Christmas Ornaments - Timeless Thursdays 24

11/12/2020 - At the moment we are being banged by scary winds and rain, please pray for the Philippines. 5th typhoon in 2 weeks, this is a very strong one we have now.

***

Christmas is almost around the corner. In the Philippines, Christmas begins at September 1st until the feats of the Epiphany on January 6th. During this time, streets are lighted with Christmas lights and different displays. But of course, this year would be very different because it's almost the middle of November but houses are still not lit yet (I can't speak with my eyes since I still can't go outside often, but speaking from my updates from my Filipino friends)

Whenever I travel, I always make sure I take home a little something from that country that I visited. Before, I used to hoard a lot of stuff but after 10 years of travelling, I realize I don't need a lot of souvenirs, I just need at least one or two that I can treasure forever. On my trip to Europe, since it was during the last three weeks of December, there are Christmas Markets in almost every city I visited. Too bad I wasn't able to see one in Amsterdam, my first stop out of Paris, but I found my first one in Milan.

    

A Christmas elf boy ornament I got near the Duomo

I was so happy to see this one on the store. It's a bit unusual for me to see a lot of witch inspired ornaments and decorations on sale at the market dressed up on festive and colorful dresses, but as a traveler who's eyes are open to different cultures and perspectives, I really appreciate seeing them as well. I think I got this for 4 euros a piece so I bought two, one for me and another for my brother's friend who was hosting me in Milan for my 12 hour stop in the city.

    

The Charles bridge and Prague's Astronomical Tower

On my stop at Prague, I did not miss getting one of course at the Christmas market in the old town square. It was packed with people but everyone was happy as a system of speakers blow out joyous carols which heightens the Christmas feeling! That moment made me realize that I really was on a Christmas Village, something I used to build at home using ceramic figures of shops and churches and stuff. I was there, on the real thing! And as a remembrance of that magical moment, I got this beautiful hand-painted ornament from a very kind Czech uncle who even agreed to have a photo taken with me. His work will forever be treasured on my tree.

Beautiful handmade Czech Christmas ornaments made by this Uncle

Ornaments are just simple things that adds beauty and color to a Christmas tree. Not everyone appreciates these little trinkets the way I do, but knowing all the stories behind every special ornament is a timeless spirit that will forever be attached to each of these. Hope I can bring more from my future travels and add it to my tree every Christmas season to add more joy and cheer to my holidays.

***

By the way, I would like to share with everyone this beautiful Disney short animated film made by Disney UK that tells a story about a Filipino Grandma and her granddaughter living somewhere in London. It was trending here in the Philippines and in the Filipino community around the world and it really touched a lot of hearts, mine included! Always wanted a Disney movie about our culture, and thanks to Disney UK, we had a very good taste of it this Christmas! Watch it below.

***

And another thing my friends! I was featured on Becky's Blog about World Superstitions where she invited me to be part of her collaborative post about different beliefs in the world. Of course I shared something about our own culture here in the Philippines. Check out the 10th edition of her series on this link: Trekking with Becky

***

I would love to welcome and invite everyone to join Timeless Thursdays.

Timeless Thursdays is open for anyone who wishes to share old photos or old thoughts that you would like to share as beautiful memories with everyone. This can be from yesterday, a year ago, or something from your grandma's treasure chest.

This runs every Thursday at 12 am (Manila/Perth Time) until Sunday at 11:59 pm (Manila/Perth Time)

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Prague Castle

During our three day stay in the Czech Republic, we visited one of the most historic and architecturally diverse landmark in the city of Prague. Prague Castle was a very beautiful complex that shows different styles of designs and materials in buildings that dates back to centuries ago. We were not able to visit the museums inside but seeing it from a free pass across the complex is good enough to be amazed by this place of marvel, especially from a Filipino like me where castles don't exist in our country and culture.

Saint Vitus Cathedral from the Entrance

Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle is a castle complex that houses not just the historical seats of Bohemian Kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and former leaders of Czechoslovakia, but also the official office of the president of the Czech Republic or also known today as the country of Czechia. From the view of the photo I took above, there alone you can see the mix of styles on the buildings inside the Castle complex. It is simply amazing to enter such a place with different worlds living in it. 

Four Hour Tram Tickets

Just like most European cities, public transport is on a per-hour basis, unlike here in the Philippines and other Asian nations that goes by the per ride basis. We have four tickets one for each of our family members. After we crossed the bridge from our place we took a tram all the way to Pražský hrad tram station which is directly on the entrance to the castle complex. 

Entrance is free for the complex but if you wish to enter the museums that are inside, you need to pay separate entrance for each or purchase a day pass for all of it. Since our stay was limited, we thought to just see the complex area and it was a good experience. Next time though, if given a chance, I hope I can enter the museums. I would need at least a while day for it I guess.

Czech Castle Guard

I have always been amazed by national guards from different countries whenever I get to travel to different historical cities. They look very brave and still even after hours of just standing, plus I really admire their stance and with the uniforms that they wear, they look very strong and striking. Here are a few more guards from my trips who I had the chance to take a photo of.

Beijing, China                            Seoul, South Korea                         Manila, Philippines

Getting passed the guards, we then went on to a spacious courtyard fenced by multi-story buildings and centered by a beautiful fountain area. A lot of tourists were there taking pictures. I was very lucky to see new sets of guards marching over into the entrance, I guess they will change guards at that moment (You can watch it on the Video that I will share below).

At the west of the courtyard where we follow the other tourists, we were then greeted by this enormous cathedral that looks so beautiful and can be seen at the city center or at the Charles Bridge. The Saint Vitus Cathedral.

Saint Vitus Cathedral

Saint Vitus Cathedral is a very important landmark of Prague which features a very strong example of Gothic architecture. It is known as Saint Vitus Cathedral, which is it's official name until 1997 but now it is officially named as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated in honor of the Bohemian saints. 

At the end of the walk that we did, since it was already dark at around 4 in the afternoon, we alighted at a different exit where you can see a gorgeous view of the city center from the top of the hill where the castle complex is located. It did snow a little bit more but again, just flurries, but still I'm grateful! Maybe it's not yet time for me to see the real thing just yet, maybe God is saving it for a more magical moment huh? That is if we can travel again amidst this pandemic. Keeping the faith.

Gorgeous winter view of Prague

Aside from these sights that I shared from my beautiful memory, I would also like to invite you to watch my VLOG entry about Prague Castle! This is my latest post on my YouTube Channel - Steven's Queue which I would like to invite you to watch and also, to subscribe to my Channel. It's easy! Just click on the link and when you're at my YouTube Channel Page, just click on the Subscribe button. See you there!

Charles Bridge - Timeless Thursdays 5

Around half a kilometer stretch across the Vltava River of Czechia is a stone bridge that is called Charles Bridge. It was built for almost 50 years under the orders of King Charles IV, King of Bohemia and the first Bohemian King to become Holy Roman Emperor. Let me share some of the shots I took while I was on the bridge and around its area.

Charles Bridge / Karlův Most

This post is part of Skywatch Friday. Click the image link below to see more skies around the world!

Ever since I saw Linkin Park's Numb music video when I was in late high school, I already grew curious about Prague, specifically this beautiful bridge where some of the video's scenes were taken. I was dark and eerie and beautiful. Since then, it has driven me to dream about this magical bridge and last December, I was there, walking along its path and wandering in awe.

Charles Bridge as seen from Manesův Most

Known to be one of the most famous symbols not just of Prague but of the whole Czech Republic, Charles Bridge or Karlův Most features 30 statues and statuettes which depicts religious personas of the Catholic Church including Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, and other biblical figures and Catholic Saints. What we see now are just replicas of these Baroque statues that are mostly made from dark stones. (Left photo by my cousin Carmina)

Installed in 1683 was the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. He is the patron saint of Bohemia and even has patronage in some cities and towns in the Philippines.Saint John is known as the first martyr of the Seal of Confessional. On this site at the Bridge, he was drowned by the orders of King Charles or Wenceslaus, King of the Romans and King of Bohemia, after he refuse to expose what the Queen has confessed to him.

Aside from his statue, a specific pilgrimage spot has been dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk which serves as a shrine where he was believed to be thrown away to drown and die. A brass sculpture is rubbed while the pilgrims pray and remember the Saint.

Walking along the Saint Charles bridge on a -2 degree Celsius morning was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. I know all of the European cities are big dreams that came true on that trip but this specific memory is just so vivid because of the feels I have felt while I was there. Let me thank my cousin Carmina for being with me on this beautiful city and walking along the historic stones of Karluv Most. I'll forever be grateful!

Never stop crossing bridges and leaving marks

Steve

***

I would love to welcome and invite everyone to join this new Linky that I thought of starting - Timeless Thursdays. (Bear with me for any short-comings, this is my first link ever)

Timeless Thursdays is open for anyone who wishes to share old photos or old thoughts that you would like to share as beautiful memories with everyone. This can be from yesterday, a year ago, or something from your grandma's treasure chest.

This runs every Thursday at 12 am (Manila/Perth Time) until Monday the same time (12 am)

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Mosaics from 10 Favorite Cities

Day 35 of the Philippine's Enhanced Community Quarantine and as a home buddy, I don't really mind staying at home that much. But time to time, my mind does wander on its own and just this morning, it went far as the cities I have visited in the past decade. I have been blessed to have traveled to a total of 22 countries and territories since 2011, all of it for vacation and pleasure because I never got the chance to be sent by my company to another country for training or meetings of any kind. With that I believe that anybody can achieve their dreams, it's just a question of how much they wanted and how willing they are to make them a reality.

As a citizen of a developing country, it's quite hard for me to travel a lot not just because of our proximity to the world but also because of certain factors such as visa regulations and the power of my passport which is not so high in the passport rankings. But I really have my eyes and my mind fixed on my dream destinations ever since I was a child so there was no choice but to visit these places, it was just a matter of time. I still have a lot on my list including countries in my dream continent South America, and Africa, and of course who wouldn't want to see Australia and New Zealand? 

I may be locked inside my room right now but can you join me as we travel all the way to my favorite cities in the world that I have been to? All the photographs that you will be seeing are taken by me. I'll take you to a beautiful world where there is no need for passports and visas just us and these mosaic memories. I'll be counting down the top 10 cities in the order leading towards my most favorite! hope you guys enjoy it, the way I enjoyed going back through my old files.

Paris

From top left, clockwise: Seine River Cruise; Hôtel De Ville; Champs-Élysées; Tour Eiffel from Montparnasse; Late Night Wine at Chatelet

10th - I may have visited this city at a wrong time (December Greve happened from start to end of my trip) but the lights and the views of this city never failed. Plus I got to reunite with my two high school friends who are now living their lives in the French Capital.

Beijing

From left, clockwise: Sidewalk to Tianenmen; Mutianyu Great Wall; Temple of Heaven; Cute boy at a local Beijing Restaurant; Forbidden City.

9th - Beijing was my first city in the People's Republic of China. I did this trip last 2013 with my Dad and cousin Judy. It was also my first winter and it was an amazing experience for me. What I love about Beijing aside from its ancient wonders is the delicious food I was able to taste.

Brussels

From Left: Grand Place; Church of Our Lady of Finistère; Place des Martyrs; Manneken Pis

8th - A layover in Brussels for just 6 hours did not stop me from exploring this tiny heart of Europe. I took the bus and went to the city center, had a waffle and a stroll around the beautiful landmarks of old Brussels. The place was packed but it's grandeur was enough for everyone to share.

Seattle

From top, clockwise: Seattle Skyline from Alki; View from Public Library; Dancing Couple at Pike Place Market

7th - There's something about Seattle that no matter how crowded some attractions were that summer of 2015, there's this unexplained peace and quiet that I felt which was something I only feel from home. Seeing Seattle through my friends from school Paula and Kuya Bailey was a big reason why I wanted to see this city again soon!

Rome

From top left, clockwise: Orange Garden; San Giovanni in Laterano; Via dell'Olmata; Piazza del Popollo, Colosseum

6th - Another dream come true which was a leg on my European trip last Winter. What better way to see the glory of Roma than with family. I was blessed to have my cousin Carmina adopt me for a week in Rome where I also spent Christmas for the very first time away from home. It was beautiful, Rome truly is!

Kyoto

From top left, clockwise: Japanese couple at Gion; A young boy alone to school; Soba condiments at Honnke Owariya; Fushimi Inari Taisha; Shiba Inu at Arashiyama

5th - This old capital of the Japanese empire surely will charm you with a dense amount of sights, sounds, and tastes! It's hard to choose these shots because I have a lot more to share about this beautiful city! Another unforgettable trip with my favorite cousins in the whole world!

San Francisco

From top left, clockwise: Transamerica; Golden Gate Bridge; Emporio Armani Building; Westfield

4th - Truly one of the most colorful and cultured cities I have ever been to, San Francisco boasts of its melting pot of cultures not just about different nationalities but on all points of views! My brother lives in the Bay Area so I spent 3 months around this beautiful city. Truly one of my favorites, and the best for for me on cities in the USA so far.

Prague

Form top left, clockwise: Vltava River; Charles Bridge; Astronomical Clock; John the Baptist at Maltézské Square; Tourist at John Nepomocene Marker

3rd - This has been one of the biggest dream come trues for me. Prague was amazing both in my mind and in person. It was a great trip with my cousin Carmina and seeing it in winter gives is a cool and quiet light but my cousin said seeing it in Autumn gives it a golden filter! Someday again, hopefully.

Bangkok

From top left, clockwise: Jim Thompson House; Monk on a Train; High Schooler at Sky Train; Kind Lady and my breakfast at Hua Lamphong; Rama VIII Bridge.

2nd - Yes, Bangkok really did outplace all those grand and beautiful European cities. The main reason why it has a special place in my heart is the Thai people. Thai people have been the kindest and nicest and most polite people I have ever encountered in my travels. I always get mistaken to be Thai but once I speak they always say "Ohhhh! Philippine!". Food is amazing, Transport is a breeze - Oh I love Bangkok, I'll be heading back very soon!

***drumroll please***

Amsterdam

From top left, clockwise: Swans near Centraal; Rozengracht Bridge; Boats at Oosterdok; Hotel Kooyk near Leidesplein

From Paris, I took a long journey to the Flixbus station due to the greve, seated at a very skimpy seat, arrived at a very dark morning, but all of those en route to a city which will become my most favorite of all! I was alone in Amsterdam the whole two full days but never did I felt lonely. The beautiful winter views, the smiles of the locals, their laid-back bike rides to work at 11 am gives this little city its charm for me. Two days was short especially I only got to see one museum (Anne Frank of course) but a big piece of my heart was left there and hopefully I can get reunited with in time.

***

That was a fun 3 hours to prepare all these photos, write this post, and ride on the dream train to memory lane. It's hard to choose just ten out of all those beautiful places that has their own flavor and filter to the views I have in mind. I always feel blessed to have been to all these amazing points on earth and with all my heart, praying to see more of the world and meet many more people.

Blogging has enabled me to know a lot of amazing people around the world and I hope someday aside from the views and landscapes of their cities, I can see them as well in person and greet them with all my happiness and gratefulness. 

How about you? What are your favorite cities that you have been to and why? What places would you recommend me to visit someday? Hope you had fun on my mini tour across 10 cities, I sure did!

Never Stop Travelling!

Stevenson

Snapshots of Prague

Prague, Czechia - December 28-29, 2019