Summer Sun and Sand at Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai's temperature is soaring so we decided to have a quick getaway to a nearby town of UAE called Ras Al Khaimah. It's less than an hour drive from Dubai. Sometimes, getting out of Dubai is what you need to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life.

We saw some camels along the way. They're really majestic creatures.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a quiet emirate of the United Arab Emirates. It also has it's city centre but it pales in comparison with Dubai when it comes to the fast-paced lifestyle. It is more relaxing and calm in RAK.

We booked an overnight stay at Bin Majid Beach Hotel from Booking.com and got a very good rate with buffet breakfast for 2. The 2 standard rooms we booked for ourselves and our in-laws were facing each other so we got to see both sides of the hotel - the seaview (in-laws) and the mountain/city view (ours). I'll post the review of the hotel later. Meanwhile, let me just soak in the sun and sand for few more minutes before we check out and head home to a busy cosmopolitan city.

And I don't even like going to any beach resorts! But once in a while, it's so nice to unwind, walk on barefeet, smell the sea water and feel the warm breeze on your face. It's all you need to recharge, really...

Ah, it may be the peak of summer but looking at the sea and walking on the beach kind of give me that inner peace I have been craving for. Sometimes, you just have to pack your bag and go... but don't forget your shades and sunscreen!

Going To Europe In November? Why Not!

I am not sure what's happening to me but I have been obsessing about the Christmas Markets in Europe for some time. We have been delaying another trip to Europe for some time now because going to the US was more convenient. However, I really miss going to the beautiful cities of Europe. I just want to check another item in my bucket list. It's something that motivates me to work harder and then enjoy life.

Christmas Markets regularly open at the end of the week of November and open until the days leading to Christmas. I have been discussing this with my dear hubby and our daughter would second the motion. We are just waiting for the hubby's nod so I can finally plan the whole trip.

I am eyeing Warsaw first then will head to Prague and move on to Vienna and back to Dubai. That is one of the option. The other option is a daring and a more cold one. We'll head up north in Stockholm, move to Copenhagen then visit Amsterdam and back to Dubai.  It won't be a long vacation, just 7 days but the whole objective of the trip is to soak in the Holiday spirit of the Christmas Markets around Europe.

Oh, I can't wait! I hope hubby will consider. For a change, I am not keen to visit the US this winter time. It'll be nice to experience the winter of Europe. I am looking forward to that!

(Photo credit: yahoo images)

Munich, Germany Part 3

More photos of our vacation in Munich, Germany.

A little pond in Olympia Park... we fed the ducks!

That way to the Lowenbrau brewery."

We went up this tower - Olympia Tower and from there was an amazing 360 degree view of Munich.

That duckie my hubby fed was so friendly. I wanted to take him home....hehehehe.

The STAR of all season!

Oh my, I was still slim that time!!! Arggghhh!

Munich, Germany Part 2

The next installment of snaps. These pictures were taken at the Nymphenburg Palace.

Nymphenburg Palace is located in Munich, approximately 10 to 20 minutes from the Marienplatz by bus. It was used as the summer residence of the royalties. In 1664, the construction commenced and over the next hundred and fifty years, several buildings were also added making this palace a sight to behold.

This is the street leading to the palace. In front of this is the long canal which freezes during winter time and is used as skating rinks.

Side profile of the palace

The queen! Oppps, the swan just licked its butt! Ewww....

Behind the palace, on our way to the gardens

The sprawling gardens

The Royal Family!

(I have taken this post from my www.riablahgs.com site and moved it here where it is more relevant.)

Munich, Germany Part 1

I have taken this post from my other blog, It's My Party and moved it here since this post is relevant to my travel blog's niche.

We visited Munich, Germany in late August of 2008 before my daughter's school started. We had fun seeing the beautiful attractions of Munich and enjoyed our visit to the Nymphenburg Palace. The weather was great, not too cold and not too hot. The old buildings around the square in Marienplatz and Karlplatz were a marriage of old and new architecture. Just amazing! I don't mind going back to Munich and explore more of it's beauty.

Here are snaps from Munich and do hope that I did justice to the beautiful scenic spots there. Enjoy!

Above is the Rathaus, the new town hall located at Marienplatz. In the same building is the Glockenspiel, a very large chime and clock. It gives off a nice chime on certain times during the day
and we were waiting for the "cuckoo" to do its thing and for the puppets in the tower to dance.

Posing while waiting...

Posing again...

Finally, the chime went off at 11 a.m. lasting for more than 3 minutes.

Vacation Is Over

Breakfast at Bryant Park, Manhattan

Our 10-days vacation is over so soon. It seems like yesterday when I was freaking out because I wasn't sure whether we would push through with the trip or not. There were so many hiccups but in the end, we all found ourselves in wintery New York last March 27.

Hubby and my mom-in-law flew from Manila and were able to catch the second flight from Dubai to New York. My daughter and I, on the other hand were already in the first flight which arrived around 08:30 in the morning, NY time.  I was really worried because I was not sure whether my hubby and mom-in-law got in the second flight and thank goodness for inflight technology, my hubby texted me while he was cruising at a high altitude via the aircraft's mobile technology. After getting hold of him on the phone, I took a sigh of relief. So, we just waited for them in the arrivals area of JFK International Airport for 6 hours. I was comfortable waiting than exposing myself and my daughter by taking the subway. My cousin had told me so many untoward incidents lately and it wouldn't be safe for my daughter and I to travel the subway just by ourselves with a big luggage to lug around. No sir!

We enjoyed our stay despite of the extreme cold. My sinusitis was very active the whole time. My face flushed and cold. My lips cracked and my fingers turned violet for some time. I didn't realize that the weather could be that harsh when we thought it was already spring. So, I was expecting a spring kind of temperature. Now I know.

Niagara Falls, US

Niagara Falls is another story. The neighborhood is a sleepy and yet industrialized town. We went to Niagara Falls (US side) twice because the first time was an epic fail. We went there on April 2 around 9 in the morning. All we saw were chunks of ice floating and mist coming from the falls. The pavement was slippery too and we didn't get a close look of the falls. I was a bit disheartened because we flew all the way from Dubai just to see the marvelous falls. However, God is really good. Last April 4, the weather improved a little. It was still very, very cold but at least, it wasn't tundra-like in terms of temperature. So, we headed back to the Niagara Falls State Park and enjoyed the falls at a closer proximity. It was breath-taking!

I'll be posting pics soon. I just have to clean up the mess, unpack, and collate the pics from the camera. I will be posting reviews of the 2 motels/inns where we stayed at. They're not very fancy and my expectations were totally nil. However, I will give a very detailed review about them so if you decide to visit Niagara Falls, you will consider whether to stay or not.

Well, it's good to be home again. I still want the vacation to be longer but the funds are getting very, very low.

All Set For Spring Trip

This is my birthday gift to me - a relaxing, nature-tripping, cold-weather bashing time in New York and  Buffalo.  Every now and then, I just have to get out of the rut and enjoy my hard earned labour and just go for it.

My only concern this time is my on and off fever due to my pharyngitis and viral flu. Knowing my adverse reactions to most medications, I can only hope and pray that I be well enough to go through the travel. And knowing myself, I will do everything to get on the flight and enjoy New York.

Logistics are set. Hotels are paid for. Rental car is reserved. Plane tickets purchased. Luggages prepared. We're only waiting for the travel date. I also hope the flights don't get too full as we are traveling with my mom-in-law who will be coming from Manila via Dubai to New York. And we don't want to inconvenience her and she's already 76. I hope she can catch up with severe jet lag. Pacific to Atlantic is not a good way to fly to the US. I know that from my experience before. The jet lag wore off 3 weeks after. I just pray that her excitement can overshadow her jet lag so she can enjoy the beauty of New York during spring.

Talking about the weather, I keep checking the weather forecast for any storm brewing. So far, none and I pray it stay that way although rain showers are here and there. I can live with that just not the slushy snow.

We will be spending few days with my cousins in Brooklyn again.  Then we'll be heading off to Bufalo   and Niagara Falls. We will be staying there for 5 days to enjoy the countryside and of course, marvel at the beauty of God's creation - the Niagara Falls. It would have been nice to cross to the Canada side but we haven't applied for a Canadian Visa. We'll probably settle for the US side at the moment. Besides, there are plenty of outlet malls nearby and who will resist that? Not me! Remember, it's my birthday gift!

Spring, Come Soon

Okay. I'm not yet in panic mode right now but soon I will if this snowy weather disturbance in the East Coast in the US does not clear.

My family and I will be travelling to New York this end of March for our annual Spring Break vacation. My daughter is very excited to be there during spring as she missed last year's vacation. She hasn't seen the Cherry Blossoms in bloom yet so we are all hoping the weather gets better very soon or else it will be one very cold (and snowy?!?) spring vacation for all of us. It will be cold as well in Niagara if the snow storm does not stop next week. I'm not keen on packing heavy winter clothing.

I don't mind seeing real snow. In fact, my daughter and I are excited to see it but not in that kind of stormy scene. I am still reliving the memories of Hurricane Sandy the last time we were there. So this time, we are hoping and praying for a nice and beautiful weather to enjoy spring.

So please winter storm, clear up now and bring forth the beauty of Spring!

We Love Disneyland Paris!

They say, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. My family will agree with me in saying that because we have been to Disneyland twice -  one in Hong Kong and the other one was in Paris last August 2006.

We had more fun in Paris than in Hong Kong because the latter recently opened last 2005 when we went. Disneyland Paris is bigger and has more attractions than in Hong Kong.

Disneyland Paris consists of 2 parks:  Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Let me break them down for you in terms of attractions and some famous rides found in each Park's sections.

Disneyland Park
Main Street 

Lovey dovies in front of Disney Paris

• Disneyland Railroad
• Horse-drawn streetcars
• Discovery Arcade

Fantasyland

• Alice's Labyrinth

Nope, we didn't get lost!

• Casey Jr. - le Petit Train du Cirque
• Dumbo
• It's A Small World
• Le Carrousel de Lancelot
• Mad Hatter's Tea Cup
• Peter Pan's Flight



The royalties!

• Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Our Princess enjoying her time at the park

• Fantasy Festival Stage

Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Critter Coral
• Legends of the Wild West



Our favorite ride, ever! This is the crypt before entering the Phantom Manor.

• Phantom Manor
• Pocahontas Indian Village



River boat ride around Thunder Mesa

• Thunder Mesa River boat Landing

• Rustler Shooting Gallery
• The Chaparral Theater

Adventureland

• Adventure Isle
• Captain Hook's Pirate Ship
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril



Hubby, going alone for the Temple of Peril ride.



• Enchanted Passage to Aladdin
• Pirates Beach
• Pirates of the Caribbean



Pirates of the Caribbean ride


Discoveryland

• Alpha and Beta Arcade
• Buzz Lightyear Lazer Blast
• Captain EO
• Autopia
• Nautilus Mysteries
• Space Mountain: Mission 2



Nope, didn't ride this one because I got duped the first time when we rode it in Hong Kong thinking it was some  space train ride inside. Boy, I was in for a thrilling surprise!



• Star Tours
• Videopolis
• Orbitron



Near Orbitron



Walt Disney Studios Park

• Disney Studio 1
• Animagique
• Art of Disney Animation
• Cars Race Rally
• Flying Carpets over Agrabah
• Crush's Coaster
• RC Racer
• Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin
• Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Playland
• Armageddon Special Effects
• Action Stunt Show
• Toy Soldiers Parachute Jump
• Rock n' Roller Coaster
• Studio Tram tour
• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
• Stitch Live


The whole resort is big and has many attractions for both kiddies and adults to enjoy. We didn't have  time to explore the Walt Disney Studios Park as we had to head to Paris' city proper for the remaining part of our vacation.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from in the park. Aside from that, there's a meet and greet session with the Disney characters you love. We managed to scour several pictures with them as we were in the park the whole day until 11:00 p.m. after the fireworks show. The fireworks show was late because it didn't get dark until around 10:00 p.m.! It was still like dusk around 9:00 p.m. since it was not yet totally autumn that time so the sun set quite late.

Buzz, my man!

Still can't figure out if it's Chip or Dale ?!?

Sneaking! hahaha...

The fireworks was spectacular! I could watch it over and over without feeling tired. It was staged in Sleeping Beauty's castle with lights and music to go with it. We chose a perfect spot near the Main Street's grassy areas where we could sit and just enjoy the breath-taking show. I have never seen such beautifully coordinated lights, music and fireworks show in my life and the one we saw there was probably the most beautiful fireworks I have ever seen. I have placed a short clip of the firework's finale here. It's a teaser to encourage you to save up for that once in a lifetime dream vacation to Paris!

Lovely castle at night, getting ready for the big fireworks show.

Marvelous fireworks show. I think it ran for 3-5 minutes until the whole song was over.

 

Celebrants' tiles in front of the park

 I forgot how much I paid for in the park since it was almost 7 years ago. The price listed in their site now shows GBP 52.00 for adults and GBP 47.00 for kids from 3 to 11. The rates are for 1-day pass only for 1 Park. The rates include VAT as well. I'm not sure if they increased over the years. If ever, it may not be that much so roughly, I must have paid around those rates in 2006.

I highly recommend this place to families out there and even to couples.  I have seen tiles with names of married couples who celebrated their wedding or anniversary in the park set on the front area near the ticket booth. So I am sure that Disneyland is great for all ages. If you wish to visit both parks then 1 days for each park must be allocated because there are so many rides inside and shows to watch that you need 1 whole day for each park.

As soon as we arrived Charles De Gaulle Airport, we went to Terminal 2 to catch the VEA Shuttle. It was not hard to miss because it was red and had Disneyland logo all over the bus. It had several stops on the main Disney hotels in the park but it also passed through official Disney resort "other" hotels in the list. Our hotel was Kyriad just few meters away from the Disney Park. The bus shuttle's rate was around Euro 11 for each of us. This may have increased by now.

Going to the Paris' city proper was also convenient. We just had to take the free hotel shuttle to the main gare or train station. The train station just in front of the Disney Village is the last stop so if you're coming from the city, you'll never miss the place.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your magical experience now and visit Disneyland Paris! They have an extended 20th Anniversary until September 2013 and lots of fun and surprises await revelers!

(All photos and video are personal property of www.riatravelbug.com and copyright to me, the owner. Please do not copy or use without written permission. Thanks.)

Holiday Travel

Photo credit: yahoo.com

Yes, we're spending the holidays back home and I am beaming! We've been planning this since last year and I had to secure the vacation leave spot before anyone else does so, I am happy because we'll be spending it with family and friends.

Our bags are packed. The gifts are loaded in the box to ship home. Travel docs are in my water-proof pouch (yes, that's mandatory! It has to be water-proof). And the rest will just follow.

My timetable is already booked with appointments, luncheon with friends, exercise and mini-shopping. I am calling it mini because I already spent so much for the Christmas gifts here so whatever money left I have is just enough to get us through the holidays.

So, we're not packing heavy this time. It's not cold back home. Our clothes are just light stuff with few pairs of jeans and shoes. We also have light sweaters just in case it rains and few of my fave bath foams. We'll just buy the other things we need back home because they are cheaper there.

Our flight is on 19 December and going back to Dubai on 1 Jan. 2013 then back to work the next day. It's a longer vacation this time so at least, we're all not cramming activities. We can find time to rest and relax and enjoy the vacation.

Happy Christmas to all and enjoy the joyous season with your love ones! Be safe and have fun!!! We will! :)

Spring-Break Travel Tips

Photo credit: www.2wired2tired.com

Spring is such a pleasant season to embark on a fun-filled and joyous vacation with your family or friends. The weather is just right and nature's blooms is at their best which is great for nature-lovers.

Spring is a good time to travel but do keep in mind that a lot of universities and schools are on spring break. Expect plenty of young revelers going out of the country to enjoy their short break. For some young people, this can also be their rite of passage, a first time to travel without adult supervision. For the adult generation, this can mean loud parties and noisy young ones in famous places where young spring-breakers frequent.

If you are planning to travel with your family, plan now. Accommodations and air fares can increase during this period because of high demand.

Check online deals for spring breaks and grab it.

Check hotel properties, resorts and airlines for deals they have on spring break.

If you want your family to enjoy a quiet spring break then avoid famous places where young travelers go to during this season. Most of the time it is the beach area.

If you are looking for cheaper accommodation, avoid the dormitory style especially if you are traveling with young kids. You can still find family rooms at a very low cost in hostels and or BB kind of accommodation. Dormitory style of accommodation with communal bathroom can rob you off that chance to have a good night's sleep because young travelers will rather book in affordable accommodation to spread out their budget.

And if you are one of the young travelers who will embark on a much-deserved vacation this spring, start planning now.

Check your budget and book accordingly. It is always great to travel in a large group with your friends so you can get group discounts.

Avoid spending so much money on souvenirs. One or two from the places you visited should be enough.

If you are not fussy with sleeping quarters then bunk with friends in a dormitory style accommodation because you only pay bed space. This will stretch your budget so you can afford to pay on other activities and even buy some stuff in the market.

Go with group tours. Group tours get lower rates than individual travelers. Ask your travel agent for special offers.

If this is your first time to travel then work your way to nearby areas first so it does not burn a hole in your pocket. You don't want to drown in student loan just because of this trip. There will be more trips after that. Just start easy!

For all travelers, try to pack light and only the essentials. Don't forget to have extra copies of your travel documents and place them inside a plastic envelope or a zip-lock bag for protection.

Don't bring too many cash. Have spare cash and convert some of your cash to your destination's currency even before you reach there for transportation costs if you don't have any free transfers. Bring your ATM debit card and credit card for other purchases. However, please notify your respective banks that you are traveling outside your country. Some banks are quite particular with this and they need to know where you are using your cards internationally to avoid misuse.

Lastly, once you have everything set, relax and double check your bags for unnecessary stuff. First time travelers may get so excited and pack unwanted stuff. Sleep early before the flight and on the day of the flight, make sure all your travel documents are in place. Be in the airport 4 to 5 hours early. I know it's usually 3 hours early but me and my family always go to the airport 4-5 hours early to avoid any inconvenience.

On the days of the trip - ENJOY! And take lots of pictures to celebrate life!

Hong Kong Trip 2005

My daughter was 7 when we visited Disneyland in Hong Kong. If my memory serves me right, Disneyland opened few weeks earlier. It was our 7th birthday gift to her albeit very late. We wanted her to experience the happiest place on earth - Disneyland. Also, it was our first time to set foot in the place where I never knew I would visit one day. Although I aimed to visit Disneyland in Anaheim when I was just a kid, I am just as happy to be able to see Disneyland, the Asian version of course.

We flew in via Cathay Pacific using our ZED fare tickets. That means our tickets were not priority and we would be able to get seats if the flight was wide open. We thought November shouldn't be a problem and thank goodness we were given seats right away.

The flight was around 7 hours long but by then, we were all used to the long-haul flights. Also, my daugther loves traveling so we never had issues of her throwing tantrums during long-haul flights. And this would be one of her many long-haul flights later on.

We arrived in Hong Kong in the afternoon, around 3 p.m maybe. The immigration line was not too long so we just breezed through it. We collected our bags from the carousel and bought airport express train tickets to take us from the airport to the Kowloon side where we booked our hotel. The train express had only 2 stops then. I am not sure now since I haven't visited Hong Kong yet after 2005. The first stop was in Hong Kong side and the last one was in Kowloon. Back then, I didn't know that we could take a free shuttle ride from the train station to our hotel. So, we took a cab and was surprised to know that the hotel was just 2 blocks away which the taxi driver missed to inform us. The train ride was barely half an hour ride and the taxi drive was mere 5 minutes from the train station.

I booked our hotel in Mongkok/Yau Ma Tei area because it was cheaper than to stay nearer the Disneyland area. Besides, we want to visit nearby places on our own so we could save money. The Dorset Seaview in Mongkok is only a 3-star property. Here's a tip, you don't need a lavish hotel accommodation when you intend to go around town on tours. Save your money and just stay in a reasonably-priced hotel like a 3-star property.

The hotel was small for the 3 of us. I won't recommend it to families who are traveling more than 3 in a group. The place was clean though and have basic amenities which I think would be enough. It was very near the night market in Temple Street. A 7-11 was also nearby and other fastfood chains and small groceries. Behind the hotel were local eateries too.

Day 1 was the whole afternoon and evening after we arrived. We went to see the light show in the harbor. Then we went back to Tsim Tsa Tsui to check on the boutiques and bought some nice souvenirs from the nearby small shops.

Day 2 in Hong Kong was spent in Disneyland for the whole day. We missed the fireworks because my daughter was already tired so we left before the Disney train shuttling back to Sunny Bay got crowded. We had a nice dinner in one of the American restaurant along Tsim Tsa Tsui and headed back to our hotel for a good night cap.

Day 3 was our last day there. The night before we left, we went to the Peak and Galleria. Madame Tussaud was not yet opened when we visited and there were some renovations going on in the Peak. We strolled around and went home.

Here are some snaps of out trip to Hong Kong. Enjoy your viewing!

My First Travel

The first time I traveled out of the city was in August 1976. I was just five years old then. It was one-day boat ride from Manila to Surigao City with my dad. I don't have a vivid recollection of the boat voyage because I don't like boat rides. I am not a fan of that. So that memory kind of skipped me.

We attended the town fiesta. It was fun! I remember meeting my dad's relatives and my cousins. I ran around the plaza, climbed the staged every chance I got and danced with the locals during the town's fiesta party.

That vacation paved way to more happy travels later in my life.