Seville City Walk Tour 1st part; The Cathedral and Real Alcazar

8 Days Self-Guided Budget Summer Europe Trip with My Mother

August 18 to 25, 2018

Valencia City Walk tour (Arts and Science Park)

How to go to Seville Cathedral and Real Alcazar;
Both of this tourist spots are just beside each other. No nearest metro, only tram. I bought my tickets via walk-in only, 9 Euro for Real Alcazar and 9 Euro for Seville Gothic Cathedral. Photography and video taking is allowed inside, strolling around will take around 2 hours.

Seville City Walk Tour 1st part; The Cathedral and Real Alcazar

Madrid City Tour 1st part; The Cathedral and Real Palace

8 Days Self-Guided Budget Summer Europe Trip with My Mother

August 18 to 25, 2018

Preparation and Itinerary for the 8-Days Summer Europe Budget Trip

Cathedral of Maria la Real de la Almudena (Madrid Cathedral) was built after unsuccessful attempts of different monarchs from Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor to Philip IV to establish an episcopal see in Madrid.

Royal Palace of Madrid stands on the site of the former Alcazar palace of the Spanish Habsburgs, which was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Eve in 1734. Today, it continues to be the official residence of the The Majesties King Felipe VI and Letizia of Spain, and it used for state ceremonies.

How to go to Madrid Cathedral and Real Palace;

Both of this tourist spots are just facing infront to each other. Nearest metro is Opera Station under line 2 / line 5. We bought our tickets via walk-in, 10 Euro for Real Palace and 6 Euro for Madrid Cathedral and Museum. Photography / Video taking is only allowed in  the entrance area part of the Palace and not inside the palace itself. For Madrid Cathedral, photography / video taking is allowed only inside the church.

Madrid City Tour 1st part; The Cathedral and Real Palace

The Viewing Deck Collections; Grand Europe Churches

A church is a building used for religious activities, particularly worship services. The term in its architectural sense is most often used by Christians to refer to their religious buildings but can be used by other religions. In traditional Christian architecture, the church is often arranged in the shape of a Christian cross. When viewed from plan view the longest part of a cross is represented by the aisle and the junction of the cross is located at the altar area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_%28building%29#Medieval_times

The Viewing Deck Collections; Grand Europe Christian Churches

Kutaisi Afternoon Tour 2nd part; Bagrati & Motsameta Cathedral

4-days Solo Trip in Winter Republic of Georgia 

January 28 to February 01, 2014

Kutaisi afternoon tour 1st part; Gelati Cathedral

The Kutaisi Cathedral of Dormition "Bagrati Cathedral", the symbol of united Georgian Kingdom, was founded by the first king of united Georgia Bagrat III Bagrationi (978-1014). According to the inscription on the facade, the construction was completed in 1003. Bagrati Cathedral is one of he biggest architectural monuments of Georgia. Its cupola was supported by four free standing pillars. On the Eastern and Northern Walls of Bagrati Cathedral there are carved inscriptions. The earliest inscription of Arabic numerals in Georgia is preserved on the Northern window of the Cathedral. The archeological excavations of the territory of Bagrati Cathedral has revealed the cultural layers of different periods, among them the fragments of a 4th century church, the mosaic floor dated to 1003 and several royal burial vaults. Since 1994 Bagrati Cathedral has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

How to go to Bagrati and Motsameta Cathedrals;

From Kutaisi Bus terminal (where the only McDo is located), negotiate a cab for roundtrip (including waiting time for your church stroll and photo-ops) going to the three famous Kutaisi Monasteries (Gelati, Bagrati and Motsameta) for 30 GEL ($17.4) max. All taxi drivers know this places. Travel time to Uplistsikhe is around 5 minutes only. No entrance fee. I strolled this three monasteries around more than an hour including photo-ops and a little bit meditation embrace.

Bagrati Cathedral of Kutaisi

Kutaisi Afternoon Tour 1st part; Gelati Cathedral

4-days Solo Trip in Winter Republic of Georgia 

January 28 to February 01, 2014

Gori short visit tour; Ancient Rock Town of Uplistsikhe

Gelati Monastery, eulogized as the "New Athens" and the "Second Jerusalem", was one of the greatest ispritual and cultural centers of Georgia in the Middle Age. The monastery was founded by King Davit Admashenebeli (1089-1125) in 1106. At the monastery there functioned an academy, where there lived and worked outstanding Georgian scientists, philosophers and theologians. Since 14th century Gelati has been an Episcopal Cathedral. Central building of the Monastery is a central cupola church of the Virgin. Its interior is covered with paintings of different times. Alter alpse is decorated with a brilliant mosaic composition of a standing Virgin holding the Child with archangels on her sides dated to 1125-1130. Other architectural monuments are 12th and 14th centuries. These are; the Academy, Church of St. George, interior of which was painted in XVI century, a two storied building of the Church of St. Nicholas and a bell tower, one of the oldest in Georgia. Gelati Monastery was also a burial of vault of King David. Since 1994, Gelati Monastery has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage.

How to go to Gelati Monastery;

From Kutaisi Bus terminal (where the only McDo is located), negotiate a cab for roundtrip (including waiting time for your church stroll and photo-ops) going to the three famous Kutaisi Monasteries (Gelati, Bagrati and Motsameta) for 30 GEL ($17.4) max. All taxi drivers know this places. Travel time to Uplistsikhe is around 5 minutes only. No entrance fee. I strolled this three monasteries around more than an hour including photo-ops and a little bit meditation embrace.

Gelati Cathedral of Kutaisi

The Viewing Deck Collections; Philippine Catholic Churches

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, reporting more than a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity. The Catholic Church is among the oldest institutions in the world and has played a prominent role in the history of Western civilization.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church

iguig, cagayan

tuguegarao, cagayan

On Khor Virap Monastery Overlooking Mt. Ararat

3-days Solo tour on Winter Armenia
february 22-24, 2013 friday to sunday

ruins of Zvartnots cathedral

I left the Zvartnots ruins around 1400H going to the 3rd part of the tour for this day with approximately an hour travel. Probably one of the most scenic and biblical place I have visited, Khor Virap monastery erected on a hill overlooking the famous Mt. Ararat.

The name "Ararat" for the peak derives from the tradition linking it with the Biblical Mountains of Ararat where Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood (Genesis 8:4). The Bible says that Noah's ark landed on the mountains of Ararat. This does not refer to any specific mountain or peak, but rather a mountain range within the region of Ararat, which was the name of an ancient proto-Armenian kingdom also known as Urartu. Nonetheless, one particular tradition identifies the mountain as Mount Masis, the highest peak in the Armenian Highland, which is therefore called Mount Ararat.

Mount Ararat is a snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone in Turkey. It has two peaks: Greater Ararat (the highest peak in Turkey, and the entire Armenian plateau with an elevation of 5,137 m/16,854 ft) and Lesser Ararat (with an elevation of 3,896 m/12,782 ft). Ararat is the national symbol of the Republic of Armenia, being featured in the center of its coat of arms.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ararat

Khor Virap monastery

Echmiadzin Monastery Hopping

3-days Solo tour on Winter Armenia
february 22-24, 2013 friday to sunday

Garni temple - Geghard monastery afternoon tour

Touring Armenia is like Tagbilaran (Bohol) countryside trip I did last September 2011 in Philippines wherein it is better to hire a private transportation or avail a prearranged tour package due to inaccessibility, unavailability of public transportation and ease of time to navigate the tourist spots on a very limited time. I availed again the Hyur service request tour but this time I customized it by joining two tours for a whole day.

I incorporated the Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) - Zvartnots tour with 4-5 hours duration and Khor Virap tour with 3-4 hours for only 25,000amd ($62.5). I begun at their standard time at 1000H and I estimated to finish the trip by 1700H. Of course same as before, this tour includes admission fees, private sedan car (with free mineral bottle in compartment) and a driver with no tour guide.

Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral against the background of white peaks of Ararat one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. The church was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who was martyred for preaching Christianity.

http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/sights/gayane_eng.html

St. Gayane Monastery

Garni Temple - Geghard Monastery Afternoon Tour

3-days Solo tour on Winter Armenia
february 22-24, 2013 friday to sunday

Zvartnots Airport visa-on-arrival

Upon my arrival in Republic square, since I am totally lost how to figure-out everything because of the very impromptu planning, I always look on map image in my mobile phone how to find the hostel I researched. It did not took long time to find due it was easy to navigate and ask locals. After leaving my bag and having only the tripod and camera to bring, I went outside again with no idea where to go honestly. My initial plan was to locate where was the public transportation terminal but since I couldn't see any, I immediately switch looking for any travel agency. Good thing there was one which is 300 meters away after almost 3 hours of roaming around and asking locals I crossed along the sidewalk.

This is the dormitory hostel I researched almost an hour before I went to airport for departure going to Armenia.
http://www.backpackmojo.com/hostel/armenia/yerevan/67834

This is the tour service I acquired and I'm very thankful they charge fairly and friendly.
http://www.hyurservice.com/eng/trips_request_eng.php

Around 1400H, I started my tour to Garni temple and Geghard monastery which will last as per contract of 4-5 hours that includes private sedan car, entrance fees, a driver and with no tour guide. There was 20% discount for certain tours which will begin on or after 1400H. So my tour was charge only for 14,400amd ($36) from original fee of 18,000 amd ($45).  

Garni Temple

Iloilo City Morning Walk (lakbay rizal final leg)

2nd solo flashpacking around the visayas region in 2 days
september 24-25, 2011 saturday-sunday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly
additional task: finalizing my lakbay-rizal quest, completing the 26 stamps in 2 months

iloilo-dumaguete-cebu on weekend only

continued...

i woke-up as early as 0215H for the earliest domestic flight i had. arrived in NAIA terminal 3 around 0300H. took breakfast first in the mezzanine area on the 2nd floor. afterwards, entered the express check-in counter for passengers who don't have check-in luggage. then paid terminal fee of php200. at 0430H, aircraft took-off at 15 minutes early departing time.

boardwalk jogging place by ilongo's

Camarines Sur Day Tour 2nd part; Church hopping

feeling the new transpo trip for the 1st time
september 09-11, 2011 friday to sunday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly
additional task: to continue the lakbay rizal quest and explore what this province can offer at limited time

new pnr bicol express train escapade
side trip to daet (lakbay rizal 5th leg)
camarines sur day-tour 1 (kulapnitan caves)

continued...

from libmanan crossing, we arrived in naga bus terminal after an hour. decided to ride a tricycle bound to naga cathedral but instead, detour for a local food trip favorite. after eating started the church hopping in naga city proper. started in naga cathedral, then jeepney to penafrancia shrine. afterwards, just walked to penafrancia basilica then went to centro (downtown) for our final food trip for the day. around 1800H, we went back to PNR terminal for another go back to manila rail trip.

naga metropolitan cathedral

Dapitan City Rizaliana Tour (lakbay rizal 4th leg)

what's with this provinces (my 10th solo backpacking)

august 13-15, 2011 saturday to monday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly
additional task: to continue the lakbay rizal quest and explore what this provinces can offer at limited time

weekend journey to zamboanga peninsula
dipolog city hopping (lakbay rizal 4th part)
dakak beach resort day tour

this city is tagged as the shrine city of the philippines. the habal-habal i rode from dakak agreed to tour me also for all the rizaliana spots i requested, same rate nagotiated. most of these can be found within the dapitan plaza. i went first to rizal shrine which is along the way to dakak. no entrance fee and the security guard is the stamp authority who assisted me also on my photo-ops.

disembarco at sta. cruz beach at night

dapitan church at night

Dipolog City Day Hopping (lakbay rizal 4th leg)

what's with this provinces (my 10th solo backpacking)

august 13-15, 2011 saturday to monday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly
additional task: to continue the lakbay rizal quest and explore what this provinces can offer at limited time

weekend journey to zamboanga peninsula

departure delayed at 50 minutes due to congested airport wherein our aircraft places 5th on waiting to take-off, air traffic controller's job. anyways, we arrived in dipolog domestic airport with drizzles around. after checking-out, negotiated to habal-habal bound to bus terminal for the start of my lakbay-rizal quest. then, at the terminal, rode a multicab bound to katipunan town plaza for php18 fare.

RIZAL FARM - The farm was acquired by Rizal from Calixto Carreon, a blind patient who offered it for free out of gratitude for his successful treatment. Rizal refused and paid him Php200 for the land. He cultivated it every weekend with his pupils.

rizal farm pilgrim

Bicol Week-End Express Hopping 1st part (Camarines Norte)

another hitched get-away
may 20-22, 2011 friday to sunday

objective: to visit this best tourist spot and fit to my budget at limited amount of time.

additional tasks: to have this 1st beachineering in calaguas island and 1st look on mayon volcano.

the preparation:

grabbing the outburst of my travel addictness and the opportunity of summer season, planning of calaguas getaway was one of not-so-called spontaneous trip since i just thought of this as gamble adventure, meaning a 50-50 chance possibility. i am very fortunate, once again, to meet mr. yuri and his very kind group and give such a warm accommodation as if we know each other before (my 1st time was with miss mitchie of camiguin).

white fine sands of calaguas islands

tricycle top-load experience

Iloilo - Guimaras Barkada Trip 1st part

bakasyonista year after specials
may 13-15, 2011 friday to sunday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my budget at limited amount of time. additional tasks: to celebrate 1 year of enjoying the company together.

tatoy's eatery

museo iloilo city

Batanes 2nd Day; Touring Basco Capital

holy week specials for a unique philippine province
april 21-24, 2011 thursday to sunday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my budget at limited amount of time.
additional tasks: to conquer this 3 famous place of batan, sabtang and itbayat islands and taste there local delicacies

northernmost best wonder, the batanes islands
day 1: batan island

continue...

DAY TWO: (good friday)
BASCO CAPITAL

woke up 6am and decided to stroll central plaza while waiting for the cafe to open. after breakfast, we started the tour around 730am. in the following order;

mt. carmel church

Bukidnon Solo day-tour

Camiguin - Misamis Oriental (Cagayan de Oro) - Bukidnon trip
Feb.04-07, 2011 friday to monday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional tasks: to conquer the asia’s longest dual zipline and to experience the rapids of white water rafting

northern mindanao slapdash voyage
day 1: camiguin island tourist attraction
day 2: cagayan de oro river rapids rafting

continued...

important note (bukidnon):
Bukidnon is considered by Filipinos to be the food basket of Mindanao. It is the major producer of rice and corn in the region. Plantations in the province also produce pineapples, bananas and sugarcane. Its capital is Malaybalay City. The province borders, clockwise starting from the north, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukidnon

 

dahilayan adventure park (longest zipline in the Philippines at 840m)

my 1st hitchhike in bukidnon

Touring Ilocos Sur (Vigan City)

self-organized budget diy backpacking trip dedicated for my office friends
august 20-23, 2010

ilocos norte expedition (pagudpud and nearby towns)

continued...

DAY TWO:
ILOCOS NORTE Laoag

woke up around 6am, have our breakfast and then head to the plaza around 10am to wait for ordinary bus bound to laoag, ilocos norte's capital. after over 2hours, we arrived and asked locals for the last trip to vigan city which was 4pm. have our lunch 1st and since we only have almost 3 hours to spent there, we have decided to just visit only the fort ilocandia, famous hotel in ilocos. some photo-ops and we rode to their shuttle bus bound to downtown. there we goes, our bus will now going to vigan.

calle crisologo at night

vigan church

Solo Journey to the Cagayan Province

my 2nd solo backpacking
february 18-19, 2010 thursday - friday

important note (cagayan):
Cagayan, the "Land of Smiling Beauty", is a province of the Philippines in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Tuguegarao City and is located at the northeastern corner of the island of Luzon. Cagayan also includes the Babuyan Islands to the north. Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan

callao cave

Some Tourist Spots in Cebu City and Province

long vacation on domestic tourism

january 16-25, 2009

an invitation from a fellow employee, team mate and a good friend due for his 2 great occasions... sinulog festival and his wedding... 10-days journey to the queen city of the south that includes sto. nino cathedral, magellan's cross, lapu-lapu shrine, taoist temple and mountains view park with a side trip in kawasan falls, moalboal beach and olango island.. also, in this area i have my 1st experience in wall climbing..
then, we went outside city and explored the nature beauty of cebu province.

important note (cebu):
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, as the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the Visayas. Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Cebu the seventh best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007, eighth best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005, seventh in 2004 and in 2009.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cebu

Some Tourist Spots in Cebu City and Province