Accor Hotel

Accor is a major universal group in hotels which operates in almost 100 countries. The leading hotel company will be having a 3-day Super Sale in one million hotel rooms at amazing rates across Asia Pacific.

This will be a superb opportunity for travelers who plan to take a holiday break between 9^th of December to 10^th of April enjoying world’s awesome cities at whole Super Sale rates. Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific is valid in the following Asia destinations: Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside, Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Novotel Kota Kinabalu 1Borneo and Mercure Johor Palm Resort and Golf (previously Sofitel).

I myself really look forward to book a flights together with my family particularly in Taiwan and Malaysia. It will be an advantage for me because the two places are just close to Philippines. Also I have heard and seen over the net some of the best attractions to visit and I am planning to make an itinerary in order to have a smooth travel experience. Traveling has been my passion, and I found Accor hotels’ accommodation a perfect partner for an awesome adventure!

14 Breathtaking Castles - A Must See!

In my journeys, very often I like to plan the route considering the castles or palaces I can find along the way. Some of them are hidden in old forests or placed on top of a hill mysteriously covered with fog. Others - built on islands - seem to float on the water, guarding the city nearby. All of those spectacular buildings, most of them still remembering the medieval times, are certainly worth seeing. Each of them has their own story to tell, filled with mystery, ghosts and treasures...

Mont Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is is a rocky coastline island located in Normandy, France. This majestic castle is one of the first places to obtain UNESCO World Heritage listing. It is also one of the most frequently visited castles in France.


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Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of a kind in the world. It was built in 19th-century in Bavaria, situated on a rocky hill near Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, Germany. You can see that the design of this castle is breathtaking: arched portals, all the arcade windows and high towers, columns and pinnacles. It looks like a fairytale castle. Rumor has it, that it has been an inspiration for Walt Disney and the famous castle in Disneyland.


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Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of the unique four japanese castles, which are listed as national treasures of Japan. Next to Himeji-jo, Matsumoto-jo, this was the next best existing castle donjon (a tall and sturdy defense and observation tower) in Japan. Built by Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga in  the year 1590.


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Castle of Coca
Castle of Coca was built in the 15th century for Archbishop Alonso de Fonseca I. It is considered as one of the best castles in Spain, definitely worth seeing. The castle's characteristic turreted structure of plaster and red brick is surrounded by a deep moat. In spite of this defensive traits, the Castle of Coca has been more of a palace than a castle.


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Isola di Loreto
Isola di Loreto is a neogothic castle, which has been rebuilt around 1910, being based on the fortified structure of the castle dating further back than 15th century. This castle was built on island L’isola di Loreto, the smallest island of the lake Iseo. It is located on the north side of Montisola, Italy.


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The Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill of Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. It was originally built in the 17th century by King Songtsen Gampo. The Potala Palace was a winter palace and the main residence of the Dalai Lamas until the 14th Dalai Lama had to escape to Dharamsala, India (he resides there until now).


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Predjamski Grad
Predjamski Castle is a suprisingly placed renaissance castle built within a cave mouth in southwestern Slovenia, with lots of natural tunnels and smaller caves existing underneath, being a safe haven for many centuries for people living nearby. It is located approximately 11 kilometres from the famous Postojna Cave.


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Hunyad Castle
Hunyad Castle was originally built as a fortress in 1212. Many believe that this castle is the place where the unfamous and terrifying Count Dracula was held as a prisoner for 7 years after he was overthrown in 1462. The castle is situated in Hunedoara, Romania.

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Malbork Castle
The Malbork Castle’s construction began in 1275, along the river Nogat in Poland. This castle was made from red brick and became the world’s largest brick gothic castle. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Today, it is well-preserved medieval gothic castle and a museum.


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Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the Czech Capital City's premier tourist attraction. It was largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages.

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Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is a medieval castle placed in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. This castle is still owned by a branch of the same family (for 33 generations!) that lived there in the 12th century.


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Palacio da Pena
Palacio da Pena is one of Europe’s most magnificent and uniquely designed palaces. It was built on the top of a hill above the town of Sintra, Portugal.


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Löwenburg Castle
Löwenburg Castle was built around 1800 as a country residence for Count Wilhelm IX (Germany). This castle was intentionally designed to look like a medieval castle.


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Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a quadrangular castle, surrounded with a huge moat, located in East Sussex, England. It was built in the late 14th century by a veteran of King Edward III’s wars with France. The purpose of this castle was to be a strategical point of defense from a possible french invasion and also - a peaceful and quiet homestead for its owner.


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If you find any other castles you've seen or feel they should be mentionned here - write a comment, please! :)


Source: http://pixzii.com/

Festivals in Mindanao

There are numerous festivals in Philippines celebrated annually. It's a celebration of giving thanks of bountiful harvest in their living or giving honor to the gods or saints. Listed here are the lists of famous festivals in Mindanao.

• Zamboanga City: Hermosa Festival or Fiesta Pilar, Zamboangueños gives honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Pilar every 12th of October
• Pagadian City: Pasalamat Festival, celebrated every 3rd of January
• Cagayan de Oro City: Kagay-an Festival, Kagay-anons gives honor to their patron St. Augustine of Hippo every in 28th of August
• Bukidon: Kaamulan Festival, the ethnic cultural festival happen from last week of February to 1st week of March
• Camiguin: Lanzones Festival, a week long celebration of bountiful harvest of the sweet Lanzones fruit every October
• Iligan City: Diyandi Festival, the feast is done every 29th of September in honor of its Patron Saint Senior San Miguel
• Koronadal City: Hinugyaw festival, a long week celebration of merry making, food festivals, trade fair and Hinugyaw Street Dancing
• Midasayap North Cotabato: Halad sa Sto. Niño Festival, gives honor of patron Saint Sr. Sto. Niño every 3rd Sunday of January
• Davao City: Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, derives from "Madayaw" and "Dayaw". It's a long week celebration of productive harvests in their farm
• Butuan City: Kahimunan Festival, the Sinulog festival alike celebration happen every 3rd Sunday of January in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño
• Lamitan City, Basilan: Lami-lamihan Festival, celebrated every 29th of June in honor of Saint Peter
• Surigao City: Bonok Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw and Pasayan Festival

Stone Tree Forest - Yakutsk, Russia

I'm sure that after looking at those magnificent pictures, you will aggree with me when I say that this stone forest (called locally "Lena's Stone Forest") is one of the most amazing places on our planet.

Photo: A. Butorin

These magnificent natural stome formations are placed near a city of Yakutsk, located in the Asiatic part of Russia. It's a breathtaking experience to see them with our own eyes, so the place is very popular among scientists (geologists, paleontologists) and tourists alike. One "tiny" problem with this place is its location. It takes about four days to get there from Moscow: a very long flight and then a three-day-long boat ride, which costs "only" $500 if you're lucky. But once you get there - it's certainly worth seeing.

Photo: V. Grigoriev

 

You can check the location of the Stone Tree Forest on Google Maps - here.

Source:  English Russia
Photo Credits: A.Butorin, V.Grigoriev

Destination Coorg

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Coorg and the main agenda was to finalise the itinerary for our up coming trail on Kodagu . A lot has been said and spoken about it, but there is always something ethereal and mystical about this land, which the Coorg Gazetteer describes as the size of a baby's sock.I heard more stories, unearthed more hidden temples and listened to fascinating legends. Our Coorg trail will be launched in November and we have quite a few interesting tales for you. Ive just put together a few of our stories in a new blog, MYTS - My Travel Space. You can also read about the Haleri Dynasty in CLAY - a story that was also published in the Deccan Herald recently.We would like you to be a part of the tour..do join us..

Visit Davao City

DAVAO CITY, the largest island in Mindanao province and a gateway to the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area). Davao City is a typhoon free area, it has a fair weather all year round which is perfect for travel destination. Every year the city celebrates "Kadayawan Festival". The name derives from "Madayaw" and "dayaw" which means valuable, good, beautiful and superior. It's a celebration of thanksgiving for bountiful harvest, gifts from mother nature, culture prosperity and celebration of life. The festival interfaces three key features: arts & entertainment, tribal and industrial.

Also discovered in late 1960's, a famous fruit is growing naturally in Davao called "Durian". Durian becomes a sweet famous delicacy in the region.

Davao city is blessed with these renowned tourists attractions::

• Crocodile Farm
• Eden Nature Park
• Philippine Eagle Center
• Paradise Island & Beach resort
• People's Park

India through my eyes- No Please !

Very often when we travel we tend to take pictures of local people. Usually I ask then for permission , but sometimes I like to take a candid moment.

I was in Thiksey in Ladakh when I saw these boys chatting. I asked them and they gave me an exasperated expression..Not another of those tourists , pls ...said their look. I couldnt help laughing when they hid their faces with a lid as a mock show of protest . And thats when I took the picture..I showed it to them later and we had a laugh and they later allowed me to take a couple of more pictures.

Choosing an Airline

Upon choosing an airline, these factors are important to take into account:

• Flight Rates - will you choose to pay $1000 in an airline which has the same quality of service on the other airline that only cost less?
• Safety - airline companies always undergo safety ratings. Also, it is important to do some background research about the airline company.
• Comfort - length of travel will matter. Usually if you travel for eight to twelve hours or more, choose an airline in which you can relax.
• Punctuality and convenience of departure times is also vital to consider.

American airlines is the largest airline in the world for passenger mile transported and fleet size. We know why you fly, American airline company slogan.

The Ancient Manila Hotel

Manila Hotel is an ancient five star hotel that was opened in 1912. It has 570 suites and deluxe rooms. The American General Doughlas MacArthur lived here for almost six years from 1935-1941. The hotel is well known for being the oldest hotel in the Philippines situated in the central point of Manila Bay. Historical attractions can also be seen near its location such as Rizal Park, Manila Cathedral, Intramuros and Intramuros Golf Course.

The Manila hotel carries a typical Filipino character such as hospitality. Prominent people like presidents, celebrities, political figures, businessmen and other influential personalities have stayed in the hotel.

A few of the services they accommodate are:

• Medical/Dental Clinic
• Baby Sitting
• Twenty-four full menu room service
• Function rooms (for special occasion or holidays)
• Business Center with internet access
• Salon
• Health and recreational amenities
• Sports club
• Sauna
• Gyms
• Massage services
• Pool Bar
• Game Room
  

Say it with flowers - Happy Deepavali

" I cannot see what flowers are at my feet,
Nor what soft incense hangs upon the boughs..."

- John Keats

Wish you all a very Happy Deepavali. Enjoy the beauty of these Himalayan flowers which filled the landscape with a lot of colour and cheer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lanzones Festival in Camiguin

Every third week of October a festivity of abundant harvest of “Lanzones” is celebrated in the province of Camiguin. The tropical fruit is very abundant in the whole area of the province which is also a major source of their livelihood. The sweetest Lanzones can only be taste in Camiguin and it is harvested annually. During the celebration, many tourists visit the province to witness the different Lanzones Festival events. Street dancing competition, parade, cultural shows, parties, beauty pageant of "Mutya sa Buahanan" and trade fair of local handicrafts are some of the activities to enjoy during its joyful week of celebration. The feast is also a way to give thanks for their bountiful harvest of other agricultural products.

Paris Top Tourist Destinations

Talking about the most prominent destinations in the world today, Paris is the best! A lot of foreign tourists from different countries visit the capital of France.

Paris top tourist destinations are:

• Notre Dame de Paris
• Arc de Triomphe
• Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
• Champs-Élysées
• The Louvre
• Musée d'Orsay
• The Pompidou Centre
• The Eiffel Tower
  

Taking a cruise along Seine River with these boat trips shouldn’t be missed in Paris.

• Bateaux-Mouches
• Bateaux Parisiens
• Canauxrama
• Clipper Paris
• Lorand Venezia
• Marina de Paris (la)
• Paris Canal
• Vedettes de Paris
• Vip Paris
• Capitaine Fracasse
• VEDETTES DU PONT NEUF (LES)

Fiesta Hermosa 2009

Every 12th of October, Fiesta Pilar is the most awaited event in Zamboanga City in honor of its patron saint "La Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza". It is also popularly known as Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival.

Regatta 2009 - colorful vintas of Zamboanga.

Catch the Fireworks display at Paseo del Mar and other Fiesta Hermosa 2009 events "HERE"

Photo Credit: Yolynne