The Marble House - Newport, RI

This is so far my favorite visit in seeing a mansion, - the Marble House. It was built in the 18th century and is one of the most extravagant summer house or "cottage" built for Mr. & Mrs. William Vanderbilt during America's Gilded Age, built in Newport, RI. The couple hiredRichard Morris Hunt as the builder and designer of the mansion.
Hunt was inspired with a neoclassic design and combined it with massive Corinthian columns, a 10-ton bronze, steel and crystal grille entranceway.

The main entry hall (as you can see above) is made entirely of yellow Sienna marble!

As you go along, you'll just run out of descriptions as you'll be amazed with the fully lavished designs all thorughout! If you want to visit, you can either opt to choose an audio tour for your convenience and learn the detailed history about Marble House.

NOTE: Strictly, photos are NOT allowed inside :(.

Rhode Island - The Ocean State

Rhode Island is famous of its nickname as "The ocean State" or to some it's called "Little Rhody." It's the smallest state in the US with only 1,545 square miles including Narragansett Bay. It's name was derived for the Isle of Rhodes (in the Mediterranean Sea ) or for its red clay. Adriaen Block, a Dutch explorer perhaps named it "Rood Eylandt" which means Red Island in Dutch.

Although the state is small, there are lots of interesting places and scenic visits to see. If you are planning a trip and you plan to be driving mostly, prepare for those narrow, mostly one-way roads in Newport. I am not sure driving around Providence, but we were in Newport most of our visits, so that was an experience on our part. If you have your map, you won't get lost...remember, it's just a small area :).

Buildings of ancient architectural designs such as mansions and castles are plenty to visit. They are mostly in one area in Newport.You can either choose to walk while visiting the mansions one at a time, or you can drive.

Aaahhh! We had a wonderful time visiting different mansions!

(more on my next post...)

Unique Trip Experiences to Switzerland

I haven't been to Switzerland yet, but I'm hoping someday my dream of visiting Switzerland will come true! I travel a lot in the US and doing all the itineraries as planned are all worth memorable.
It amazes me to know that there are lots of unique experiences to be done in Switzerland! Being a country of dramatic landscapes and with strong cultural influences, it must be a memorable experience to cherish.
Trip experiences can be enjoying and I believe it includes enjoying the culture of the country you are visiting as well.
Discover Swiss "Pearls" and you will be amazed that Switzerland has a lot of unique trip itineraries to enjoy. One of the activities worth doing that I would like best for example is to see the Grandstand View. I would also love to try the experience of doing the medieval papermaking. Just in case, it would be the most unique and productive trip experience I have done in all my trips. It's nice doing an actual activity and at the same time learning the history behind it.
I am basically a nature lover and I love to visit and learn various histories of nature, and as I see it, Switzerland has a lot to offer for travellers.

Here are my top 5 picks of the activities I consider unique and worth enjoying when visiting Switzerland:

Grandstand View

Staring an elephant in the face

Medieval Papermaking

Learning About Our Neolithic Ancestors

Ghost Walk through Zurich

Switzerland has a lot of special things to consider when visiting. Discover those "gems" today!

Our Rhode Island Adventure

I know I'm a little bit behind sharing our trip to Rhode Island, couple weeks ago. Although, I'm a li'l bit delayed I would like to share some few to begin with. I will try to recall all the places that we visited later.

Anyway, the whole trip was a lot of fun. The only thing that was a bit of a hassle on our part was that the place where we were supposed to stay (Lady Victorian Inn), wasn't able to accomodate us due to the fact that the in keeper messed up the date. Instead of putting on the correct date, the record said it was on another month! Harry, (the inn keeper's name) was apologetic, and was able to recommend us a nice place (another inn), the Spring Season Inn few blocks away from their place.

We started our planned itinerary that same day we arrived...and the day was so sunny and warm! :). I will continue on my next post :).

Disney's California Adventure - 3

Golden State:

• Soarin' Over California

This ride is like a virtual reality. You get to sit in an open simulated airplane and then see a seem-like breath taking scenes of California. The scenes are in a big screen but looks like you're in it! :). It feels like you're really up in the open air, and soaring and swooping like an eagle! Gosh! Did I tell I'm scared of heights?...I closed my eyes most of the time. LOL!

• Mission Tortilla Factory

This is fun thing to do if you love tortillas. You go take behind-the-scenes look at tortilla production. Of course, you'll always get a free taste! :).

• The Bakery Tour

Another tour where you can watch as bakers create fresh sourdough bread before your eyes. With free taste of a freshly baked dough! :).

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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!

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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?