Windmills! Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

We arrived in The Netherlands June of last year (2007) and since then it has been a quite nice experience. I always wanted to travel around the world (who doesn't dreamt of it huh) and my husband's job is a tool for making it come true. The day we arrived here I have been ecstatic of the nice people and how they maintain cleanliness around them. They love to garden and would even scrub and brush the pavement (how is that!). We don't have our own permanent place to stay yet when we arrived so as a result we stayed in a hotel, company paid. Every time we take our breakfast I always dropped by at the counter checking what's new and look for something to read on. I noticed that there are a lot of brochure to choose from on different destination in Holland (other name of The Netherlands). While rummaging, I saw a brochure for a windmill destination which Holland is most known for. The destination is Kinderdijk...aboout 2hour drive from the city we are in. I told my hubby about it and he said that I'll just keep the brochure so we can refer it again and maybe one of these days we can visit the windmill village. We got our place after almost a month in the hotel, our household good arrives and all are set and we are heading to the windwill village. It was raining when we had the boat excursion going to the windmill village but it was all worth it. You can either drive to Kinderdijk or take an excursion boat thru Rotterdam port area. There was no entrance fee going in to the village but if you want to get inside to their windmill exhibit (built in 1738) there's a 3euro fee (we did that). When I arrived to the village I am astounded because I usually see them on tv's and movies now I am here....According to statisctis there are still more than 1.000 mills. Nowhere in the world you will find as many windmills as near (the Dutch village) Kinderdijk. Around 1740 no less than 19 sturdy mills were built here. They have been well preserved to the present day. In 1997 the mills of Kinderdijk were put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Whatta MALL! Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France

This is Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France an active shopping district near the Opera, which recently opened the Saint-Lazare train station fed by a continuous flow of travellers from, Paris’s suburbs and the Provinces. We went to Paris last month (March 2008) to celebrate our 3rd year wedding anniversary and happened to drop by in this big mall after seeing the Opera edifice. I have never seen a mall like Galeries Lafayette or should I say I haven't traveled enough (yet) to see such mall like the one in Paris. I have been to Minneapolis but never saw the biggest mall in the United States; Mall of America as they call it. Paris is an epitome of fashion and it stood still especially roaming around this great mall.

Me and Amber at Galeries Lafayette

a busy narrow streets in Paris (taken from Galeries Lafayette crossing bridge)
What a glowing mall indeed!
The Glass Dome

Cosmetic Merchants on the first floor

The main mall is so nice with 5 floors, balconies and glass dome. Inspired by a neo-Byzantine style, the 33-meter high glass dome comprises of 10 painted windows encapsulated in rich metallic frames and decorated in a sculpted floral motif. The banisters of the lower floors adorned with leaflet were signed by Louis Majorelle who also graced the store with the escalator ramp. If you get tired roaming around there's always benches around the mall where you have the time to think "to buy or not to buy". Impulse buyers? don't go to this mall, it will surely broke your wallet. A golden light was used to create a more intimate environment and to set the merchandise a glow. The store has 96 departments, adding to the traditional offerings such innovations as haberdashery, photography, lighting, furniture, travel goods, toys and tableware. On its higher floors, the store offered a tearoom, a library and a hairdressing salon for its cherished clients to unwind or just to escape from the pressures of the city. From the rooftop terrace, one could see all of Paris, with an unobstructed sight of Eiffel Tower. Shopaholic? then don't forget to put this in your itinerary if you will plan to go to Paris and experience a Parisian life for a moment. It was great!

Busch Gardens-Williamsburg, Virginia USA

The Griffon
Getting in to the park
Lochness Monster

Before we left for the Netherlands we went to visit my brother in law's family in Virginia. While we were there we visited the most coveted amusement park in Viriginia, Busch Gardens (Europe) again. It was my second time there, the first one was when we had our honeymoon (April 2005, I was 2weeks pregnant with my first baby at that time). My mother in law and my brother in law's family was there with us too; we really had fun all together. We only visit the park for a day though but it was all worth it and really wears you out.

Amber at Busch Gardens
Amber on a Merry Go Round ride
Amber and Vince
Amber and cousin Tony on a Ladybug ride
Amber and Daddy Vince again


I am sailing!
Amber frolickin at the Land of the Dragons
Daddy Vince watchin' Amber
My daughter looks sleepy
Amber and cousin Tony enjoying their Ladybug ride

Busch Gardens Europe, is a 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Voted the "World's Most Beautiful Theme Park”, Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides (includes the Lochness Monster which was the first ride we took) and attractions, ten main stage shows to name one which I did watched was the 20 minute production of "Secret of Castle O' Sullivan as told by its young heir, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops.And, there are more reasons than ever to visit Busch Gardens. Now Open, Busch Gardens newest roller coaster "Griffon" sends riders through an extraordinary journey 205 feet up and 90 degrees straight down at more than 70 mph but we didn't try to get on it because of the long line at that time and there are other rides we want to get on too- and that's just the beginning of the family adventure we had that time in Virginia, the rest is history to be kept. If you want visit Virginia, visit Busch Gardens Europe. They also have Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida which theme is Africa. I would like to visit that amusement park someday too. For more information regarding Busch Gardens, Va this is their official website http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/default.aspx check out their newest rides and attraction.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has been the home of America's music since 1967. In keeping with the cultural significance of the music and the heroic achievements of those who form its membership, the Museum opened in a $37 million landmark, new building in May 2001. This monumental edifice is located at the entertainment center of Nashville, Tennessee. I had my own experience inside the museum and it was great. I love the vast collection they have especially the 800 stage costumes worn by country music stars (like the legendary Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Shaina Twain, etc. ) and instrument collections they got (used by Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell). Every now and then they got featured exhibits.

Amber and Vince posing with the records

Amber at lost

Stage costumes display

Stage costumes

I'm a Keith Urban fan! yahoooo!

Elvis Presley's Cadillac car
Elvis Presley's Gold Piano


Outside the Museum

During our visit it was Ray Charles' biographical exhibition which provides an overview of his remarkable career with special emphasis on his country music influences and his contributions to the growth and ennoblement of the genre. This major exhibition opened on March 10, 2006 and is on display for a near two-year run. The exhibition includes artifacts, instruments, costumes, photographs, computer interactives and moving images to tell a country music story about an impoverished blind child who grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and became known as the “genius of soul,” ultimately redefining American popular music. By recording, in his own inimitable style, the works of country songwriters, Charles brought many new fans to the genre. If you happen to visit Nashville, Tennessee dont forget to visit this incredible museum. It's worth it. For more info visit their website for tickets and events http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/

Cruisin River Seine

This is me and my husband with our daughter on board for a river cruise

Last month, I and my husband celebrated our blessed 3 years of marriage in Paris, France. It was really a great escapade; it is so far one the most memorable moment in many of my adventures. Paris really is very amazing. We always gazed in awe. Paris, France is 4hours away from where we lived (Brunssum, The Netherlands) so we just drove there and book a 5days;4nights hotel. One of the things we did in Paris was cruisin the majestic Seine River. We were suppose to do dinner and cruise but we were so tired already. And so we decided to do the noon cruise and had our lunch by the river at Cafe Seine (food was great there too; for a complete meal it is 20 euro excluding beverage). We boarded on Vedettes de Paris cruise boat (11 euro per adult; kids 4 euro and under 4years old are free of charge) their dock is located at the foot of Eiffel Tower it is very accessible.

Climb aboard for a cruise with commentary, and let yourself be taken in by the mythical charm of the banks of the River Seine. See for yourself the very heart of historical Paris, and admire its unique, sumptuous architecture. Make the most of your trip on our genuine river boat like this. You can visit their website www.vedettesdeparis.com for more information.

Pont-Neuf the oldest bridge inaugurated in 1607

The exuberant Alexander III bridge near Invalides, inaugurated during Paris 1900 Wolrd Exhibition

Between these buildings is the smallest house in Paris

Pont de Arts a nine arch metallic bridge; this is the first metal bridge in Paris. Known from the movie Les Pont des Arts a French film directed by Eugene Green.

Let's be clear. If you come to Paris, take a Seine river cruise. I assure it is a great experience. I love Paris!.