OUR TRAVELS AND TOURS
(Just click on each country or city for the photos)
A. FRANCE - Known for touristic destination and great shopping spree, France rich history, presented in its historical monuments, castles and vineyards are an irrisistible substance that enticed everyone that has been enchanted by its splendor and grandeur. The great french cuisines and gourmet, the wine, the champagne and the cheese are a palatable sight in dining. The glittering fashions are the latest in styles. And the beauty of it all has captured my heart.
a1. MONACO - is small in area but it is beautiful and life is full of luxuries from attractive bungalows on the hills, the coast side, to the latest cars. Everything is expensive, dining and shopping are quite a luxury. The casino of Montecarlo is the least we wanted to see. The palace of Prince Rainier is a sight to remember overlooking the beautiful ports but the gusted winds shortened our visit. Then we had a glimpsed on the history of Princess Grace's life, an interesting piece of knowledge. And finally, a whole day affair in the famous Oceanographic Museum , aquarium water of which is flowing directly from the ocean.
b2. Brittany - Bretagne in French, is the northwest side of France just five hours drive from Paris. Known by the Celts as Armorica which means land of the sea, the region is gifted with long coastline and magnificent beaches. But some beaches have beds of green algae during the low tide. Abundant oysterbeds are seen along the coastline. We feasted in oysters and mussels. Crèpe and cider with the Celtic music are the lifestyle of the Bretons we won't forget, kids love most the chocolate crèpes. . We toured Plouguerneau, Landeda, Aber wrac'h and Brest.
B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - The visit there is more on family ties. We had been there for three times, two months stay each time, I have experienced a different life, culture, foods and ways. Everybody seemed busy of work in some part and occupied leisurely in some parts. High tech crafts are prevalent everywhere.
C. MALAWI - It is located on the southern side of Africa, it is surrounded by the countries of Mozambique, Tanzanie and Zambia. The capital city is Lilongwe. People are english speaking as it was once a British colony. The surrounding is cooler especially during winter months, not the same winter experienced in France though. The famous lake Lilongwe was our weekend relaxing sanctuary, as we visited the various shores of Lake Malawi. Animal reserve is just around the bush and wild animals run freely in their natural habitat as we followed them by car. Such an exciting experience for my daughter. We lived there for two years, October, 1990 to September, 1992 with the yearly intermittent stay in France and a holiday in the US.
D. SOUTH AFRICA - Located in the southernmost part of Africa, SA is a bulwark of separation. I went there during the time of Apartheid but it was an enriching experience, being incorporated in the surroundings of the white and the colored in a distinctive way. Best in diamonds and gold and so called "paris, london and new york of africa", shopping spree was a great experience but heavy to the pocket. The second trip was with Stéphane and Colleen, already in the presidency of Nelson Mandela, the atmosphere was calm but the fear was still in the eyes of some. We rented a car and we toured from Johannesburg to Capetown. We visited the world of birds, crocodile farm, the gold reef, table mountain, a few beaches and on to the coast boulevard which is a pictursque of a city in a city.
E. ZIMBABWE - It was formerly called Rhodesia. Explored by David Livingston during the pre-war era. Zafari was an unusual adventure for me in Hwangi, it was a half an hour flight from the capital city of Harare. The famous Victoria Falls is beautifully cascading in eight powerful water force. The champagne cruise on the Zambian river was a relaxing trip for me.
F. SPAIN , MADRID - The first visit were in the cities of Madrid, Avila, Toledo and Segovia. Distinct and unique in its culture and historical structures, Spain has given me a different horizon of a Eurpean country. The eating habit was far more indigesting for me but the late dining in a flamingo show was a nice welcome in Madrid. (September, 1992) BARCELONA - Three years after, we went back to Spain, this time it was in the east. Barcelona is a picture of an old city though modernized years before the outset of the Olympic games. A capital of Catalonia, people speak Catalan. It has its own autonomous government. It has essential sites to see like old churches and museums. It has a busy ports with nice restaurants and delicious seafoods. The wharf was lined up by the eye catching white yachts, summer heat was on the air.
G. CHAD - It is on the central side of Africa, countries surrounding it are Nigeria, Niger, Cameron, Libya and Soudan. It is dry and very hot during summer reaching up to 45 degrees and rains rarely visit this side of africa. It is a french speaking country. The surroundings are a picture of austerity. A sandstorm takes place between the months of December to February and we experienced a one cm. thick of the sahara dust in a few hours. But we did have a wonderful stay with all the expatriates there. We stayed for a year and back to France then on to the Philippines.
H. PHILIPPINES - A paradise of long winding beaches and white sand. Geographically an archipelago, we are blessed with the fruits of the sea. The warmth, the hospitality, the family and the sense of belonging felt in my native land despite of its lack in so many ways spells the difference of my regular visit to the country.
I. HONGKONG - Known for its business centers and great skycrapers, this busy city emotes a picture of active men and women in their corresponding posts. A week tour sufficed the chance to see its landmarks.
J. EQUATORIAL GUINEA - EQ is located in the southwestern coast of Africa, partly between Cameroun and Gabon. We were based in Malabo, the island capital of EQ. Malabo is quite a nice town, with pleasant Spanish Colonial architecture, it has a striking volcanic setting just in front of our house. The markets are lively, we had a choice of fresh fruits and vegetables. Most restaurants serve Spanish or Continental cuisines. Beer is usually expensive but one can have a local sugar cane brew, "malamba" at a cheap price. The exploitation of their oil reserves brought an economic growth in the country making an influx of white people. EQ has beautiful unventured beaches, nice tropical forest with luscious vegetation. It is convenient for a nice walk though the so called "motmot" was a terrible nuisance. We stayed less than a year but we treasured the happy memories in the island with all our friends.
K. Brussels, BELGIUM - Brussels is very small in area, the city centre is so compact and most of the sightseeing can possibly be done by foot. The principal streets are cobbled ones. It's small but I found it beautiful, blessed with fantastic sculpture from gothic, baroque and neo classic. They have lots of seventeenth century hidden churches. What more to see than the famous Mannekin Pis, we shouldn't miss this, I heard so much about it and I can't help a smile when I finally saw it. The culinary delights of Waffles and Chocolates was a regale for me, not the beer though.
L. BANGLADESH - That's where we are right now...........2001 to..2005
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