I Love Alhambra in Granada, Spain

This beautiful city which is located at the foot of Sierra Nevada in the region of Andalusia, Spain is truly marvelous. I feel in love with its beauty adding to the fact that we visited lot of interesting and historical sights there including the famous Alhambra.

The Alhambra is considered to be the most striking, best preserved Arabian palace in the whole world.This is the monument that still gleams bright considering much of Moorish Granada. Alhambra an Arabic word which literally means the "red one" was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada in al-Andalus. It is occupying the top of the hill of the Assabica on the southeastern border of the city of Granada.

If you are visiting Granada, be sure not to miss Alhambra. Our tour guide told us that you must book your ticket months before especially during peak summer season. Alhambra is truly a must to see.

view of the Alhambra from teh garden of Generalife. I am glad to visit it once in my life. I was there with my friend Joy last December 8, 2011. It was a very memorable trip in this Andalusian city of Spain.

The Patio de los Arrayanes with the Comares tower, a crenellated fortress 45 meters high. I wish to go back again in this city and explore more about Alhambra. For some reason, I just love this place.

Skywatch Friday
Weekend Reflection
Scenic Sunday
Shadow Shot Sunday
Sunday Snapshot

Beautiful Toledo, Spain

It is always nice to remember this beautiful city of Toledo in Spain. I visited it twice during our trip to Spain recently. The name of this city has a two thousand years of history dating back to the Roman times. It is around 70 km south of Madrid.

During our first visit last December 9, 2011, we had a tour guide that brought us to the different historical sights of Toledo. It is always interesting knowing the history, culture and people of a certain place like Toledo.

Since this is the last Thursday of 2011, I would like to take the chance to greet all the readers, viewers and visitors of this blog a happy and more bountiful New Year 2012 with peace, love and happiness to everyone!

I am wishing and hoping for more travels next year. God's willing!

taken during our visit last December 9, 2011.

Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage as one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire and place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures, as well as the place where harsh religious persecutions were held against the Jews.

The Alcantara bridge and the bastion on the background in Toledo during the night.

Skywatch Friday
Weekend Reflection
Scenic Sunday
Shadow Shot Sunday
Sunday Snapshot

I Love Madrid, Spain

Another dream come true! I had the chance to finally visit the capital city of Spain. Madrid is awesome! I love love love love and love this city. For me, it is the most unique city I visited in Europe. I can't exactly explain as well but there is something in Madrid and in Spain as a whole that captured my heart. I fall in love with this country.

I have been to some big cities in Europe like Vienna, Budapest, London, Brussels, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Zurich, Luxembourg, Paris, Cologne, Rome, Monaco, Venice, Frankfurt, Munich, Verona, Salzburg, Dresden, Las Vegas, California, Manila, Cebu, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and so many more but Madrid is simply unique.

When I visited Monaco last spring of this year, I told myself, if I have the chance to choose where I live now, I would choose Monaco. Sad to say, it changed suddenly. When I recently visited Spain, I changed my mind. No more Monaco and how I wish I live somewhere in Spain right now.

Ah, I am dreaming again. But dreaming is the only thing I can have and it is for free. In fact, most of my dreams are coming true now. Most of the places that I am dreaming and aiming to visit went to reality. I was there, to the places where I can never imagine I was.

There are a lot of things I would love to share during our 8-days trip to Spain. I wish I have more time to slowly share it here or maybe in my other travel blogs. So please, sit back and relax..more updates and travel images about Spain to come soon!

Lastly, I would like to say,

"Live with your dreams,
Work for it and One Day,
Those Dreams will slowly come true."

Ruby Benz

I wish I had the chance to go inside this palace but a day trip in Madrid is not enough to see everything. I wish to visit this city again in the future. Taken during our visit last December 10, 2011.

The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is an enormous palace, one of the biggest in Europe, with scorching plains of concrete around it. Though it is the official residence of the King of Spain, the royal family does not actually reside here and it is generally used only for state ceremonies. The Royal Palace is considered to be one of the most emblematic and beautiful buildings in Madrid, not only for its location on a bluff overlooking the river valley but also for its architecture and the artistic treasures to be found in its rooms.

Unique Cities To Visit in Europe

Travelling is a passion and the one who get addicted will not let its charm get away. A traveler always wants to explore new places and for all of those, I to want to share my experience of Europe’s five most unique cities. All these cities has had a history of their own and their charisma asks you to keep visit them again and again.

the River Thames and the Big Ben and the Parliament in the background. taken during my visit last 2008.

London:

London is no doubt the heart of United Kingdom. If you are in Europe and not visited London then you have not seen anything in Europe. London a much vibrant place is a city where you can see people from almost every country. London will soon host the Olympic Games in 2012, so lots of development work is on these days. Madame Tussaud Museums, Thames River Cruise, London Eye, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey are some of the many attractions at London. London can mesmerize any one with its magic.

Paris:

Paris, the French capital is always known for great Eiffel Tower but there is lot more apart from that wonder of the world in this city. The question of what not to do in Paris is more important than what to do. The city offers so many attractions that they are even difficult to mention. Stay in an affordable hotel in Paris but make sure it’s in the center. A walk alongside River Seine, Disney land adventure, watching a Moulin Rouge show, visit to Notre Dame or just enjoying snacks at any road side café will definitely provides you the utmost pleasure. I recommend a Paris sightseeing tour if you want to see the best attractions that Paris has to offer. Don't miss to book in advance your budget accommodation in Paris. For sure you can find one, like what we did before.

rainy summer days in Paris during my second visit last August 2010.

Venice:

A European tour is incomplete without a trip to Venice. This Italian city is unique and one of its kind. Also known as ‘The Floating City’ or ‘City of Water’, Venice can easily be declared as the most romantic city of Europe. Beautiful Gothic style of architecture, its fashion galleries, music, art and cuisine thus everything is so special about Venice that one cannot afford to ignore this fantastic city.

Istanbul:

Istanbul, the Turkish delight is the gateway of Europe and is the only city in the world which is located in two continents i.e. Asia and Europe. The moment you stepped in Istanbul, you will mesmerized by the finest architecture on both sides of Bosphorus channel. This architecture gives you the glimpse of so many forms like Byzantine, Roman, Greek and of course Ottoman as Istanbul has seen all of these civilizations in different times. The Blue mosque, Topkapi, palace, Hagia Sophia, Galata Bridge, Grand Bazaar and Princess Island are some of the must visit places.

Barcelona:

It will be great if you end your European tour at Barcelona in Spain. Having a marvellous past this city enthrals you with its beautiful nights and bright sunny days. You can enjoy the Mediterranean climate at Barcelona which attracts sun-seekers from around the globe. Number of interesting festivals and events are on throughout the year at Barcelona which never let you weary. This city is full of life and colors and is known for his museums, Picasso’s paintings and many more.

Although the European continent has much more to offer but by visiting these cities you can feel the soul of the Europe. The joy which you get by having a Turkish Bath or by a quite walk at Champs Elysees Street in Paris is indescribable. Even visiting Piccadilly Circus at London or Barcelona’s old town will give you a life time experience.

I wish I am a travel reviewer expert but I am already happy and contented to share my travel experiences to everyone.