Showing posts with label around the world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label around the world. Show all posts

Lisbon, Portugal in 6 hours - Photo Album

Lisbon, Portugal in 6 hours.

Perhaps, when you read the title of this post, you will think how ambitious it will be to explore the beauty of Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, only in 6 hours.
Well, apparently, I managed to do that, although I only covered a few famous spots!
It will of course be best if you can stay for 3, 6, or even weeks here in Lisbon.
But if you only have more or less 6 hours for transit, like what I had on my way from Paris to New York City last year, we still can enjoy this beautiful city.


Arco da Rua Augusta, one corner of Praça do Comércio
Lisbon, or Lisboa or Lisabon, is one of the oldest cities in the world.
With its strategic location and direct access to the Atlantic cities, Lisbon has served as major cities for trades, business, as well as political and cultural activities during  Julius Cesar era. Portugueses also came to Indonesia for a while in the 15th century but they didn't stay for long.

This capital city has long been well known for its endless beauty, offering the visitors with amazing views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains and hills, wonderful architectures ranging from from castles, churches to plazas, rich histories and delectable cuisines, to mention a few.


Just landed..
When I landed from Paris, I immediately took the bus from the airport to the city center. It took around 45 minutes with the usual traffic and it was very convenient. I guess I only paid around 9 Euro for 1 trip. 


The super comfortable Yellow Bus
I stopped near Praça do Comércio, at one of the airport shuttle bus stops.

From there, I walked around 10 minutes to explore the surrounding area. 
As you know, the commercial plaza is a wide, spacious area lined with cafes, shops, and some governmental buildings (judging from the names). I really enjoyed my morning walk under the blue sky and balmy weather.


the tram service at the city center

I love the bright yellow mustard buildings surrounding the Plaza. It is the Ministry of Justice building, with some elegant touch and beautiful alleys as well as  chandeliers. Even in the morning - around 8 AM when I arrived, visitors were flocking around already.


Good morning from me..
In the center of that building, you will see the triumphal arch Arco da Rua Augusta, depicting some sculpted figures and coat of arms. It's an interesting sight to those who love taking pictures like me. I also walked to the coastal 

Then I decided to rent a Tuk-tuk to explore more parts of the city.
Yes, Tuk-tuk...like the one we have seen in Thailand.

The tuk-tuk I rent in Lisbon

I knew I have some hours but judging from the beautiful spots I could explore and the fact that Lisbon is very hilly, I then set my heart to take Tuk-tuk. And I made the right decision indeed!
You wanna know the whole story?

Before I spill more beans, let's enjoy this parade of photos I took during my transit in Lisbon, Portugal.



me against the raising sun :)

Statue of Dom José I in the middle of the Commercial Plaza

Sé de Lisboa...the Chatedral of Lisbon

One of the ceramic patterns in Lisbon

Love the murals near Alfama



View from Alfama



Lisbon from above, view from Miraduoro da Senhora Do Monte




I just love these serving plates and mugs with typical Portuguese patterns
What do you think?
Do you like Lisbon, Portugal, just like me?
Feels like coming down here as well?
Me, too!
Wait for more details on the next post.





Sunrise at Havana, Cuba

morning from Havana, Cuba


I haven't really got a chance to share more of my last trip to Havana, Cuba.
It has been a wonderful trip indeed and the fact that I went there with my dearest sister-in-crime, Erma.


Cheers...
We flew from New York City by Jet Blue with direct flight.
It took us around 6 hours to get to Havana and we went directly to our Hotel ini NH Capri Havana and had drinks as well as enjoying sunset at Hotel Nacional.
Four days and three nights, we explored this historical, vibrant city.
I have to say the city of Havana is INCREDIBLE!
The people, the sight, the architectures, the sound, the vibe...so unique!
I will definitely share our traveling story here in wonderful Cuba.


sunrise at Havana, Cuba
to my dearest Em(b)ak Cerca :)
And let me now share our last morning in Cuba where we went to Hotel Nacional, walked along the famous El Malecon, and enjoyed beautiful sunrise.




Havana, Cuba
Viva La Cuba!
We're not the only one enjoying sunrise at El Malecon

houses in Havana, Cuba
One of the houses we passed as we walked to El Malecon
Cuba signage, Havana, Cuba
Cheers from me and mini me :)
Have you been to Havana, Cuba, before?
Do you like it?
What do you have in mind when you hear the word 'Cuba'?
Do you like Latin American cultures and food?



Join us on Skywatch Friday and enjoy the beautiful sky from all over the world

Hot Summer Day at Tokyo DisneySea

Hot Summer Day at Tokyo DisneySea!

Tokyo DisnyeSea


I was enjoying the theme park as well as its beautiful surroundings during my recent transit on my way back home from NYC to Japan.
Well, I'm truly a Disney Girl and I just didn't want to miss the golden opportunity to visit one of my happy places on earth.


So I set my heart on going here early in the morning.

It was indeed a lovely place to be with all those rides and Disney-themed attractions!
And in 2018, Tokyo Disney celebrates its 35th anniversary as well.
So you can see so many special events and celebrations here.


Mickey Mouse in different costume
Although I have come before 8 AM, the park was already packed!
It's summer break, so I kind of anticipate what will happen.
So, I took my chances and tried to get to the lines and using my fast pass as many times as possible.

Cheers..it was super hot that day but I love it!

Strolling around the park in between queuing up, I really enjoyed the beautiful sky.
And this theme park is perfectly located in Chiba, Japan, but Tokyo Bay.
Check out some photos I took during my visit there.




Near the Arabian Coast area

reminds me of Montauk, New York!

Arabian Coast, Tokyo DisneySea


Join us on Skywatch Friday and enjoy the beautiful sky from all over the world

Uraeus - Anselm Kiefer at Rockefeller Center

Clear blue sky at Rockefeller Center!



I was strolling around Rockefeller Center and enjoying another art presentation here.
This time we have Uraeus, interesting work of Anselm Kiefer.
Huge open book that has wings, with a large snake crawling up.
Interesting, isn't it?
Against the blue sky, this statue is really striking.



Here's what I got from Rockefeller Center's website regarding the work:

"The sculpture's cryptic title, Uraeus, refers to the erect shape of the Egyptian cobra, associated with the serpent goddess Wadjet and a symbol of power and divine authority. The wings evoke the headdresses and necklaces worn by Egyptian royalty in homage to the vulture goddess Nekhbet. Wadjet and Nekhbet were the guardians of Lower and Upper Egypt, respectively, and following ancient Egypt's unification, became the joint patrons of the civilization."


It is put in the Channel Garden facing the Fifth Avenue and will be displayed from May 2nd to July 22, 2018.






Join us on Skywatch Friday and enjoy the beauty of the skies from all over the world

Welcome to Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean!

Welcome to Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean!

I am officially exploring the Caribbean and Grenada is my 6th Caribbean countries.
I am super lucky indeed!
In the course of one year, I was somehow assigned to attend meetings and special missions in the Caribbean.
This time, I have Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean, to explore.
Well, exploring this beautiful place in between meetings :).

And I have to say, I'm in love!
Grenada is truly wonderful.
It has stolen my heart since day one.

Picture this!
Miles of unspoiled white powdery beach and turquoise water, friendly smiles and exquisites cuisine to cater your hunger and the love of food. 
And those are only the beginning.


Turquoise water! Heaven..
When I first landed here after a 5-hour non-stop flight, I know it's going to be another unforgettable trip. I came here for work so I have to say I was not ready with all the information about this beautiful country. Instead, I brought all those drafts and documents in my bags. But I have to admit, I tossed everything in my suitcase, including my diving suite and gears.

We were welcome by a special Protocol team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Grenada. Getting some help with the immigrations and luggages really sped up the process.
We went directly to our hotel from Maurice Bishop International Airport, which is only a short 15 minutes trip. Fast and zero traffic!


Getting to the Island vibes :)
As we touched down at our hotel as well as the venue of the meeting, Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, I felt like waking on the beach instantly!
From the balcony of my beach front room, I could see the famous Grand Anse beach and hear the waves and breezes calling.
Now this is what I call heaven!




view from my room :)
Nevertheless, we arrived at around 3 PM and I was starving.
Together with my Ambassador, we had lunch at the hotel and finished our plates in the restaurant right beside the beach.
I truly enjoyed my plate of vegetable curry roti and callalou soup.
Done with our meals, I unpacked for a while and hit the beach right before sunset.
And Grand Anse beach really lift up its reputation as one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean!

My best friend for exploring the beach
Before I share more stories of this blissful place, please enjoy some photos I took in my first couple of days in Saint George's, Grenada.







Grand Anse Beach Grenada
The bougainville

Lovely hibiscus..



want some?

My morning walk..

Let's call it a day


Such a lovely place to be!
Will be back with more wonderful stories from the Spice of the Caribbean indeed.