Krakow's Auschwitz Site Part 1

In Krakow, Poland, two of Hitler's death camp is located here. On our visit last September 2011, we got the chance to do a tour at Auschwitz Camp. I was a bit excited to go in and learn so much history about the place. It is a sad and solemn place at the same time because so many people have lost their lives here. It was like unraveling everything about what Hitler had made to the country and how much hatred he had on such innocent ones.

entering the Auschwitz Gate Camp

Auschwitz concentration camp was a network of concentration and extermination camps built and operated by the Third Reich in Polish areas annexed bu Nazi Germany during World War II. This camp at Poland was the largest of the German concentration camps.

The entrance to the camp might seem small or just a little sad town. But, really, this place is REALLY big!

The Road to Bencab

The BenCab Museum is (I think) a just recently opened museum along Asin Road, Baguio. On our visit last January of this year, our friends who hosted our stay in Baguio, suggested that we go visit this new museum.

BenCab Museum is located at Km. 6 Asin Road, a brief 15-minute drive from the center of Baguio City.

The Quaint Unnoticeable Vietnamese House

Cold Warsaw was really cold! I am sorry to say that the weather bureau is not as believable as it should be. Basically it's a fault on our part, we relied on our dad who's body temperature is more cold-proof than me. Warsaw was the last leg of our Europe trip and the weather is gearing towards autumn. And it is not like Baguio! :(

A warm and hot noodle soup is just what we need to survive in the the cold, rainy, wet country. My dad and mom when they were sightseeing on their own found this quaint little restaurant on the side.

Baguio after Four Years

Baguio City. My last visit in this summer capital was last 2007 and a lot has changed in this city. I was visiting the place together with my relatives, of which, it was their first time coming over. 

Krakow, Poland: Wawel Castle + Main Market Square

My photowalk/travel around Krakow barely began. Let me now take you around Wawel Castle. 

Krakow, Poland: The Old Town

This is my first time EVER to visit Poland. Same with my parents who were with me. Before venturing, I did a little research on what to expect. And it was more than what I had read.

This little town in Poland, was our first stop. Krakow/Cracow.

overlooking Wawel Castle

Last Look at France

I'm nearly at the end of my France vacation-blog-series. But before we jump to another European country, I'd like to share some of my non-categorized photos. These are some bits of sights to see within Paris. The detail might be minute but,. . . you'll see what I mean :)

Eiffel Tower

Call me crazy, but I really have a thing for the Eiffel Tower. It is the epitome of the essence of Paris. ^^

Le Jardin des Tuileries, France

Le Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most popular public gardens in Paris, situated between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. To come here by Metro, you get off at Tuileries station, the same line you ride when going to the Champs Elysée. You will first get a glimpse of the garden and the tall trees surrounding it.

A Walk Along the Champs

Champs Élysée, also known as "La Plus Belle Avenue du Monde" (the most beautiful avenue in the world). It has earned its reputation as one of the world's most elegant and famous streets. Its French name translates to "Elysian Fields", the mythical resting place of Greek gods and other blessed figures. Before this famous pathway became famous, it actually were fields filled with the gardens of merchants who sold their goods in Paris' local markets.

Historically speaking, the Champs Élysée had gained reputation for being a fashionable Parisian spot, as large houses and buildings erected along the avenue gave rise to impressive gardens and landscape. Now, the whole stretch of Champs Élysée is crammed with people from all corners of globe at all time of the day or night. I personally have walked from end to end, like strolling on the shores of Boracay from station 1-3. It was a sight to experience. Luxurious stores array both sides of the street, such as the famous-always-lined-up Louis Vuitton store, Cartier Watch store, Hugo Boss store, Disney and Swatch stores, H&M, the perfumery de Guerlain, famous restaurants like Fouquet's, Le Nôtre, Chez Clément, car showrooms are also a-must-see: Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot.

So, come join me in this photo walk in the street of Champs Élysée.

The Makati District in Paris

It's been awhile since I last blogged. So, where have I been? I went to the city of love, Paris, France, along with my mom and dad. But before I bubble forth the main highlight of my trip, let me first take you to the business, or should I say, "financial district" of Paris.

Defénse Place

Los Banos, Fast Track

This trip was a spur of the moment-kind-of-trip. I was informed Friday night, and to travel would be at 8pm, Saturday. It's a good thing that Laguna is just an hour or two drive from Metro Manila, Q.C.

Los Banos, Laguna is located near the boundary of Laguna and Batangas. It is known for it's famous buko pies and hot spring resorts. The hot spring directly comes from the mountainous Mt. Makaling, which then supplies the warm and relaxing hot spring. This place is much appreciated during December months. :)

Beijing, China

The land of the 你好's! :) It was amazing!! I love everything about Beijing. History, food, shopping!


Let me share to you my 2010 trip with the family. I'll bring you to the Imperial/Forbidden Palace, Wanfujing (exotic delicacies) & The Great Wall.

THE itinerary

Huiyuan Prime Hotel

Bantayan Island, Cebu

My first and last visit to Bantayan Island was last 2009 with my family and cousins. So, where is exactly Bantayan Island? It is located at the northern part of the province of Cebu. From the city, you either travel by private van or public transportation, (bus) all the way to Hagnaya Port (roughly 3-4hrs road travel). From the port, you are not far behind Sta. Fe Port, this is just a short trip unlike the road travel.

The beach is white as Boracay, but not fine like the latter. The long stretched shoreline is great for walking and picking up shells.

view towards Sta. Fe Port

shoreline across Sta. Fe Beach Club

Siquijor Adventure

Last April 20-23, 2011, I was able to visit Siquijor Island. Amidst its mysterious and magical history, the island is actually far off from what had been known. It is a question for me, why Siquijor is an interesting island and why foreigners actually dig this place.

Siquijor is an island, an hour away from the province of Dumaguete. Getting here is flying directly to Dumaguete, take ferry ride, an hour and half. Below is the map of the island, which can be toured for about 2-3hours estimate.

Photo credits: dumagueteinfo.com/siquijor.php

We started from Enrique Villanueva (E.V.) and went to Larena, Siquijor,  San Juan, Lazi and back to Tulapos. We went resort hopping. :) See my adventures below. :)

Larena Port ?

The view from the port

Dining Experience at Boracay, Aklan

I again had the chance to visit Boracay Island. This place has ever failed to amaze me. Plus with the uprise of more foreign visitors, also the new fancy-yummy restaurants. 

Savor below the yummy dishes by Epic Restaurant, Station 2, near D'Mall. And Gelato, beside Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel.

An Early Summer in Boracay, February

Yes, I had an early summer in the land of the white sand. :) A family reunion was held, and I had the privilege of being invited.

Boracay, is till the same, except that it has been commercialized even more. But the one thing that I liked was that they ban smoking within the shoreline, and a few shops were forced to move away from the shores.

We stayed and utilized our time-share at Fairways & Bluewater Resort. They've added a new bigger pool (but it's only 6ft-deep). They still have the "greens" for those golf lovers. We enjoyed Epic's Chicken Inasal, which I ate on the first dinner night.

Nature at Tagaytay

Tagaytay - the little Baguio of the South.

November Essentials - Cebu Trip

I just randomly thought a wonder theme for my November Album. November is the start of the holidays and lots of bazaar events are popping up here and there, aside from that it's also a time for travelling. November is like summer, like May, only colder. :)

To jump start this portfolio, I went to Cebu to accompany some Japanese friends. It was a spur of the moment decision, and I was really excited.

The itinerary?

-B.a.L.I. (Baia Cuore Language Institute)

-Larsian

-Mactan Shrine

-Talisay

-Carcar

-Argao

It was only a one day tour and I am eager to do more of this when I return to Cebu.

Baia Cuore Language Institute, Cebu

Aside from hanging out with relatives, I spent half of July training and observing at B.a.L.I. This is a school for foreigners who would like to study and learn English as their second language. B.a.L.I. mainly caters before to Korean learners but now they also cater to Japanese, Chinese, Thai, some Iranians, Italians and some Russian learners. The place is conducive for studying, minimal distractions (just t.v. and internet). 


Here are some of my "advertising" shots. :)

view of the dorm from the school

classroom hallways

Quote of the Day: "A photographer does not operate a camera in order to merely take pictures. Photographic work is always personal. A photograph reveals the photographer." - Anonymous