As a new year tradition(and hopefully I can keep it up), I am sharing these simple travelogue postcards of beautiful cities I’ve visited this year. All shots were taken by me with my Sony. Feel free to share. =)
Month: December 2016
A Day Around Amsterdam|A Photoblog
A morning stroll around Amsterdam is always a delight. 
A side trip to Zaanse Schans should never be missed. It is where you will find the centuries old windmills and cheese factories. Getting there will only take an hour from the central station.
Amsterdam is also as lovely in the afternoon.
Contemporary Oslo|A Cityscape Photoblog
Norway’s capital city is certainly a contemporary design heaven for architects and other design enthusiasts. Without a doubt, Oslo boasts some of the best and most current ideas in art,architecture and interior design in the European region.
Here are the highlights from my two days visit to the Norwegian capital.
The Oslo Opera House is one of the capital city’s most celebrated architectural masterpiece. The building is purposely designed with a multi-level sloped decks that allows people to walk from the ground level and up to the top without having to go inside the building. The opera house as well boasts an impressive interior woodwork. No fees are asked to enter the building lobby.
The opera house has one of the most impressive comfort room I have ever visited.
The opera house is at its most impressive during sunset to early evening.
The view of Oslo waterfront as seen from the roof deck.
The view of the city as seen from roof deck.
Tjuvholmen (Thief Island) and the Aker Brygge are two noted modern day waterfront developments in Oslo. The place erects Norway’s famous contemporary buildings, as well as museums and community facilities. Day tours are welcome, and are free of charge.
The Astrup Fearnley Museum, which is also located in Tjuvholmen, holds a wide collection of contemporary art and installations from artists of different nationalities. The Building designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano. Entrance to the exhibits costs around 12 Euros (600 Pesos)
Here are some highlights of the museum exhibit.
The museum toilet for the disabled looks like something from a sci-fi movie set.
Vigeland Sculpture Park is another highlight of Oslo’s contemporary art scene. Entrance to the park is free of charge. 30 minutes tram ride from the city centre via Tram # 12. 
More on Oslo to follow. =)
Grote Markt of Brussels|A Photoblog
The La Grand Place (De Grote Markt in Dutch) is the iconic square in the Belgian capital of Brussels. The place is a UNESCO accredited heritage site, and is by far one of the most well preserved old town square I’ve visited.
The Grote Markt is even more alluring at night time.
The prettiest Belgian waffles are everywhere around the Markt.
And there is nothing that a hot Belgian Chocolate drink can’t fix. This set is definitely a substantial substitute for love. Charot. Mema lang. More of Brussels on my next posts. Wait lang, mga besh.
A Day in Bruges| A Photoblog
Bruges is a medieval city of northwest Belgium, that is highly distinguished for its canals, cobbled streets and brick-faced buildings. The city played a significant trading point in Northern Europe during the 14th to 19th century, and is among the few that had been spared from major destruction during the WWII. It was said that a certain general of the Nazi got charmed by its old world beauty, that he ordered protection over the place during the war. Today, Bruges is one of Belgium’s most visited spot, and is considered as one of the most well preserved medieval city in the whole of Europe.
Here are some snapshots that I took during my day tour around Bruges; gloomy, yet still pretty. =)
Bruges is a mere one hour train ride from the capital city of Brussels. Several trips run between the two cities, but it is recommended that you take the intercity train from Brussels ‘MIDI’ station with fewer stops (Trains from Brussels Central Station take longer time). Round trip ticket is around 20 Euros. A day tour would be enough to see Bruges; and when purchasing round trip tickets, always ask the attendant to guide you re return time options. Always keep your ticket in the safe place as the attendant will check this from time to time. Bruges is very walkable. Upon arriving at the central station, do a quick stop at the tourist centre just before the exit, to secure a city map and take some free postcards with you. =) 
Food is fairly cheap in Belgium, compared to other European cities. In Bruges, a quick grub from Pasta Maria is recommended. A pack of Alfredo for 3 Euros isn’t bad already. 
Between Brussels and Bruges is another charming medieval city, known as Ghent. If you intend to visit the place, ask from the Brussels MIDI station the proper transfer tickets. Credit card and debit cards are widely accepted in Belgium.
Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog 