The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church

There are two Ebenezer Baptist Churches along Auburn Ave., one is the church exactly located at 400 Auburn Ave. built in 1999, and is currently an active church, and the other one (historic Ebenezer Baptist Church) which is at 407 Auburn Ave., and is now used as a heritage sanctuary, and a tourist attraction.

The new church building at 400 Auburn Ave. is the new Ebenezer Church which is the horizon sanctuary and is not open for tours. It is open to all visitors who want to attend Sunday services though.

The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church has a long, rich history and has been a popular place visited by many tourists due to the fact that MLK (Martin Luther King) Jr.'s life has mostly revolved in this church including his father. Jr. became as a co-pastor in 1960 while his father was the pastor. It was also in this church where MLK Jr.'s funeral was held when he died in 1968.

In 2001, the National Park Service began the restoration which will be completed in 2 phases.

The first phase restoration was done costing to $1,885.000 which included installation of major electrical, heating and air conditioning and fire suppression. Exterior renovations were also done such as the Ebenezer sign that was repaired and lit in 1990, and structural repairs were also made to the roof system as well. The 2nd phase has yet to be determined.

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A Stroll At The Centennial Olympic Park

This is just one of the common sight you will see when walking in the park. This statue "Man on Steps" is designed by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French free mason, and founder of the modern Olympics.

I have done several trips to Atlanta, Georgia but it was my first time to lay my steps on this park ;).

If you are in the park, you will notice those commemorative bricks which are mostly laid evenly on the ground making up the majority of the side walks.

These bricks have engravings on each of them which served as primary fundraisers that made the construction of the 21-acre park possible. These bricks raised approximately $7.5 million from private donors with approximately 8000,000 bricks used in the park's construction.

The park is exactly located at downtown Atlanta, and are walking distances to many attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN, Underground Atlanta, and some museums.

One of the most popular feature of the park is the fountain of rings. It is considered to be the centerpiece of the Centennial Olympic Park.

The Fountain of Rings has free shows daily that plays 4x a day, starting at 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:30PM and 9PM. It is also considered as the world's largest interactive fountain that synchronizes with popular music tunes, sounds and lighting effects.

It is highly recommended to watch the fountain shows at night time for a more artistic colors if you want to take colorful photos and videos on it.

Another great feature in the park is the availability of free wi-fi internet around and close to the park's Visitor Center. Park admission is always free as well.

You might as well try the audio walking tour at your own pace for free throughout the park. This is a self-guided audio tour designed for the visitors at their own convenience and at the same time learn and enjoy more about the park's history, architectures, trivias and more.
You can start your self-guided audio tour right directly from your phone! Every structure included in the audio tour are numbered and with just simple instructions to follow, it's always a breeze, with a lot of learning you can get at the end.

That's me doing the self-guided audio walking  tour ;)

Don't forget to drop by at the Visitor Center which is located adjacent to the Fountain of the Rings, at the south end if you have further questions about the park or any other concerns you may have.

The Meadow Garden at Longwood Gardens

Photo courtesy from LongwoodGardens.org

A new garden ready for public to see has recently been opened in June 2014 at Longwood Gardens! This outdoor garden is called the Meadow Garden that spans at 86 acres wide, has more than 3 miles of walking and hiking trails and features native and colorful wildflower plants with engaging narrative and insightful programs throughout the seasons.

If you get lucky enough, you can get the chance to see some wildlife particularly in the early morning or early evening  along the trail and depending on where you are on the trails.

Birds are common sightings, but larger animals such as "the white-tailed deer can be an unexpected visitor at times.

It's worth visiting for nature lovers!

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor

One of the main reasons why I got interested to visit the National Harbor is to get up close with the Capital Wheel, - the harbor's newest iconic attraction.

I don't have plans on getting up into the wheel since I have fear of heights, but I was able to acquire some facts about the Capital Wheel.

The wheel has a climate-controlled gondolas that can seat 8 people in each. It can hold a total of 336 passengers and is 180 feet tall.

At the top of the Observation Wheel is a bird's eye view of the Washington Monument, US Capitol including Alexandria and Prince George's County which can be seen from a distance. Other visible sights include the White House, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery and the lush parklands of the DC-MD-Virginia regions.

The wheel recently had its debut in May 2014 and set to operate year-round which is a good chance to see the four-seasons changing from a bird's eye-view! ;) 

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MLK Jr.'s National Historic & Grave Site Tour

Several blocks somewhere in Atlanta neighborhood is a place of history worth visiting about MLK Jr.'s birth home, the historical Ebenezer Baptist Church where he served a pastor, and his grave site.

MLK Jr.'s birth home.

I was able to tour the neighborhood, but unfortunately I didn't get the chance to tour inside his home, which is located at Auburn Ave. His birth home is a 2-storey Queen Anne style house at a neighborhood known as "Sweet Auburn."

The historical Ebenezer Baptist Church where his father and him became as its pastors is a short walking distance from his home which is at the corner of Auburn Ave. and Jackson St.

The church was constructed in 1914 and was completely done by 1922. It is a red brick 3-story building made of stone with stained glass window groupings. Not far from the church is MLK Jr.'s Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. which shows King's works and legacy. In here is where you can see the Freedom Hall too.

At the east of Ebenezer Baptist Church is a cleared lot occupying King's grave site unto Blvd. St. Then, a memorial park was constructed around the marble crypt in 1976.

In 1977, MLK Jr.'s grave site in South View Cemetery was moved in this dedicated tomb. The tomb used to be surrounded by bricks and by a plaza with an arch-covered walkway and later on replaced by a reflecting pool.

MLK Jr.'s tomb was later joined by his wife Coretta's tomb when she died in 2006.

Entertainment & Shopping at Underground Atlanta

If you prefer to do shopping, see some entertainment, love to eat, - try going underground - at the Underground Atlanta!

The place is located at the middle of downtown Atlanta. You can as well sign up for a guided Walking  History Tour, and reservations are required ahead. You can either call them or book online thru undergroundatlanta.com for tour packages. Otherwise, you can just do a self-guided History tour by picking up your brochure at the information booth, and discover the historical facts all at your own pace.

Underground Atlanta has been a long common destination enjoyed by many visitors and residents for more than 100 years now. It has 3 levels and has an area of 225,000 sq. ft. with 6 city blocks that expands up to 12 acres, - all for restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Fun At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

Bring your whole family and experience the outdoors in the "wild" safari on specially designed cruisers that takes you across 150 acres of rolling land where you will see herds of wild and exotic animals from around the world. 

The safari tour might only open in some certain months so be sure to contact them by phone or visit their website for hours. 

For the safari tour, tour guides will be with you for the entire tour giving you an expert information about the animals' species and their habitats.

The Safari Tours are the main attraction at the park because you get the chance to get up close with the animals, as well as you can feed them and pet them too! ;).

There is also a petting zoo that is always a favorite among the children where they can pet African pygmy goats and llamas, and many more. If you have kids under 8 years old., be sure they are strictly accompanied and guided upon closely.

Snacks are available at the park, so you don't need to worry about getting hungry. Picnics are also allowed in the park and you can bring your own food. But there will be a minimal fee for the picnic tables at the park.

Be sure to wash your hands and your kids' hands well before eating, particularly if you have kids touching the animals.

Have fun!

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.

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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!