A trip plan to Paris

A friend from church is planning to organize a weekend trip to Paris. I received lots of emails about the said trip from our church google group. It seemed that many are interested. How about me? Yes I do. I would like to visit Paris for the second time around.

(This photo is at the Champs Elysees avenue during our trip last year).

The itinerary presented is quite alluring to me. For a 2-3 days trip...include visiting the La Tour Eiffel, walking to the Champs Elysees, meditating at the church of Notre Dame and Versailles.

Left image is the Eiffel obviously :-)

I've been already to these places except the palace in Versailles (photo below).

One of the most beautiful monuments in France, located just 25 miles southwest of Paris is The Castle of Versailles. Also one of the finest jewels of the French Crown and one of the most stunning designs of its creator, the Sun King, Louis the Fourteenth. That's where I would like to go.

A pose with the background of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Another thing that the trip offers is, it's such a budget trip. We are going to stay in an affordable hotel in Paris relatively closed to our target destinations. Of course, accomodation is not that hard to find. There are many nice hotels to choose from since tourism is a boom industry in France. Generally, hotels in France can be very expensive but it can be as cheaper depending how much you would like to spend. Try to dig up your web search engine. Amazingly, cheap hotels are just in hand. Wise spending will be a good motto for a smart traveller. Am I right?

Well, I'm still waiting for the infos about this trip. By the first week of December is the probable date. This gonna be a different trip it is because it's a wonderful group of people in one itinerary. It's a good start to unwind before the rushing christmas holidays. We will be tasting tegether the local french cuisine, maybe walking along the big spotlight fashion streets, bargaining in the market (as per insist),visiting museums, or climbing the Eiffel which I didn't dare before. Bunch of things to do I expect.

For the meantime, I will just wait and see what the travel plans are. Now, it's time to do my schoolworks. Have a nice day :-)

Sports time!

I had tennis lessons and it was my physical exercise before I left for Netherlands. When I just arrived here, I simply missed it especially that I always pass tennis lawns and saw people playing. I'm not that good though and I'm definitely not Justine Henin here but I really had the stamina to strike a hollow rubber ball over a net into my opponent's court with this tiny arm of mine..

At the end of the day's work, I simply sneaked out from my boss's office and said goodbye to all that I need to get off at exact 5pm (closing office hr.). My coach will be waiting and I might pay the running time for that :-( Later, I already managed to play single or double with an officemate or other tennismates...who are kinda seniors of the club.

At that time, I was started wishing for a new and famous brand tennis racket. I don't owned one. I just used a handed down racket. My grandfather was a serious tennis player of his time. Few uncles and aunts inherited the skills. I just started ti get interested with the game since my mid twenties...Why? Maybe I already get over from my trauma of being hit by a baseball or from a basketball ball. What I have are lots of tennisballs...I can afford it...and so with tennis shoes and my pair white tennis suits.

Now, it's autumn, tennis clubs are opening. I would really like to join but I'm still persuading my dear to join with me and so as for refreshing lessons so we can play together. Is it that perfect? (if you have unfinished business...then bring it to the court....hahahah!) I would also like to try playing in a grass court (feel like Wimbledon) or clay court (like in a French Open)....ummmmh! Ambitiousa! In the Philippines, especially in the province, I used to play in a hard court, concreted by cement and some coated by asphalt... really rough surface that sometimes I had difficulty to reach and return the ball 'coz of slow motion...hehehe..I'm quite scared to run and leg scratches would be at stake.

I remembered my coach, Badminton!!!, he shouted, to remind me of my servings. I used to play badminton before, so it was an awkward shift. I served normally onderhand...and took me time to learn overhand... I don't know why, but I ended up smashing the air and fall the ball to my face. :-) To reach overrun balls was also hard at the start.

At this time of the year, indoor sports are now starting. However, tennis can be an indoor or outdoor. I would also like to try running in an open court...autumn temperature is bearable I think...you will burn much energy enough to warm up your coldblooded nerves :-)

It is also amazing to observe that sports and body fitness is well supported in the Netherlands. You name the sports...and the flatland will offer. So far, I see no one here yet playing "tumbang preso" or "tumba lata", that's only in the Philippines I presumed.

It feels good to do stuff again that you used to do wayback two years ago. I will still consider it...but at the meantime, I will stick to my swimming lessons and do constant cycling...

Oooops...before I forgot...check Tennisplaza to see what kind of tennis racket I've wished for.

Interactive Trip Planner

I was already sharing this to you in my past entries about a

trip planner. Realtravel offers a free trip planner . I just forgot to say that this trip planner is voted as the one of the twelve essential travel sites by Forbes and best of web for trip planning by BusinessWeek. It's not only a travel guide but at the same time a trip planner.

The services is cool to me. But what is a trip planner? It is the scheduled trip you created beforehand where you choose and make your personal intineraries. Here, first you build it up by adding any number of destinations to your itinerary. Organize and date your itinerary. See your itinerary on a dynamic route map. You are saving your travel research in one place. Get travel guide information from Frommer's for free. You can even add insights from real travelers who have been there in your respective destinations. You can add your own notes and useful links from other sites. There, you can share your plan, save it and email it to friends and family.

You can plan and wide your imaginations of what kind of a travel or vacation you like. Any trip using public transport or for hired vehicles are possible. Just enter in where you from and to locations, and Realtravel provides you with trip options including maps, guides, route diagrams, travel blogs and reviews that might also help you.

Any destinations are just a click away of your mouse. From Europe, to America, to Asia and to any continents you like to go is just ready for you to explore. I'm going to Asia, to my beloved native land, Philippines. I already have my ticket :-) Later, I will send my itinerary :-)

Check this tag from my past blog entry: Interactive Travel Guide

Goede reis allemaal! (Happy trip to all!).

Hasta la vista España

I'm not yet done with my travel blogs. I can’t resist not to share how I would like to go to Spain. Given with so many choices of destinations, it happened to be difficult to decide. Why in Spain?

The one why everyone goes to see in Barcelona, the "Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia" otherwise known as just the Sagrada Familia, the Sacred Family.

When I was still in my language school, I had about five classmates with Spanish nationalities. I remembered that during our short breaks, the Dutch atmosphere is swiftly shift to a Hispanic ambience. Since we (Philippines) had a colonial history from the Spaniards (not the reason though), it happened that I have a good bonding with them.

These classmates are my real tourist guides during our breaks. Now, I have even invitations from them to go with them to Spain for vacation. Unluckily, not yet but two of my other friends went. I told my dear that I would like to visit either Madrid or Barcelona. Big and extra expensive cities. I was thinking....think head!...I prefer to save this trip out of my purse :-) that's what I thought.

All of a sudden...this wish rings back in my ear...when I opened up my mails with an accomodation deals for hotels in Madrid and hotels in Barcelona. It's tempting me...it's like something that tickles my foot...

For spanish translation, you can read hoteles en Barcelona .

Placa de les Glories Catalanes at night, most often shortened to Glories, is a large square in Barcelona.

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Spain. Night-time is when the people of Barcelona most participate in the city's leisure activities, attending concerts and theatrical productions and filling the restaurants, music bars and discotheques. Barcelona is dubbed as the city of leisure.

For the culture and arts' sake :-), I would also like to explore in my own how our famous Dr. Jose Rizal found Spain as the venue of realizing his dreams where he wrote almost the half part of Noli Me Tangere, his great novel, in Madrid.

The most beautiful of the many grand squares in Madrid is the Plaza de Cibeles (right photo).

Madrid has a rich and throbbing cultural life that offers all kinds of entertainment, from musical festivals and theatre to typical flamenco and zarzuelas (comic light opera).

Simply, Spain has great part of the world's vast history. In other way, it's where my ancestor's origin. Quite sure, it's a magnificent visit. Well, I will just take my time saving for it. Hehehe! No reason to panic, since Cheaperthanhotels offers a year round accommodation at hotels , apartments and hostels in Spain at prices generally less than direct and even give last minute deals.

Adiós!

My year's agenda

What's up with my agenda? Agenda in Netherlands means, schedule for the day or for the week or might be for the whole year. Do you know that most of the Dutch people are used to write their schedules in a small book as what we called like a diary. A calendar of activities. There, they write the names of the people, important dates like birthdays and other appointments ( including work, visits, dentist/doctor, dinner/coffee appointmets...etc), just anything that matters time division. My first encounter of the word agenda, during my early weeks since I arrived here was, I was some kind confused. It was a family gathering when I heard of an agenda. Ooh! I thought about of what's the pleasure of the body? Do we need to divide the house? hahaha! We are used to the english/american meaning of it.

Well, what's up with me? I might forgot to say how busy I am...or I'm too busy to say how busy I am...:-) Confused? I forgot to share that I'm no longer studying the Dutch language. I finished level 3 and I chose to stop and not to go further. I did my language exam for level 4, unfurtunately, I did'nt make it. Sorry folks..and sorry for myself. Well, I might say that it's still an achievement for my short stay here in the Netherlands ( 1 and half yr.), at least I managed to stand the challenge. I ended up my language study last summer.

Our front view of one of the last few sunny days of the summer.

Do you know what I did last summer? Aside from the fact that I mentioned above, I also worked. I did two different jobs in the past. First, I worked in the Distribution Center of Mexx, a big clothing/accessories line company in Europe. I was eager to put myself in a dutch speaking environment. It was a nice experience going out from my 'comfort zone' (english zone). I tried not to stay there long...just a taste how Dutch works :-) Omg! No mobilefones and keep your eyes to your boss...they are watching you or watch out the camera, big brother is following you :-( Anyways, people there are nice and helpful... It was also quite far from my home, located in Voorschoten.

Recently, I worked in a callcenter working with the english team located few steps away from the central station of

Rotterdam. It was a good experience though I prefer to stop,it is because I have no good chance to practice my dutch language. It's an international company with international agents...The longer I'll work there, the faster my speech declines. Now, I'm trying to look for another one.

The leaves' color of the trees changes through the autumn season, at the right photo.

Another new thing, on tuesday, I'm back to school. Oohh! I just said I stop right? But I decided to go to school for a new study. I'm enrolled for a 9-month administrative course in Fabius , an Office Management Institute here in Delft. FYI...the study is in Dutch instruction.

Every monday, I do have my swimming lessons. I regret to say that I did not take the opportunity of learning how to swim wayback in the Philippines when we lived nearby the sea coast. ( at least it will take my list shorter what to learn here :-() Hopefully next year, I can manage to start my driving lessons. Thanks that I have a lot of vitamins stocked in the cupboard.

I supposed to go to the Access office once in a week for my volunteer work. Apparently, I decided to stop this quarter and maybe resume on the coming spring next year. Speaking of this, do you know that I was awarded as the volunteer of the month last September? I worked with the layout team of the Access magazine. Open the pdf of our summer and autumn magazine. The city of Delft where I live is the cover page of the autumn issue. The honor was a surprise but I also gave credit to my colleague, who was very helpful to me.

I think I had a fruitful year this time despite the tears I shed though. Life is just too challenging to me that sometimes I missed its meaning. I know I'm brave. I had many battles in my back that I surpassed. Though in this fight, I'm the captain without soldiers to command to, only weapons of courage from love ones and God is my ever shield. I think I'm ready.

This is my year's agenda. Wish me luck!

Online Tutorial

When I was in the Philippines, I used to give private lessons for elementary and secondary students as my sideline job :-) I was a tutor . There were also college students asked me to do so but I refused. I was actually offered to work as a college instructor but I simply said no to it. I was just afraid that my students will take advantage of me...Hahaha! (kidding aside) I had my own reasons though.

Tutoring was fulfilling but sometimes heart-breaking. I was deeply upset when my student failed. Sounds silly. It was just that I'm not used to academic failures. I had high flying honors since my prep until college. It was only that I was not able to hit the highest rank, magna cum laude but I was satisfied with its lower. I was not aiming it personally. It was just a matter of bonus point for me after 4 yrs of combatting against my teachers :-(

I gave lessons in English, Science and in Mathematics. I also did basic Calculus. Well, this is just a piece of reminiscing old days...it is because I just checked an Online Tutoring site. TutorVista is the leading online tutoring company in the world. They offer an incredible unlimited monthly tutoring package for a reasonable fee for all subjects - students can avail their various service as much as they want, whenever they need it. Tutoring is available 24X7. They also assist for test/exam preparations and provide Homework Help services. Sounds great. This makes education faster and more accessible than I think.

This might be my competitor then :-) There was a time I planned to start my own hands-on tutorial center. I have a friend who was also in tutorial job and with other smart friends :-) I was already vibrant to initiate it but I was just busy with my previous job. Anyways, I don't gave much focus to this, it was because I had fulltime job. It was too much for my little brain :-) I had a demanding job before in the provincial local government. That gave me little fraction of my time for miscellaneous stuff plus I had my romantic lovelife thousand miles apart that required high maintenance :-)

Anyways, I recommend Online Tutoring. It is handy and easy. Parents and any other first hand help are undoubtedly plus factors. This is really one of the most innovative instructions presented by latest technology. Everyone is invited :-) Education is continuous learning. When you're uneasy, throw your doubts to your online teachers :-) Have a nice day!

Ams or Amsterdam

AMS is the airportcode of Amsterdam, and it is happened to be my name. I might think that this is really my heart's destination :-) I remember my husband said before, that he has no idea that he already tagging along with him his future wife's name on his traveling suitcase... Is it amazing?

Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands and one of the most important cities in Europe in which to do business. Amsterdam is the hometown of football club Ajax. Visitors are attracted to Amsterdam for its reputation as a liberal city; its relaxed charm emphasised by its elegance; and the reputation of its museums. The major museums are the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. The Anne Frank House, a museum dedicated to the story of Anne Frank, is also a popular tourist attraction.

So many to mention why Amsterdam is flocked by tourist and even locals. A day exploring is not enough that you just simply need to lodge. Anyways, it is not a problem. Hotels in Amsterdam is benefitting in the tourism industry. Amsterdam accomodation is not difficult to find. You can even find many good hotel deals in the whole year round.

We are living about 45 minutes away by car from Amsterdam. My husband works there and travel most of the weekdays. I remembered my times visiting the city...We had a cruise around the city canals...walked along the famous tiny red light district, looking the narrow fronted merchant's houses, winding at the big shopping streets and unwinding in cozy cafes overlooking the enchanting city waters.

Everytime, I pick up our postmails, and also bulk of my emails are newsletters of discount hotels I received. At this time of the year, people are now busy planning for weekend break or a long vacation trip for a taste of city lights. A time in Amsterdam will pay an enormous difference. I might visit the city again :-)

What is it in England?

I just have this question pondered, not now but a while ago. Apparently, I know what the reasons are but I would like to site one. Job opportunities. The diversity of this country especially its big cities like London, where employment rate is very high. In any sector, it might be in IT, medical, constuctions, teaching jobs, arts, caterings, research, sales, whatever...sure you will land any jobs in London.

I actually have two friends who moved in England for work opportunities. So, they just simply left us here in Holland and they started a new life there. They are simply happy and find some time to visit and treat us even...considering they earn more :-) hehehe.
The language of course is English. It's universal. It is somewhat a big factor why many people from all over the world have crossed to England or particularly in London. There's no language barrier for professionals not hindering them to establish their careers or start their desirable career path. Another thing is, the number of job vacancies has increased. Growth in average earnings, both excluding and including bonuses, has increased. Sounds good eh!

London jobs are not also difficult to find. Search 1000s of London jobs online. There are lots of online job tools totally free service to all jobseekers. Try this online job seeker for jobs in London.

Start your search now, like me :-) I had past works just around here...I just don't have much time to recap all my experiences but I would love to share it...whenever :-)

Interactive Travel Guide

As you can read below of my past entries, I blog about traveling. Well, maybe it's just a feeling if you are about to travel :-) Any thing that goes with this subject is what you always up in your computer screen. Travel guide books are helpful when you are already in your way, when get lost, your book is just in your hand. While in terms of planning a trip, always be interactive. I found Realtravel, a travel guide and trip planner powered by advice from real travelers. I found this very handy though in the past, I had several travel guides that I checked when 'we ' or 'me' travelled.

What is nice with this travel guide is, you will learn from real people and their travel reviews. Aside from discovering places to go and things to do, you can save with travel deals selected by editors. It might be air and hotel travel deals or package travel deals. You can even create a trip plan with your personalized itineraries, maps, guides, blogs, and more through their Free trip Planner . Here, you can view, modify, and share your itenerary by simply emailing it to your friends and families. I find it cool :-)

A happy travel :-) (Photo from Bigstockphoto).

There are featured travel plans, blogs, photos and destinations. It's a help. Another thing that maybe most travellers are interested about is the travel budget cost. Here, you can compare prices and help you find out the best deals. Saving money on travel is atop which I normally do. So far, I got the best value of my money.

Happy trip :-)

Shopping Nintendo Wii video games

Nowadays, many people are now buying via online from anything to something :-) Just like clothing and accesories, home appliances, computers and softwares, and all sorts of gifts or giveways. Not to forget the most chair breaking computer and video games. Speaking of video games, I always remember the famous Nintendo. Wayback the famous Super Mario Bros. sometimes referred to as Mario, that aways flicked my wrist to swing like a baseball bat or tennis racket, made a backswing and follow-through to send a golf ball flying over a pristine fairway. That was fun.

But what is the latest game launched? It is the Nintendo's Wii released last year. I checked what are the famous games that Wii offers...I was surprised to see the list of different Nintendo Wii video games in Shopping.com.

Read list and more ...

• Mario Strikers Charged for Nintendo Wii
• Mario Party 8 for Nintendo Wii
• Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for Nintendo Wii
• Super Paper Mario for Nintendo Wii
• Cars for Nintendo Wii
• The Legend of Zelda®: Twilight Princess for Nintendo Wii
• GT Pro Series for Nintendo Wii
• Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree for Nintendo Wii
• Rapala Tournament Fishing for Nintendo Wii
• Super Mario Galaxy for Nintendo Wii
• Transformers for Nintendo Wii
• Tamagotchi: Party On! for Nintendo Wii
• Ice Age 2™: The Meltdown for Nintendo Wii
• Spider-Man 3 for Nintendo Wii

Super Mario Bros. is the best selling video game of all time, but when I see the list, then this Wii will simply rock the video game market. I've read many good reviews about the games provided in this Wii video site.

In this video site, prices ranges below 30$ and above 70$. Just try to check it out. This innovation is fun regardless of your age :-) to experience, to sit down and play together--whether in the same room or on different sides of the globe. Check it out :-)