This year marks the 12th anniversary of my travel blog, iamjosemanuel.com. To commemorate this special milestone, I am listing down the best and most memorable cities that I’ve visited so far. I already lost track of the number of cities I’ve been to; probably more than a hundred, including domestic.
I’m limiting this list to five favorite cities outside the Philippines. No doubt, old-world Architecture plays a major influence for me to form this list; my love affair and fascination with the ancient times.
1. The Uniquely-Beautiful Venice, Italy
Venice is heaven for ‘Old-world’ enthusiasts. Venice’s well-preserved architectural style is uniquely defined by a hybrid of Gothic Italian and Islamic elements, since this city has also been under the rule of Muslim/Turks back in the days. The vibe of Venice, hindi exactly the same as what you see in Milan, Rome and Florence. Kakaiba. Unpolished.
I’ve stayed in Venice for 3 days. I did not take any arranged tour, I just glided my way through its maze-like streets. When I say, maze-like, ganito yun.
There’s something unique about a city floating in water, and the gondolas swaying their way through the canals and lagoons. I clearly remember getting lost during a late afternoon stroll, nakarating ako sa isang empty neighborhood of old buildings. Walang tao dun, tas’ biglang umulan. Found shelter at a random roofed hallway, and stayed for around an hour. Naka-idlip ako nun. Scary din to a point, but sobrang memorable. After the rain, it took me a while to find my way back. Inabutan ako ng dilim. See more of Venice in this 2015 blogpost link.
2. Florence, Italy
Ok, bias kase more than one entry from Italy, but the old-world charm of Florence is impossible to not talk about. Florence to me boasts the most well-preserved “Italian Renaissance” era there is. Those treasured artworks, sculptures and the perfectly-maintained Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo de Firenze) are worthy of all the admiration its been getting. Compared to Venice, Florence is more on the polished, expensive vibe, where everything is manicured and well-maintained; and I love them both.
Sali ko na ang Leaning tower of Pisa sa entry na ito, since it was just an hour away from Florence. Florence and Pisa are easy to navigate, relaxed and less crowded compared to Rome and Milan. See more on this link.
3. Cusco, Peru
Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. The romantic,old-world charm of this well-preserved Latin City is a beauty on it’s own. Kaso sobrang layo nya sa Pinas. But if I’d be given a chance to go back to a destination in Latin America, definitely, I am choosing Cusco in a heartbeat. Sobrang ganda, especially Plaza de Armas and the overlooking view of San Blas.
Japan has a lot of amazing cities, but Kyoto is definitely on top of the list. Kyoto is known for its profound serenity and timeless charm. A bit touristy, but indeed, there’s so much to see (if you prefer exploring Old-world Japan). I think Kyoto is one of the most photogenic, if not the most photogenic place I’ve visited so far. Sakto din siguro I visited during autumn when everything was golden.
Kyoto is also a good base city to explore Central Japan. Nara and Himeji are easy day trips from Kyoto.
5. Bagan, Myanmar
Last on my top five is Bagan.
Bagan in Myanmar is an ancient city, a historic capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of temples and pagodas. If you are into mysterious/elusive, old-world vibe, then truly, Bagan offers exactly that experience.
Sobrang photogenic, yet somewhat out of radar, because it is difficult to get to, even if nasa Southeast Asia lang din sya. Truly, my trip to Bagan is one for the books. And if given a chance, I’d definitely return in a beat; and I’d love to take you guys with me.
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.
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.
Backpacking Europe 2015 . Destination : Milan, Italy
Arriving at Malpensa-Milan International Airport, buses to the city center conveniently await just outside the arrival area. I took the Terravision Bus for 5 Euro, which shall have its final stop at the Milan Central Train Station. Travel time took around 30 minutes.
I only stayed in Milan for a day; On a Sunday, to be particular. And to my surprise, much of the stores and shops in Milan were closed, it actually felt like the city wasn’t one of Italy’s biggest at all. Anyways, heres a sight of Milan as taken with my Sony Alpha. It was a super sunny day, perfect lang for street photography.
A view of Via Medici (Medici Street) where I stayed. Notice the vandalism on the right building? Sadly, this can be found everywhere in Milan, and all over Italy in fact.
A view of Corso Buenos Aires, which is a major artery road in Milan. See how the city can get really sleepy on a Sunday?
Loving these cute golden doggie details.
Thank god for these drinking fountains all around Italy. Water can be a bit expensive there, as such, refill2x lang tlga ako dun whenever I can. Locals drink from it. Had it for many many days at di naman nasira tiyan ko. Spain, and Czech Republic also has drinking fountains along the street.
This picture of a dad with his kids on training bikes, crossing an empty major road, clearly shows how laid back that Sunday the afternoon was. Just lovely.
Taken near Lima Metro Station. Super laidback ng City i can lie down in the middle actually.
Skater gangs came invading. This was the only time I saw the streets get hyped.
O ayan nasa dispenser lang ang condom. Ganun ka accessible.
Milan subway Feels. A Trip is 2.25 Euro minimum. Took the train from Lima Station to the Duomo/Milan Cathedral.
The Majestic Milan Cathedral. The Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It is the 5th-largest church in the world and the second largest in Italy.
Gets more amazing up close.
Some weird details of frescos and sculptures on the church facade. Milan Cathedral is probably the most ornamented Building exterior I’ve seen among European churches I’ve visited.
I also went inside the Cathedral Museum, for only 2 Euro Entrance fee. Heres a sample of the housed antique sculpture.
A View of the Cathedral and some booties around.
I wanted to ask where he got his plastic top for my halloween costume. hihi
A usual sight in Milan. Model looking people are a basic.
Spending a night in Milan, I stayed at Ostello Bello Hostel, which is located just a block from the Milan Central Train station, connecting tourists to the rest of Italy and nearby countries, such as Switzerland and France. A bed in Ostello Bello costs around 1,900 pesos per night. Though not the cheapest (the most expensive dorm bed I had in Europe, in fact), I still opt to stay there for the location. Most other dorms offered in Agoda are nowhere near the train station. The price though does include continental breakfast. And luckily, the hostel hosted an evening aperitivo. The aperitivo is an italian tradition that opens a meal, and it is similar to an appetizer. The hostel however also served pasta and unlimited fruits which made the meal real heavy enough to be considered dinner. Sulit naman ung bayad. Here is how the hostel looked like.
The Hostel Kitchen with unlimited coffee tea, juices cookies, apple and oranges all day long.
Ostello Bello is quite generous for a hostel. Before leaving the hostel for Venice the next day, I even took 3 pcs. apple with me. haha baon lang.
The roof deck.
My bed is at the lower bunk. under my bed are the drawer type, lockable containers for personal things. Every Bed has a light and a power outlet. Very convenient.
Hip dining area of Ostello Bello
Never miss a European country without tasting a local beer. Zzzz
My stay in Milan was quite short, and my only priority actually was to see the Cathedral. Milan has a major international airport, as such, it was cheaper to land here than to get a flight directly to Venice. I spend only 1 night in Milan, and hopped on a train to Venice early the next day. Venice was 2 hours away by train, for 19 Euro (950 pesos). Trips run between these cities all day long. Details of that on my next blog =)
At last, napost na din first blog ko from my recent Europe Trip. Sorry natagalan, busy eh, kailangan mag effort sa work. Daming ganap sa Europe, sobra. Sharing those memories will take me ’til December cguro to blog (considering my pace in uploading, hihi).
This is my first post, and what better way to share my experience than to start with Bonjour Paris! Just a recap, my entry and exit point in Schengen Area was Paris, since it was the cheapest way I found to enter Europe. Will upload another article re the detailed itinerary on Paris with fare and all. But for the meantime, share ko muna ung ginawa kong tour route that we followed kasi excited ako. Pinag hirapan ko to eh. Pag bigyan nah. Hope you all enjoy my photos=)
Here’s our one day ‘do it yourself’ walking tour to most of the spots and architectural landmarks of Paris. We paid no entrance fees for these stops, photo op lang and coffee and food trip along the way. It is free to go inside the churches and the Pompidou Bldg. Unless you go inside the museum or climb um Eiffel then that’s the time you pay.
This was the route me and an accountant friend Mary Annilou Bravo did in Paris. Commending her for the patience to walk 6:30 am to 7pm, and bear with my energy. hihi. After Eiffel, which was the last stop, we took the metro na back to our place, took our bags and head to the airport by public bus around 10pm, haha and we slept there. Imagine the hirap para maka laag lang jud and tipid.
This walking tour takes around 12 hours, including the stops. If this would be too kakapagod for you then the Bus Hop on Hop off is the best choice for around 27 to 30 Euro (1500 pesos).
Our route covers most tourist spots and interesting architectural icons that are located along (or near) Le Siene River, making it easy to navigate. When visiting Paris on a thrift, work up those legs and feel free to follow our walking route =)
We stayed at Young and Happy Youth Hostel, which is very near Place Monge Metro Station. This area, known as the latin quarters of Paris, offers fairly cheaper accommodations, that are still considerably near the city center. An overnight stay was around 1,350 pesos/night for a bedin a shared Attic room; very Princess Sarah Feels, lol. The price comes with a continental breakfast (basic bread, jam, cereals and coffee).
The Parisian Latin Quarters at night.
Inside Young and Happy Hostel with that Hippie Vibe.
The dorm bed at the attic. Not for the maarte and mayabang but the bed was clean.
We started the walking tour at 6:30 AM. Our first stop was the Pantheon (1), which was just around 15 minutes leisurely walk from were we stayed in Place Monge. The Pantheon and its surrounding buildings are great examples of Classic Revival Architecture. It houses the tombs of famous Frenchmen; Victor Hugo to name one.
The Pantheon itself. We were not able to go in the tombs kasi it was around 7 am pa. Wala macyadong tao dito kaya perfect for video2x feels, which I shall upload later =)
A Parisian Summer Morning feels.
After having photo ops at the Parthenon, we walked towards Le Siene River to see the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral(2) . We got there around 8, just as soon as the church opened. Crowds flock in around 9, as a local mentioned. Along the way we also got some coffee and patisserie from Hure Bakery, which was located, just before crossing the bridge to Notre Dame.
Pastries of Hure créateur de plaisir (Bakery) are relatively affordable in Paris. A Framboise (raspberry filling) costs 2 Euro (100 pesos) This is as big as my face. can be shared by two
Eclairs in Paris may be pricey ( around 250 pesos) but there are really huge and topped with fresh fruits. Minsan sayang kainin kasi they are super pretty.
Coffee to go for the Char !
The Majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. Imagine Disney’s Quasimodo ringing the bell para fairy tale ung feels.
Building work began way back 12th century, it was not until some 300 years later construction finally came to an end. Several renovations have been done in the recent centuries due do damages of fire and war, but the original structure has been maintained. Notre Dame until these days is considered one of the most iconic churches in Europe. Getting in the church is free of charge. Unless you go up the tower then that’s the time to pay.
Architectural styles: French Gothic architecture
Details of Notre Dame Facade.
The cathedral’s Vaulted Ceiling.
Cathedral’s Gothic interiors. Imagine walking on this grounds that once held so much France’s history.
Crossing the Notre dame by bridge to the northern banks will bring you straight to Hotel de Ville (3), housing the city’s local administration. This is also an iconic architectural landmark for the French. When Vietnam was under the french rule, they built an administrative building in Saigon, patterned and also naming it ” Hotel de Ville “.
Architectural styles: French Renaissance architecture, Renaissance Revival architecture
A short walk from Hotel the Ville stands Pompidou Building(4). Built during the late 60’s, this center is an iconic landmark especially for architects as this is among the most recognised post modernist structure that paved way for the acceptance of such form. Getting in the building is free, (and there is a sports center at the basement). Entrance fee is asked for the museum floors.
Rue de Temple ( which is the street next to Pompidou) is also a destination for Parisian Nightlife for the Yuppie crowds.
Me at the Pompidou Center
After the side trip to Pompidou, we walked back to the riverbanks since our next stops are located there. Prior to getting to the Louvre Museum, we stopped at Pont Neuf (5), a bridge that also has the iconic lovelocks of Paris. The Original lovelocks at Pont du Arts have been towed away already when we got there. Even so, French people are trying to revive the culture na today at Pont Neuf.
at an area near Pont Neuf. Its impossible to miss this as long as you walk near the riverside. This is also super near to the Notre Dame
Palakihan daw ng locks para walang iwanan. Bet?
Next stop is the iconic Louvre Museum (6). Photo Op lang kami nito sa labas, which was around 11 AM na; And you can also go in the main lobby located at the Carrousel du Louvre, which is an underground shopping mall in Paris. I went inside the Museum on another day, kasi it will take you hours to enjoy the galleries, which houses one of the biggest collection of history and art in the world. Will upload another article re Louvre. Entrance is around 12 Euro (15 Euro kung sa agencies). Nasa 600/750 pesos lang. Sobrang mura na to for a museum to house vast riches from all corners of the world.
Modelling feels sa labas ng Louvre.
Louvre Main Lobby
Yung kasama ko had lunch at the Carrousel du Louvre, madami naman fastfood dun. When in such touristic place in Paris, expect to spend 10 Euro (500 Pesos) at least for lunch.
Moving onward, we just had a leisurely walk along the riverside, and we got to see a lot of spots like the Jardine de Tuileries, the Place de Concorde. Though not along the riverbank area, I recommend visitors to check La Fayette Shopping Center (7). You can either have lunch here or coffee. And the shopping center has a nice roof deck with a good view of Paris. Just opposite the shopping center is the Paris Opera House.
Inside the shopping center. Amazing isn’t it ?
As soon as you had your rest na sa mall, walk back towards the riverbank. On your way, you will pass by Le Madeleine Church . Famous to for the kids of the 90’s kasi ung movie na Madeline.
Walking back to the riverside, you will also pass by Laduree Pastry Shop, famous for their prettiest Macarons. mga isang piraso, 2″ ang laki, nasa 150 pesos. Laban?
After the Madeleine Church, nasa riverbanks ka na ulit nyan, you may opt to walk towards the Eiffel along the Le Seine River (9), which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a slow pace. or pwede rin naman mag train ka na or mag bus. There are tourist kiosks in Paris, should you need assistance. As for me, I’ll definitely walk the afternoon up, because it is when i get to see and really experience the Parisian streets, and those cute details everywhere. I also get to see a lot of cafe interiors to get inspiration from.
The view of Le Seine on the way to Eiffel.
Some green building that i personally liked.
Toilets are no worries in Paris. These on the street are free. Although sometimes these cubes get busy, you have to wait 30 minutes more. Bet?
May issue si kuya. This is a common detail you see along buildings.
Paris is and Art City, with buildings that are generally renaissance/classical revival. Tourists will never run out of details to see. Finally around 5 pm we reached the Eiffel (10) Park. Thou in all honesty, it is difficult to find a good angle for a shot as the grounds are packed with tourist. As per blogs, the best shots are taken from Trocadero, which is just across the river by bridge. Tourist enjoy the Eiffel grounds free of charge. You only have to pay the moment you go up the tower, which is a hefty 15 Euro (750 pesos), not to mention the cue. Sobrang daming tao. So we opt to stay on ground nlang and enjoy the cool breeze. Beware of pickpockets specifically in this area. They are as swift as rabbits.
The Obligatory Eiffel Shot. Simple lang.
You can also spend your time here in Eiffel ’til evening to see the light show. That is free. =)
And that was how our one day walking tour happened. After Eiffel, we head back to our place in Latin Quarters by metro to Place Monge Station. Train Ride wont cost you more than 2 Euro (100 pesos). I will upload another article on the complete D.I.Y. tour with costing. Wait lang ha? Hope you guys enjoyed this. Excuse nyo lang my imperfect grammar haha. But, Kebs =)
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.
Here are some highlights of the museum exhibit.
Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog 