Botanical Garden - Baguio City

The Baguio Botanical Garden is not hard to find when you're in Baguio City, Philippines. Its main entrance is easy to locate as you go straight along Leonard Wood Road, just in between Wright Park and the Teacher's Camp.

The famous landmark of the garden is its main gate made of stone and cement, sculptured and shaped by a bas relief reflecting the various rituals of the Cordillera tribes. You can also easily witness at its main gate the presence of old folks; - real live Igorots wearing their tribal attires who are always willing to pose photos with you for a minimal fee.

I and my family with the old folks! ;)

This botanical garden was also both a garden and a zoo and was actually named Botanical & Zoological Garden; also named as Igorot Village, Imelda Park (came from the name of former First Lady, Imelda Marcos), and now called Centennial Park due to the 100th years celebration of Baguio as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Although today, many tourists and locals still call the garden Baguio Botanical Garden, perhaps because the main gate says it so ;).

The park not only features pine trees and other variety of shrubs, bushes and flowers but also includes native Igorot huts and statues decorating the park, and designed with narrow and winding pathways, ideal for cool strolls. It's also an ideal place to commune with nature and when you want to relax and be at peace and quiet.

In one corner of the park are rows of souvenir shops that sell gift items, handicrafts and various items for visitors who want to shop for any gift items.

Take note when visiting:

1. the park is NOT wheel-chair friendly, and visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes as path walks and steps are a bit tricky and steep in some areas.

The "Genghis Khan" at the Franklin Institute Museum

If you love all sorts of history, the Franklin Institute offers these types of exhibits. From May 9, 2015 to January 3, 2016 was an exhibit about the life of Genghis Khan. The Mongolians and Russians call him "Chinggis" pronounced as "chin-ghis", and many Westerners do spell his name as genghis, pronounced as "jen-ghus" or 'ghen-ghus'!

The exhibit features more than 200 artifacts that came from private collectors in Mongolia, Azerbaijan and even from the US. These artifacts are considered mostly as never-before-seen artifacts. These includes weaponries, ceramics, jewels, various relics, guns and swords.

Huge replicas can be seen such as the Genghis Khan Crossbow, the Mongolian Armored horse and warrior, The Grasslands exhibits and Murals.

Murals also include some works of art created after his death. An example of this is a mural of Genghis Khan with his officers.

All Genghis Khan exhibits are located at the Pepper Hall and Pendulum galleries.

The No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum Tour

No. 9 Mine & Museum is located off Route 209 in Lansford, Pennsylvania and is at the foot of the Pocono Mountains. It is between halfway the historic towns of Jim Thorpe and Tamaqua.

#9 Coal Mine started in as early as in 1855, considered to be the world's oldest continously operated anthracite coal mine. It was ultimately closed in 1972 but it was re opened again in 2002 as a heritage tourist attraction.

Today, the coal mine becomes one of the most ideal mine attraction giving its visitors an unforgettable experience in exploring the mine underground by taking visitors into a train that goes 1,600 feet into the mountainside and let them experience what it was like for those miners in the old days to work underground for more than past 200  years ago.

The tour includes a visit to the underground mule-way, the hospital inside the mine, and the 900-ft. deep original elevator shaft that once hauled loaded coal cars back to the surface.

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There are amazing additional sights and fascinating stories as well which are being shared by the tour guide.

The #9 mining museum can be easily seen at the "Wash Shanty" building. It is filled with exhibits of the original artifacts and equipments used by the miners for nearly 2 centuries of mining history at the coal mine.

As you enter the museum, you see clothings placed in wire baskets which are hanged through chains from the ceiling of the "wash shanty" building.

This sight is how it was during those days that 450 miners worked in the mine.

Other exhibits are the original tools that the miners used, - shovels, drills, axes, picks, blasting equipments, saws, lamps and their lunch cans and caps. There are also exhibits that include a life-sized replica of a mule boy and his mule, various original photo collection, original paintings, handcrafted and carved items made of coal, fossils, gems and even a replica of an 1800's miner's kitchen, and tons more to see.

A small gift shop is just at the entrance area of the museum which sells carved coal souvenirs, customized shirts/hats, books and more.

A Visit to the Old Jail Museum

Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania (also known as Mauch Chunk; - which means Bear Place) is a beautiful historically enriched area at the Pocono Mountains in Carbon County.

If you're passing by the area along Broadway St., you won't miss the Old Jail Museum at W. Broadway. If you see a resemblance of a fortress standing guard over the town, with a beautiful 2-storey stone structure, that's the Old Jail Museum.

the dungeon at the museum

This museum is worth visiting due to its very interesting history as early as in the 18th century where seven Irish coal miners known as Molly Maguires were hanged on the 21st of June 1877, then another man on March 28, 1878 was hanged. The last two men were hanged on the same gallows on January 14, 1879.

the gallows where the Maguires were hanged

Historians believed that most of the condemned men were innocent. The men proclaimed their innocence as well before they were hanged. One of the man who was hanged, - Alexander Campbell placed his handprint on the wall of his cell to prove he was innocent. They called it as a mysterious print because no matter how they tried to eradicate the print by washing, repainting or replastering it, the handprint is still clearly visible. Today, that handprint is still visible today at cell#17. Take note that NO photos are allowed at cell#17. If you want a photo of the handprint, they sell it at the gift shop!

Bought this photo at the gift shop...I scanned it. I have the rights to ask to take them down if unauthorized publishing will be made on this photo. So, let me know if you want to share it. Thank you! :)

Tour schedules are available on their website including ghost tours if you are interested.

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Nowadays, everybody uses practical quality modern gadgets where it is easier to carry, convenient yet the function is not compromised. 

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St. Michael's, Maryland - A Charm of Chesapeake Bay

St. Michael's is a scenic town in Talbot County on Maryland's eastern shore ,located halfway between the Susquehanna source and the Atlantic mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It nestles on the beautiful Miles River full of historical homes and wildlife.

The town itself is proud of its colonial, federal and Victorian homes, churches and historic maritime heritage showcasing its pleasant southern culture.

St. Michael's got its name from St. Michael's Parish of the Episcopal church founded in 1696. Things to do as past times are shopping and dining along its historical streets. Fishing and guided hunting are also available for those who love doing them which are offered year round. Boat rentals are also available as hourly rentals during summer for those who love to be on the water.

Inside of one of the buildings at the Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must-visit when you are in St. Michael's. The museum was founded in 1965, located on 18-waterfront acres. It exhibits, trace the geological, social and economic history of the Chesapeake Bay through the age of sail and the steamboat era to the advent of gasoline and diesel-powered engines. Don't miss visiting the museum's collection of authentic Chesapeake Bay watercraft with 11 vessels on floating display at the museum docks.

Shopaholics can explore the quaint shops and boutiques, visit the St. Michael's Winery, the historic Christ Church and more.

St. Michael's known as "the town that fooled the British" has its own story to tell behind that title. When the British attacked St. Michael's in 1813 to destroy their shipyards, the town residents already forewarned, hoisted lanterns to the masts of ships and in tops of  the trees. This was a trick to the British by causing the canons to overshoot the town. Only one house was struck; - "the Cannonball House" due to a cannon ball that penetrated the roof, then rolled down to the staircase. The house still exists up to the present as a private residence.

Nightscape Experience at Longwood Gardens

At Longwood Gardens, there is always that summer spectacular happening! It is because they are presenting to the public a light and sound experience called "Nightscape"; - by Klip Collective, which started in June 1 to October 31, 2015. It was really a unique experience for the summer of 2015.

Nightscape transforms the gardens starting at dusk through the work of art with a combination of colorful lights, movement and sounds through the landscape of the gardens. Moving lights dances with shadow while music is in the air.

After dark, your journey begins as you experience a spectacular kind of beauty as you witness yourself  moving imagery of lights beautifully animated and projected onto a living canvas on the garden's landscape.

Nightscape has 9 installation points all throughout Longwood Gardens from the Conservatory to the Large Lake and Topiary Garden in the outdoors. You don't have to worry about rain checks, because Nightscape can be viewed rain or shine, which is also an indoor-outdoor experience.

It is only available for viewing every Wednesday-Saturday from July 1-October 31. You'll get more information about time schedules on their website as they change every month.

The Root's Country Market & Auction - A Visit!

Another good place to shop for food such as veggies, fresh fruits, bread and many more, is at Root's Market in Lancaster County.

Since its humble beginnings as a poultry auction in 1925, Root's Market has evolved over the years to become a piece of Lancaster County heritage offering fresh food and a wide variety of items for sale. Root's Market features its produce auction as well as fresh meats, deli, bakery items, flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles and household items from over 200 stand holders.

It only opens every Tuesday of the week. It celebrated its 85th Anniversary in May of 2010.

The Kutztown Folk Festival

It was a great experience to attend the 66th annual Kutztown Folk Festival this year; - considered to be the oldest folklife festival in America. The festival has more than 200 folk artists and traditional American craftsmen who demonstrate and offer an exceptional range of fine works, and over 2,000 locally handmade quilts displayed for the largest quilt sale in the nation, entertainment on 6 stages, including live music, fiddlers, folksingers, hoedown, and country dancing, with great Pennsylvania Dutch food of every variety, some historical re-enactments, children's activities, and some information about the Pennsylvania Dutch lifestyle.

The petting zoo is one big hit for the children. They can get up close and pet some animals while feeding them. Although a dollar of a food is being sold at the area, the animals can still be touched without giving them food, which means you are not obliged to buy the food to pet the animals. ;)

Kutztown Festival is a 9-day event that mostly showcases the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch & their fascinating way of living. It is being held in Kutztown, - at Kutztown Fairgrounds with a minimal entrance fee.

The entire fairground is filled with shops for arts and crafts, decors and garden accessories, clothings and textiles, farm machineries, garden plants and lots of food and drinks. It's one ideal place to do your "shop 'til you drop" thingy!...LOL!

Functional Guitar Straps

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There are tons of types of guitar straps that can fit your own mood, style or need. Whether you need a leather type, nylon, polyester, etc...be assured that they can be of good quality, ease of use and function. Better yet check them out by clicking the given link. 

"Joseph" at Sight & Sound Theater

It always feels great to feel blessings when Bible stories come to life at Sight & Sound theater (Millenium Theater).

Sight & Sound is considered to be the nation's largest professional Christian theatrical company and one of the mostly attended live theaters in the East Coast and in the Midwest as well. It has a 2,000 seat capacity and has a 300-ft.stage that surrounds 3 sides of the audience and an amazing variety of live animals participating in the show.

The story of Joseph in the Bible is already a familiar one to many Christians. It's considered as legendary. It is a story of a great dreamer (Joseph) who underwent tough challenges and trials from people whom he loved and trusted, yet chose to forgive in the end.

His story grips the heart, that can keep people coming back returning with more friends to watch the show! :)

"Joseph" is a show full of energy that will leave you laughing, crying and uplifted with the life-changing message of God's forgiveness.

The entire show is mesmerizing filled with innovative dream sequences, lavish Egyptian staging, colorful characters, live animals and memorable songs. The climax of the show is a soaring Joseph above, infront and beside the audience!

One word description....SPECTACULAR!!!

The Early Golden Day Age of Railroading at the B & O Railroad Museum

The B & O (Baltimore & Ohio) Railroad Museum is located at the historic site of B & O Railroad's old Mt. Clare Shops/Station in Baltimore, Maryland. Mt. Clare is considered to be the birthplace of American railroading. (Shops are already gone). It's here that you can relive the golden age of railroading with 40 acres of railroad history!

A self-guided tour is the most convenient way to completely explore the entire area, although a guided tour is also offered by some staff workers upon request.

As you enjoy your self-guided tour, you can get the chance to explore the rail history through 7 buildings and train platforms, including the magnificent Roundhouse, allowing you to see, touch, and hear the most important American railroad collection in the world!

You can as well choose to venture on a 20-minute round trip train ride on the Mile One Express, along the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America, recognized as the birthplace of American railroading.

Me inside the Mile One Express train (with a big foot of my photographer!)LOL!

America's symbol of industrialization from the earliest days of railroading were steam engines. As steam technology got better, engines also changed and increased dramatically in size to become powerful locomotives in the 19th century; - from the 1900 to the late 1930's-1950's where diesel engines became on the rise.

The B & O Museum offers one-of-a-kind collection of 20th century steam engines today! The exhibits inside the museum include both originals and replicas. Part of those exhibits are also available for viewing outdoors in which a number of large collection of a variety of steam locomotives are in the parking lot close to the museum entrance.

Buffet Lunch Experience at Rusty Scrupper

I live close to Baltimore but I wasn't even aware there is such a good waterfront dining restaurant like Rusty Scrupper!

At the waterfront

I happened to eat a buffet lunch here with my husband together with a tour group we signed up on while visiting downtown Baltimore.

Rusty Scrupper Restaurant is voted as Baltimore's Best Waterfront Dining by Baltimore Magazine, which sometimes is being frequented by VIP's.

I couldn't complain about the food...in fact, I wanna go back and have that yummy crab soup with their mouth-watering Ceasar salad and lemon garlic roasted chicken! :)

The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) can be easily spotted when you're around Baltimore area located at the Federal Hill neighborhood at 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Maryland. 

The giant Whirlgig is highly visible as its outdoor sculptural landmark.

If you're an art lover, it is here where you will discover various amazing art collections created by intuitive, self-taught artists. It is also a national museum and an educational center where it showcases outstanding original works of various artists.

While some exhibits are being changed at times, it still has its permanent collections always on display with approximately 4,000 pieces.

The AVAM's specialty of art is called outsider art also known as "raw art", "art brut" or "intuitive art".

Photography isn't allowed inside, but are allowed outside the building. The museum's main building has 3 floors of exhibition space.

While more than 40 museums of visionary arts are already open around the world, it has been considered that AVAM is still the largest and continues to influence and inspire all over the world.