Swimming with Giant Whales in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

WHERE  IN THE WORLD SHOULD YOU BE NEXT SUMMER? 

And why should you start booking now?

Whale shark watching in Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu has become one of world's best nature encounters. It's true of its name since Tan-awan  roots from the word "Tan-aw" meaning to watch or to look. 

Locate Oslob 

Whale Watching

in google maps

At the present, there are resorts and touring websites you can avail services from to make sure you get the best excursion. Wee hours is the operative word of some sorts for this adventure so you'd likely not want to just go eyeball-ing these acquiescent sea giants on your first date. You'd also want to take the privilege to go swimming with them. Though the local government implements rules to protect and conserve them and there are few etiquette which you have to practice once there. 

Tukis or Butanding, as the natives call it, are more visible in the shores when the temperature is up and the water is clear. You better book your flights before tourists flock during Philippine summer on the second quarter of next year (April- June). 

Take a look at Matt-Tinik and Matt-Takaw Adventures to get a picture of how you'd likely want to arrange your itinerary. 

Gentle giants has probably been banned in cyber space for reason of overuse but you can swear by the remote chances of you becoming the human version of Marlin and Dory. As the phrase suggest, they are, gentle giants. 

Don't miss the next place we like to feature for you in our Bucketlist series : LIKE and FOLLOW The Writing Gypsy on Facebook , Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

                  Photo Credits:                  

1st Photo- www.philbooking.com

2nd Photo- www. enchantingphilippines.wordpress.com

                                                                                   

The Writing Gypsy Launching

** BREAKING NEWS **

The gypsy over Pens n' Paper is now writing under a new name!

Same blogger.

Brand new blog.

I like to correct the notion, which might have developed during my (another) months-long of cyber silence, that (1) this blog is already defunct. But no, siree; (2) I intend to add to the 90% of blogs existing in cyber space that suck.

About 8 in every 10 people turn to google for quick and easy, no nonsense tips and information on how to make their online quests enjoyable and less daunting. They click on links of websites which google crawlers deem reliable only to find the impression halfway through their reading that they have landed at the wrong page. Here's hoping this blog is not one of those wrong pages.

As clear proof to my adherence to better blogging, I have decided to trim this blog down to two main topics which I think I have more to share about--no breaks in the action as compared to--throw back 2013 down 2010, Pens n' Paper era--when all you get here are pretty much a hodgepodge of everything. It's high time I end the confusion.

You'll find regular posts on Travel and Style this time. I'll be nursing more on topics relating to these two: places worth adding to your bucketlist, what (and what not) to bring to a travel, the trends from the latest fashion shows that deserve more to make a scene in fashion street, places to go and where else to score good flea market finds--practically insider tips and cost-saving ideas that may (or may not, but I'm betting more on may) help combat your travel and style battles in one.

10 Places to Go... and 10 Ways to Rock... have already been taken care by the rest of blogsphere, you might say. Who cares what I have on my plate?

Every worshiper of travel and style has needs or questions unique to her. I know the times for when you'd like to seek second, even third opinion on something. But not that the first opinion didn't matter. These my dear e-friends are just some of the reasons why cyber can still provide space for me in this industry. The other reasons I'd opt to let you see as you come along with me on this ride. Shall I see you read me here more often, then?

Also, you'll find add-on features here which you've never seen on Pens n' Paper before--a post featuring You for one. The rest is surprise.

P.S. Bear with me as I haven't yet gathered the funds to dotcomize this blog and finally detach from blogspot. Please know that I've been working doubly hard to make things more professional here. I'm more than willing to share my deets to those who'd gladly sponsor.

Make sure you connect with TWG's other social media platforms and, maybe, we can be friends there too. FOLLOW TWG on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @thewritinggypsy. Will keep you posted as to where else to find me around cyber town. 

THANK  YOU  AND  SEE  YOU  HERE  OFTEN!

Best,
Syril

Best Travel Find: Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China

Did you know that the country with the highest population also holds one of the top records in Guinness? The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China is still the World's Longest Bridge. It spans 540, 700 ft. traversing Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou. It is part of Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and is three miles longer than the previous record-holder, the Lake Pontchartrain Bridge in Louisiana. 

Image Credit: taringa.net

It's said to split six major expressway lanes. I only think you would need to fill up your gas tank. It's an odd feeling to be lulled by the long drive and the massive view of the sea only to badly need for a pit stop in the middle. That's highly possible!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter  to hook up with the latest travel find on the blog. Also follow us on Pinterest to see a daily dose of travel- worthy pins which you can note down for reference on your next trip. See you!

Image Credit:

taringa.net 

Best Travel Find: Blue Moon Valley, Lijiang, China

We head out to our best travel find this week in Lijiang, in the western tip of Yunnan province in China. I reckon, the most fascinating attractions in the world are those that turn up to be endowed by nature. 

Blue Moon Valley, also called Lanyuegu, is a massive terraces of thawing water from the snow mountain that holds four lakes: the Tingtao, Lanyue, Jingtian, and Yue lake. It appears turquoise blue on a sunny day, and white on damp seasons. From a distance, it has a crescent shape which looks like an inset of blue moon at the bottom of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-- unabashedly, the reason behind its moniker. 

Image Credit: holidayspots4u.com

It has an unprecedented distinction from the rice terraces in Banaue, Philippines, which is handcrafted by the Ifugaos, one of the Filipino natives. The remarkable thing about the two is that you can appreciate the magnificent ensemble they create from the outskirts of your vision. 

In 2006, a 4,190 meter- long cable was put up, being the longest one in Yunnan province that people can ride to get to the peak to see the valley in an aerial perspective. 

To get there, you can catch private bus number 7 around Lijiang at the Hongtaiyang square near the big water wheels. 

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter  to hook up with the latest travel find on the blog. Also follow us on Pinterest to see a daily dose of travel- worthy pins which you can note down for reference on your next trip. See you!

Image Credit:
holidayspots4u.com 

Best Way to Celebrate the Largest Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

About 6 to 7 million people come in attendance yearly to celebrate Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival being, in Munich, Bavaria, Germany that dates back since 1810. They hook up with this two- week long event-- watching lively brass concerts and parades-- where traditional Bavarian costumes, dirndl (bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron), a Landhausmode (country- inspired fashion), are seen on some women whose way of knotting the bow gathered at the waist signifies their current relationship status.

Image Credit: Michaela Rehle l Reuters

There is no definitive dress code for  the festival. A pair of brothel creepers and knee- high socks is closest to looking like an authentic Bavarian aside from wearing the dirndl (which Mygola has a fun story on), but that isn't necessary except for the idea that it's one way to sensibly live up the festivities. 

Today, Senior showman will meet in the Hippodrom and traditional gun salute will push through on the last day in October 6. See Oktoberfest's highlight schedule here.

It's best to get to know cahoots of Oktoberfest etiquette to maximize your experience:

Where to

There are 14 big tents built if you want to guzzle your beer tank, and there are 20 plus smaller ones if you want to find some place snug-- Glockle Wirt is an example. 

Tent loaded with festival- goers l Image Credit: Johannes Simon/ Getty Images Europe

Oktoberfest serves pure Munich beer, which means that it was brewed on Munich ground and is about 1% stronger than your regular beer. It is sold thrice more expensive this time than in the previous years but there are cheaper ones in Vinzenz Murr Metzgerstubn and Museumszelt tents. 

What to

A hoibads Hendl, Bavarian's crispy and well- spiced chicken skin is said to be the new in thing to go binge on aside from the usual roast pork and oxen and, of course, the beer. You can try the rides and meet new friends to umf your experience up a bit, but just that, nothing else unacceptable. Cameras are spread all over Theresienwiese, the area of the festival, and security's a huge thing. 

Steinkrug, the official Oktoberfest collector's mug for 2013 has been presented by the city of Munich official Dieter Reiter. Bringing home this souvenir would make a better ulterior motive to getting all liquored up. Besides it's still fun especially when together with your family or friends. 

Image Credit: Michael Dalder l Reuters

Prost! That is how you'll say, 'cheers'!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get updates on our latest travel and lifestyle scoops here on Pens n' Paper. Or should we see you in the keg party?

Image Credits:

Oktoberfest celebration- Michaela Rehle, Reuters

Oktoberfest tent- Johannes Simon, Getty Images Europe

Oktoberfest Mug- Michael Dalder, Reuters

Travel Deals & Steals: Cebu Pacific's P1 Just for Fun for Every Juan

I feel responsible to share the good news! Cebu Pacific is offering a Php1.00 seat sale promo for all of us globe trekkers. Promo runs till September 30, 2013 for travel period from June 1 to November 30, 2014 to all Philippine and international flights. 

It's due season that a museum tour in Ho Chi Minh or a visit to the famous Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is no longer a plain rodomontade but a much deserved trip to look forward to. Yes?

Hover your mouse to Cebu Pacific now to know more about the details. Booking thumbs, all ready! 

Image from Cebu Pacific 

Yes, that's my name erased over there from an email by that plane in a baseball cap. I suggest you register to their club to get firsthand updates of their promo flights. Oh, this post is not sponsored by the way. I am in no way connected to the airlines but just that their promos are sure attention- grabber. Stay tuned for more travel deals and steals on the blog! xx

Best Travel Find: Pulpit Rock Norway

There I was, sitting on the edge, looking down a massive 604 meter high cliff. No feeling is more dominant than my veins squeezing its size and my guts shivering literally. It is not what you call butterflies in the stomach. It was the worst way to get sick. 

As I pushed myself an inch further, I felt half of my body floating in the middle of the skies. 

I know I'm in Ryfylke. But something is tapping me back to when I first recovered from a Peruvian hangover-- from a climb in Machu Picchu. 

I pulled and took a brave stand. Traveling has become a means to discover more fully of the place where I am, and of the new things I may define myself as.The Pulpit Rock in Norway prompted a large part of that.

Pulpit Rock, colloquially known as Preikestolen, or sometimes called as Preacher's Pulpit is one of the most famous attractions elevating 886 feet above sea level in Ryfylke, Rogaland, Western Norway. It is reached by ferry or car from Stavanger, Bergen, or Oslo, and is a hike of about 1 to 3 hours in an uneven terrain. 

Image Credit: Maul Photography via flickriver.com

Large chunks of boulders and turquoise waters fall beautifully right next each other like a canvass. As I've gotten a panoramic view of the place, another sense of satisfaction tanks inside me. Pulpit Rock is among the best alternatives to a summer trip discreet from the typical presence of beaches and busy streets.

All I had after is a gentle kneading by a Norwegian masseuse. The next thing, an enormous photo uploads of the cliff. And the last, a deep good sleep in a bed covered with a duvet. Then I realized, it was our last night in Kowloon. I had one great dream.

To know more of Pulpit Rock, the amazing mountain plateau in Ryfylke, Norway, go to visitnorway.com.

Image Credits:
Maul Photography, flickriver.com

5 Quiet Landmarks to Go in Paris

There is something uniquely satisfying about being able to find outstanding but quiet landmarks in such a busy city like Paris. You get to explore and savor them without having to compete with an uncontrollable influx of tourists. It creates a personal experience. 

There is also benefit in bumping along people you don't know, who without them would make your travel experience rather less enjoyable. 

But there are times when you simply want to be intimate with your travel and find the chance to go somewhere you can sprawl alone-- a kind of secret affair between you and the place you travel to. 

Below are few of the landmarks with lesser crowd that you can visit in Paris:

1. Statue of Liberty in Ile Aux Cygnes

Mini Statue of Liberty

The mini Statue of Liberty in Ile Aux Cygnes also called the Swan Island is located in a quiet area right at the heart of Seine River. It's about a kilometer away from the Eiffel Tower; it's best to take a bus or metro to arrive there quickly. There's also another replica of the statue in Luxembourg Gardens.  I'm not sure with you, but I feel that tell- tale rush of excitement when I see little versions of huge and famous landmark icons like this in other places. 

The one in New York is actually a gift given by France to the USA in celebration of the centenary of USA's independence.

2. Le Pantheon National

Le Pantheon Paris l Photo by Adil Rasheed

Pantheon is taken from a Greek word which means "Every God". It was originally built in the Latin Quarter  in the middle of Paris left bank as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Today, it serves as a secular mausoleum which houses the remains of France's greatest you may know in the history of politics, art, science and literature: Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, and others. Inside the museum verges three amazing features: the paintings that depict the life of St. Genevieve, an invention by a physicist that shows how the earth rotates and lastly, the magnificent statue called "The National Convention" which shows the symbol of France, Marian.

You can take the closest metro in Luxembourg on RER B to get there and be sure to secure museum pass in advance. 

3. Notre- Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Paris l Photo Source: My Hotels in Paris (dot) com

This is one of Paris' most famous landmarks so it's oftentimes difficult to come by here with not much people walking past on you. It's best to go there an hour earlier the opening time at around 9AM, or late in the afternoon at around 5:30.

It is a Roman Catholic Marian cathedral and is considered one of world's largest. 

4. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Pere Lachaise Cemetery l Photo Source: Prompt Guides (dot) com

The word cemetery alone would tell you that it's somewhere you'll never fail to find peace and serenity. Whilst the name can dread you slightly, it's something which can be worthy of your visit. It is considered as the most visited cemetery in the world and the largest one in Paris. You can find the tombs of famous people like the great Oscar Wilde, Moliere and Delacroix, and the legendary singer Jim Morrison. It'd be great if you go to the cemetery's summit for a better view. 

5. Les Egouts- the Sewers Paris

Les Egouts Paris l Photo Source: Flickr

Egouts is among the first underground sewer system in Paris that dates back since 1370. While it may not be everyone's dream of how a Parisian travel would be, it has interesting exhibits. It's probably one way to discover a large parcel about Paris as described in the misfortunes of Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables-- an experience that is surely off the beaten path.

Thank you for keeping in touch with The Quiet City [Paris] Travel Series. Here's a video I thought I'd share to you to end it:

Click to read more travel guide to Paris. Profiter de Paris!

Photo Credits:

commons (dot) wikimedia (dot) org

adilrasheed (dot) com

myhotelsinparis (dot) com

promptguides (dot) com

flickr (dot) com

5 Quiet Hotels to Stay in Paris

Traveling is partly stressful. You're bound by the rules of a jam- packed itinerary, on top of no time to fully fray the jet lag. It's no doubt that you heart will itch for a silent sanctuary to recoup for lost energies. 

There's also a recent study by J.D. Power that says most of the 53, 000 travelers surveyed encounter problems with ranked noise at hotels-- either brought by street drillers or door- slamming guests. 

The thing is, you can be as intentional with your choice on the best place to exercise your rights to silence. It will depend on which you prefer to experience most-- a quiet place that overlooks a hundred acre woods or a quiet place at the atrium of the city? Whichever the case, expect that you cannot always find a place with all the A- list criteria combined. 

For the meantime, below are hotels I suggest you to check in to give your sleep and rest impediments a fair remedy, or so I say:

1. Hotel du Jeu de Paume

                                                  This photo of Hotel du Jeu de Paume is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This hotel is earning good reviews for being clean, well- decorated, and intimate. It is suggestive of a Parisian atmosphere. In fact you can reach Notre Dame, shopping spots, wonderful restaurants, and most of the Metro stations by dint of easy walking. But you can still sleep without having your ears blanketed with pillows. It has access to wifi connection and staffs replenish the toiletries everyday.

Location: 54 Rue St. Louis en Ile, 75004 Paris (Hotel de Ville)

2. Jays Paris

This photo of Jays Paris is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This is considered an enormously quiet hotel in the 16th arroundisement. You can never go wrong with the rooms, only that it has no elevator so care to pick one in the lower floors. Concierge arranges airport transfers besides the fact that they will specially welcome you upon arrival. 

You can speak to the staffs in English, or practice your French without getting snickered for your novice- ness (if that's even a word). Also meet your fascinating neighbors, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and Eiffel Tower. Aaahh, how about a 5- star experience like that? 

Location: 6 Rue Copernic, 16th Arroundisment, 75016 Paris

3. Secret de Paris

This photo of Secret de Paris is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Would you even think twice at the thought of its name? If that looking-at-the-Eiffel-from-a-terrace scenario in your mind is hardly possible to realize, this is the right place to go. Because the rooms are designed after the most frequented tourist spots in Paris being the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and of course Eiffel Tower. It is perfectly quiet and romantic, best for those who dared tie the knot. 

Location: 2 Rue de Parme, 75009 Paris

4. Hotel Fouquet's Barriere

This photo of Hotel Fouquet's Barriere is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This is a clean and tidy hotel located at the corner of Champs Elysees. Probably one with excellent sound proofing despite being close to swanky tourist areas. But not the best-est one for comfort. However spas and pool areas are well - appointed and it offers a courtyard for you to dote on peacefulness. 

It also has a touch of discretion as you won't have to always pass through the reception area where customers crowd. 

Location: 46 Avenue George V, 08 Arroundisement, 75008 Paris (Champ Elysees)

5. Hotel Luxembourg Parc

This photo of Hotel Luxembourg Parc is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This hotel is also walking distance from St. Germain and Notre Dame. It has a quiet and inviting atmosphere as it is more of a private residence than a hotel. It has rooms that offer views of the peaceful garden-- a view that might be a good option to rest your eyes after seeing so much of the cosmopolitan Paris.

It is 10- 15 minutes away from shopping spots and museums, but the rooms are astoundingly guzzled with a French aura.

Location: 42 Rue de Vaugirard, 6th Arroundisement, 75006 Paris


I hope this post helped. Here is where you can also find quiet places to dine in Paris, just in case. Stay tuned on my next post for The Quiet City [Paris] Travel Series!

5 Quiet Places to Dine in Paris

About 27 million tourists visit Paris every year, and more than a half of them being travelers from places outside of France. With a rate like that, it's highly possible to spot cafe's and restaurants overflowing with guts to feed. This may not only be an inconvenience for travelers who are natural at finding quietude but for travelers who face problems with finding available seats to occupy. Because truth be told, it's literally hard to compete for tables with the other 27 million. 

Below are 5 food corners, tucked away from disruption, that you can dine in Pair-ee:

1. St. Germain Courtyard

It's a garden veiling at the back of Hotel de l'Abbaye. It has a restful atmosphere surrounded by green ornaments and wooden tables in front of a gazebo- type structure. It serves drinks and menus in prime service. Best to come for a light meal in the afternoon. 

Location: Hotel de l'Abbaye 10 Rue Casette 75006 at the heart of St. Germain

2. L'Etage de Pastavino

This place is pretty decent for a peaceful dinner. The strangest part is that it's a secluded restaurant in a deli- sandwich shop in Paris. Its name is written in a blackboard beside a winding staircase in a dark corner close by-- something that makes it more worth discovering than frightening. 

Menus are written entirely in Italian but waiters translate them to you detail by detail. It serves honestly palatable meat and cheese fresh from the deli downstairs. It plays soft jazz music in the background which I think brings justice to feeling cozy and quiet in a busy city. 

Location: 18 Rue de Buci 75006 Metro Mabillon Odeon & St. Germain des Pres

Open Hours: 8:15 - 11:30 PM, Closed on Sundays

3. Cafe' Craft

French coffee perhaps comes only second to Italian. But having to find a good one betwixt-and-between the crowded Paris is like being able to tell how good the moon looks like in the other side of the globe. 

Craft serves the rather best and addictive cappuccino  and other healthy nibbles like quinoa salad. They set the mood in tune of a contemporary jazz music in perfect volume-- enough to give you sanity to get your creative raps going. Most people come here to either snuff out an excellent coffee in their bloodstream together with their friends, or resort in a conducive place to finish a project or work and still be in touch with the internet world through the wifi connection. Not to mention the free coffee refills. 

Baristas can also speak in English-- which is hard to find around the city. 

Location: 24 Rue Des Vinaigriers 75010 Paris, Near: Canal St. Martin/ Gare de l'Est, 10 eme

Open Hours: Mon- Sat: 9:00AM- 7:00PM, Sun: 10:00AM- 7:00PM

4. La Rose de France

This is a little less low- key restaurant set in a humble location. It serves amazingly delicious French bites and wine in a bit higher price than regular. It has a friendly and moderately fast service. The restaurant is fairly small, it's worth to set reservations ahead of time. 

It's getting considerable good reviews, too, on its escargot. It's largely an upscale version of wine and dine in an intimate setting. Facing fears of meeting Paris at full volume? You would probably just make face in the back of your head. Tee hee!

Location: 24 Place Dauphine 75001 Paris, Near: Ile de la Cite/ Ile St. Louis, 1er

Open Hours: Mon- Sun: 10:00AM- 11:00PM

5. Bistrot de l'oulette 

This place is owned by a Tunisian restaurateur who is good with English that you will hardly worry about speaking in broken French language. It serves highly recommended traditional French meals in a romantic setting. Their cassoulet is perhaps their best-selling food on the menu-- tantamount to saying it's a must-try. It's not an overly fancy restaurant, as most restaurants in Paris are. 

Location: 38 Rue Tournelles 75004 Paris, Near: Bastille and Marais, 4eme

It's surprising how  jam- packed Paris can offer places to celebrate food in silent divinity, in the same way that they also have places to give your senses a break from people and simply enjoy a book. 

See you on my next post for The Quiet City [Paris] Travel Series!

Photo Credits:

hotelabbayeparis (dot) com

messynessychic (dot) com

wejetset (dot) com

flickr (dot) com

tripadvisor (dot) com

lefooding (dot) com

5 Quiet Outdoor Spots Every Book Reader Should Go in Paris

I'm closest to travelers, and travelers who are book readers. Oftentimes, too, travelers who are book readers who are peace- seekers. But with a city full of rubbernecks, finding an outdoor spot with hardly any crowd is a threat to people like that. 

If you happen to be in Paris and would still want to be unapologetic with your reading routines, here are the right places you can drop by to dote on your first editions without necessarily having to stare constantly at  a lifeless wall.

Stay tuned for more of The Quiet City [Paris] travel series here on Pens n' Paper!

Watermark copyright Pens n' Paper l Image: All Things Hub

Photo Credits:
Creative Commons
Paris Perfect
The New York Times

Get Firsthand Travel Tips on Trip Gems

Traveling is no longer a fad but a need that lets people move beyond the comforts of their cities and learn some things they didn't know existed. But the more people discover how to map out their trips, the less special places become. They hoard to top destinations, add to the crowd, pollute at some point, and learn things they can relate with other travelers who have been to the same destination that they have been. Everyone else has seen the same place-- too common that nothing makes Chianti, or the Taj Mahal, or the Singapore Merlion extraordinary. But that's the real point of traveling, I guess. People travel and encourage other people to travel so that there is a way for amazing and unexpected stories to come out. Otherwise these tourist attractions will not be accounted for what makes them the most frequented destinations on earth, or for the wonders of the world to not be justified for being called a wonder.

Each person who travels has the right to every excitement she can feel at the prospect of boarding in the plane, or having to speak a foreign word or two to a local. As traveling will open the best and worst of experiences, everyone of us will always have that distinctive way with words of telling our travel stories to others-- because we'll have somehow different points of view about our experiences. And that's when sharing travel tips becomes even more fun and reliable. 

Most importantly today, we are offered with so many options from where we can collect information or a guide for our travel. Odds are these pieces of information go outdated overtime or get lost along the way. But that's when TripGems become one good solution. 

What is TripGems?

TripGems is where you can get all travel tips in on place-- ask your friends, build your own timeline, and get deals on your next destination. It was launched last June 1 this year by travel enthusiasts from Amsterdam. Their goal is to bring as many travelers together and use this collective travel wisdom to give you the best tips for your destination. You give one tip and you receive a thousand of others. The good thing is that the more travelers ask or give tips, the greater the possibility that fresh travel inputs are updated and shared.

They have been selected for Web Summit 2013-- a tech conference in Dublin, and was nominated for the Accenture Nomination Awards 2013 under the 'new concepts' category. You can like, tweet, or share their submission to vote.

What else can you get from TripGems?

Recently, they have added new features to the platform and raised seed capital that allows to put their developer on it 24/ 7. You can add photos to your travel tips and pin them to your own map and see how many percent you have seen of the world through a BETA travel timeline. 

Soon they are putting up more updates like travel status, notifications, follow possibilities, and new features to allow you to find travel deals, create your travel map, tag your friends, or access them on your mobiles. 

You have something worth to share. Be a traveler.

  Get helped by travelers, and help other travelers in return. Log on, NOW!  

 

Photo/ Video Credits: 1st photo- paris2london hub video from Celesty Lee

25 Ways to a Parisian Travel Dream

My affinity to romantic cities always finds its way to one, among many other places, Paris. I'm probably one of the most hopeless romantic person you'll ever find in the planet because of it.

Most people think that life has no mystery and magic. But think about me, and all the other people out there who dream of one day setting foot on Paris. The fact that we share the same fascination is mystery enough that relative things happen to different people at different parts of the globe.

They sure have their own version of Paris. But me? This is how I hope it'd be:

    1. Brunch at a Parisian Cafe'

Find a table at Le Petit Cafe', Paris

I wouldn't mind whatever pavement cafe' it may be. The important thing is having to laze and see the usual social and culinary life in Paris- nestling my derriere on a couch while ruminating on a delicious  French croissant and wearing a quintessentially French tongue.

French croissant

     2. Experience an elaborate French Gourmet

Won't you drool just by the look of it?

French gourmet is known to be exquisite, not only for the jet set. I wonder how an authentic French culinary cabaret feels like. After all, they say a dinner in France is never second best. A little refining of the palate here and there.

     3. Spend afternoons at Shakespeare & Co

Heaven on earth

It's an English bookstore that stood across from Notre Dame on the left bank since 60 years ago. If you are like me who finds ultimate happiness in reading, this would also be your sanctuary. My goal is to find and read an authentic first edition- a classic book at that- and have it stamped with their insignia on my way out. Some say, the bookstore has readings every Monday night at 7. I would sure dare try.

     4. Visit the Louvre

Architectural masterpiece

And why not? Paintings are another reason to visit Paris, and the Louvre is one of the world's largest and most historic museums that contain the awesom-est work of art-- The Raft of Medusa, Death of the Virgin, The Coronation of Napoleon, and the eminent face of Mona Lisa. 

     5. Stroll from St. Germain to Notre Dame

I'd like to see the narrowest streets of the city, the oldest churches, and other best English bookstore.

     6. Visit Musee d' Orsay

Home to French art since the 1800s. My objective is to see the works of Vincent Willem Van Gogh. He must be familiar to you too, mustn't he?

     7. See the Place Des Vosges

It is the oldest square in Paris. Victor Hugo, the French novelist of the famous Les Miserables was said to have lived there.

     8. Go to Vogue Paris

I am a sucker for fashion as I am for travel, and to be able to visit the office of one of the most credible fashion authorities is another dream to cross off my life list.

     9. Pastime at La Siene

It's another way to complete my Parisian trip aside from the Eiffel. I want to see the best of spectacles in Paris by cruising the Siene river especially by night, when monuments and landmarks shimmer as they reflect in the waterway. C'est magnifique!

    10. Buy a Parisian Beret

Beret- wearing French might have already stopped the craze of wearing one, especially the navy  blue ones, back from when Simon and Garfunkel were even formed. At one point French fashion nowadays may be a little intimidating, with natives being an ultimate believer of high fashion standards (read: polished shoes, no underrated day wear like flip flops, no mismatch, edgy, and NO FAKE). But berets are still piece for French fashion. The secret maybe is to pay respects to their fashion standard by wearing ensembles clean, with confidence, and sleek-- meaning, no too many statement pieces. It's not dressing to the nines.

    11. Visit Disneyland Paris

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I cannot miss a nostalgic park like that. Not even the one in Hong Kong, or LA.

   12. See the Versailles Palace

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I like a little history from time to time. What I know is that Versailles is where most French monarchs lived. Its architectural design is also worth a capture.

    13. Experience Paris Story by Victor Hugo

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I could probably do this on my first day in Paris. To see France in a forty-foot panoramic onscreen audiovisual presentation hosted by a holographic Victor Hugo would be a perfect starter!

     14. Watch a show at the Paris Opera House

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I'm an endless dreamer for classical operas and stage plays. If Broadway is for New York, and West End is for London, this could most likely be for Paris.

     15.  Try a delicious brewed coffee and a French toast

I don't drink brewed coffee. But I might try, for the sake of Paris. A cup wouldn't be bad I guess and a French toast will compliment it perfectly. Besides, I think it's better than to try to wear a ridiculous mustache.

     16. Eat tons of French Macarons 

Can Parisian calories be an exemption to the slimming rules? Tee hee! 

     17. Stop by the Arc de Triomphe

For the hope of seeing it in the flesh than in magazines and books. Plus it's one of the most historic sites in Paris.

     18. Go to Mont Saint-Michel

I also want to go somewhere a little far from the center of the City of Lights. Saint-Michel is a good option, a small island just off the coast of Normandy. I'd love to see structures from the medieval times. From afar, it looks like the jumble of towers in Harry Potter's Hogwarts.

     19. Buy homecoming treats at La Grande Epicerie 

La Grande Epicerie is said to be the most impressive food find store in Paris- quoted as, the Temple of Foodistas, so why not bring some home?

    20. Shop at Saint Germain, hopefully, really hopefully!

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To shop at what they call, the hub of French bourgeois, perhaps my guiltiest Parisian fashion pleasure, the other being Shopping with Jackie (Kennedy Onassis) in Paris and Audrey Hepburn in Paris. I'll sweat it out! 

    21. Dine at La Maison Rose Paris

Blissfully because there is the same restaurant in Cebu, Philippines which I also love!

    22. Visit Moulin Rouge Paris

I love the movie, and surely this one too. I'd like to see can-can dancers in this cabaret. 

     23. Window shop at Montaigne Market

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If buying a beyond-150-dollar item in a one-off boutique is a little far out for me; at least, I could get into a place where I could find fashion inspirations the way I flip through the pages of Vogue.

      24. Have a photo taken in front of a colored art door 

For the love of all things dainty!

     25. Trip up the Eiffel Tower

Oh Eiffel! My Eiffel!

Of course! It's in my life list. Kudos to Gustave Eiffel for engineering this global icon. It isn't Paris without it. 

Audrey Hepburn was right, Paris is always a good idea. 

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