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)

Disney's MGM Studios - (Now, Hollywood Studios)

Disney's MGM Studios displayed its last name in December 2007, then finally closed its doors in January 2008. The good thing is that avid customers didn't need to worry about, because it was re-opened the next day with anew name; - Disney's Hollywood Studios!

The new name also came with the idea of providing interactive exhibits from the mega-hit movie "High School Musical" and its sequels, the popular animated movie stories from Pixar Entertainment & Disney's "Toy Story"; "The Chronicles of Narnia's" big screen version, and the TV blockbuster reality show "American Idol".

Today, Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of the most visited theme park in the US, with almost 10 million visitors every year. It is here where you get to experience the thrills, action and glamour of today's entertainment industry in the fields of music, TV, movies and theater.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

This is the ideal theme park to visit if you want to experience the "wild" side of Disney! Whether be it a real or fantasy adventure, you'll all experience the fun while doing it.

If you love real adventure encounters with real animals, try safari and trail rides to get to them up close. The kids will enjoy more every activities they would choose; - from musicals to thrill rides and adventures.

Downtown Disney

If you want to enjoy a little shopping, dining and a little extra entertainment, aside from the theme park, you can take a stroll at Downtown Disney.

There are at least 70 shops (or more)...restaurants, some family fun favorites, all-in-one place here.

Did you know that dining at Downtown Disney is an attraction itself? Many of the greatest dining that serve authentic, tasty cuisines, from quick bites, casual to fabulous feasts - name it, and you can find one.

You can also find here an indoor entertainment such as the Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park that has 5 floors full of fun games, and the La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, both ideal for kids and adults.

Go to Pleasure Island if you and your friends are thinking of having some party fun, - from live entertainment to hip hop and comedy shows.

If you think of Downtown Disney, it also means F-U-N! :)

The Disney's Boardwalk

Disney's Boardwalk is just another charm where you can enjoy your walk along while at the same time enjoying the serenity of the water's edge, the unique shops and the restaurants. The boardwalk extends as far as a quarter mile, and also is a short distance away from Epcot. You can board on to a boat for a ride going to Disney's Hollywood Studios as well.

If you want a little recreation, you can enjoy a Surrey bike equipped with a fringe top or bicycles that are for rent. Surrey bikes are available in 2's, 4's or 6 persons. So, you choose!

You have various ways of doing your exploration, - the Disney way. So, enjoy! ;)

The Living Bible Museum

If you happened to be in Mansfield, Ohio you might want to try visiting this museum where you can see the Holy Bible in life form through their famous tour called "Bible Walk." They would call it; - The Holy Bible that comes to life by touring through a wax museum of Bible characters featuring life-sized dioramas about the popular characters' stories based from the Bible.

It will also be your guide in understanding the basic truth about God's Word. Won't you be glad walking through the Word by walking with your faith as well?

The tours focus on the life of Christ and the miracles of the Old Testament, a tour on the Museum of Christian Martyrs and Heart of the Reformation.

As you will start the tour, you will be walking on hallways and viewing life-like scenes in both sides of the hallway, and these scenes are equipped with a push button for the narration. Musical and sound effects come with the narration.

There are 70 scenes total, and more than 300 wax statues in the museum.

The Living Bible Museum is considered to be Ohio's only life-sized wax museum. Take note that this is a non-denominational. Everybody is invited and enjoy the tours!

The National WW1 Museum at Liberty Memorial

With this museum's fancy state-of-the-art and interactive technology design, you shouldn't miss visiting it when you're in Kansas City, Missouri.

This is mostly ideal for those who are history lovers as well as a good school of learning for students alike.

As you begin with your tour, you will be starting your walk at the Glass Bridge and seeing the Portrait Wall first. This will be your first stop.

1. Portrait Wall - it is here where you can entirely see from an interactive portrait gallery of all the people who were participants in the WW1.
2. The Paul Sunderland Bridge - shows colorful field of poppies, which represent 1,000 combatant deaths during WW1.
3. The William Thornton Kemper Theater - you shouldn't miss this 12-minute film that would give you insight about the world events that caused the war.

Years dated 1914-1917:

1. Grand Illusions - you can learn interesting information about how the world was like before the war from this prologue gallery.
2. The Chronology of the War - a monthly diary of events before the US joined the war.
3. Galleries - you can see these various objects used from the war.
4. Trench - this is an interactive area where you can see and listen to the soldiers who lived and fought during WW1.
5. Air War & War At Sea Galleries - advance your knowledge and learn how the air combat forces discovered rapid technological advances during the WW1 and how the war at sea played out.
6. Interactive Tables - you can listen to music, poetry and historic voices through audio alcoves and experience a learning about WW1 in a modern way.
7. Horizon Theater - this is where a 15-minute program is shown showing America on the threshold of war and what led to the decision to enter the war.

There are 6 more galleries and areas to explore dating from 1917-1919. You can either choose to visit them or not...your choice!

If you prefer exploring the highlights of the museum, and rather skip the step-by-step tour, you can do so as well. 

Here are some worth considering:

• The Memory & Exhibit Halls which are situated at the Liberty Memorial Deck. These are all exhibits that contain more of the museum's world-class collections.
• The Tower - this is also located on the Liberty Memorial Deck. You can access it by using the outdoor steps going up or take the elevator to level G. This tower was built in 1926 at 217 ft.

At the tower...

• The 2 Sphinxes - you can see them as two gigantic stones adorning the Liberty Memorial Deck. The one facing the east with wings covering its face (which means covering it from the horrors of European battlefields) is called "Memory". The other one facing the west is called "Future" with its wings shrouding its face symbolizing the future which is yet unseen.
• The Dedication Wall - a stone wall that holds bronze busts of the 5 Allied leaders who were present during the site dedication held on Nov. 1, 1921. It's located close to Pershing Rd. at the northern edge of the complex.
• The Great Frieze - designed by Edmond Amateis, and is one of the largest carvings in the world at 148' in length and by 18' tall. You can see this view from the north lawn. This sculpture depicts progress from war to peace.
• Research Center - this is where you can see more of the WW1 historical collections. You can access the library holdings at the Public Research room with free admission. Use the elevator at the west to level B.
• Museum Store - the place to shop, - books, clothings, souvenirs and other unique items.
• J.C. Nichols Auditorium - don't miss seeing this state-of-the-art auditorium that can accommodate 230 people. They use this place for lectures, films and other special events.

Enjoy your visit ;).

A Short Visit To The Baha'i Temple

So, seven years ago, I still remember when I was in Illinois, visiting my cousins, and they took me and my husband for a quick visit to Baha'i Temple in Wilmette. It was just a "spur of the moment" decision after an early dinner with my cousins to do our walks since the restaurant was a walking distance to the place.

I don't know a lot about this building except that it is considered a house of worship, so I heard. We visited the area around 7PM so we were not able to take a good look of the entire structure of the building outside. I was able to take a photo of one of its pillars which is full of pretty intricate designs.

Infront of the structure is a fountain and a garden.

There is not much of a structural designs inside except for some designs made by intersecting lines. I was hesitant to take a photo inside as I wasn't sure if it's allowed or not. I rather chose not, to show some respect. It was so quiet inside that even a single camera click would create an annoying noise for anybody to hear! Who knows who was in there? :)

Feels Like Home at Skycroft Conference Center

Trip Dates: June 28-30, 2013

Being a first timer to visit this place for a church family camp, I can say it was such an awesome place to experience feeling like we're home away from home! :)

Skycroft Conference Center has a breathtaking view located on a mountain top south of Frederick county, Maryland. It extends as far as 300 acres and is operated by the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware which was opened in 1977. It can accommodate more than 300 guests overnight year round, equipped with various lodging/room accommodations depending on your preferences.

You can definitely enjoy the beauty of a scenic nature with various recreational facilities for both indoors and out. Dining options?...I agree it's an excellent place to have one. Good nutritious food, - in a buffet style banquets. It has 2 dining halls equipped with a seating capacity of more than 400 people.

Recreation centers such as the Nelson Center and The Barnes Reception Center give you endless choices of worthwhile activities.

Both indoor and outdoor activities are at The Nelson Center such as volleyball, basketball and racquetball courts located in a full gymnasium, a table tennis game room, plus huge outdoor spaces for softball, soccer, and football fields, an outdoor basketball court, tetherball, a Gaga court and campfire sites.

The Barnes Reception Center is an ideal place to visit the gift shop, and the Hebrews coffee cafe! This area also houses the guest registration area. Small shopping area is located in this area as well if you're thinking of buying gifts like books or clothings.

For team building recreational facilities, an indoor rock climbing wall, and a water slide are provided for an extra cost. There are high ropes course and confidence course as well.

The surrounding neighborhood of Skycroft is uniquely perfect to check like historic sites which reflects significant parts about the battle of South Mountain in 1862; - which can be within an hour drive from the place, some hiking trails, outlets, antique malls, river trips and even snow skiing (for the season).

Conference rooms are available in almost most of the areas of Skycroft.

If you are planning for a church retreat, or any related church activities check their website at skycroft.org.

York Co. Factory Tours

Trip Date: June 20, 2013

I usually share my trips in details about the places I and/or my husband visit mostly when we sign up for tours. But since this trip is a series of tours, I thought of just sharing the entire trip in a brief but concise manner.

We had 6 tour itinerary for this trip which means 6 places of visits.

This tour was also offered by the Rill's Bus Company in celebration of the "2013 Made in America Tours Event" in York County, PA, - which is considered the "Factory Tour Capital" of the world.

First stop:

• The Harley Davidson Motor Company in York, PA. - for those who are certified Harley Davidson motorcycle lovers (and even members), I'm sure you would love this. The only thing I am not sure at this time is; - if Rill's Bus Tour will still offer this tour again in the near future. And if they do, you shouldn't miss it :). As you enter the facility, you will be fronting the customer service desk on a lobby, and on your right side would be the Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center where motorbike exhibits of various models and styles are being displayed. You can have your chance to sit on those bikes as well for photo ops ;); In there, you can explore more exhibits that detail the plant's history on through the manufacturing and assembly processes. This is also a good time to spend your time while waiting for the factory tour, as the tours are done by batch.

Tours inside the factory are free and are scheduled at regular intervals from 9AM-2PM Mondays to Fridays. It is a first-come-fist-served basis so going in early is highly recommended.

By the way, before our tour, we were given a free commemorative pin too. Cool! ;)

Before the tour, our group was taken in to sit inside a mini theater and watched a short movie clip, - an introductory video about the humble beginnings of the company, the history and the most recent updates of the company nowadays.

Then, we walked to the next room where we were given safety glasses and an audio before we were allowed to proceed inside the factory floor. A closed-toe, low-heeled shoes are also recommended.

Note: We were requested to leave our cameras since they are not permitted in the factory floor.

It was noisy inside, the reason why they gave us an audio. Its purpose was to hear the tour guide while touring inside. We had a noise-cancelling headphones attached to our audio, so that when the guide talks, we could hear him loud and clear. It was an interesting tour!

Second stop:

• Bube's Brewery - (pronounced as Boo-bees) is a 19th century brewery complex located in Mt. Joy, PA. It is still in its original condition with a modern brewery onsite. Tours include information about beer-making done 100 years ago and to this modern day. Visitors will also get the chance to visit way down the underground lagering cellars called - the catacombs! Bube's Brewery is the only intact Pre-Prohibition brewery complex left in the United States.

Third Stop:

• George's Woodcrafts (Marietta, PA) - is a furniture factory ad a store that has been known for their high quality solid wood furniture for 4 decades now. Visitors can tour the wood shop and witness how furniture are being made from scratch, manually. Here, you can as well experience seeing the strength and beauty of artisan furniture made from the finest hardwoods.

Fourth Stop:

• Sunrise Soap Company (York, PA) - this soap company is worth visiting. It has been becoming famous as a tourist spot for many visitors as they make everything on-site on their visitor-friendly kitchen, such as soaps, lotions, body scrubs, lip balms, bath fizzies, etc..which are made of harsh-free chemicals. You can smell various fragrances inside too! It's a fun tour to experience as you watch a demonstration on how soap is being made, learn more about the high quality oils being used, making it a skin-healthy alternative for sensitive skin. There are a lot of various products already displayed in the store which are available for purchase.

Fifth Stop:

• New Grounds Coffee Roasting Company (York, PA) - fun tour for coffee lovers!! Visitors can watch a demo on how amazing fresh coffee beans are being roasted, then get the chance to enjoy sampling fresh coffee blends in various flavors.

Last/Final Stop:

• Brown's Farm Market (Loganville, PA) - this is a nice place to visit for fresh produce, as well as a great place to grab a bite/snacks in the cafe. They have various choices of baked goods, deli, pantry items, gift baskets and more.

Big Zombie Tour Part-1 (by Atlanta Movie Tours)

No wonder many call Atlanta the "home to Zombieland" in Georgia. But if you are a "Walking Dead" fan or just one of those who are so fascinated with any kind of zombie movie, - then definitely you'll agree, talking about zombie tours.

This tour is a 3-hour experience as you board a luxury coach courtesy of Atlanta Movie Tours, ad you can then get the experience on what it is like to be on the scenes where the zombies walked themselves! You'll be taken to locations in Atlanta where movies and TV series such as "The Walking Dead", "Zombieland", "The Vampire Diaries", etc. were filmed.

Tour guides will be with you all throughout the tour. Best thing is that the tour guides are the actors/actresses themselves that are/were part of the TV series "The Walking Dead". They can even entertain the group by giving interesting scoops and exclusive behind-the-scene stories about the series and movies where the best zombie hang-outs were filmed.

By the way, it is highly recommended to book your tour and get your tickets online at the Atlanta Movie Tours website (atlantamovietours.com), because tickets sell so fast! Also take note that only small children that can be seated on an adult's lap are free of charge.

Instructions will be given regarding the meeting place, time, etc... which will be reflected on your e-tickets.

First part of the tour is a quarter mile walk at a slow pace but fairly ADA accessible. The rest of the tour will be on the bus with some various stops on some areas for photo ops and breaks.

Some expected highlights of the tour will be your visit to the hospital where your favorite sheriff, Rick Grimes woke up from coma, a visit to the goat farm where they filmed the episode "Vatos" of Season 1 of the "Walking Dead", and the CDC building (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center) where it was blown up in the final episode of Season 1, - the truth is, it wasn't really blown up, - camera trick, yeah! Sorry for the spoiler alert guys, but it still won't hinder anyone to visit these locations yourself, right? 

Then, a photo op from the Jackson St. Bridge with the tour group and the tour guide at the end of the tour.

Entrance to the Goat Farm. This scene on the photo was filmed on the "Hunger Games-Catching Fire" from the scene of District 12. If you're lucky enough, you can still find some fake coals that was used as props reflecting the effect of the coal district in the movie.

The King County Sheriff Station. On the further end on this building (not shown) was the location where Rick shot a police officer who became a zombie.

The hospital where Rick had woke up from a coma. This was also the scene where lot of dead zombies were lined up on the ground (those "zombies were actually man-made dummies).

This was the spot where Rick crossed the railway entering Atlanta on a horse.

The department store still with the chains on the doors to keep the zombies out. It was in this store where the group was trapped in.

Our tour group photo at the Jackson St. Bridge

It will be quite of a unique experience to try this tour. Very entertaining!

A Visit To The US Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland's capital for more than 300 years now - is the home of the United States Naval Academy. One of the many reasons why I am always proud to be a Marylander :)

The academy is not only an educational institution but also well known for history, culture, recreation and fine arts.

The US Naval Academy has an outstanding location, surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, Severn and Magothy Rivers.

The scenic grounds of the Naval Academy, known as the Yard has an amazing contrasts in architecture reflecting its distinguished history. It offers tree-shaded monuments commemorating courageous graduates and non-graduates and their contributions to naval history. The first Naval School was established by George Bencroft, Secretary of the Navy at Fort Severn, Annapolis in 1845. There were 50 students taught by 4 officers and 3 civilian professors. The school became the United States naval Academy in 1850, the undergraduate college of the US Navy.

During the Civil War, the Academy moved to Newport, R.I. and was re established in Annapolis in 1865.

In 1933, an act of Congress authorized the Academy to confer the bachelor of science degree. As it grew over the years, the Academy expanded from 10 acres to a 328-acre complex, from 50 midshipmen to a brigade of more than 4,400 midshipmen.

That's me fronting the Bancroft Hall

Bancroft Hall is named after George Bancroft, the founder of the school in 1845. It is now the current home for more than 4,400 midshipmen, containing approximately 1,700 midshipmen rooms, has actually 5 miles of corridors and about 33 acres of floor space. All facilities for recreation and all basic facilities of midshipmen's daily living needs are found in this hall.

pretty architectural design!

At the Memorial Hall

Some areas of Bancroft Hall are off-limits to visitors but other areas such as the vast Rotunda and Memorial Hall dedicated to alumni who gave their lives in the war are open for the public.

It was such a miss not being able to visit the Naval Academy Chapel which was unfortunately closed that day due to holiday :(.

Discover Atlantis Tour

This narrated guided tour is one of the highlights of our Nassau experience in the Bahamas. It is one great opportunity to explore the famous Atlantis Resort.

This tour only includes visits to The Dig, Predator Lagoon, the Atlantis Casino and the Royal Towers architecture.

Take note that there are a lot to visit at the Atlantic and one of those is the huge Aquaventure Water Park. Depending on what tour you prefer doing, you are free to choose excursions that include your site of preferences.

Since most visitors are cruisers, the only downside at times is the time, particularly if the ship docks for only a few hours. So you sometimes have to choose shore or land excursions that are within your time limits.

The "Discover Atlantis Tour" is 2 hours and 30 minutes the most, but can be finished earlier.

It starts with a short transfer (a mini bus) from the ship to the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. We started at the Atlantis casino showcasing dazzling decors of the glass masterworks of Dale Chihuly. Other amazing architectures were shown as well such as those magnificent murals encircling the colossal lobby dome.

The Ruins Lagoon came next. This is a place where the lagoon was recreated, - the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis. Then, came our exploration on the ruins of ancient Atlantis at "The Dig", - a replica of an archaeological excavation site.

The Dig reflects the lost city of Atlantis wherein you will be led to view some mythical artifacts into ancient passageways, hieroglyphics, Atlantean inventions and view the stunning main life in the ocean's depths at the Predator Lagoon. You will view barracudas, sharks and many marine creatures on giant-sized aquariums.

As you go explore The Dig, - it will be your witnessing experience to see an 11,000 year-old lost continent. Here as well will be a home of the world's most exotic creatures such as the Zebra shark, bow mouth guitarfish, grunts, jacks and manta rays, which will be in the Ruins Lagoon.

Take note that these ruins are only replicas!

The Predator Lagoon is an acrylic tunnel that offers unique views of goliath grouper, smalltooth sawfish, blacknose shark, tarpon and Caribbean reef sharks.

After the tour and you still wish to hang and go around to explore more, you have to take note that going back to your ship on your own via taxi will be at your own expense.

If you wish to go back to the ship within the allowable time, there are buses available to take you back at certain given times. Your tour guide will give you time information for this.