Disney's California Adventure - 2

There are lot of things to do inside, but I would only be sharing my experiences to the attractions I went into.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot:

1. The Twilight Zone-Tower of Terror - I thought this would only be a regular elevator ride with ghostly effects...well, I like those things, but hubby and I didn't have the idea of sitting in that huge elevator and had a free fall of more than 100 feet down (3 times)! Take note: Be sure to wear that seat belt...or else, you would find yourself flying and hit yourself all around, LOL! My legs were shaking on that ride and I won't do it again!

2. Turtle Talk with Crush - Good place to take your kids. You'll get to see a turtle called "Crush" who talks with the kids. An interactive chat session for kids and Crush is just cute to see him talking to the kids. Humorous turtle too! :).

"Bug's Land:

3. It's tough to be a Bug! - This is a 3D show with the usual 3D glasses that they provide to watch the show. On the show, you also get to feel crawling "friendly" bugs under your seat...eeewww! But above all, it's fun! Nothing creepy!

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Disney's California Adventure - 1

December 9 & 12, 2008
We had visited Disney twice since our hotel (Doubletree) is close to the park in Anaheim, California. It was nice to be in the park (in another place, lol!) due to the fact that we frequented Disneyworld in Florida the previous years...much bigger. But nothing else is much different when it comes to Disney. It's always a good thing to become "child-like" once in a while :).

Honestly, we enjoy kiddie rides better than the roller coasters and other high thrill rides, LOL! I and my husband are scared of heights, although in my case, I would always want to overcome and try thrilling rides, which I would end up NOT doing it when I'm alone, hahaha...

More coming on my next post.

See ya'll!

Drive Safe This Summer

For drivers, whether you like it or not, the fact is that the biggest cause of fatal car accidents is driver distraction.
Talking on cell phones for example is considered dangerous, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. During summer, drivers are most likely to make calls thinking driving conditions are fine and it's just okay to take their mind off the road.

Did you know that when you compare reflexes and response time of a driver on a cell phone with that of a drunk driver, those ones on the cell phones face worse? And another thing, it's even not a valid reason using headsets because they aren't any safer! Drivers are 4x more likely to get into car crash when they're on any phone, even a hands-free one.

It's because conversations can lead to "inattention blindness" in which you miss up to 50% of safety cues, like flashing brake lights on the car infront of you.

So, next time you're on the road, buckle up, stow your cell phone away, - and pull over if you must take a call. A trip delay is much more worth than losing your life! That makes sense, right?

Drive safe!

Auto Body Shops

Here is one low cost auto body repair shop you should check - the Collision Repair Experts. They are large nationwide network of reliable collision experts that offer low cost auto body repairs. Colorado residents can now check auto body shops colorado for the nearest and most convenient places to go to. You can easily use their search box on the homepage to find those ones near them by providing their city or zip code. It's that easy!
And if you think you have what it takes to be considered as a collision expert, you can as well join the network of expert repair body shops with Collision Repair Experts. Call them today!

Lackawanna Coal Mine

A tour going underground! That's Lackawanna Coal Mine Tours in northeastern Pennsylvania. The tour begins with a 250-foot descent below the earth, through a mine car, once used by miners. You will be led by a tour guide to a one-half mile through the winding underground gangways and rock tunnel while explaining the mining geology, etc... The tour group will also experience the extreme darkness, the way the miners usually work.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is located separately just next to mine in Mcdade Park. Here, more information will be learned about the history and the people in the region. The museum is open year-round, from 9AM to 5PM, Mon.-Sat. and noon to 5PM Sunday.

If you want to experience the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tours, it's an hour tour and are offered daily from 10AM-3PM frm April 1 to November. Or better yet, visit lackawannacounty.org

Have fun!

Discover Philly (Part 2 )

The National Constitution Center is worth visiting in learning America's history. The center is made of impressive limestone complex in which the famous opening words of the US Constitution was engraved on its facade. This center was opened in 2003. One of the favorites is the Signer's Hall, where life-size bronze statues of the Constitution's 39 signers and 3 dissenters are displayed. You can even choose to sign or dissent :).

The Old World Charm can be your historic dreams. This continues at the Thomas Bond House built in 1769. This is the former home of the cofounder of the Pennsylvania Hospital which was being restored. With it are 12 guestrooms and decorated with period furniture and all feature views of Welcome Park.

Ride The Ducks Tour provides you an opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery from a duck's eye view on a 70-minute ride on the river. Once aboard, you first cruise the streets of Philly before splashing into the Delaware River.

More has to be discovered as you go along. So, enjoy your historic vacation.

Happy July 4th!!!!

Discover Philly (Part 1)

Philadelphia's old city neighborhood is a historical place where during the 1770's the founding fathers began America's quest for freedom and independence.

The Independence National Historic Park is considered to be the most historic square mile in America. It is now visited by millions of tourists every year (also known as the Independence Mall), which also includes the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Hall.

Did you know that there are more than 200 years of American history to be explored in Philadelphia's Independence National Park?

Why not begin your visit at Independence Visitor Center. Here, it will be your first stop to Independence Hall. Tickets are available in first-come, fist-served basis, so be sure to get an early spot. It sells like hotcakes! Just close by is the Liberty Bell Center where you get up close with the bell, America's famous bell.
Your tour inside the hall will take you to the Assembly room where the declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution was drafted and signed. You can further proceed outside to the Independence Square where the Declaration was first read. You can also visit Congress Hall, Old City Hall, and the Philosophical Hall. Then stop by at Carpenters Hall, Franklin Court, the 2nd Bank of the US and Todd House just within the steps of Independence Hall.

You might also want to explore the colonial graveyard with a $2 entrance fee, the fmous Christ Church Burial Ground where it was the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and his wife Deborah. The grave is visible from the sidewalk. Don't forget to toss a coin on Franklin's grave as a sign of good luck and respect :).

Visit Philadelphia Mint, the oldest mint in the country, where the first US coins were minted in the original facility.

Moshup Beach

This beach located at the foot of the famous Aquinnah Cliffs in Massachusetts is rated as one of the top 10 "best walking beaches in America. It's due to the fact that te Moshup sand is not too loose and not too hard packed for walking. It has a sandy seaside path on Martha's Vineyard, a perfectly scenic New England island.

To give you a clearer picture of the beach, just think about cobblestone streets, picket fences, fishing boats, lighthouses and church steeples.
Surfers will enjoy the gentle waves of the water and the scenery is breathtaking.

There are many things to be shared about this beach. Like for example, its 200-foot high walls of red clay are striated with various shades of green, gray, red, white and yellow. There are so much things to be treasured, such as the rainbow-colored cliffs, tide-smoothed sand, crashing waves of brilliant blue and sounds of sea birds are just one of the few.

The place, Martha's Vineyard island can be accessible by ferry or by air. During summer months, ferries are available at least a dozen times for 45 minutes each trip.

Enjoy your summer! :).

Concert at Morey's Piers, New Jersey

You deserve a break this summer! How about a concert watch while enjoying your stay at the beach? Here is the good news: There will be an upcoming Radio Disney Concert Series which will be held in Wildwood, New Jersey starting this June until August of this year at Morey's Piers. And the best thing is - the concert is FREE, plus many of your favorite top Radio Disney artists will be there. Sounds cool, huh?

And if you are looking for a place to stay, reserve your room online at Wildwood New Jersey motels. There's no other place that can give you world-class amusements such as Morey's Piers, as well as world class service of outstanding resort hotels in Wildwood.

No wonder why Morey's Piers is considered to be the best place for your New Jersey vacation this summer.

Whitefish Dunes

Along Lake Michigan's coastline lies an 865 pristine acres that serves to support a fragile ecosystem called Whitefish Dunes State Park. Haven't been to this place yet, but I think it's worth seeing and visiting.

Whitefish is in Door County in Wisconsin. There is the Whitefish Dunes beach that is accessible for a $10 vehicle sticker that can be availed at the Welcome Center of the park.

The beach is in fact selected by Wisconsin Trails magazine as "the best beach in the state", which is the most visited day-use park in Wisconsin.

The dunes offers marvelous hiking adventures such as the Brachiopod Trail where you see fossils of life that inhabited the place about 425 milion years ago when it was an ocean floor.
There's also a boardwalk and stairs that will take you on top of "Old Baldy" just to uniquely view the lake, as well as the forests and meadows nearby.

If you are one person who also avidly supports a wide diversity of habitats, this is an ideal place to go.

Have fun :).

Going Beach Bound

Summer is here!, so it's time to start enjoying some sun and sand, don't you think?

America is blessed to have amazing variety of beaches, from the great lakes to the gulf of Mexico.
San Diego, for example, is home port to the US Pacific Fleet, and just by seeing those vessels pass by close to shore is truly an awesome sight.

Have you been to Coronado Beach in California? Coronado consists of 3 separate beaches along the Pacific shoreline close to San Diego.

The north beach faces due south, and when the wind is just right, surfers enjoy the steep angled swells. Mainly, this beach is just lovely for swimming where water is warm and summer surf is mild.

The central beach is one of the most favorite of many for photography. It has fine sand with particles of mica creating a golden sparkle. Just be sure you wear your flip flops when the weather gets too hot!

The shores, another beach which is also called sprawling beach is where mostly long-boarders do their stuff.

There you go...let's go beach bound! It's officially summer time! :).

Caladesi Island

So far, one of my most favorite place to go tripping is Florida. If I'm not finding myself in Disneyworld, mostly that I am heading to the beach. I'm a tropical person, one major thing why I love Florida, weatherwise.

If I'm going beach bound, it might be good to try going to Florida's Gulf Coast, - Caladesi Island. Haven't been here yet, but if you want to get away from the bustling city, and want to see what Florida was like before condos, beach houses and commercial developments, here's the place.

Caladesi Island State Park has 600-acres and only accessible by boat. Ferries leave from Dunedin's Honeymoon Island every hour, year round.

Caladesi has beautiful white sand and it will be here that you will see why the beach is recognized as one of the best beaches in America.
The downside of it is that visitors who arrive by ferry can stay on the island for only 4 hours, but you can plan to have a well-packed activities in this back-to-nature paradise.

A swim in a clear gulf water is a good start, or take a stroll along the nature trails.

Wow! How I wish I would be crossing this paradise island someday.

White Water Rafting, Anyone?

They say it's wild but contained...haven't tried white water rafting and I don't plan to do it in the future, LOL!
But for those who love a much more unique white water rafting, visit Maryland's Adventure SPorts Center International. In the westernmost corner of Maryland, is the nation's first recirculating mountaintop white-water course.
Can you imagine driving to the top of the mountain just to paddle down a river?

If you go, the white-water season opens in late April through mid-October, with various festivals and competitions featured on weekends.

The Maryland Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) is overlooking Deep Creek Lake atop the 3,110 ft.-high Marsh mountain, known as the home of the Wisp Ski Resort, putting millions of gallons of lake water in Wisp's snow-making ponds to use in a wild water ride that gives its own thrills after winter melts away.

If you love this sport, expect to go there and be wet. Helmets, life vests and paddles are provided. A guide will take care of the rest.

So, are you a risk taker?

Payday Loan

Are you running short of cash until your next pay day? Then, why not try a loan service that offers simple loans until payday, wherein applying online is as easy as 100% and can even get a decision instantly! Cool, isn't it?

You even don't have to worry about credit checks and paper works. Faxless Pay Day Loan is the only one you need when you run into financial emergencies. Apex Pay Day Loans has fast approvals online with loan amounts up to $1,500. It is because they specialize in fast online services whenever you need a quick payday loan.

You don't have to bug your family or friends asking money for a loan, because you can safely apply online confidentially anytime even holidays, at your own convenience at the comfort of your own home. It's easy and fast!

Nature Tripping at Wetlands Institute

If you want to get back to nature, this is one place you should consider.

At the seashore, the elemental attractions of sun and surf are dazzling; however, it's the subtle discoveries that truly amaze: the whirls of moon snail shells, the horseshoe crabs (looking like prehistoric tanks) or the quick skittering of sandpipers in and out of the ocean foam.

Perched at the edge of 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands, this nonprofit institute offers a welcoming approach to the island, reminding visitors to take stock of their surroundings. Feeding herons, egret and ibis are visible from the road, and careful travelers may even spy a diamond-backed terrapin.

The center hosts activites for everyone. Passive observers may be content to simply watch the masses of migrating water birds and raptors; help feed the horseshoe crabs, sea stars and baby terrapins in the aquarium; or view emerging baby ospreys via the nest-cam.

Sunsets over the salt marshes are stunning. But the institute really caters to hands-on exploration, from discovering the ecosystems along the trail and tidal creek, to guided dune walks and back bay kayaking adventures.

Aquarium feedings are every Tuesday through Thursdays at 3:30pm and Saturdays at 2pm. Totally turtle Tuesdays and fabulous family nights on Thursdays are the perfect family-friendly ways to spend a vacation evening at the beach.

Your Radiator Hotline

If you are in need of help finding the right radiator for your Dodge, check radiator.com. Dodge Radiator is just easy to find when you shop online at radiator.com whether you are looking for a stock or replacement radiator, or an upgrade for your sedan, or replacement for your truck or van, - they all have it!
Radiator.com is considered to be a radiator hotline online. If you need help, you can even ask your queries online and their helpful mechanic experts are willing to assist you all throughout. Not only that. They also offer a complete auto and car part inventory at wholesale prices which includes car lights, mirrors, bumpers, body parts, etc...
You can further contact them for more information on Dodge radiators, cooling systems or maintenance as well.

Finding a Good Technician

So how do you find a good mechanic? The ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) offers these additional tips on finding a good mechanic:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. You can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is valuable.
• Check with local consumer organizations about the reputation of any business you're considering, Inquire about complaints and the rate of resolution of complaints.
• Think in advance about how you'll get to and from the shop when dropping off and picking up your vehicle. This way, you can avoid having to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for shops displaying industry and Better Business Bureau membership, awards, repair rates and modern equipment.
• Once you've chosen a shop, ask if they offer written estimates and warranties on repairs.
• If you're having car problems, make specific notes, about sounds, odors, acceleration or mileage changes and when problems occur. Also note if they're constant or periodic, at what speed they happen and whether the vehicle is cold or warm, etc...,so you can present as much information as possible to your technician.
  

Weekender in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, a sun-kissed island glued to Haiti, is fast becoming a hot Carribean getaway. On the southern coast is the bustling metropolis of Santo Domingo; to the east is Punta Cana, a resort hub where cheap all - inclusive tours abound. For unreal eco-adventures, head north to Puerto Plata and Cabarete.

SLEEP. Feel free to crash at Maxim Bungalows (maximbungalows.com) at Juan Dolio and Cofresi beach. These breath taking resorts feature 5 star amenities like lavish suites, resort wide wi-fi, and a 17,000 sq. foot spa. You can take a chauffeur-driven SUV to the Carribean's best golf courses or charter Maxim's own 54-foot yacht, Independence, for private open-water parties or stop at Castaway Beach, a secluded nook perfect for snorkeling and barbecuing.

DRINK. Locals and tourists alike flock to Punta Cana's Occidental Grand Hotel for Mangu' Disco (800-858-2258), a dance den featuring fire eaters and thumping house music. In Cabarete Beach, you can hang ten with the surfer set at Onno's bar (809-571-0461), then down pina coladas all night at the popular open-air bar Lax (809-710-0569).

EAT. Don't leave Santo Domingo until you've tried the sancocho (a hearty stew of meat, sweet potatoes, and cassava root) at El Conuco (809-686-0129). Big night out? Recharge with mango smoothies and burgers at EZE bar & Restaurant in Cabarete Beach (809-880-8779), then dine on ceviche and curried fish at Natura Cabanas (809-858-5822).

Manila Ocean Park

April 19, '09

As a treat, we took the kids to the park. The park is located just behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila. Our hotel was just close to the area (Swagman Hotel) just along the corner of Flores St. and Roxas Blvd. The admission fee is 400 Php for adults and 350 Php for kids. The fun will start at the oceanarium.

The Oceanarium is considered to be a large educational facility aimed at inculcating love for the environment both for the young and old. It contains vital information on climate change and global warming as well as its effects on marine biodiversity.

The oceanarium journey:

The facility is divided into 7 parts;
1. Agos (The Flow)
2. Bahura (Reef)
3. Laot (Fishing ground)
4. Buhay na Karagatan (The Living ocean)
5. Ang Kalaliman (The Deep)
6. Pagi (Stingray)
7. Pating (Shark)

In addition to, a multi-media facility is included mostly for kids where they can do colorings, paintings or interactive learning.

At the 2nd floor is called the Fish Spa where you can catch the view of the ocean or the shark viewing area.