Prague

I've only seen a handful of European cities. Prague has been the most breathtaking, so far. Day or night, the city was stunning.

I really enjoyed the city's unique personality, its magical views, and trendy cafes. I also took pleasure in walking around different cities in Europe, but wandering around Prague was an absolute pleasure.

Enjoyable late night strolls. Captivating classical concerts. Quiet romantic restaurants.

I experienced them all in Prague.

Paris

I loved Paris.

Contrary to the popular belief that Parisians are smug, my experience with them is just the opposite. I thought they were friendly, helpful, and courteous. Upon our arrival, my wife and I got lost looking for our accommodation. A French lady who couldn't even speak English helped us out.

But that's not all. The locals, such as the restaurant owners and shop keepers, were all friendly and accommodating. I have to say I can't say the same about the New Yorkers.

Nevertheless, Paris is a great city for sight-seeing and aimless wandering. I couldn't help but notice right away the magnificence of its monuments and structures.

Below are the images of Eiffel Tower before sunset, Arc de Triomphe, and Louvre Pyramid.



Another popular landmark in Paris is the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

A local painter does his own rendition of the church.

Notre Dame is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.



Two of the many intricate sculptures located in the vast gardens of Versailles.




A bird's eye view of Paris taken from the Eiffel Tower. With a population of 12 million, Paris is one of the most heavily populated cities in Europe.

Rome

Seeing Rome for the first time really amazed me. The intimacy that exists between the ruins and today's Rome has formed the city's impressive charm. Haphazard, yet orderly, its chaotic structures seemed to whisper into my ears to remind me about its turbulent past and absolute triumph.

Below is the magnificent Roman Colosseum and its ghostly arena.

The blending of ancient and modern Rome is what makes its history and culture even richer and fuller.

The opulence of the Roman Catholic Church is displayed here by the great splendor of the Vatican City.



St. Peter's Basilica and its dramatic rays of light.

England

When I think about my inception to European travel, I think about London. This was my first taste of European city, and I was immediately captivated.

When I think of London, I think of the cold weather. But it also reminds me of its vibrance, stylish fashion trends, high brow culture, fine dining, bustling department stores, pubs, street performers, and West End.

There are so many sights to see. Even galleries and musuems don't have cover charges.

Below are London's photos of its breathtaking architecture, taken from the famous London Eye, also known as the Millenium Wheel. Perched just beneath the London Eye is River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, and the Clock Tower.






Stonehenge in Salisbury. Archaeologists believe this prehistoric monument was erected around 2200 BC. The mystery surrounding these mythical stones still dominate the great minds of today.





Bath is another "must see" destination. Below are the photos of the hot springs of the Roman temple Aquae Sulis, River Avon, and a park with beautiful flower displays.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh (pronounced Edin-burra) is Scotland’s vibrant capital city dominated by its spectacular landscapes.

The Balmoral Hotel is recognized as Edinburgh's most luxurious hotel. The majestic Clocktower enhances the city's skyline.

A tour in Scotland is not complete without an encounter with the piob-mhor, or Great Highland Bagpipes. I think it's interesting to note that the British government classified the pipes as an "instrument of war" in 1745.

The weather was glum, but it didn't matter. Known for its festive mood, Edinburgh comes alive regardless of the time of the year. My wife and I really had a wonderful time. Besides, we went here to get married.

The Big Fall and its Aftermath

I remember the first time I rode a bike without its training wheels. I was 10 years old, and the bike belonged to a friend of mine. He was also three years older and several inches taller. I really wanted to learn, and he offered to teach me.

At first, I was apprehensive. The bike was higher than me, and I couldn’t plant my feet flat on the ground while seated. To make matters worse, it didn’t have any brakes. And never mind the helmet. There’s no such thing in a third world country.

I think it’s essential to note that in the Philippines, people learn how to ride the bike right in the middle of the streets. To make it more interesting, all sorts of vehicles – from mere pedicabs to massive Peterbuilt cement mixers – zoom by at reckless speeds.

To put order in a seemingly chaotic traffic condition, a simple, informal rule is enforced: If the oncoming object is bigger than you, then you just have to move the hell out of the way.

“Pare, basta tumingin ka lang sa harap at sa malayo," (translation: Dude, just look farther straight ahead) my friend told me while holding the base of my seat to give me better control and balance. I took a deep breath and held the handlebars firmly. I started to pedal. Then, I started to roll. Before long, the rolling turned into coasting.

I started to pedal like a maniac.

“Sige lang, sige lang,” (translation: Just keep going) I heard my friend yell. He was no longer holding my seat but standing way back instead.

For a moment, I was having the most exciting, liberating feeling. I felt so free. No more training wheels!

And the burst of wind against my face was invigorating. The feeling was something I could never have imagined.

Yeah. I was the king of the world.

I was having an out-of-this-universe sensation, but that changed abruptly when I saw an oncoming truck coming straight at me at a very high rate of speed.

Uh, oh.

My exhilaration quickly turned into a feeling of alarm and distress. After all, I was just learning how to ride. And just how was a boy like me supposed to stop a bike that didn’t have any brakes to begin with?

I panicked. As I turned my head to see where I could go to get out of the truck’s way, my bike started to wobble and swerve.

Bam! The front wheel hit the curb.

I remember the back-end of the bike going up and launching my small body over the handlebars and into the concrete. Then, it was over. The truck passed by me at a very safe distance moments after that.

I remember getting up and looking at my wounds on my arms, knees, and elbows. It was a painful spill. My friend thought it was funny and he couldn't stop laughing.

For a while, I debated whether I should give it a rest and try again some other time.

However, after inspecting myself and the bike and determined that everything was fine, I started to laugh with him. I also hopped on it and rode again.

That particular day, I learned how to ride a bike.

But the real learning didn’t come until several years later.

You see, life is not so much about falling, but getting up after.

And that's also one thing I know about pinoys. We forge ahead.

Having Fun at the Prison

Here's a funny clip of Filipino prisoners dancing to the tune of Thriller:



Notice they're all wearing flip-flops. That's S-K-I-L-L-S. And the acting isn't so bad, either. The "leading lady" should have acted as the leading monster, though.

I think a rendition of Smooth Criminal would have been more proper, too.

First Time Blogger

I was browsing the other day when I came across an article on how to get traffic for your blog. It got my attention. Now I want to apply that theory and see if it really works.

It’s my first time to blog, and I am thrilled.

I’ve come across tons of blogs in the past, and I have marveled at the way bloggers use them. Some write blogs to advertise. Some do blogs for a living. Others use blogs to influence people’s behaviors. I especially like blogs that are spontaneous and talk about anything under the sun.

That's exactly what I intend to do.

I believe my online experience is about to take a new turn. I am traveling an unexplored territory. And as exciting and stimulating as it may seem, I do have plenty to learn.

Aahhh. I couldn’t wait to see where this trip would take me.