What to See Around District V in Budapest

Budapest is a very beautiful city in the central part of Europe. And most old cities in Europe, it is segregated in districts. During my recent vacation in Budapest, Hungary, my friend and I decided to stay in District V due to the many attractions we could visit on foot.

District V or the Belváros & Lipótváros  area (inner city).  In this district, you can find the following places of interests that are sure magnets for visitors. And if the weather permits, most of them can be reached on foot coming from St. Stephen's Basilica as your main focal point.

New Main Street – Új Fő Utca

This is a pedestrianised street in the inner city of Budapest. It has terraced cafes and restaurants that is free from motorists. So, visitors and locals can enjoy a lively break in one of the bistros or cafes or take a seat in the many installed benches along the stretch if the Main Street.


The Main Street stretches from Kalvin Ter all the way to Szabadsag Ter.

Parliament

This imposing architecture with Gothic and Neo Classical design stretches between the Margaret and Chain Bridges. It is located in the Kossuth Ter, right in front of the Danube bank.

You can visit the interior of the Parliament but be ready for a long queue! Check with your travel operator for timings and ticket rates.

St. Stephen's Basilica

I am blessed to be able to stay in District V of Budapest and have a good view of the St. Stephen's Basilica right from my apartment room.

It is located right in front of the Szt. István Ter and is very near the Arany Janos Metro stop.

It is free to go inside and marvel at the very beautiful interior. You can go up the cupola and view Budapest from the top. You can also visit and check the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary.

Most of the things you can see inside are free but going to the cupola has a fee. Check with your local tour operator for the timings and ticket rates.

There is a specified timing for visitors to check the St. Stephen's Basilica. Please, refer to the website of St. Stephen's Basilica when it is open for tourists (http://en.bazilika.biz/)

Hungarian Academy of Sciences

This is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the whole of Hungary. It is located near the bank of the Danube River and few steps away from the Chain Bridge. The academy is used for the propagation of Science studies, spreading the scientific findings, representing Hungarian's Science and supporting the research and development of Science and its associated fields of study.

Shoes in the Danube bank Memorial

I missed to see this place due to the lack of time and hot weather during our visit. I would love to visit this and will surely include in next time.

The shoes are made of bronze and have been installed as a memorial to the victims of the Arrow Cross Militiamen during WWII.

Gresham Palace

The opulent looking Gresham Palace is a classic example of an Art Nouveau kind of architectural design. It is grand and true to its form of opulence too. It houses the expensive and luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.  It is located in front of the River Danube bank and close to the Széchenyi Square and the eastern end of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Cafe Gerbeaud

Cafe Gerbeaud is one of the greatest and traditional coffeehouses in Europe. It is located in Vörösmarty Ter. This is one of the famous coffee house and confectioner all over the world and has another branch in Tokyo, Japan.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

This is a famous bridge in Europe. It spans the River Danube, connecting the Buda and Pest side of Hungary's old city of Budapest.

It is a walkable bridge with a walkway for pedestrians to cross.

Vaci Street

This is the famous tourist pedestrian streets in Budapest. It has plenty of pubs, bars, restaurants, and high end shops carrying branded merchandise. It is certainly a luxurious lure to the unknowing tourists. It's nice to pass by, probably order a cup of coffee and then get going.

József Eötvös monument

He is a Hungarian author and a statesman. He is a well known Hungarian novelist who penned The Village Notary. The monument is erected near the foot of the Chain Bridge near the Sofitel and Intercontinental Hotels in the Pest side.

Great Market Hall (or Central Market Hall)

This is the largest indoor market in Budapest. It houses plenty of shops from paprika to tasty sausages to embroidered fabrics and even souvenirs.

It is located at the end of the Vaci Street.

Elizabeth Bridge

This is one of the newest bridges installed in Budapest, at the narrowest part of the Danube River. 

István Széchenyi monument

István Széchenyi was a Hungarian politician, historian and a writer. The monument erected in honour of István Széchenyi is located at István Széchenyi Ter near the traffic light.

Vigado Concert Hall

The Vigado Concert Hall is one of the largest concert halls in Budapest. It is home to the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble. 

Kossuth Memorial

This is a public memorial in honour of the Hungarian Regent-President Lajos Kossuth in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building near the Danube River bank.

Monument to the victims of the German occupation

This is located in Freedom Square. It is erected to honour the victims of the German occupation during WWII. This is a controversial monument though.

(All photos in this post are owned by ©riatravelbug.com/ria cervantes)

Essential Tips For Aurora Borealis Hunters

As you probably know, the Northen Lights are a beautiful natural light show in the sky that you can see in some locations in the world during the winter. It’s caused by solar flares hitting the Earth's magnetic field and getting energized. Then when they cool back down, they give off the light that you see in the sky.

But as the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon seeing it is not guaranteed. Check out these top tips to make sure you know how to experience the aurora borealis

and maximize your chances of seeing the ‘dancing lights’.

Picture link

Regions

So the first thing you need to know if you are hunting the Aurora Borealis is that in you need to be in what they call the Auroral Oval. This is the position on the globe where the Earth's magnetic field is strongest, and so you are likely to see more of the Northern Lights. There are quite a few countries that are included in the Auroral Oval. But be aware that for many of them, you will only be able to see the Northern Lights in a particular part of the country. Usually, the furthermost Northern areas.

In Finland, Norway, Sweden you will need to be in the Arctic Lapland area to experience the Aurora Borealis. In Canada, the Arctic North is the place to see this phenomenon. Try locations like the Northwestern Territories and the Yukon.

If you choose to visit Greenland in the winter, you will be able to see the Northern Lights all over the country.

Remember that if you are travelling to these countries from Dubai, you will need a Schengen Visa. Check out my post for tips on how to apply.

Light

The next tip you need if you want to see the Northern Lights is that you will need to wait for it to be dark. You cannot see the Aurora Borealis in the sky while the sun is up. This isn't such a problem though as many of these countries get dark pretty early at around 4 pm in winter time. This gives you plenty of time to take an organized tour or just head outside to see if you can see the lights.

Many people get worried that a full moon will cause them problems in seeing the Aurora Borealis. But unless the Northen Lights are really weak, or the full moon is behind the lights, this really shouldn't be an issue.

Accommodation

A brilliant tip is to book accommodation that allows you to see the Aurora Borealis while staying warm and dry inside. You can book a glass igloo called the Aurora Dome or a see-through plastic bubble. Imagine lying in bed wrapped up warm and seeing the amazing lights dance across the sky. If you want to be outside but still like the idea of being warm, why not make sure that your accommodation has a hot tub?

Solar Maximum

Another tip that will help your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis is to do a bit of research into the science of it. The Northern Lights are known to be most visible just before, during and just after a solar maximum.

A solar maximum is the time when the sun is most active, and more sunspots are produced, which causes more flares, which means more lights. However, new research is showing that the Northern Lights are particularly active as the solar maximum falls. This is good news for Aurora Borealis hunters as this is the current stage of the sun cycle we are in.

5 Good Reasons To Make Baltimore Your Next Port Of Call

If you’ve never been to Baltimore before, it’s high time you paid this Maryland gem a visit. Here are five good reasons to make Baltimore your next travel destination.

Image from https://pixabay.com/en/photos/baltimore/

1. The food

Baltimore was named runner-up in Zagat’s Top Food Cities of 2015 and it’s no wonder. In Baltimore, you’ll find everything from comforting, hearty fayre to fine dining. Head down the harbor to sample the catch of the day. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal and fabulous views. Food is celebrated here, and you can attend events, such as food festivals, throughout the year. If you’re a foodie, and you’re eager to embark on a culinary journey during your stay, join a city food tour.

2. The scenery

Baltimore is famed for its green spaces. Yes, you’ll find all the skyscrapers and bustling financial districts you’d find in other major cities. But you’ll also discover that there are plenty of tranquil parks to escape to after a hectic day of sightseeing. The Cylburn Arboretum is a highlight. This stunning urban park is bursting with color, and it boasts a series of themed gardens. Visit in the spring to catch sight of the beautiful blossom in all its glory.

3. The festivals

You’ll never get bored in Baltimore. There’s so much to see and do and there’s a festival of some kind happening almost every month. Whether you’re into music, art, dance or sport, there’s something for everyone. Look out for details online and sign up for mailing lists to get the latest information and book tickets.

4. The sights

There’s plenty going on in Baltimore, and you’ll find it easy to create a packed itinerary. Watch the Baltimore Ravens in action at the M&T Bank Stadium or cheer on the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park. Indulge in some culture with a visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Walters Art Museum. Catch a show at the Hippodrome Theater. Or take a trip back in time at the Reginald F Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.

5. The weather

Usually, the weather is mentioned as a selling-point when you can enjoy year-round sunshine. The beauty of Baltimore weather is that affords you the opportunity to enjoy distinctive seasons. The winter is cold, and you may be greeted with swathes of powdery snow. The fall and spring are mild with unpredictable conditions, and the summer is warm and sunny. You may not be guaranteed clear blue skies. But sometimes, it’s refreshing to experience the different seasonal changes.

If you’re thinking about going on a road trip or you’re looking for inspiration for your next US city break, why not consider Baltimore? There’s a vibrant blend of contemporary city living and rustic tradition. The influence of the sea port has not been forgotten, and the harbor is a stunning place to enjoy a delicious meal and a well-earned drink. There are hotels to suit all budgets and plenty of sights and attractions to keep visitors of all ages busy.

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/aukirk/10116790966

Best Time to Travel to Europe

Places in Europe will not all have the same weather forecast as the ones in the other continents. The Northern Europe's spring season may be a bit wet and cooler than the spring in Italy or Spain. And there is less rain in England, Scotland and Ireland this season as compared to the other European countries.

Summer will be a lot hot and humid to some parts like in Italy and Spain. However, summer in Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark may be a lot cooler than the ones in Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain. So, avoid going there on summer if you can since most travelers coming from all parts of the globe and even the Europeans take their summer vacation and flock to the seaside areas in Europe. This can drive up the accommodation and transportation rates high.

Schedule your travels to Europe on spring where it is not yet that crowded and the weather is still manageable. I have traveled during the autumn season as well (late August - mid October) in Europe and the weather was a bit cold already, dipping to a low of 5-10 degrees Celcius at night. But noon time temperature was acceptable. The accommodations are cheaper because of lesser occupancy rate and the tourist spots are not that crowded. 

What To Do in Amsterdam's Dam Square Area

Amsterdam is a beautiful city in the Netherlands. It is filled with winding canals, beautiful and tiny houses, lined up in cobble-stoned alleys and streets. Seeing Amsterdam for the first time is a wonderful experience and I want more.

My friend and I stayed in the Amstel area where it is walking distance to the flower market, the Amsterdam Central Station, food outlets and convenient stores like the famous Albert Heijn and the Dam Square.

Dam square is a big open space attraction in Amsterdam. Plenty of tourists and locals flock the area to pass by, people-watch, shop, dine, and simply take photo shoots since it is the same place where the Royal Palace is, the New Church, Madame Tussauds, the Magna Plaza, and the National Monument which is just across the street.

Dine

There are plenty of food outlets near Dam Square and you will not miss one at all. Simply stroll near the area and you will find plenty of restaurants and fast food chains you are familiar to. You can also try out their small food chains along the road and enjoy the nibbles while walking around Dam Square.

The Vlaamse Frites food outlet was along the stretch of Damrak. I liked that I was served by a very gracious and elderly man. He even gave me extra fries! Now, that is super customer service! And not to mention, the fries were awesome and best eaten with various sauces. I chose the cheddar cheese!

Sights

As I have mentioned earlier, Dam Square is home to famous edifices. It is frequented by millions of visitors each year and even locals enjoy these sights.

National Monument

This monument was constructed to honour the victims of World War II.

New Church

Nieuwe Kerk as it is called by the Dutch is a 15th century gothic building which held prominent weddings and even Royal coronations in the past. It now holds art exhibitions. It is a church that is not used for any church services but only as an exhibition place.

It is also a burial site for famous people like the playwright Joost van den Vondel.

Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)

The palace may not look very grandiose but once you see the inside, it has opulence written all over it. Unfortunately, my friend and I did not see the inside of this magnificent palace. So, I checked the internet for a nice photo to share here (Photo credit: pinterest.com). 

Interiors of the Royal Palace

Shop

Dam Square is teeming with big, small and other trendy shops frequented by both locals and visitors. Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza and Albert Heijn are the ones nearest to this place.

This is me and my friend near the Bijenkorf.

Nearby Attractions

Here are some attractions near Dam Square.  And no, I did not enter the museum!

5 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Cornwall

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As you know, traveling is in my blood. Recently, I have been thinking about heading to the South of the UK. Cornwall is a beautiful region of England. If you want a relaxing getaway, this place is ideal for you. From the many beaches to the woodland walks, there is something for everyone. When you decide to visit this place, there are loads of things to see and do. It is worth planning your trip before you get there. That way, you can squeeze everything into your stay. Here are five reasons to visit Cornwall soon.

1. The coastal walks are divine

Do you love a good old ramble? If you enjoy walking, you're in for a real treat. There are many great coastal walks in Cornwall that you might want to try. Often, you will find these walks take you across the top of cliffs and steep hills. When you're up there, you will get an incredible view of the beaches and sea. You should set aside a day or two for this activity so that you have time to enjoy it.

2. There are many seaside hotels

If you want to be beside the seaside, you need to find a hotel that suits your needs. I've been looking online and found some options that I think might work. In Looe, there is a place called the Old Bridge House. The hotel is right by the port, which means that it's just a stone's throw away from the water. Of course, there are many little fishing towns in this region. When you travel along the coast, you will find that there are many beauty spots.

3. The people are friendly

If there is one thing you can say about the Cornish it is that they are friendly. The people in this region are welcoming and cheerful. As you travel in Cornwall, it is worth chatting to the locals. Be aware that some of them call outsiders grockles. Don't worry, this term is not as offensive as it first sounds. It just means that you are a holidaymaker!

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4. You can visit the Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the biggest attractions in Cornwall, and it is well worth visiting. You should buy your tickets in advance so that you get the best possible deal. If you visit this park in the summer, you will get to see all kinds of plants. During the winter, the organizers put an ice rink between the large bubbles. You can skate the night away in beautiful surroundings.

5. You can try an authentic pasty!

Finally, one of the main the reasons people want to go to Cornwall is because they make the best pasties in the world. If you want to try an authentic pasty, there are loads of shops that can help you out. After all, you can't go all the way to this destination without trying a delicious meaty treat! I hope this list inspires you guys to go to Cornwall too! I can't wait to visit this exciting and interesting place.

The La Rambla in Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful city in Spain. It is the first time I have visited this cosmopolitan city in Spain with my daughter. I am glad we took the short Euro summer trip this year.  A bit hot but fun!

I chose Barcelona over Madrid because I wanted to visit Montserrat since it is in Catalonia. So, while the intention was to visit the Monserrat Monastery, why not tour Barcelona as well so I would be hitting 2 birds with 1 stone.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Barcelona alone. Fortunately, I chose to stay near the Plaça Catalunya area where famous tourist spots are walking distance from our hotel. One of the nearby attractions is the La Rambla.

La Rambla is a long stretch of tree-lined pedestrian street with plenty of shops, hotels, kiosks, and establishments to see. It is around 1.2 kilometres long. It borders the Barri Gothic and the El Raval areas in Catalunya.

You can also find the famous La Boqueria here. It is their open market selling fresh fruits, candies, beverages like Spain's famous Sangria, and of course, the very sumptuous chorizo in many shapes, sizes, and forms!

We're lucky to have seen many things in this place. It is worth visiting when you are in Barcelona. Be mindful though of your belongings because there are plenty of pickpockets in the area due to the influx of tourists who easily fall prey to these petty crimes.

Here are some pictures I have taken in La Ramble. Do include it in your itinerary when visiting Barcelona.

Plenty of souvenir shops and food kiosks can be found in the whole stretch of La Rambla.

This is a church along La Rambla.

The many variety of merchandise found in La Boqueria. My daughter and I loved the fresh fruits!

Full Day Tour at Brussels and Antwerp in Belgium

My recent vacation in Amsterdam, The Netherlands also gave me the opportunity to visit Brussels and Antwerp in Belgium for a full day tour in a luxury double decker coach. I have arranged the tours through City Discovery for €75 per person.

I booked the full day tour after my friend and I got our Schengen visas because I wasn't sure whether the rate is refundable or not. I didn't check.

So, when we arrived in Amsterdam, I exchanged the confirmed and paid voucher at the Lindbergh Tours at Damrak near the Amsterdam Central Station. I think Lindbergh is a very famous tour operator there because the other tours I have booked from Viator were also referred to Lindbergh. The tours were really great too.

On March 28, my friend and I went to the Lindbergh Tours to meet our tour guide for the tour along with the other members of the group going to Belgium for a full day trip. The call time was 9:00 a.m. and we left around 9:30 a.m. sharp. Our bus was a luxurious double-decker bus and our tour guide was Pieter. He was really amazing, funny and very knowledgeable who spoke really good English.

(Nice mural)

Antwerp

Grand Market Square

Well, the whole tour was great except for the rain but that didn't dampen my spirit. We first arrived at Antwerp and was only there for less than an hour. I felt the tour was too short and I wasn't even able to buy souvenirs.

Statue of Brabo

Legend has it, Antwerp got its name from Antwerpen, meaning hand werpen, in English, to throw a hand. Our tourist guide told us the story about how the name Antwerp (or Antwerpen) came about. There was a giant named Antigoon who lived near the river named Scheldt.  He would collect or rather, impose a toll to those who wish to cross the river. And if they refuse, he would severe one of the hands and throw it on the river. Then, the giant was slain by a young man named Brabo who also cut the giant's hand and threw on the river. Thus, the name Antwerpen came to be.

Cathedral of Our Lady

I went inside the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp in the town square. My friend and I did some posing and took some snaps around the area. It was a very quiet day maybe because of the rain but the town square wasn't crowded.

Brussels

Atomium

The next stop was a quick photo op in Atomium. I wanted to walk towards the Atomium but our tour was only 15 mins. allocation for that area as a photo op session only. I wasn't able to see the Mini-Europe. I will be back and next time, I will stay in Brussels!

Grand Palace and Town Hall

The next leg of the tour was in Brussels Town Square. I am so amazed by the architecture of the buildings around the area. I think, all of Europe's town squares have similar look and feel. It also looked like the town square in Munich, Germany.

We stayed longer in Brussels. I think it was more than 2 hours of roaming and soaking in the precious culture, arts, history and the whole experience.

Mannekin Pis

Pieter also took us to the Mannekin Pis (Little Man). It is the famous statue in Brussels of a little boy peeing. I thought it was a big statue but it was small and you'd miss it if you didn't know where to look. Right beside the Mannekin Pis is a very nice chocolatier called Mannekin Pis Belgian Chocolate.... My friend and I bought some nice truffles for €18 (6 boxes). It was a special promo given to our tour group from Amsterdam. In fairness, it was really crowded and I almost walked out because of some annoying "foreigners" who were haggling beyond "reason." But, it was just right that I took home a real Belgian chocolate. So, I bought and tasted it and it was the creamiest truffle I have ever eaten in my life. You should visit that place.

A stone's throw away is the Leonidas and right at the town square is the famous Godiva. I didn't buy anything from the 2 famous brands because the price might be hefty.

Cathedral of Sts. Michael and Gudule

This very ornate church is near the Brussels town square, approx. 2 blocks away. It hs a nice park in front and.

Royal Palace of Brussels

This is not where the royal family stay. It is actually the official palace of the King of Belgium. Whenever I see an architecture like this, it always remind me of the buildings in Paris. I am sure that this design is typical in Europe.

Cinquantenaire Park and Auto World and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History

After the tour, we drove to a place that almost look like the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. It was a cross between the one in Berlin and in Paris. In both ends of the arc are the Auto World and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History. We didn't go down in this place. It was just a drive-by kind for photo op while inside the tour bus.

NATO Headquarters

Brussels is the host of the NATO Headquarters. It looked like a fancy airport to me but was unable to take a picture as I was in awe and seeing the numerous flags adorning the building's premises is a giveaway that it was NATO.

We just passed by NATO HQ as we headed to the expressway leading back to Amsterdam.


We got back around 8:30 p.m. but was pleasantly surprised that there were still plenty of people in the street. It was weekend so we didn't know that Amsterdam was crowded that time.

I will recommend a side trip to Belgium if you are visiting Amsterdam. Although you have to spare a day for it because it's a full day tour. It's worth the time and money and you get to see another country bordering Netherlands.

If you are planning to visit Belgium soon, you may check out great hotel deals here in my site. Search for hotels and rates here:

 

The Keukenhof Garden Experience at Lisse, Netherlands

I have been dreaming about stepping my foot in this magical garden for a long time. When I have finally visited Keukenhof Garden last March 29, 2015, it rained like crazy! But, I didn't let the rain stop me from taking pictures around the area and savour each moment I had while inside the Keukenhof Garden.

If it wasn't for the strong, gusty winds, the biting cold with torrential rains, I would brave the inclement weather and go around Keukenhof. However, the trees around me seemed like they were going to fall on me each the strong wind blows so I wasn't able to go around the entire garden to check out other areas. I was able to visit the Juliana Tulip Pavilion and checked out Tulpomania because it was near the entrance where there are covered sheds and cozy seats to get comfortable.

This year's theme is about the commemoration of the 125 years since the death of the famous Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh.

There are also other events happening in the garden so it is best to check the website if you plan to visit.

What can you see in Keukenhof Garden?

Flowers! You can see plenty of flowers like hydrangeas, hyacinths, crocuses, carnations, calla lilies, bluebells, narcissi and many more; not to mention the over 800 varieties of tulips planted all over the Keukenhof Garden. Aside from flowers, there are ponds, petting farm and playground.

Aside from what you can see there, the entire family and everyone visiting the garden can enjoy riding bikes outside the garden (biking is NOT allowed inside Keukenhof) and children can have fun in the petting farm and go on a treasure hunt for free!

When is it open?

It is open only once a year during spring time and the date of opening varies year per year depending on the weather. This year, the garden is open from March 20 to May 17, 2015. So, flower-loving visitors all over the world fly to the Netherlands to soak in the lovely splashes of colour from the many beautiful flowering plants in the garden.

Where is it?

Keukenhof Garden is located in Lisse, Netherlands. It is accessible by train, car, and public transportation.

Where to book/buy tickets?

You can directly purchase from their website or through travel agencies around Amsterdam. I booked mine through Viator with a combination tour to Volendam, Marken and Zaanse Schans. The tour is operated by Lindbergh in Damrak, stones' throw away from Amsterdam Central Station.

Here are few of the pictures I have managed to have snapped in Keukenhof despite of the heavy rains. My bucket list is just half-ticked because I haven't seen the full glory of what Keukenhof has to offer. I will definitely visit again next year and I'll make sure my visit will count.

(There were more beyond this shot but didn't venture much because of the gusty winds and very biting cold and wet weather.)

(I was so tempted to take one tulip home as souvenir. They're so pretty and there were so many varieties too.)

(I wanted to dive in this sweetness! They smell so good and looked very fluffy too.  Their colours are much better in person than in this shot.)

The pictures didn't justify the real beauty right in front of my eyes. You actually have to go there to admire the flowers and the surrounding. Some of the flowers were in bloom already and I could imagine how beautiful the whole garden would be when they are all in full bloom (and no rain!). The sight will be spectacular!

Visit Keukenhof Garden when you are in Netherlands during spring. You still have time until 17 May. It is best to visit during mid-April when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is not as rainy when I visited. There are nearby accommodations too in Lisse if you want to book one. Check out Booking.com.

The Electrical Parade (Dream Lights) in Tokyo Disneyland

My family loves Disneyland a lot. We've been to 3 Disneyland parks already: Hongkong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and last December 2013, in Tokyo Disneyland. In all those occasions, we've seen the parades but the one in Tokyo Disneyland was more special and spectacular for us because it was Christmas season.  The parade was sparkly, colorful, electrifying and bright!

The parade in Tokyo Disneyland we have seen was called Electrical Parade: Dream Lights. It started around 7:30 p.m. (if my memory serves me right!). It's a nighttime event given the theme of the parade - full of colorful light display which were very nice to be see during night time, against the dark background of the whole Disney park. We found a very comfortably place to watch the parade half an hour before the it started. There were park attendants all over to inform the people to remain in their place and to instill order during the whole show. The park lights around the whole of Disney where switched off except for the restaurants and shops and the castle. Then suddenly, the music began playing and we saw the float coming out from one side of the park. One by one, the beautiful floats came out, decked with lights and some dancers and famous Disney characters were also on the floats. The shapes of objects were highlighted because of the colorful lights. There were dancers on the street with colorful and brightly lit costumes.

If you will count the lights all over the parade and the floats and even on the dancers, it must be a million!

These are some photos I captured from the parade. It was really beautiful. It's like a rain of lights, and sparkles. We all had a wonderful time in Tokyo Disneyland. We hope to be back this Christmas!

More floats...

and more!!!

and the last one...

New Article Featured in Attraction Tix Blog

I'm so glad to share that my 2nd article is up in the famous Attraction Tix site's blog. It's about going around Dubai on a budget.

Attraction Tix is a famous online ticket specialist in the UK.  If you need tickets on attractions, tours, theme parks and experience holidays, then look no more and check out Attraction Tix's services and offers!

Read my post in Attraction Tix so next time you plan to include Dubai in your itinerary, you know what to do.

Click here for my post.