PLACES of My Year 2010

I've read so many blogs now entitled: People of My Year 2010. A short list of the most notable people that they have in the past year. This one is somewhat inspired by almost the same blog  though I want the title to be 'Places of My Year 2010. These are the ones that are memorable to me and would make me excited everytime I think of going back to these places.

Robertson Quay in Singapore.
Yes! There are a lot of nice hotels in Singapore like the Raffles or Swisshotel but for me this is the best place to be when in Singapore. We tried other hotels in SG but nothing really compares to Robertson Quay. The place is clean and simple.

Yorks, UK.
I will always miss our apartment in Yorks. Every corner of the place became a part of me. I can surely call it 'home'. I may have gone to other places and seen many grand houses but for me, our home is still the best place to be.

London, England.
I can't forget my 2010 because I was given an opportunity to walk around London. I am sure a lot of people wants to visit London but not every one are given the chance to see the place. I feel so lucky and grateful after that experience.

Yorkshire countryside, UK.
We had our first picnic here. A place where we always go for a short or long drive. This countryside became our outlet every time we feel bored at home.

Camotes Island, Cebu.
It is true that this island is a paradise. The sunrise and the sunset here is magical that would make you appreciate the beauty of nature.

Pulau Langkawi, Kedah.
We did a lot of adventures in this island at the onset of 2010. Our cable car ride up to the air bridge was like a once in a lifetime experience. I can also remember our trip to Gunung Raya, the sunset at Pantai Cenang, the yummy dishes at Orkid Ria, the moped we rented and many others.


How about you? What are the places that you can't forget in the year 2010?



Source: Google for Robertson Quay inage

Raining in the Old YORK

Back in the Northern part of England, this what they called 'walled city' is a must see with its very rich heritage.

A rainy day out in the city of York...My partner took a photo of me at 'the Shambles'  (above) which is a 14th century street in York. It is now a popular tourist destination.

When in York, don't forget to drop by at Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms (http://www.bettys.co.uk/) and check out their lovely apple strudel and fat rascal. Bettys is one of the oldest coffee shop in the city since 1919. With their unique and antique furnitures and great service, you would surely enjoy your coffee time.

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Reliving the World War at Eden Camp Museum

the entrance to Eden Camp

The Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum is located near the town of Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. It is known as a multi-award winning museum. According to history, the place served as a camp for world war II prisoners.  

When we arrived at the camp, there were already lots of tour buses parked around the place. We paid £5.50 each (adult price) at the entrance and find a spot to park our car (free on site parking). Upon paying, they provided us a camp map so we'd know where to begin, eat and buy souvenirs.That was really helpful for first time visitors like me.

They put numbers outside the different huts so it wasn't that difficult to follow. You can begin your journey inside the camp from the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. The museum is also complete with the different sound effects and life size images.

the Bismarck- a German warship

the evolution of bomber planes used during the war

I saw a real one at the grounds of the camp

this one is real!

an Italian torpedo

Please check their website for the current rates and how to find the museum.

Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum

Malton, North Yorks., UK

Tel no. (01653) 69777

www.edencamp.co.uk

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The Modern LEEDS

at the Victoria Quarter in Leeds

My first visit in Leeds was a surprise from my partner. The city is like London in the north of England because it has lots of shopping centres and eating places. If I'll be given another chance to visit the place again, I would surely take more photos.

Oops! This is not in San Francisco

Yup, looks like the Golden gate bridge in San Francisco, California but it isn't. Behind me is the Humber bridge which is now the world's fifth longest single-span suspension bridge. 

This is a view of the bridge from the south bank.

Yorkshire's Winter Wonders

It is winter time again in the UK soon or perhaps it is already starting now. One thing I can remember while in the UK was the coldness that would last until February or March. So even if you go there after Christmas, you can still catch up with the winter season.

My partner and I woke up one snowy day in the middle month of February. Though it was snowing most of the time, that morning was really different. With our boots on, we decided to go out for a walk in the woods.

I can't believed that I made my first snow person.

Me in the winter wonderland. It felt really cold.

Look closely. The entire forest turned all white and the snow keeps on pouring as we continued our walk.

Yaay! We reached the top!

Time for some snowball fight!

On our way back, we saw a lot of people (mostly kids) playing in the snow with their sledges. They even let us borrowed one. Yes, that was my first sledgy ride too.

Getting ready for my next slide of a lifetime

I was so amazed with what we did on that day. Truly, one of a kind nature wonders!

WOW! Castle Howard

the South front and the Atlas fountain

Just a short drive from York City, you can find one of UK's most beautiful Castle where the Howard family lived for over 300 years.

the Carlisle Memorial Column completed in 1870

The Carlisle memorial column in the background just outside the entrance gate to the castle.

at the Rose garden

After we got our entrance tickets which we payed £12.50 each (adult price), we visited the Rose garden first and explored the grounds. During that time, they are still renovating the garden and the flowers just started to bloom after a snowy winter. We were amongst the first visitors of the House last March 2010.

the best steak ever

After hours of walking around the garden and exploring the grounds, we had our lunch in one of their cafes. We ordered a very sumptuous steak served with potatoes and vegetables and a very yummy home made cheesecake. After lunch, we continued our tour inside the castle.

We saw a lot of huge paintings of the Howards when we entered the house. Guides are also provided for all visitors so you can easily ask them about anything especially on how the Howard family lived before. The rooms inside were all spacious. They still preserved most of the things and furnitures that the family used years ago. The turquoise drawing room is one of my favorites inside the house.

the drawing room

the crimson dining room

the Castle's huge library along the hallways

Our last stop inside the house was at the family chapel which was in used by the Howards between 1870 to 1875.

To find out more about visiting the House, go to http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/

Once Upon a Time in London

at Picadilly

This is kinda late post but I just want to share my one of a kind experience while I was in London.

Of all the cities that I want to see, London is number 1 in my list. When I think of  London before, I can just imagine beautiful castles like those featured in the movies, the amazing Big Ben, great scientist and discoverers, old songs that remained incomparable and many others.


I never knew that I will be given a chance to see this beautiful city and I'm fortunate to have believed in my dreams.


We arrived in London Heathrow airport from Kuala Lumpur at almost five in the afternoon (London time, January of 2010). It was still winter that time so the place was cold and wet as expected. We had dinner and stayed in one of our friend's house in the West part of London (sorry I forgot the name of the town) on that night. 


The next day, through the help of our friend, we headed back to London and started our day by depositing our luggages near King's Cross station so we can have a walk around London City centre. Then my partner asked me where I want to go first. In no doubt I answered: "I want to see the Big Ben!" So we headed to the underground train station or what Londoners referred as "the tube". I guess we took 2 trains just to go to where the Big Ben is. 

a dream come true indeed! It's the Big Ben!

Also took a photo with the London eye in the background

I was in awe but mixed emotions in reality when I stood and look up at the magnificent clock tower. My partner and I were there just in time when the clock hands strike at 12 noon and then it sounded gracefully. It was truly amazing! We continued our walk down to the Westminster City. We also went to London Chinatown. (Yup!, there is always Chinatown anywhere). A stop in one of the Filipino supermarkets near Earl's court was also worth the walk. We also bought some Chinese soup in powder that we both like. We jumped back to the tube after lunch and went straight to where else but in Harrods Knightsbridge for some jam shopping. I also had a photo taken at Piccadilly- a popular road since medieval times that has inspired several works of fiction.

'Til I see you again London! Cheers!

at Chinatown London

After lunch near Earl's Court with the iconic double decker bus behind me

Mini shopping at Harrods