Category Archives: Travel

🇵🇭 Top Places Americans Must Visit in the Philippines (2025 Travel Guide)

Posted on August 28, 2025 | Leave a comment

✈️ Why Visit the Philippines?

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a stunning mix of white-sand beaches, volcanoes, mountains, and rich cultural experiences. For American travelers, it’s a friendly, English-speaking country, with affordable travel and non-stop flights from the US to Manila or Cebu.

🌴 Top Places Americans Must Visit in the Philippines

1. El Nido, Palawan – Paradise Found

_{By Philippine Fly Boy – Flickr: El NIDO, CC BY 2.0}

One of the most iconic beach destinations in the world, El Nido features limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and secluded islands. Go island hopping in Bacuit Bay, snorkel in Secret Lagoon, and experience raw tropical beauty.

🛫 Closest airport: Lio Airport (El Nido) or Puerto Princesa (5–6 hrs by van)
🏨 Recommended stay: 3–5 days
📸 Tip: Visit Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon early in the morning to avoid crowds

2. Banaue & Batad, Ifugao – The Ancient Rice Terraces

_{By Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0,}

See the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Americans looking for history, hiking, and authentic indigenous culture will love the peaceful highlands of Northern Luzon.

🛫 Closest airport: Clark or Manila (then 9-hour bus ride)
🥾 Tip: Take the hike to Batad village for jaw-dropping views

3. Cebu – History, Beaches & Whale Sharks

_{By Iszaid Bin Idris – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,}

Cebu is a diverse destination offering a mix of city life, heritage sites, and natural attractions. Swim with whale sharks in Oslob, chase waterfalls in Kawasan, and visit Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City.

🛫 Direct flights from the US (via Manila or Hong Kong)
🐋 Don’t miss: Sardine run in Moalboal and canyoneering in Badian

4. Siargao Island – Surf, Serenity, and Secret Spots

*_{By ChaasPrime – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,}*

Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has grown into a haven for all kinds of travelers. Whether you surf or not, enjoy pristine beaches, Sugba Lagoon, and the laid-back island life.

🛫 Closest airport: Sayak Airport (Siargao)
🌊 Great for: Surfing, paddleboarding, and unplugging from city life

5. Vigan, Ilocos Sur – Spanish Colonial Charm

^{By Ray in Manila – Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Philippines – One of The New 7 Wonder Cities of The World, CC BY 2.0,}

For a taste of old-world Philippines, visit Vigan, a UNESCO heritage town that looks frozen in time. Stroll down Calle Crisologo, ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), and try local delicacies like empanada.

🛫 Closest airport: Laoag or Manila (8-hour bus ride)
🏛️ Best for: History buffs, photographers, and architecture lovers

6. Bohol – Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers

_{By Jesse Alegre – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,}

Bohol is famous for the unique Chocolate Hills and the world’s smallest primate, the Philippine Tarsier. It’s also home to white sand beaches, rivers, and adventure parks.

🛫 Closest airport: Panglao International Airport
🚣 Try: Loboc River cruise and zipline rides

7. Davao City & Samal Island – Culture Meets Nature

*_{By Michael E. Peligro – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,}*

Davao, the hometown of Philippine eagles and durian, offers a great mix of culture, food, and adventure. Hop to Samal Island for beach resorts and snorkeling.

🛫 Direct domestic flights from Manila & Cebu
🦅 Must-see: Philippine Eagle Center and Mount Apo (highest peak in the country)

8. Coron, Palawan – Shipwreck Diving & Stunning Lakes

*_{By Rollymagpayo – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 4.0,}*

If you love diving, Coron is a dream. Explore WWII shipwrecks, Kayangan Lake, and Barracuda Lake—known for its surreal underwater thermoclines.

🛫 Closest airport: Busuanga Airport (Coron)
🤿 Top activity: Wreck diving and lake excursions

🗓️ Best Time for Americans to Visit the Philippines

Season	Months	Notes
Dry Season	December–May	Best for beaches & island tours
Wet Season	June–November	Fewer tourists, occasional typhoons

💸 Travel Tips for Americans

Visa-free stay: US passport holders can stay for up to 30 days visa-free
Currency: Philippine Peso (₱); $1 ≈ ₱56–₱58 (as of 2025)
Language: English is widely spoken—no language barrier
Transport: Domestic flights are cheap; ride-hailing apps like Grab work in cities

📌 Final Thoughts

The Philippines offers diverse experiences that cater to every kind of traveler—beach lovers, adventurers, history fans, and foodies alike. For Americans looking for an exotic, budget-friendly, and unforgettable destination in Asia, the Philippines is a must.

🧳 Pack your bags, book your flight, and discover why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.

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Posted in Places, Travel, Travel Guides

Tagged Best places in the Philippines, Philippine tourism guide, Philippine Travel 2025, Philippines travel for Americans, Southeast Asia destinations, top places to visit in the Philippines

Iconic GiGO Akihabara Building 1 to Close August 31, 2025 — End of an Era

Posted on August 28, 2025 | Leave a comment

A Farewell to a Gaming Landmark

After more than 30 years as an iconic fixture in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, GiGO Akihabara Building 1 is set to close on August 31, 2025. The closure comes as its fixed-term lease expires, ending the run of this beloved red-bricked arcade.

A Storied History

This building first opened in October 1992 as High‑Tech Land Sega Shintoku, later rebranding over time to Club Sega Akihabara and Sega Akihabara Building 1 before adopting the GiGO name following Genda’s acquisition of Sega’s amusement business in 2022.

Its vibrant red facade has long been a visual landmark, welcoming gaming and pop culture fans from Japan and abroad.

Why the Closure?

According to Genda GiGO Entertainment’s statement, the closure is purely due to the expiration of the building’s lease. There’s no indication that renewal negotiations were ongoing.

What Comes Next?

Matahari Entertainment, known for operating the Silk Hat arcade chain, will take over the location and open another amusement facility on the same site.

Meanwhile, Genda will continue running its other Akihabara arcades—GiGO Buildings 2, 3, and 5.

A New Beginning Elsewhere

Coinciding with the closure, Genda is opening a brand-new, three-story arcade in Fuchu, Tokyo. The GiGO Fuchu arcade launched mid-July 2025, featuring crane games, experience games, purikura booths, music and medal games—a modern take on the classic arcade experience.

Why This Matters to Fans

The closure marks the end of Akihabara’s last full‑building Sega‑originated arcade — a tangible piece of gaming and Otaku history.
Yet, the district lives on. The legacy continues through other nearby arcades—especially GiGO Building 3—still a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The transformation of the site into a new entertainment venue ensures that Akihabara’s vibrant spirit remains, even as landmarks evolve.

While the closure of GiGO Building 1 marks the end of a nostalgic chapter, it also signals transformation and renewal—both for Genda with its Fuchu expansion and for Akihabara’s ever-evolving landscape. Fans are encouraged to experience one last visit before August 31, and then explore the refreshed arcade, entertainment future at that iconic site.

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Posted in Places, Travel

Tagged Akihabara arcade closure 2025, Akihabara gaming landmark, GiGO Akihabara Building 1, GiGO closing, Sega arcade Akihabara

How to Write a Visa Cover Letter That Works – Tips for Filipino Travelers

Posted on August 25, 2025 | Leave a comment

📄 Why Your Visa Cover Letter Could Make or Break Your Application?

Applying for a tourist or immigration visa? Many Filipino travelers underestimate the power of a well-written visa cover letter—also known as a letter of intent. But in reality, it could be the extra push you need for visa approval.

Whether you’re applying for a Schengen, U.S., UK, Canada, Japan, or Korea visa, a strong cover letter can help explain your purpose, intentions, and ties to the Philippines in a personal and persuasive way.

🎯 What Is a Visa Cover Letter?

A visa cover letter is a one-page formal document that accompanies your application. It explains:

✅ Your travel purpose
✅ Trip duration and itinerary overview
✅ Who will fund your trip
✅ Your strong ties to the Philippines (family, job, business, etc.)
✅ A polite request for visa approval

🇵🇭 Why It’s Important for Filipinos

Filipino passport holders often face stricter visa scrutiny due to higher rates of overstay or illegal work abroad. Your cover letter can serve as your voice—providing context and intent that documents alone can’t show.

It helps:

📌 Show that your visit is temporary and purposeful
📌 Address possible red flags (e.g. unemployed sponsor, frequent travel, etc.)
📌 Highlight strong ties (like a permanent job, enrolled school, or business)

📝 What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Here’s a simple structure:

Header: Your name, address, contact info, and date
Embassy/Consulate address
Subject: Visa application – [Tourist/Visit/Student/Etc.]
Opening greeting (e.g., Dear Visa Officer)
Introduction – Who you are, your travel purpose, and basic trip details
Trip explanation – dates, destinations, who you’re traveling with
Financial support – who’s paying for the trip and their relationship to you
Proof of ties – explain why you’ll return (work, family, etc.)
Closing request for visa approval, thank them for their time
Sincerely, Your full name and signature

📌 Sample Cover Letter Snippet

Dear Visa Officer,

My name is Juan Dela Cruz, a full-time employee at ABC Corporation in Makati, Philippines. I would like to apply for a tourist visa to visit Japan from December 1 to December 8, 2025. The purpose of my trip is leisure and cultural exploration. I plan to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

All travel expenses will be covered by me, and I have attached my bank certificate and employment certificate as proof of financial capacity and strong ties to my country.

I respectfully request that you consider my application. I assure you that I will comply with all visa conditions and return to the Philippines as scheduled.

Sincerely,
Juan Dela Cruz

💬 Final Thoughts

A visa cover letter might not be officially required—but for Filipino applicants, it’s your best chance to humanize your application and show that you’re a genuine visitor. Write it carefully, submit it confidently, and let it support your documents with a strong narrative.

Need a custom cover letter template for your visa type? Let us know in the comments!

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Posted in Travel, Travel Guides, Visa Tips

Tagged Filipino Travelers, Tourist Visa Guide, Travel Documents, Visa Application Tips, Visa Approval Tips, Visa Cover Letter

🆕 Latest 2025 Updates on U.S. Visa Applications for Filipinos

Posted on August 25, 2025 | Leave a comment

Applying for a U.S. visa from the Philippines? You’ll need to stay updated—2025 brings major changes that could affect your application. Here’s what’s new and how to prepare:

1. Social Media Must Be Public for F, M & J Visa Applicants

As of June 2025, Filipino applicants for F (student), M (vocational), or J (exchange visitor) visas must set their social media profiles to public to allow U.S. Embassy vetting. Inaccessible profiles can lead to delays or even visa denials.

2. Separate Biometrics Appointment Now Standard

Starting early 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Manila mandates a separate biometrics visit at the Visa Application Center (VAC) before the visa interview. This means two appointments—one for photos/fingerprints and another for the consular interview. Experienced applicants should note this when planning travel for these steps.

3. Updated Immigrant Visa Interview Requirements

From May 19, 2025, the embassy has begun canceling interviews if applicants don’t bring all necessary original documents. Missing even one document can push your appointment back by months, potentially affecting eligibility timelines and legal provisions.

4. New U.S. Immigration Fee in the Works

On July 11, 2025, USCIS announced plans for additional fees on select immigration benefit applications. The affected categories and fee amounts are still pending. Stay tuned for updates if you’re applying for immigrant or other benefit visas.

5. Stricter Screening for Family-Based Visa Applications

Effective August 1, 2025, USCIS implemented tighter vetting and interview rules for family immigration petitions. These changes aim to reduce fraud and ensure legitimacy in family-based visa applications.

💡 Quick Summary Table

Update	Key Change
Social Media Screening	F/M/J applicants must make profiles public
Biometrics Appointment	Separate VAC visit required before interview
Interview Fines	No originals = canceled/rescheduled interview
New USCIS Fees	Upcoming fees for certain applications
Family Visa Changes	Stricter vetting for family-based visas

Tips to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Double-check social media settings before submitting your DS‑160.
Schedule your biometrics and interview well in advance, especially if you’re outside Metro Manila.
Prepare all original documents ahead—missing documents now result in canceled interviews.
Watch for communication from USCIS on new fees to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts

These updates mark a significant shift in how Filipino applicants apply for U.S. visas. Proper planning, thorough documentation, and staying informed are now more critical than ever for success.

Planning to apply soon? Let us know your visa category and I can help craft a checklist tailored just for it!

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Posted in Travel, Travel Guides, TV Show

Tagged Social Media Visa Vetting, U.S. Immigration Fees 2025, U.S. Visa Biometrics Philippines, US Embassy Manila Updates, US Visa Philippines 2025, USCIS Updates

Book Review—Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories by Patricia Furstenberg

Posted on September 23, 2021 | 2 comments

‘Transylvania’s History A to Z’ by author Patricia Furstenberg is a collection of 26 stories that let us burrow into the history and legends about Transylvania. These stories presented alphabetically have 100 words each.

Just a little story that I wanted to share before I continue telling you about this book—I’ve always wanted to go to Romania. When I visited Europe in 2019, I had Romania, Hungary, and Croatia on my list, but because of time (been staying in Europe for a month then) and money running out, I thought I needed to regroup and visit next time. It was still a great trip, but since then, I’ve become more interested in knowing more about the region and promised myself that I’d see these places soon.

Going back to this short 68-page eBook (104 in paperback), I thought it was an excellent introduction, particularly for people like me who wanted to see a glimpse of Romania. And it has pictures to go with each story which add to the enjoyment of reading it.

My favorite amongst the 26 stories are the following:

A Paleolithic Murder is the opening story and also a very compelling one. In a hundred words, there is already a complete story of murder, love, and betrayal! So good!

Vlad the Impaler – Yep, the very same Dracula in pop culture. I loved that it’s not a boring-ass description about him, but the author just summarized who he is and what he did historically.

X, I Sign My Letter with a Cross relates to the tension about the interracial relations discouraged between the Hungarians, the Germans, and the local Romanians. The Catholic and the Orthodox worshippers were also forbidden to marry during that era.

I’ve also learned about the X we put in letters and how it came to mean kisses. So apparently, the custom of placing “X” on envelopes, notes, and at the bottom of letters to mean kisses dates back to the Middle ages when a Christian cross was drawn on documents or letters to convey sincerity, faith, and honesty. The signer then placed a kiss upon the cross as a display of their sworn oath. That was a fun tidbit!

Overall, these stories are all interesting, enjoyable, and very short too. I kept going back and forth to connect one to another. You can read it in one sitting, and this is an excellent read for anyone like me who loves history!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Date of Publication: August 20, 2021

Read it for free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription:

About the Author
Patricia Furstenberg is the author of contemporary novel ‘Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting For’ and of the Amazon Bestseller ‘Joyful Trouble.’ She writes contemporary fiction, historical fiction, poetry, haiku and children stories. All of her books include… dogs. Patricia believes each creature has a story and a voice, if only we stop to listen.

With a medical degree behind her, Patricia is passionate about mind, brain and education and the psychology behind it. Using her knowledge she crafts stories and poems that are great fun, as well as teaching empathy.

Patricia came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. “When I write, I write,” she usually says.

When she’s not writing she likes to read, listen to music, dance and bake.
This Romanian born writer is living happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.
Patricia Furstenberg Author Page and Blog: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/

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Posted in Authors, Books, Places, Travel

Tagged Book Review, Patricia Furstenberg, Romania, Translyvania, Transylvania's History A to Z: 100 Word Stories

Euro Vacay Day 10-13: New Year’s Eve in Paris!

Posted on January 2, 2021 | Leave a comment

Okay, so I’ve been posting these throwback blogs I’ve been meaning to share pre-pandemic, and I know that we’ve just welcomed the new year, but let me still share with you my very short Paris adventure when I welcomed 2020! I know, who knew that it would be such an eventful year!

After returning from my visit to the Auschwitz–Birkenau camp, I immediately took a hot shower at my hostel and booked an Uber to take me to Krakow Glowny, from where I would head back to the Czech Republic for my flight to Paris. The FlixBus trip back to Prague took around six hours, and from Prague Zličín, I had to take another Uber to get to Václav Havel Airport for my flight via Czech Airlines to France

I arrived at Charles De Gaulle Airport around nine in the morning on the 31st of December, so I really had all the time in the world to make it to my hostel before the celebrations began in the evening. I was expecting a lot of people to be at the airport, but surprisingly, there were just about the usual number of people I see in some of the busiest airports I’ve been to, considering it’s a holiday. It was very easy for me to navigate, and you can also ask for assistance, particularly regarding which train is heading to Paris!

Ah, Paris! I’ve been dreaming of visiting this place for so long, and I was just very anxious and excited to explore the city since I’ll be spending four days here! Too short, I know, but I’m pretty sure there’ll be a next time. I booked my accommodation at the Perfect Hotel & Hostel located on Rue Rodier. Making sure I wouldn’t get lost, I opted to walk there from the Gare du Nord station. It wasn’t that far, and I was able to easily navigate the streets of that part of Paris using Google Maps. You see, I really do prefer walking when traveling overseas! Hah!

The hostel was very quaint and clean, and the room wasn’t so bad. After spending days with other people at night, I was already used to sharing space. After lying down for a bit, I decided to walk around the neighborhood while the sun was still out. It was still very cold, mind you, but the day was just beautiful!

That night, I introduced myself to one of my roommates, a guy from Spain who teaches English in Colombia and was spending the holiday in Paris. I asked him if he’d like to go out together. He and I decided to head to the area near the Eiffel Tower to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but unfortunately, the traffic was terrible, and it would have taken us forever to get there. So, we decided to celebrate at the Arc de Triomphe instead. It was a very exciting and unforgettable experience, to say the least. I had a blast waiting with everyone for the clock to strike midnight, marking the dawn of the year 2020.

In my next post, I’ll be sharing my little walking tour in Paris. I didn’t get to see everything because it was cloudy, wet, and cold, but it’s still an experience that I’ll treasure forever.

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Posted in People, Personal, Travel

Tagged Charles de Gaulle Airport, Eiffel Tower, Euro Vacay, European Trip, France, Gard Du Nord, Paris, Solo Travel, Travel

My Unforgettable Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Tour

Posted on December 31, 2020 | Leave a comment

I never learned about the Holocaust in school. History lessons were very compressed at my public elementary and high schools. My first exposure to the Nazi genocide against the Jews in Europe was through the film Schindler’s List, which I accidentally watched around 1997-1998. I’m not certain about the exact date, but during that time, I was at the cusp of puberty. I was a sensitive and emotional child, and that film touched something in me that stayed with me into adulthood.

I attempted to learn more about it in high school, but the ineffective teaching and inadequate resources left me thirsty for more until I attended university, where I finally grasped the scope of this terrible part of our history. I read books, articles, newsreels, and film archives, trying to absorb as much information as possible. There were so many unanswered questions that I wanted to address, but to this day, some of them remain unanswered, or rather, unanswerable. The ‘whys’ and the ‘hows’ are just too much and unfathomable.

That’s why this trip was especially meaningful for me. Having the opportunity to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, among the thousands of Nazi concentration camps, felt like a blessing somehow. It felt like it would answer some of the questions I’ve had since I was a teenager, and I felt that I would somehow connect with the victims of this horrifying human tragedy, and most importantly, pay my respects by never forgetting about them.

For the record, I do not personally know a single Jewish individual, but I do believe that as human beings, we must acknowledge what transpired here and in the rest of the concentration camps around Europe. I believe that we owe it to the victims to keep their memories alive, to be reminded of what is at stake, and to understand what should be done to prevent such a colossal tragedy in human history from ever happening again.

The tour started very early in the morning. It was freezing that day. I thought I was already accustomed to the cold, but the weather that day made me feel lethargic for some reason.

I took this picture of the beautiful Krakow morning while waiting for the bus to pick me up.

Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, which is 66 kilometers west of Krakow, or around 2 hours from Krakow.

The phrase ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ over the Auschwitz gate is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Holocaust. It means ‘Work Sets You Free,’ serving as a disturbing reminder of Nazi cruelty.

These are Zyklon B cans, which contained the gas used as a killing tool in the gas chambers.

The Museum collections include:

about 40.000 m3 of shoes;
about 3,800 suitcases, 2,100 of which bear the names of their owners;
over 12 thousand kitchen utensils;
470 prostheses and orthoses;
397 striped camp garments;
246 tallisim;
about 4,100 works of art (including about 2 thousand of which were made by prisoners). Source

Our group tour around Auschwitz took about 2 hours, and we had a short break before heading to its adjacent camp, the Birkenau concentration camp.

I bought a copy of this guidebook and Viktor Frankl’s book about his time in various Nazi concentration camps.

I was able to go to the quarters and touch what remains of their bunk beds. It was heavy and sad.

It took me a while to share these pictures I took when I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps last December 2019 because I didn’t think it was proper to post them at all. Instead, I posted pictures of the exterior of the camps on my Instagram page. These images felt too personal at the time. However, I realized that I wanted people to know, especially the young ones who have not heard or read about the Holocaust, to be aware of this tragedy, to understand its history, and to glimpse a dark past in human history that should never happen again and must never be forgotten. We should forever honor their memories, as they serve as a constant reminder for us to always treat each other with dignity, respect each other’s differences, and learn not just to tolerate but to accept and view life as a gift. The victims—those who perished and those still alive to this day—gave their lives to be our social conscience, and may we never forget that.

“For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” – Elie Wiesel

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Posted in People, Personal, Places, Travel

Tagged Auschwitz, Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps, Birkenau, Euro Tour, Euro Vacay, Europe, History, Holocaust, Krakow, Poland, Travel

Euro Vacay Day 8-9: Krakow In My Heart

Posted on December 29, 2020 | Leave a comment

I arrived in Krakow at the crack of dawn, still feeling a bit hazy from the lack of sleep inside the bus. The journey from Vienna to Krakow took more or less nine hours, and despite being very tired from my day tour in Vienna, I was too giddy to sleep right away. Who could sleep comfortably inside a bus, though? Haha!

Upon arriving at Krakow Dworzec Autobusowy MDA, I opted to use Uber to take me to the city center, where I had booked a couple of nights. Before that, I exchanged about 100 euros at the station for some Polish złoty. Just a little FYI—although Poland is a European Union member, they still use their own currency.

As mentioned above, I booked two nights at the Ametyst Hostel, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely my favorite hostel of the whole trip. Firstly, the guy at the reception allowed me to check in right away, thank goodness because I still needed a couple more hours of sleep. I stayed in a six-mixed dorm room, and everything was just perfect! I had my own locker, the bed was warm and comfy, and it didn’t feel cramped at all. Plus, their bathrooms were always clean! The most wonderful thing about it is that it’s just five minutes away from the main square! Seriously, it’s right in the heart of the city! I just know that I’ll definitely go back to Krakow and stay with them again!

I was assigned the top bunk near the window!

After getting a few hours of sleep and feeling refreshed, I embarked on my very first winter experience in Poland! Haha!

The weather was a bit overcast but thankfully, it did not rain. It was just too cold as usual!

Eros Bendato’ (Eros Bound) or ‘The Head’ is the work of Polish artist Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014). Situated in the western corner of the market square, this sculpture serves as a popular meeting place and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

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 district of Kraków. source

Mickiewicz is counted as one of Poland’s’s Three Bards (the others being Zygmunt Krasiński and Juliusz Słowacki) and the greatest poet in all Polish literature.

After Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica is the most important church in Krakow. Its construction began in the late 13th century on the foundations of a former Romanesque church. The new temple was consecrated around the year 1320. Over the centuries, the church underwent numerous reconstructions, both of its exterior and interior.

The atmosphere at the main square was heartwarming! After all, it’s still the holiday season.

Wawel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and cathedral of the Archdiocese of Kraków, located on Wawel Hill in Kraków, Poland.

Of course, I had to take a picture with one of Pope John Paul II’s statues in Krakow. This life-sized monument of the former local lad turned Pope turned Saint John Paul II stands across from Wawel Cathedral, near the entrance of the Cathedral Museum. Interestingly, the museum was opened by the man himself, then Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, back in 1978. Source

Christmas has just ended, and 2020 is fast approaching. How I wish I could go back to those days when we were all still unaware of Covid-19.

My dinner! Ugh! This was actually more than it looks here!

I’ve almost forgot about this but it’s good!

This was just a couple of blocks away from the hostel! Ugh! Seeing this made me miss Krakow even more!

I think I returned to the hostel after 11 PM. I still need to wake up early the following day for the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour I booked via Klook!

Krakow will always hold a special place in my heart. Ugh. Writing about this part of the trip made me emotional for some reason. I hope to come back here real soon.

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Posted in People, Photography, Places, Travel

Tagged Euro Trip, Euro Vacay, Europe, Krakow, Poland, Pope John Paul II, Solo Travel, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Travel

Euro Vacay Day 7: My POV of Vienna, Before Sunrise Style

Posted on December 29, 2020 | Leave a comment

Let me tell you that for most of this trip, I’ve relied on FlixBus to take me from point A to point B and vice versa. Now, here’s a little glimpse of my day trip in Vienna before heading to Krakow, Poland.

Similar to Prague, Vienna wasn’t on my original itinerary. But since it’s relatively close by, I thought I might as well take a look at this beautiful and historical city. It also happens to be the main setting of one of my all-time favorite films—Before Sunrise.

This was technically the first snow I’ve seen during this whole trip, and I was inside the bus heading to Vienna. According to my iPhone, we were in Ruda at that time.

I had to leave my luggage at Vienna West Station and only took a string bag and some granola bars. I also bought a one-day transportation ticket to explore Vienna for the whole day (which, by the way, I was not able to use extensively!)

Noticed this first inside the mall at the train station.

I walked my way to the Zollamssteg Bridge—this is where the protagonists Jesse and Celine from ‘Before Sunrise’ meet the guys promoting their play. It’s located alongside a railway station, as evidenced by the shot of the rail lines passing diagonally beneath the bridge. Since I was the only person there that day, I took the chance to do a bit of a photoshoot, with the help of my ever-reliable tripod, of course! 😅

I mean, I don’t really need to go inside a museum here.

Next stop: The Wiener Riesenrad, a giant ferris wheel at the western end of Prater Park. This is where Jesse and Celine shared their first kiss.

I decided to walk all over the city because I felt like I might get lost if I used the tram. It was definitely worth it, though, because I got to experience the city’s vibe much more.

In front of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and stands as one of the most significant landmarks in Austria.

*Albertina Palais Museum.*
This is where Jesse recites part of W.H. Auden’s ‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ to Celine on the balcony of the museum: ‘O let not Time deceive you, You cannot conquer Time.

Ugh. I felt so kilig remembering the scene at this location!

By this point, it was getting late, and I was getting kind of tired. Since there was a line to get in, I decided to just take this quick selfie. This is where that iconic telephone game happened! I wanted to try it if only I had someone with me. Haha!

My final stop was at the 15th-century Gothic church of Maria am Gestade, located at Salvatorgasse 12.

I don’t pray often, but I found myself praying here. There’s just something about this church, being alone at the time, that allowed me to truly connect.

While it wasn’t a complete Before Sunrise tour, I realized that I may have to return next time. A day tour here isn’t enough to fully savor what the city has to offer.

So, for the record, this was the shortest stay I’ve ever had in any country. I cannot wait to visit again!

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Posted in Others, Places, Travel

Tagged Albertina Palais Museum, Austria, Before Sunrise, Church of Maria Em Gestade, Euro Trip, Euro Vacay, Europe, Schengen Country, Schengen Visa, Solo Travel, Sperl Cafe, Travel, Vienna, Wien Westbahnhof, Wiener Riesenrad, Zollamssteg Bridge

Euro Vacay Day 1-4: Berlin, Berlin…

Posted on December 23, 2020 | Leave a comment

I was very excited to finally set foot in Europe, and with Berlin being one of the must-visit cities on my bucket list, I’m really beyond thrilled! The immigration officials weren’t as stern as I expected them to be, based on the horror stories I’ve read and heard about some people’s experiences. They simply asked about the purpose of my trip and the countries I’ll be visiting. It took less than a minute, I think, and I was permitted entry to Germany!

After planning this trip for almost a year, you would think that I had covered all the bases already, but no—my Qatar Airways flight landed at Berlin Tegel Airport around 10 o’clock in the evening. Most, if not all, of the stores at the airport were already closed! And, stupid me, I was expecting the stores to be open 24 hours where I could buy an international SIM card for my data! So my only option was to ask the airport staff how to get to my hostel for my four days in the city! There were buses that could take you anywhere in the city, and a tram too. I mean, this is Germany after all, but I was still totally clueless since I had no internet to Google where I was, so I just checked my accommodation booking and prayed to the gods that I’d get off at the right station. Bad news, I did not. Haha. I was literally lost and walking aimlessly in the cold night of Berlin. And there were only a few people out and about. Remember, this was winter time, and I think it was already past eleven in the evening.

Thank goodness, though, because I bumped into Norah—a local from Berlin who helped me find my hostel. She was truly a godsend because I was just getting really cold by the time I ran into her. I told her the whole story about not being able to get a new SIM card at the airport, and I just showed her my booking printout. She took me to my hostel right then and there.

My accommodation in Berlin was at the St. Christopher Inn Berlin-Mitte. They were very gracious, and the hostel was actually quite nice for a solo traveler like myself. One of the staff members at the reception asked me where I was from, and when I told him that I’m from the Philippines, he smiled and mentioned that his mom is Filipino! It was an instant connection! I absolutely loved the location of the hostel—it was perfect because everything was within walking distance to all the tourist attractions! I swear, I didn’t have to use any transportation system during my 4 days in Berlin.

The following day wasn’t as eventful as I would have liked it to be because I was still adjusting to the cold weather! I simply went out first to familiarize myself—I visited the Berlin Cathedral, where I attended a mass on Day 3, the Altes Museum, Humboldt University, Alexanderplatz, and more. It was all so fascinating to me, and I still can’t believe that I made it here! While for some people, this might seem insignificant, for someone like me who grew up in the countryside, this is undoubtedly a whole new world!

Here are some of the pictures I took on my first foray into Berlin.

This was December 25th of last year! It marked my first time spending Christmas outside of the country, and alone, for that matter. While for some, this might seem like a sad setup since I’m usually with my family during this season, I was actually having the time of my life, so all’s good!