awhile

it reminds me what I watched last night.

I read that It was in Antwerp Central Station in Belgium..