Thursday, September 10, 2009

Cliffs of Moher



This place is one of the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. Millions may have visited the place every year but you won't be deprived of the extravagance of its landscape. The view is simply breathtaking. The sun shone brightly and it was indeed a lovely day. We were able to enjoy the sight blended with the enchanting irish music of Tina O' brien. An absolute must see, I should say.

There's a charge of 8 euro per car for admission and that covers all the people in the car and charge for facilities. It's comparatively inexpensive. If you want to experience the cliffs virtually they have the so called Atlantic edge Exhibition and you will be charge for extra 4.50 euros for that. My hubby and my sister's hubby opted not to try it, they prefer just to be with us and the kids enjoying the place. What made it more interesting, is to see shops built inside the hill. It's amazing! All I can say is we certainly have a satisfying visitor experience. Photos may not be enough to justify the beauty of nature but I hope you'll enjoy what I have here:


cliffs of Moher



O'brien Tower

cliffs of Moher shops

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Conemara Trip


The rain does not stop us to enjoy Conemara. I just thought it would be lovelier maybe if it's sunny. The overcast and rainshowers gave us a different look but certainly the place is amazing. It's around 1 hour drive from the city center. Mists and dampness are definitely the elements that you're not looking for summer, and irish summer is, can be a little bit disappointing. However,that same natural elements made the countryside so green. If you're a lover of this stunning coastal sceneries, you'll definitely love the place. We stopped for a while to take a glimpse and have some photos of the place.


Lake Inagh
Conemara

One of its attraction is the Kylemore Abbey. It is a Benedictine Monastery. The abbey was founded in 1920 by Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in World war I. Originally it's Kylemore castle. Just like any castle it has a history of its own. What made me captivated is not its story but the place itself. I should say the photos speak for itself as well.


kylemore abbey

inside the abbey

kylemore garden

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Atlantaquaria and Corrib Village


We've been to Ireland three times already but never have the opportunity to explore it. This time we got the chance to visit Galway. We spent 3 days in this lovely place.It is around 3 and a half drive from Co.Meath (near Dublin City). As we arrived, the first stop we've got was the Atlantaquaria. It's an indoor aquarium, the place is not overwhelmingly fantastic but just enough to make the little ones enjoy it. What made it commendable is not the place itself but the guided tour for children. They were able to touch the star fishes and crabs in a way that these animals will not be hurt and of course safe enough for the children. They also participated in feeding the fishes which certainly was a fantastic experience for the kids. Here are some photos we had.


touching the star fish
having fun with the fishes
at sea promenade, super windy
corrib village
corrib village playground

We stayed in one of the university apartments in Corrib Village, a home to students of National University of Ireland in Galway. It's a budget accomodation situated in the heart of the city. The only thing that I find not so impressive is the room cleanliness. It's not dirty though but not impeccably clean,which for me, the most important. Its atmosphere compensates the whole thing. The environment is so relaxing and child-friendly. We ended the day strolling the place and enjoying the playground. The kids absolutely had fun, and for parents, seeing the kids having fun is certainly a whale of time.


Sunday, September 06, 2009

The long week visit to my sister in Ireland


It has always been a dream of mine to be near with my family, but situation does not allow us to have it. And God is so good that He let me and my sister live in neighboring countries,such as Ireland and Germany, therefore seeing each other more often is something that is capable of happening. Ireland's weather is cool and damp. This is the summer where you can never hear me complaining of the heat, because heat doesn't beat too much. We always have our light jacket with us the whole time. It's not just me whose having a great time more so my little one. It's so rewarding to see him enjoying the company of his cousins. For the whole time that we were there, it's not just them who learned a lot, but just by looking at how children behave,we (I and my sister) also learned a lot from them. We would rather say they are certified "little people". It's really a lot of work but it's also lots of fun.

Our typical day there of course started with a "chaotic breakfast" where each of them(the kids of course) wanted something different, and always wanting to try what the other one is eating. Sounds peaceful right? If the weather looks lovely then playground is the next thing to go. If it's raining which is so often, then its either we stay home and play, go to indoor playground or just go to the mall. These may sound so ordinary and routine but it's definitely an occasion where you wanted not to end. Somehow making me wish that we could just be neighbors literally.

I would love to share some photos we had.

one lovely day in the nearby beach

Gormanston ground


laytowns playground

at my sister's place, after the little party for the 3 of them

at PJ'S an indoor playground

taken in front garden

We also went to National Aquatic Center, its located in Snugborough Road in Dublin, we had a superb time swimming. The kids were really enjoying, not just the kids but the the adults too. What was really memorable for all of us was when the alarm sounds, it means waves is activated. My little boy was so brave in facing the waves. I can't believe seeing him with no fear. What's unfortunate is that no camera's allowed, therefore I've nothing to show you here. We're not able to take some photos outside too because it rained just as we arrived and the rain was pouring when we're about to leave. No chance really.:(

It was a actually a 7 week long stay, we never did something extraordinary. What matters most to me are the moments that we're able to spend together.


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Finally back in Germany again!


We arrived from Ireland last August 18. I feel it has been ages that I no longer have the enthusiasm to get back to blogging again. Well lazy me, I guess. Johann (my little boy) must have been so excited, I don't have any problem with him on the plane. He just let me buckle him up, book reading and just a little need of hugging everytime little turbulence occur.You're doing a great job that's what I told him with a smile. What was really funny when we landed and as the seatbelt sign was off, he stood up and looked outside, while looking outside, nodding his head and saying "ok..ok..ok". The lady beside us was actually laughing of Johann's reaction. It was indeed a pleasant flight. Thank God for bringing us home safely.

I'll be telling about my Ireland trip in my next entries.

Monday, June 29, 2009

On Vacation


As I am writing, I am also thinking of packing things for our trip to Ireland. We'll be there for about 7 weeks. I'm looking forward to see my nephew and niece, and of course my sister. I would probably slack from visiting other blogs then, but surely I will resume as I get back from vacation. I would surely have a lot of things to share as well. I just hope my little boy would behave during the flight and everything will go smoothly, or else I would surely feel so harass. Only the two of us will be travelling, the hubby will only follow at later date. May we'll have a safe and fun filled trip.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Disneyland Paris




Disneyland is almost synonymous with a happy place. One would not expect you to be lonely in this fantastic place. When I was kid and was asked what's your greatest wish, My answer was to go to Disneyland. It was a wish because going out of the country is expensive and I know that we didn't have the means to do it. The feeling was kinda nostalgic and heartwarming when my sisters and I were talking about it. Yes, we went together in Disneyland with our kids, a wish coming true, we were not able to go there as kids but the more fulfilling it was because we were able to do it with the kids of our own, something that we didn't expect to happen. God has really its way of making things happen for you. I will not be talking about Disneyland Paris here and its amenities, I just like to share you some photos we had. 'Twas taken last year with my family and my sister's family, when they visited us here in Germany and did some side trip together to Paris. Hope you enjoyed the photos above.

Monday, June 22, 2009

shrimp in oyster sauce




My Tuesdays and Thursdays are my quick cooking lunch days. Good if I have cooked a dish the night before then all I need to do is reheating the food. My language classes starts at 9 in the morning and finishes at 11 A.M. It's not quite late though, but the walking from school to our flat is around 30 minutes, so when I reach home it's almost time for lunch. In few minutes, my little boy will be complaining and surely would be asking for his lunch, and in a little while again, my hubby will then come home for lunch. Surely, it's one of my hectic mornings, my afternoons will be more of the daily chores which I consider light for there's no pressure to be doing it at once is needed. So here is one of the quick dishes I cooked.


500 g. frozen shrimp
1 tsbp. sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tsp. soysauce
1 tsp. butter
garlic powder
1 tbsp. basil
salt

It's very rare that you can see a fresh sea food in the area, so almost always when we crave for sea foods, the frozen ones are our refuge. So here it goes, thaw the shrimp first, then coat with butter, basil,garlic powder and salt, then set aside. Prepare the sauce, just combine the sweet chili sauce,oyster sauce and soysauce, heat and set aside. Sautee the coated shrimp until cooked. Place the cooked shrimp on a plate then pour the sauce. So quick, yet good enough to fill our lunch. Serve it immediately with rice and your favorite side dish or salad.


Thursday, June 18, 2009

My Life's Award


I would like to thank Kikamz of Just About Anything for passing on this award. I'm really glad that I found a fellow mommy blogger here in Germany and as sweet and nice as you.

award

Here’s the simple rules:
♥ Take your award and put the logo on your post.
♥Link the person who awarded you.Remember each recipient of the award should acknowledge the person who honored them and go to
Mom’s Special Diary to copy and paste the award.
♥Put your own blog title and link.
♥Nominate at least five deserving moms.

1. Mom's Special Diary 2. Just About Anything 3. My Life 4. You’re NEXT!

I'm passing this award to the following lovely mommy bloggers:

1. 'te Blessie of Blessed Sanctuary

2. Dhemz of My Life's Perception and Inspiration

3. Michelle of My Crazy Life with a Toddler

4. Willa of Fickle Minded

5. Julie of Momspective


And to Gi-ann of The Second realm thanks again for this lovely blog award. That's so sweet of you.

It's my pleasure to give this award to Yen's Heavenly Delight, Shawie's A Grateful Heart and Dorothy's Women's self esteem.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Health Insurance


Germany has been considered to have one of the best health care system in the world. It provides its resident with comprehensive coverage .With its health insurance reform in 2007, it is now mandatory for everyone living in Germany to have health insurance. Why? Medication,Hospitals and doctors are extremely expensive. You need to secure yourself in times of sickness and emergencies. You can choose between state health insurance and private health insurance. The health insurers differ only slightly in the level of contributions collected and the services and coverage offered. The basic services covered are laid down by law. All employees below a certain income are obliged under law to publicly insured. If income is above, the individual can choose between public/state and private health insurers. Well, you might ask which is better among the two? The answer is it depends on your circumstances. Contribution on state health insurance is based on income,therefore if you have higher income then it would be cheaper to have a private insurance.And one of the greatest advantage in having a state insurance is, your family is included at no extra cost. On the other hand private health insurance is based on your risk profile, not your income. Women and older people in general pay higher contributions than young men. They have calculated it based on possible average cost for different groups. The best side of having private insurance is its scheme offers more extensive coverage including alternative therapies and treatments, glasses, contact lenses and other services that may not be available in state health scheme. Some doctors treated the private health insurer preferentially compared to state health insurer.


sources:

Friday, June 12, 2009

Fish fillet in soysauce




It was a lazy Saturday, all I wanna do is sit in the couch and watch a movie. My hubby whose always been understanding and generous willingly volunteered to cook for lunch. We all love fish dishes, and a special request of mine definitely would be a "fish for lunch please". Johann and I was playing and cuddling while the smell and aroma of the cooked fish made us both hungry. By the way, here's what my loving hubby cooked for us.

4 pcs. fish fillet (shark catfish or pangasius)
1 clove of garlic
1 thumb size ginger
1 pc. red bell pepper (sweet variety)
1 tsbp. soy sauce
sunflower oil
salt

Slice all the vegetable thinly and fry it until crispy, then set aside.Use little oil as possible.Keep warm. Season the fish with salt. Fry until golden brown. This time make sure you have a teaspoon of oil left from frying for you will be using this with the fried fish. Lay the fish on a plate, pour the oil left. Garnish with the fried paprika, ginger and garlic. Pour a tablespoon of soy sauce and that's it. A delish lunch for us. Quite simple but I should say very flavorful and satisfying dish. For fish lover you should give it a try.


Tuesday, June 09, 2009

One Fine day at the Zoo


Raining! that was the weather forecast last Sunday, yet we decided to go somewhere. Remember we dreaded to go to the zoo last easter but was unlucky enough to get a parking space? Right after the mass we just felt we need to go somewhere else, 'twas not planned, and with Johann's fascination for animals we right away thought of the "Zoo" again! We arrived at "Tierpark Hellabrun" just before lunch, the parking lot was almost full and our little boy had fallen asleep. Perfect, we can have a good lunch with my hubby while our little boy is recharging his energy. Children under 4 years old are free, so only my hubby and I have to pay for the entrance fee. That costed 9 euro each. We then head to the nearest entrance and that is where these flamingos are located. Look how lovely these pink creatures are.


The zoo is big enough for you to enjoy all the animals, so we decided to just pick the animals that Johann knew already. Indeed, the feeling is so rewarding to see your little boy with so much awe and joy seeing the animals. He's having a wonderful time with the fishes. Here are some pics of it.


Just as we gazed this gigantic elephant, Johann kept on saying "elephant", so nice to know that your child can now identify some animals. The zoo animals was placed according to continent, so we opt to "AFRICA" because this is where the animals that Johann is most familiar with. Of course along the way, we passed by on some other animals like red panda, iguana and asian elephant. It's so funny because eventhough how much we told him that "oh! there's a leopard! he kept on insisting that it's a tiger. Here are few photos of some animals that Johann had gazed upon:



The most interesting part for me, is the "children's zoo" where you can be with these friendly animals. We chose the goats, at first our little boy was a bit afraid, but as soon as he saw me petting the goat, he also did the same.











It was a one fine day indeed, no rain showers & slightly warm weather. The 3 of us then munch a pack of popcorn before we headed home.


Friday, June 05, 2009

Rusticana


We had a dinner at Rusticana in Munich last night together with some friends. It is actually an advance birthday celebration of a friend. There were five of us, 3 ladies and 2 gentlemen. I'm telling you the numbers because you should know who ate this sumptuous spare ribs I have in the picture. It's indeed a bash. The baked potatoes are equally perfect though I'm not really a fan of it. Our little boy was with us though I made sure that Johann had his fill before leaving the house and of course bring along his favorite toy train thomas and lightning mcqueen to make sure everything will be in order. We enjoyed our food just as much as we have enjoyed our conversation. And the best thing is...it's a treat! Thanks Cenen for the wonderful dinner. We really enjoyed it.



Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Ginataang manok with pineapple and tomatoes




This is one of Johann's favorite. I really never thought my little boy would love a dish with coconut. Most of the kids I knew, from my cousins, nephews to nieces, they would never touch a dish with coconut when they were young as Johann. Well, I should say maybe genetic played a role,my hubby is such a fan of coconut. He just loves every dish with coconut or we call it"gata". Here's the recipe:

1 kg. chicken (cut into pieces)
onions
5-6 tomatoes
1 can pineapple
1 can coconut milk
salt
oil

Season the chicken with salt and brown the chicken lightly for few minutes, then add the onions and tomatoes. Add the pineapple excluding the juice when the tomatoes are a bit soft. Cover and let it cook for about 3o mins or until the chicken is already tender. Do not be tempted to add water, for the juice from the pineapple and vegetables are enough to cook the chicken. Pour the coconut milk, uncover and let it simmer for few minutes, adjust seasoning,sprinkle a little bit of herb, (mine was italian herb)and you're done!


Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Discover the Island Mainau


When my mother in law and sis-in law came here in Germany for vacation last year, My hubby and I thought of bringing them in Mainau. It is an island in Lake Constance where it is preserved as a garden Island and a model of environmental practice. It's located in the south shore of Ueberlinger See near the city of Konstanz, Baden Wuerttemberg, Germany. This little island in the heart of Europe never fails to bring us in wonderment. You'll be captivated with the beauteous sight of the lake as we took the boat ride going to the island. It's around 11 A.M and the line going to the entrance was long so we decided to have our lunch first before taking pleasure of seeing the beauty of this mysterious Island. The buzzing bees catches our attention that lead us to find this one.


Gosh! I told to myself, I thank goodness that I wasn't wearing a sweet fruit scented perfume or else these bees will be chasing me. The variety of flowers depends on what season. We went there middle summer so these are the abundant blooms for the season. These big figures form with flowers are all heavenly for me. It really gives you the feeling of delight and awe, how those creative hands of individual who made these lovely flowers and plants more interesting.


The carriage full of tourist added the quality of pleasure brought to our mind and senses. There are also trees featured in different variety. If you're in Europe and your longing for the tropical feel and don't much have the luxury of time to peregrinate in tropical countries, then Mainau will fulfill it. The island has a marvelous butterfly house and made into a tropical environment condition. We were all sweating, as we enjoy the sight of different variety of butterflies and plants. It brought nostalgia to me, I felt like I'm in the Philippines. They also have Palm houses in the island. Amazing right? And if you have young children with you in this journey, the island also offers something for the little ones. The playground.













The feeling of being with nature is so relaxing. The presence of elderly is so visible, it obviously indicates that the place is really a good place to unwind, where there is stress-free and loose environment. I would love to visit back the place.



Monday, June 01, 2009

Pentecost


Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday is a public holiday here in Germany. It is a great festival that marks the beginning of the Christian Church, a commemoration of the descent of the holy spirit on Jesus' followers. This is a precious gift of faith in the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The account of Pentecost can be read in Acts 2 (1:42)

"The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

13Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

Peter Addresses the Crowd
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17" 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.

22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25David said about him:
" 'I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope,
27because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
28You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
35until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet."

36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."




Friday, May 29, 2009

I would like to acknowledge the following top droppers for the month of May. To all of you, thank you so much for regularly dropping EC. May we continue to travel together in blogosphere.


Lovely and Friendly=)



I received this two awards from Gee of The Secondrealm.

I'm thankful for the friendship Gee=)

Lovely? I really never thought to receive something like this. This is so inspiring.

I like sharing this to all of you to show my deep appreciation for the awards received.