The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park , Philippines

The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is considered one of the most important of the protected areas system of the Philippines. It is the largest protected area in the country and the richest in terms of genetic, species and habitat diversity. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is habitat to many endemic and rare species of plants. 

Waterfalls, rivers and crystal-clear streams of varying sizes are located within, if not adjacent to, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

Island of Seychelles

Seychelles Islands is located in the Indian Ocean, is a group of about 115  small islands, the main island are Mahẻ, Preslin and La Digue.

Praslin and La Digue are found relatively close to Mahẻ, and like Mahẻ ,they are granites islands.

Mahẻ is the main as well as the largest island of Seychelles. Mahẻ is regarded as the gateway to the country, and is home to Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles.

The second largest island is Seychelles is Praslin, is a stupendous tropical island.

La Digue is the most visited islands in Seychelles, after Mahẻ and Praslin. It is blessed with a charming surroundings consisting of serene areas, tranquil beaches, and unique rock formations.

The best way to enjoy the Cinque Terre is on foot!

Cinque Terre are five fishing villages in the province of La Spezia, nestled in the region of Liguria on the northern coast of Italy. The five towns, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are connected by a scenic, and at points, treacherous 400 km hiking path.

Monterosso al Mare has the best beach in the Cinque Terre and is convenient for walking the trails between the 5 towns, walking north to Levanto, or visiting other nearby areas. Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the 5 towns in the Cinque Terre.


Vernazza is the only real port in the Cinque Terre (see above painting). The small fishing village Vernazza is probably the most characteristic of the Cinque Terre. The medieval castle, Belforte, was built in the mid-1500's, primarily to protect the village from pirates. The tiny port is surrounded by subtle colorful pastels and the charming piazza is lined with good restaurants and bars. The village is surrounded by very steeply-terraced olive groves which are said to produce among the finest olive oil in the country.

Corniglia is located in the middle of the Cinque Terre. It is the only town without access from the sea. Corniglia hangs above a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, surrounded by a basin of vines. It is reminiscent of the farmland further away from the Ligurian coast.

Manarola is surrounded by vines and is situated along a stream. The wine of Manarola is very famous and the "Via dell’ Amore" starts here: an easy to walk, paved path a distance of two kilometers, connecting Manarola to Riomaggiore.


Riomaggiore is the most southern beach of the Cinque Terre. The town climbs up along the ridges overlooking the sea and it is characterized from the typical stone houses with colored facades and slate-roofs.

Villa Borghese Lake - Temple of Aesculapius

Imagine a lovely ride in a row-boat on a peaceful lake in the center of Rome. This serene lake in Villa Borghese has lush greenery, swans, small row boats seek out little hidden nooks around the lake and the center-piece Tempio di Esculapio. 

Villa Borghese is an oasis of peaceful serenity in the center of Rome - it was one of our many favorite get-away on some summer weekends when we lived in Rome. As you stroll through the gardens, paths and, especially the lake - there is a sense of simplicity and calm. 

About Villa Borghese:

Villa Borghese is Rome’s largest public park, it can be a pleasant refuge from the hectic Roman streets and offers a large number of touristic attractions, featuring a lake, temples, fountains, statues and several museums.

The artificial lake in the park has a temple dedicated to Aesculapius – the god of health.

The temple is built on the island and was designed by Antonio Asprucci with beautiful Ionic columns.

Sicily Was A Voyage To Another World

Cefalu' is located on the island of Sicily about an hour outside of its biggest city, Palermo. Upon walking into this town we,  were awe-struck by the natural beauty and sheer vibrancy of the city. 

Walking through the streets of this historic town is like taking a lesson in life and in history.

Cefalu' has so many beautiful sites to be seen. Must see is the Duomo (the cathedral), beautiful architecture. La Rocca to climb for the views.

Cefalu' has one of the best public beaches that we visited in all of Sicily. It’s clean sand and clear water makes it a popular beach, so be prepared for crowds.

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Eilean Donan is recognized all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands. 

 

Some people say Eilean Donan is the most beautiful castle in Scotland.

The Castle is most definitely worth the visit, the place was post card perfect with the dramatic setting of an ancient castle sitting on a small island surrounded by color soaked mountains.

Windmills of Consuegra, Spain

Consuegra is located a short detour off the main highway to the south of Madrid. The windmills are very photogenic.

Made famous by Cervantes in Don Quixjote. These impressive windmills are where the mad Knight tried to fight the "giants".

Exploring the Historic Oceanside Pier

When visiting Oceanside a north San Diego County beach destination, don't forget to take time to stop, park, see and walk the Oceanside Pier, one of the greatest piers in all of California.

The 4th longest Pacific Ocean pier in California at approx. 1,942 feet in length, Oceanside Pier . You can be swept away with the beauty of the Oceanside Pier when you begin to stroll on it. It really becomes a journey of exploration.

We sat on a bench on the pier to admirer the sea and hear the sounds of the seagulls cry above us and the splashing of the waves below us making small sounds.