As promised I’m sharing snippets from the recent Sinulog. Though my photos and video clips are not post worthy, luckily there’s Sinulog Foundation Inc. that gave us front-row-seat feels from the festival. Latter photos are mine 🙂
Pit Senyor!
Category: travel
when in Seville
Seville or Sevilla
— is the capital and largest city of Andalusia – a province of Spain.
Aside from having a very accommodating and considerate tour guide here in Seville, we also had an amazing trip from its historical cathedral, parks and architectures to its traditional and entertaining dance known as “flamenco”.
I begin with the largest gothic cathedral in the world the – “Catedral de Sevilla” or “Seville Cathedral”. Its grandeur is undeniable and endowed with Seville’s remarkable history.
All throughout our trip, I typically start by snatching free pamphlets or fact sheets of the place where I’m in. And my multi-tasking is at its peak when I’m travelling as I listen to our guide, I’d write down notes and take some artistic snapshots of every corner, view and angle, and be mindful of my steps and the road 😉
Historical facts about the cathedral;
- 1184 – 1198 Construction of the main mosque of Seville and its minaret. (Spain was under the Muslims) Parts are conserved in the Orange Tree Courtyard and lower sections of Giralda tower, that I will post separately.
- 1248 After the “reconquest” of Spain by Ferdinand II, the mosque was consecrated as a Cathedral.
- 1434 – 1517 The construction of the Gothic Cathedral.
- 1528 – 1621 Construction of some parts continued including the completion of the bell tower – Giralda tower.
- 1618 – 1758 The Baroque phase of the Cathedral (my favorite period)
- 1987 Seville Cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
The cathedral’s construction lasted for more than a century. Our tour guide told us that when they were planning to build this, church elders declared, “Hagamos una iglesia tan hermosa y tan grandiosa que los que la vieren labrada nos tengan por locos.” (Let us build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we are mad). Well, maybe 🙂 but this church is really wonderful!
- Giralda tower is the bell tower of this cathedral, said to be the symbol of Seville. This minaret is 76 meters in height and was originally constructed by by the Moors in 1184.
to be continued,
❤️mp
Riquewihr
This pretty village in France is the perfect fairytale setting and classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” My favorite town as you may have noticed, I wrote about it in my previous post → Alsace France
Riquewihr a medieval town in the heart of the vineyards of Alsace, France. The charming half-timbered houses were built between 15th-18th century and with a Dolder that was used as a defense/gate from the 13th century.
Posting below the photos taken from this pretty village. This is where “Beauty and the Beast” got their movie inspiration. And you’ll see in these pictures why ❤️ Some I have posted already in Instagram 😊
Indeed, Riquewihr is a very charming village. It has preserved its tradition and beauty, still unchanged even after 400 years.
♥ mp
Riquewihr photo gallery
Highlights of Granada Spain
I’ve recently posted some photos from our trip to this beautiful place of Granada, Spain. Because of it’s Moorish historical background, a particular area in Granada is called Alhambra which in Arabic means reddish walls («qa’lat al-Hamra’» Red Castle). My daughter got a book – “Tales of the Alhambra” as her souvenir that I’ve used for research and information…
Because of it’s Moorish historical background, a particular area in Granada is called Alhambra which in Arabic means reddish walls («qa’lat al-Hamra’» Red Castle)
Alhambra is strategically located with a view of the whole city. The first historical document dates back as early as 9th century. The castle of Alhambra was built around year 889, and this castle became a military fortress because of its location. It was until the arrival of the first king of the Nasrid dynasty, Mohammed ben Al-Hamar (Mohammed I, 1238-1273), in the 13th century, that the royal residence was established in Alhambra. This event marked the beginning of Alhambra’s most glorious period. This sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens. (Sorry, no pictures from inside the castle 😦 we weren’t able to get our tickets)
It was until the arrival of the first king of the Nasrid dynasty, Mohammed ben Al-Hamar (Mohammed I, 1238-1273), in the 13th century, that the royal residence was established in Alhambra. This event marked the beginning of Alhambra’s most glorious period.
Then the Catholic monarchs came and parts of the castle were destroyed to give way for a new palace and the onset of Catholicism.
Below are the pictures taken from our trip, with the above intro and its spectacular sights, this is by far one of my favorite cities in Europe 🙂
more to come 🙂
mp ♥
Alsace France
Dreams do come true.
Alsace is a historical region in northeastern France, bordering Germany and Switzerland. It’s filled with beautiful small villages like one particular place called Riquewihr.
This old town is the perfect backdrop setting for fairytales i.e. Beauty & the Beast. Humming Belle’s song as we walked through this picturesque village. Charming and colorful houses, each has a unique theme of it’s own. And I even found the lovely fountain in this scene of Belle where she sat to read her book. The old town from the 16th century still feels the same until today and for me is the most beautiful village I’ve ever seen. I didn’t like to leave.
“Riquewihr – les plus beaux village de France”
Photos will be uploaded when I get back home, I promise 🙂
We stayed in Colmer, another quaint town in Alsace. Its cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. The gothic 13th century St. Martin cathedral took 600 years to built and stands tall in the central Place de la Cathédrale. The area along the canals is known as the La Petite Venise (Little Venice). You can take a boat ride to explore the old fishermen’s district.
Strasbourg. The capital city of Alsace. Being in the border of France and Germany, it was enriched with a unique combination of German and French influences. Its enthralling past gives this city a distinctive and endearing history.
We took a boat tour after visiting the gothic Cathédrale Notre-dame that houses the astronomical clock.
More to come so please like and follow 🙂
much love,
mitch
travel essentials
We are going on a trip yay!
It’s been 3 years since our last vacation and looking forward for a whole new perspective, visit places, meet people, discover their culture and the best part is to taste their food (Spanish tapas – yum!)
Here’s an accustomed checklist of mine improved through time & designed for long trips with young family members, kids and also elderly having special needs.
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passport (VISA if applicable) – first on the list, obviously you can’t travel without it 😉
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itinerary – unless you want to be carefree with your trip, be adventurous and just visit the places you’d like to see in your own time.
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airplane tickets – internet made everything so easy and convenient. From buying to check in. Hooray for internet!
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book your room – for me this is very important, it’s your home away from home. There are several sites that will help you choose the best hotel that suits you. Below are direct links for legit and safe – hotel booking sites ↓ you’re welcome 🙂
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medicines – the basic over-the-counter medicines, in no particular order; pain reliever, anti-diarrhea, for motion sickness, for dyspepsia, maintenance medicines for our elder companions (anti-hypertensive, anti-cholesterol, etc), anti-histamine for allergies and first aid kit.
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neck pillows – because sleep or even quick nap is a must!
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shawl/cap – to keep you warm & cap for sun protection
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clothing and other accessories – if fashion is your statement
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vitamins and supplements – to support our immune system as we are exposed to a different environment when we travel
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camera and extra memory cards – to store priceless selfies and memories
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phone chargers, cable and adaptor – across the world, there are varying power outlets that may be different from your plug
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powerbank – as we take a lot of selfies, our phone’s/camera’s batteries drain faster than usual
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a good book
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traveler’s notebook and pen
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toiletries
And the rest is all up to you 😉
Food trips
Our family/friend gatherings and travel are Always accompanied with eating. The best part of the thrill is trying out new cuisine from another place. Am sharing the highlights of our food trips across the globe. Food trips from the most fascinating cities and praise worthy hotels/restaurants.
Prepare your palates…
More random photos… just getting started 🙂
So not to overwhelm you, I will post more pics on part 2 of my Food Trips.
See you again! 🙂
– mitch
Sky is the limit
We gain miles by flying frequently, traveling across the country or overseas. But the most rewarding part is having a window seat and watch in awe how clouds transform into magnificent shapes and mountain like figures.
I wonder if flight attendants could still have the time & luxury to gaze at the sky. Most people perhaps are occupied or too busy to see such beautiful creations. Too bad they’re missing a lot…
God, you never cease to amaze me. Your love/compassion is as limitless as the sky you are now showing me…
much love,
mitch
the beauty of Pyrenees
We hired a private bus as we traversed by land visiting different parts/countries of Europe. The view was spectacular, passing through Pyrenees mountain range, a natural border between France and Spain. And I just couldn’t take my eyes off during that 8 hour drive. Ofcourse we have to make a few stops along the road. It’s like watching scenes from Lord of the Rings with larger than life majestic landscapes. 
Our private bus is spacious. We were about 23 (all family-yes!) and the bus has more than 40 seater capacity. Plus our tour guide was very nice. He’s a French married to a Filipina and they own a travel agency which is based in Manila. End result – one noisy and happy bus!
In every roadtrip the memories we make may last momentarily. But because of some technological advancements I can now carry either iphone or smartphone with me (or even better – both). I find it difficult though to photograph roadside attractions during sudden turns and stops. so apologies for my blurry images 🙂 still a rookie.
For me a great road trip is about the journey, and as important as the destination. So having a big pile of photos and editing them afterwards helps me a lot in telling my roadtrip story. A story – consist of laughters, endless chatting, occasional napping, humming with fave music, and fathomless munching on snacks and chocolates. I hope you had fun reading this post, till next time 🙂 – mitch more photos…
Our Lady of Lourdes, France (2)
You’ll see this cross as you enter the sanctuary. It’s considered to be the holiest site in Lourdes, France.
Before, we thought of owning an apartment here. Though one helpful and local tour guide told us not to, because of taxes and high maintenance fees.
Lourdes has become a favorite place of mine, last year we stayed for 4 days and I went to the chapel daily. Prayed and drank in the sacred spring that welled up for the first time during the apparition of Mama Mary to St. Bernadette. The water was cold but it didn’t feel uncomfortably cold and chilly. Going back to the church, it was designed by Myroslav Nimciv, while its Byzantine interior polychrome decorations were executed by artist Jerzy Nowosielski. A beautiful statue of Mama Mary is standing right in the middle & facing the main basilica.
Her blue sash seemed to be swaying gracefully with the wind. And an intricate crown of gold-embroidered her head and perpetual face. The sanctuary is about 50 hectares with 22 places of worships, includes the sacred grotto, two main basilicas (photo of entrance seen below), and an assortment of chapels for the sick and pilgrim goers like me.
Roman Catholic faith is flourishing in Lourdes, I remember hearing Holy Masses in different languages like English, Spanish and Italian. One morning when I went alone to pray, I was mistaken to be an Italian and asked me to take photos of her group with the church as their background. Delighted and out of courtesy, I agreed and then went on to pray in the grotto.
The rest of the places in Lourdes will be featured on my next posts, and hopefully I’ll have time to post more pictures as well. Much said about this quaint town, I heard it is second to Paris in terms of tourism and number of hotels. Most of my happy memories were also from this place, I was solely raised by my grandmother with strict values and traditions and visiting Lourdes is very sacred to me. I’m planning to bring her here someday, if she is able to travel, God willing.
Year 2011 when I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis and ovarian cysts, a condition that made it crucial for me to conceive again. I had Laparoscopic procedures both for diagnosis and removal, but endometriosis in my uterus remain intact upto this day, this is one of the many difficult struggles we have to face. But it has made my faith deeper, so when we went to visit Lourdes last May I was more emotional than our previous pilgrims. I looked at the other hopefuls, some were more ill than I am, and in their stretchers and/or wheelchairs. I know we’re all present to experience the miracle, that one day we will be healed with our faith.
Tearful yet happy, the joy this place brings, never fails to remind me of God’s wonderful grace and love.
❤
mypanoplies 