Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Cruise

I did enjoy a lazy ride on the Susquehanna river in this authentic paddle wheeler riverboat. It was a relaxing journey while at the same time enjoying a unique vantage point of wonderful architectures, the Capital Complex and fine views of beautiful City Island, including the historic mansions on Front Street.

It was also a good thing to know some basic facts about The Pride of Susquehanna paddle wheel riverboat...that The Pride is one of the seven remaining "authentic" paddle wheel riverboat in the U.S. It has no propellers or other forms of propulsion or steering except paddle wheels!

The cruise starts from the City island Docks, which is just down from the Metro Bank Park on the Susquehanna River, facing the Harrisburg Skyline in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The Alfred's Victorian Mansion

I got the chance to experience what many would call as a fine dining experience in a quaint setting of a gorgeous mansion in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

This victorian mansion is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is a Victorian brown-stone mansion. Brownstones were restored on the mansion using natural hydraulic lime and lithomax, in repairing damaged or missing brick, stones and mortars 100 years after its original construction.

Inside Alfred's Victorian Mansion is a restaurant built in 1888, and decorated with carved wood antiques and gingerbread accents. It's decorated with heavy drapes,-Victorian style and with bulky pieces of furniture, - one symbol of a Victorian accessory accents. Sorry, wasn't able to get photos inside :(.

Our food for lunch was okay. I had a butternut chicken, but I didn't like the butternut glaze toppings on it :(. But the chicken was good. I finished my chicken except for the toppings, lol! Our meal was also served with green salad and dessert,

Deep Cleaning Shavers For Men

My husband never leaves a grocery or a convenient store without checking the razors section. Sometimes, he would be buying another pack (disposable) good for couple weeks. I understand because he maintains a beard and he is particular about it. I am glad he maintains a good hygiene with that ;). 

 But I am glad I discovered about these razors that I saw online. I know it has a price difference with those disposable ones, but they are reasonable enough, quality wise. I actually trust my husband's judgement when it comes to shopping for his own personal items and price is not a big deal for him as long as the item he's buying is quite worth it. He is particular for good quality and endurance. So, I am quite sure, this link would be worth recommending for him.

Oh, and Black Friday is fast approaching!  ;)

The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad

Me about to board...;)

Those who enjoy scenic train rides, - you can still find train ride that offers one in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad, the original M&H Railroad Company (The Milk & Honey Line) offers train rides that uses vintage trains as early as in the 1920 passenger coaches.

All regular scheduled train rides leave from the Middletown Station only where you can enjoy a 10-mile of more than an hour round trip ride on the 1891 "Milk & Honey Line." You can enjoy a wonderful ride through the scenic Sawatara Creek Valley with live narration from your conductor about the historic locations along the way, including Union Canal Lock 33.

Special event rides are also available which are only by reservation.

They have Easter Bunny Express; "Sundae" Caboose Rides (family rides); Mixed Freight Ride with Photo Runby (new); Grandparents Day Ride (new); Murder Mystery Dinner Trains (this is 2.5 hours long); 14th Annual "Civil War Remembered" Re enactment; Pumpkin Patch Train Rides; Santa's Surprise Trains & Polar Bear Express.

Each of the special event rides has its own scheduled rides. You can further check them on their website as well or cal them.

Contact them by phone at 717-944-4435 ext. 1 or visit them online at mhrailroad dot com ;).

Experience wise, this was a fun experience on my part together with a special excursion tour group. It was also a relaxing ride while listening to the historic narration.

Hot Guitar Deals For Newbies

When it comes to guitars, there are a lot to choose from for those who are guitar player beginners. Being a newbie, there are things you need to consider in choosing an ideal guitar depending on your interest. Are you more interested in acoustic? or you prefer to rock it out with the electric 6-string?

Whatever that best interests you, it would be a good idea to take a quick look at musician friends, and try to discover the tips of choosing a good guitar depending on your type of music you want to portray. Of course, all these junior guitars are the best in their own purpose, plus they are really good deals! Time to start shopping while holidays are fast approaching. This is the best season to grab the hot deals and discounts the stores are offering. Happy early holidays! ;)

"Moses" @ Sight & Sound's Millenium Theater

Me at the lobby of Millennium Theater showing "Moses"

This is one way of making you spiritually enriched, being a Christian.
We all know the story about Moses in the Old Testament. He was more than just a Biblical icon. He was an ordinary man who had his flaws and weaknesses, struggles ad was much like an ordinary person like us who tried to find his personal identity with God.

The show "Moses" is one of the Bible's most epic sagas that comes to life through this all new adventurous presentation by the Sight & Sound. In the show, you can journey back in time as you'll witness the moment God first speaks to Moses at the burning bush, and also experience God's awe-inspiring power as you sit in the midst of the parted Red Sea!
You can also feel the celebration of the Israelites as they brush past you on their path to freedom ;).

Don't miss watching this action-packed story as you discover God's unique plan for the first time on the Sight & Sound stage.
The show comes in 2 Acts, in which Act 1 has 8 scenes, while Act 2 has 9 scenes.

The life of Moses is truly an epic. Visual and sound effects of each scenes are made through computer-based 3D modeling, then these produced equipments out of the 3D models were constructed, - painted, welded and handcrafted in details.
Owe it all to the Sight & Sound staff.
The theater has been ding a great step on their mission on moving people's hearts, mind and spirit by bringing the Bible to life on stage through the power of story.

Kudos to all of Sight & Sound's blend of creative talents who continue to have passion to share the love of Christ.
It's God's way of letting you use your spiritual gifts through the Holy Sprit.
Thank you for continuing to spread the Good News & God's promises.

St. Maarten Island Tour

I would definitely agree that St. Maarten is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Did you know that this island was mostly popular for salt? It was because during the 17th century when the Dutch settlers were still living in this island, they started to harvest salt from the Great Salt Pond where they export it back to Europe.

It was also during that time that the natives called the island "Land of Salt" or "Soualiga".

It's probably one of the reasons why they called the island "Land of Salt" because the Europeans started craving for salt, where they would rely on the place for getting salt, - a must have ingredient of food until today.

As you explore Philipsburg, the charming capital of St. Maarten, you'll be seeing the Dutch influences back to the colonial days, as you walk through the narrow roads with pastel-colored houses which are still intact. These houses still reflects the colonial architectural designs with 2nd storey verandas and flower-filled courtyards.

The St. Maarten Island Tour is one way of further exploring the area in order to visit the two-sides of the island; - the Dutch and the French sides.

You will also get the chance to explore more at Marigot, - the French capital, and Philipsburg, the Dutch capital. This is a great overview to see the uniqueness of these two islands!

This narrated, scenic tour ride will bring you to view the Great Salt Pond, and as you continue, you will see spectacular views of the Orient Beach and its neighboring islands. You will see more charming towns of Orleans as well as while you continue going your way, passing the lovely town of Grand Case going to Marigot (French side).

Once you reach Marigot, you will be allowed to explore both the outdoor markets and boutiques in the area. The outdoor markets are all around the Port of Marigot, and some boutiques across the street. You have 45 minutes of shopping. (not even enough time if you're a shopaholic! ;)).

On your way back to Philipsburg, you will see the monument that serves as a boundary separating the French and the Dutch sides of the island, then you will then have a 10-minute photo opportunity at the scenic International Look Out Point.

At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to stay a while at Philipsburg for more exploring and shopping, or return back to your ship right directly.

Just a note: - shops at Marigot are mostly closed during Sundays and holidays, so you might want to consider some other days for shopping other than those days.

FACT: St. Maarten/St. Martin is the world's smallest landmass governed by 2 nations - Netherlands & France!

My St. Thomas Island Tour Experience

St. Thomas is a tropical paradise surrounded by fascinating landmarks, breathtaking seascapes, vistas and panoramic views. Best of all, you get to enjoy duty-free shopping! ;).

Planning a St. Thomas Island Tour can have different itineraries depending whether you're currently on a cruise or staying at the island for a vacation.

I will be sharing my experience as a cruiser via Royal Caribbean. :)

Boarding on an open-air vehicle, it took us up through the hills going to Beacon point. It has breathtaking scenic views of the neighboring islands straight from the viewing deck. There's also a gift shop for island souvenirs or a place for buying snacks as well.

Then, the tour continued further to the Skyline Drive Overlook that offers yet another scenic views of the harbor and islands. You can even see the world's most famous view of cruise ships, yachts, sea planes, etc. This is one of the best spot to get those panoramic style shots, so take a lot of photos!

Then, you'll visit the historical landmark of Sir Francis Drake seat, still with the same pretty panoramic views. Be sure to snap a photo of "Drake's Seat" as well. (Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get one, since the scenic views were so overwhelming that I got tons of them! lol.)

The Drake Seat was where Francis Drake used to sit as his look out point to keep watch over his fleet and his enemy ships. 

Further up the mountain is the world's famous Mountain Top, where the original famous banana daiquiris are being made. Here, you can enjoy more of the scenic views, including the Magen's Bay, with many other pristine beaches. 

The awesome view of the British V.I. and the Atlantic Ocean can also be clearly seen from this point, including St. John. This viewing scene is on the north east side of the island.

The ending part of the tour will be the option of dropping by at downtown Charlotte Amalie for more shopping at Main Street, - where the main shopping district is. This shopping area has more than 400 store outlets where you can shop at your own leisure.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Can you see me??? ;)

Shady Maple is not only a dining facility but also offers a high quality farm products as well as pies and specialty cakes made from scratch.

It has a huge gift shop downstairs so that even an hour of shopping wouldn't probably be enough, unless you don't have any plans of going around the whole shopping area.

Various items are sold from small items like jewelries and gift items to home wooden furniture, clothings, home decors and everything in between! ;)

Villa Gregoria Terrace Resort

Being first timers to visit Nagcarlan, Laguna, we were blessed enought to be helped by my brother and my future sis-in-law to reserve 2 rooms at Villa Gregoria Terrace Resort. We thought the resort would be a great place to stay and enjoy its scenic views and amenities 3 days before my brother's wedding.

Views overlooking from our room.

The resort is located at Brgy. Buboy, Nagcarlan, Laguna, at least couple minutes away from the town of Nagcarlan via tricycle. They say that this resort is strategically built right down the base of Mt. Banahaw, - a mountain which produces cold spring waters. This is why Villa Gregoria is considered to be a cold spring resort, where its waters comes throughout the resort's swimming pools. The cleanlinees of the resort is very noticeable. Being a multi-awardee since 2006 and 2007, you wouldn't wonder why due to the fact that they have maintained their good reputation as one of the best resorts in Laguna.

Rooms are fully furnished and are mostly affordable. Aside from the swimming pools, you'll definitely enjoy the pool table (billiard) as well. Additional facilities are the function hall, KTV, and the pavilion.

You can get the real R & R with the resort's scenic views as well, surrounded by greeneries that comes with relaxing and refreshing breeze. Ahh. - you'll be smelling the scent of nature!

Interesting Historical Facts of St. Bartholomew Parish Church

Courtesy of Laguna Travel Guide

This church is so far one of the oldest churches ever made as early as in the 15th century. It's full of interesting historical facts that even made some people believed that a certain legend exists about a hidden tunnel that is still remain undiscovered inside the church, which is connected to the underground cemetery.

Rev. Tomas Miranda, then a resident priest of the church built the church with light materials in 1583. It was called "Nagcarlan Church" by then. It was then upgraded in construction with bricks and stones in 1752, but was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1781, and was then reconstructed in 1845 with the addition of a choir loft, added by Rev. Vicente Velloc - who also constructed the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan.

Interestingly, St. Bartholomew Parish Church is just across the town's municipal hall and the public market, while the Underground Cemetery is also close to the municipal hall and used to be a place for the church's funeral mass in 18th century. The Underground Cemetery is considered to be the only underground cemetery built in the Philippines.

St. Bartholomew Parish Church's architectural design is quite unique with its Baroque style design. The entrance has a facade designed with a semi-circular arch flanked with semi-circular windows as well, enhanced with tall pedestals that lift the columns on the second level, with various numbers and lengths. The church is built with 4-storey brick bell tower with a Muslim-inspired crenelations bell. This brick tower was also credited with its construction to Fr. Fernando dela Puebla.

As the years go by, many various lighting improvements and more renovations were done which is now seen as somehow modernized these days.

St, Bartholomew Church is genuinely a historical landmark, - it's worth visiting!

New Orlean's French Quarter Tours

You might probably be wondering and ask, -what's in French Quarter? Why do many tourists love to visit the place? So, you'll get curious, right? The best answer would be to go there, visit and see it for yourself ;).

French Quarter is also known as "Vieux Carre" - the largest district with a predominant 19th century best-preserved architecture that can be found within an American city. Its architectural styles are a mix of French, Creole, Spanish and American styles.

These eye-catching walled courtyards, cast iron balconies, lacy galleries with stoops and porches on some buildings are what makes French Quarter uniquely creates its popular trademark for many visitors.

You can find that in every corner bend, you can also enjoy some eclectic shopping destinations, restaurants and historical museums.

Did you know that French Quarter is so far the oldest neighborhood in the city? It was first established by the French in 1718, and soon developed its history of international cultural contributions from the Spanish, Italians, French, Irish, Africans, Sicilians, and more, which now reflects the development of this global port settlement.

The French Quarter is full of history. You'll learn a lot of it with the help of a professional tour guide. You will learn about the quarter's unique strategic location down to its architecture styles to restaurants, music, food and shopping.

Provide Your Home With A Backyard Playground!

If you have little tots at home and your place is far from a park, why not consider getting a playground for them at the comfort of your own backyard? For those who are residing in Richmond, VA, here is one great place online to shop for wooden swing sets in richmond if you are looking for one.

If you need more playsets, you can have some various choices as well. They can also install them for you.

This would also be ideal for schools, churches or some other institutions that need one for kids. With some various designs they have at hand, you can be able to choose ones that fit your needs. Keep checking the playset designs and they are as fabulous as can be ;).

A Visit To Read House & Gardens

The Read House is a 22-room mansion which was considered to be the largest house in Delaware when it was built in 1801, designed for George Read II, - a son of one of the Delaware's signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The house exhibits the height of federal grandeur with combined advanced technological systems for comfort and refinement. It has 14,000 sq. ft. with architectural style, yet has a monumental simplicity. 

The Read House & Gardens is also fronting the New Castle riverfront which creates an amazing view of the Delaware river.

For the tour, you'll be visiting first and 2nd floors, including the basement and the garden areas outside. Inside the mansion has pretty wall borders and has intricately hand-shaved woodwork mouldings as well.

There are many things to see inside the mansion, including the exterior, - the gardens. See them yourselves and be amazed! ;)

Touring The New Castle Court House Museum

Me inside the court house museum.

Being one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the US, this courthouse was also Delaware's first capital building and meeting place for the colonial and first state Assembly. There has been several modifications and additions throughout the 18th & 19th centuries, by which in 1732, the original courthouse was built over the remains of the 1660's courthouse. It served as the state house of Delaware in 1776-1777.

The New Castle Court House Museum can be seen at the heart of historic New Castle neighborhood with address at 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware 1720. 

Group tours are recommended to ask for reservations in advance. Various groups range from student grades to adults and older people.

The tour gives information and lets its visitors learn about Delaware's colonial and state history including their early system of law and government.

It also highlights Delaware's social, cultural, archaeological and underground railroad history.

At the second floor of the museum displays periodical portraits of people that had important role in the museum, artifacts, furniture and some decorative arts.

A Lazy Ride at Wilmington & Western Railroad!

Do you love taking steam-diesel-powered scenic train tours? I got the chance to experience a ride and it was one-of-a-kind experience.

Me during the stop over! ;)

Trains operate every weekends throughout the season, rain or shine. They also offer special themed rides at times throughout the year.

On the tour, you'll get to board Delaware's oldest steam tourist railroad for a scenic ride through the Red Clay Valley of Wilmington. It's best to do it at the peak of fall season.

You will step back in time as you travel the same route that was laid out in the early 1870's when the train was used as freight transportation.

Lunch At Jessop's Tavern

Having a sumptuos lunch in a historical neighborhood in New Castle, Delaware is such an experience worth keeping! If you want to take a step back in time as you enjoy delicious meal in the tavern, this place is ideal. It harbors and English style atmosphere that includes antique furniture and colonial fare. The tavern was built as early as in the 16th century (1674).

Here, you can see your meal served mostly in a traditional American way served on pewter dishes in a cozy setting, and a short distance walk from the Delaware river is a plus! ;)

Underground Cemetery & The Legend of the Hidden Tunnel

Courtesy of Laguna Travel Guide

Courtesy of lakadpilipinas.com

Underground Cemetery was actually built as an exclusive burial ground for missionaries and Spanish friars as early as 18th century. It is commonly considered as the only one of its kind because it is the only underground cemetery that exists in the Philippines.

It was built and designed for funeral mass purposes by a Franciscan priest - Fr. Vicente Velloc in 1845 to be exact, - that leads to an underground graveyard construction which is 15 feet below the church.

If you're actually on the place, the first thing you see is a church entrance and as you go beyond the entrance, you will see a burial site, just like a typical cemetery with tombs piled up in storeys. so, basically, it's a church that has an underground graveyard of 15 feet, - which led to becoming known as a cemetery where more privileged missionaries that came from elite Catholic families were buried.

Other historical facts about the Underground Cemetery was that it was also used as a place for secret meetings and sanctuary by Filipino revolutionary leaders and members during the war.

The first tomb was dated 1886. The cemetery is now more than 160 years old. There are only few tombs buried in the underground crypt, so don't expect too much to see under there.

The church is no longer used and masses are no longer held there anymore, except on some special occasions such as Holy Week.

On the other hand, the legend about the existence of a hidden tunnel at the Underground Cemetery still actively exists today among the residents of Nagcarlan regarding their beliefs about the hidden tunnel that is connected to the church altar. They further believe that this tunnel ends its way up to Mt. Banahaw, - considered to be a holy mountain.

But nothing has ever proven about the hearsays and rumors until today.

Entrance going to Underground Cemetery is free. But they have donation box placed at the entrance. You can take photos inside and underground but no flash photos allowed!

A French Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour (New Orleans)

If you get a chance to spend some time visiting New Orleans, one of the most commonly visited attractions is the French Quarter. The most recommended way to visit this area is by walking, as you can control your own time at your own pace. Besides, it is also much more practical to do rather than driving. Expect your tour to last for at least 3 hours or more, particularly if you spend a lot of times stopping to either take photos or visiting shops ;).

But you can even make it an hour or so since you get the chance to skip some sites you don't feel like seeing. If you are not familiar on where to start, it's highly recommended to get a self-guided walking map by visiting neworleanscvb.com/tours and print it online, or you can get them available at any gift shops or stores somewhere within the area.

Otherwise, there are still a lot of options to choose if you want to learn more about landmarks you're mostly interested at, by the help of a tour guide.

There are a lot of things to see and do at the French Quarter, and at least more than 30 historical landmarks that are highly recommended to see and learn about. If you don't want to miss a thing, taking a professional history tour with a knowledgeable tour guide is recommended as well.

It was a fun experience for me to do the French Quarter self-guided walking tour. I spent an hour and a half because I took short cuts ;). Besides, it feels more convenient and with no pressure and hassles when you do it on your own leisure time.

Just a self-guided walking map was more than enough of help to do a leisure tour like this.

The Atlanta Cruzers Electric Car Tour

Me and hubby after the tour.

If you happened to be visiting Atlanta for the first time, the electric car tour of Atlanta is worth recommending. This would be the best way to see most of the famous landmarks and attractions of Atlanta at a faster pace, particularly if you have limited time for a visit. 

The tour last for 90 minutes and journeys 15 miles throughout Atlanta area. You'll get the chance to see famous attractions like Fox Theatre, CNN, Centennial Olympic Park, and the historic Inman Park, and many more.
During summer, bring anything like water particularly if the temperature soars high during mid day. Some warm jackets also help when you are scheduled for a tour during cooler season. Remember, this is an hour, 30 minutes tour.

The electric car is said to be eco-friendly and can accommodate only 5 guests, with a total of 6 passengers including the driver (tour guide).

By the way, this tour is not only for tourists but for residents of Atlanta as well. It is actually recommended for Atlanta natives including its residents who are interested to further explore and discover those areas that are not yet familiar to them. It is a tour about how Atlanta got its early existence up to how it was being referred to as the Capital of the South.

If you are a history lover as well, you'll get to know more of its eclectic neighborhoods like Inman Park, the Old 4th Ward, the birthplace and home of Dr. Martin Luther King including Atlanta's historical culture and restaurants.

Advanced booking (at least 24 hours) is required. You can either call ahead or order your e-tickets online.

If you're checked in at a hotel in downtown Atlanta, they can pick-up/drop you off before and after the tour.

All other information are reflected on their website. (atlcruzersdotcom)