Unarguably the Lake District is known for its sparkling lakes, high fells and scenic valleys, but it also has limestone uplands, arable farmland and a coast that offers wide stretches of tidal sands, salt flats, marshes and plains. Continue reading “Charmed by The Lakeland: The Quaint and Unspoilt Seaside Villages (3/3)”
William Wordsworth once said, “I do not know of any tract of country, in which, in so narrow a compass, may be found an equal variety in the influences of light and shadow upon the sublime and beautiful.” The English poet was, of course, referring to the Lake District National Park which he immortalised in his poetry. As mentioned in my previous post I was absolutely captivated by The Lakes. Unarguably, it is the best known part of Cumbria, but there is more to this county than the Lake District. Continue reading “Charmed by The Lakeland: Ancient and Historic Landmarks (2/3)”
The English countryside certainly holds a fascination for those of us who come from far-flung countries like the Philippines or Papua New Guinea. Continue reading “Charmed by The Lakeland: Spectacular Views and Sights (1/3)”
Last week we had a wonderful opportunity of staying at an old historic farmhouse in the Lake District — thanks to our friend, Kevin Price. The farmhouse is located in Crook, a tiny village in the South Lakeland District of Cumbria, between Kendal and Windermere. Continue reading “Crook Hall Farm: A Historic Farmhouse in Cumbria, England”
Over a week ago we were in Datchworth, a quaint little village in Hertfordshire, just 40 minutes away by train from central London. Before Datchworth became a civil parish it is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon charter dated 969 during the time of King Edgar, and it is recorded as an agricultural village with over 1500 acres of arable land and 200 acres of pasture. Continue reading “A Quintessential English Village”
When we visited Southampton last month we did the Jane Austen Heritage Tour, and of course, the Titanic Trail Tour. We started the Titanic tour at the SeaCity Museum located at the back of the Southampton Guildhall. The exhibition at the museum tells the Titanic’s story in a highly impressive visual way that offers visitors into the sights and sounds of April 1912. The exhibit starts with the historical background of the city, from the bustling docks of poverty stricken Southampton and concludes with a reconstruction of the court room where the British Inquiry took place. Continue reading “Southampton: The Titanic Trail Tour”
Our reason for visiting Southampton three weeks ago was not just for the Titanic Trail Tour but also for the Jane Austen Heritage Trail Tour, and many other historical landmarks the city has to offer. Southampton, situated 75 miles southwest of London, is the largest city in Hampshire County and famous for its association with the ill-fated ship RMS Titanic. Southampton has always been a major port in Britain and is widely known as the cruise capital of Europe. The city is also home to the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England, and offers a very fascinating self-guided walking tours with impressive cultural offering from art galleries, museums, parks, to important historical landmarks and fantastic shopping facilities. Continue reading “Southampton: The Jane Austen Heritage Trail Tour”
Here’s Part 1.
Manila Hotel is full of history and old world glamour. The tour of the Archives as well as the old ballroom and other prominent features of the hotel is just some of the things we love to do when we’re staying at the hotel. We’ve done it a few times before, during our previous visits, but we decided to do it again when we were in Manila last month. Every time we do the tour we always learn something new, some very fascinating stories about its famous residents. Continue reading “Manila Hotel (A Review, 2nd of 2 Parts)”
Every time Jared and I visit the Philippines we always stay at our favourite hotels in Manila. Staying at a hotel for the first few nights does allow us to easily transition ourselves into Phil. time without having to worry about trying to fit into my siblings’ busy schedule. Also, it gives us the time to reminisce the good ol’days. It was after all, at the lobby of ‘a hotel’ where Jared first laid his eyes on me. 😉 Continue reading “Manila Hotel (A Review, 1st of 2 Parts )”
This is my diary entry on the 16th of February 2010, three months after my mother passed away. My mom always carried with her a journal or tiny note pads and often jot down her thoughts. In hindsight I realised I’ve copied her habit. 😉 Even when my mom was on her deathbed I have kept a diary and wrote down everything she did; the conversations between family and friends who came to visit; the doctors and nurses who came to check on her, and I practically documented everything that happened every single day. Upon my return to London, rather than verbally talk about my grief I’d often pull out my pen and paper and wrote down my deepest thoughts and emotions. This is one of those entries that’s too personal but I now feel at liberty to share it here. I’ve added some photographs to make it a little bit more interesting. 😉
Waking up feeling chilled and woozy this morning spurred me to be in a trance: being on a tropical island with the warm sun bathing my skin; the wind blowing through my hair; the coconut trees gently swaying against the breeze and the waves singing to a perfect rhyme. Continue reading “El Nido Resorts, Palawan, Philippines”