Excursion Tip: An Afternoon at the Sonnenhof

After weeks of gray, cold and rainy weather, warm and sunny days are finally here again. And what better to spend it than outdoors. If you have kids, spending the day or even afternoon outdoors with your kids will do a lot of good - you get fresh air, are able to move and the kids have hours of fun and lesser screen time.

If you are living in or near Stuttgart, one good place to visit is the Sonnenhof. It offers different activities for children of all ages. Aside from the farm animals that children can observe and learn a lot from, they have play areas, pony and donkey rides, tractor ride tours around the farm, trampoline, quad rides and a ropes course. The area is big, so you can just take a picnic blanket with you and laze under the shade of the numerous trees while the children are having their dose of fun. They also have a market where they sell fresh produce and a self-service restaurant that offers cakes, warm food and hot and cold beverages for when you get hungry. You can also book the place for wedding reception, birthday party or family gathering. 

More information about Sonnenhof here.   

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New Attractions in Tripsdrill

Amusement or theme parks have started reopening their doors to the public with the relaxation of restrictions because of the Corona virus pandemic. Hygiene regulations, social distancing rules, and sneezing and cough etiquette are of course in place and must be observed to protect both visitors and staff of these amusement parks. With the number of guests allowed to enter the amusement parks limited to a certain figure, the traffic inside the parks, especially the lines to main attractions, is also lessened.

Tripsdrill in Cleebronn reopened this season last 29th May until the 1st of November and is open from 9.00 am until 6.00 pm. But what's new with Tripsdrill amusement park when it opened its doors again to the public?

There are actually 3 Attractions which opened this season: 2 roller coaster rides, the "Hals-über-Kopf" & "Volldampf" opened in June 2020, and the relatviely new adventure playground Spielewelt "Sägewerk" opened in June 2019.

The "Hals-über-Kopf" roller coaster ride will get you screaming your heart out as it takes you to 4 rollovers!

"Hals-über-Kopf": The Head Over Heels Roller Coaster Ride
This is a newly developed type of hanging roller coaster with four rollovers. Its course crosses several times with the course of the new family roller coaster "Volldampf". Both rides deliver a breathtaking competition.

The theme of this ride goes back to the "Seven Swabians" - a story that has been rooted in Swabia for centuries. The Seven Swabians once set the goal of tracking down a terrifying monster on Lake Constance. Armed with a huge lance, they embarked on a daring adventure. The monster turned out to be a hare, however, who jumped away in alarm when the Seven Swabians rushed toward him. The new roller coaster therefore bears the name "Hals-über-Kopf", refering not only to the rash heroic stories of the Seven Swabians, but also to the four so-called rollovers, which are the unique selling point of this new ride.

To ride, you need to be at least 6 years old (accompanied by an adult) and at least 120 cm. From 8 years old and above, are allowed to ride alone. 

The "Volldampf" family roller coaster ride with its steam locomotive design.

"Volldampf": The Full Steam Family Roller Coaster Ride
This new family roller coaster ride not only goes forward, but also downhill in a backwards shot.

The design of this family roller coaster was inspired by one of the best-known Swabian folk songs: the Swabian Railway. Created at the end of the 19th century, the song is about a turbulent journey on the Swabian Railway from Stuttgart via Ulm and Biberach to Durlesbach. The railway line is now fictitiously continued in Tripsdrill, with a steam locomotive design from the 19th century and several compartments. Full steam ahead!

To ride, you need to be at least 4 years old (accompanied by an adult) and at least 95 cm. Children from 8 years old and above are allowed to ride alone.

The play world "Sägewerk" with over 250 game elements on 1400 square-meter area.

Spielewelt "Sägewerk": "Sawmill" Play World
This huge adventure playground on 1400 square meter area has around 250 game elements and is considered as one of the largest adventure playgrounds in Southern Germany. It is strategically situated right next to the wooden roller coaster "Mammut", inviting both children and adults alike to climb, slide, sand and splash around with water. It has nine partially covered play areas, a climbing tower that reaches up to a height of almost 15 meters, an over ten meter long network bridge and an almost eight meter high spiral slide - everything just spectacular! The little ones in particular will never be bored as there are numerous possibilities to play with sand and water. Even the young at heart will also be refreshed here.

So the next time you visit Tripsdrill, be sure to try these new attractions. I wish you an enjoyable visit!

Photos taken from the Tripsdrill official website.

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What You Need To Know About Moving To Miami, FL

If you love sun-soaked days, beach weather year-round and a relaxed atmosphere with international flair, a move to Miami, Florida could be right for you. With its subtropical climate and an average of 248 sunny days a year, Miami offers the opportunity to live in paradise full-time. Take a look at what you should know if you’re thinking about moving to Miami.

The Famous Beaches Are Open Year-Round
If you love the beach, you’ll be thrilled to know that unlike many beaches in other parts of the country, the beaches in Miami, Florida are open year-round! That means you and your family can enjoy a day at the beach in December or a picnic by the water in March. Popular beaches in the area include Sunny Isles Beach and the Oleta River State Park, but no matter where you are in Miami, you’re never far from a great piece of shoreline.

It's a Great Place To Raise a Family
Miami may be famous for its downtown party scene, but what you might not know is it’s also a wonderful place to raise a family. The diverse population and numerous parks and museums, like the well-known Miami Children’s Museum, make this a great spot to settle down. If you’re looking for custom homes Miami FL, luxury builders can help you bring your tropical dream home to life.

It's Got World-Class Cuban Cuisine
For foodies and fans of international style, Miami’s Cuban cuisine scene is a must-try. Located only 330 miles from Cuba and home to one of the highest concentrations of Cuban Americans in the country, the city can proudly boast Cuban food that’s second to none. The neighborhood of Little Havana is the center of Miami Hispanic culture and offers restaurants, cafés and clubs. For the ultimate gastronomic experience, try a frita, or Cuban hamburger.

For fans of beach weather, top-notch food and family fun, Miami, Florida stands out. If you like the sound of this world-class city, it may just be the right home for you!

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Tips for Your Next Florida Vacation

Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the country. It's home to beautiful beaches, amazing culture and some incredible amusement parks. You're bound to have a good time on your trip no matter what, but here are a few details you should plan in advance to ensure you get the most out of your vacation. 

Where to Stay

The first thing you'll need to decide is where in Florida you want to go. If you're looking for a family trip to the amusement parks, you'll likely want to stay in Orlando. Here you can choose from hotels, rentals or resort properties. Beach towns usually have plenty of rentals available depending on what you're looking for. They do book up way in advance during the warmer months, so be sure to plan ahead. 

How to Get There

Many people drive long distances to get to Florida in order to have their car with them, but that isn't always feasible. If you live a long way away, consider flying instead. You can get a Florida towncar service Orlando to take you to your hotel and take a care service to places that aren't within walking distance. Renting a car is always an option as well. 

What to Do

You won't have to worry about being bored on your Florida vacation, but you will need to choose what activities you can fit into your trip. If you're there for a beach trip, you'll likely spend most of your days on the beach, but look into the area where you've chosen to stay for some great night activities as well. There is also plenty of shopping and local culture to see during the day if you need a break from the sand and water for a bit. 

Although planning a trip can seem somewhat tedious, you'll be happy you did the work in advance. If you get all the details worked out beforehand, all you'll have to worry about doing once you're on vacation is enjoying yourself to the fullest. 

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Day 2 in Salzburger Lungau: Hiking Day to Rotgueldensee

Rotgueldensee is considered as one of the most notable and beautiful mountain lakes in Salzburger Lungau. It is located in Murtal (Mur Valley), within the National Part Hohe Tauern.

From our apartment, we drove about half an hour to Hintermuhr and started our hike from there. Tagging along with us is of course our french bulldog Suki. We started our hike from the parking area of the Arsenhouse, following the road going up the mountain, passing through a number of informative natural trail about the mountain and its Flora and Fauna.

The family on the way up to mountain lake, Rotgüldensee.

The hike normally takes about an hour for regular hikers, but it took us longer as we needed to take more short water breaks for our Suki due to the hot weather. It rained hard halfway through the hike and we were all wet when we reached the lower Rotgüldensee and the Rotgüldensee-Hütte. Although cloudy and gray, it was a sight to behold. The lake water was calm and silvery-gray due to the clouds hovering above. We took a rest at the cabin, where we ordered some hot beverages to help ward off the cold. 

This beautiful lake greeted us, with the foggy Großer Hafner further up.

Later, the sky cleared up, revealing the lake's beautiful almost turkish blue water. Further up, one can see the waterfalls coming from the upper Rotgüldensee and the shimmering ice-cold beauty of the Großer Hafner, a partly-glaciated mountain, up ahead.

The sky cleared up a bit revealing the cold beauty of Großer Hafner
and of course, the lower lake's turquoise water.

We wanted to take the challenge of going up to the upper Rotgüldensee but decided otherewise due to the weather condition and the fitness level of our group which includes a french bulldog, a complaining-not-quite-a-teenager daughter, and me, whose fitness level is close to null. The only fit person in our group is my husband. Hehe! :)

The hike back was quicker and more pleasant for our Suki because the temperature has cooled down. 

It was a beautiful day still, one that we will forever cherish.

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Summer Roadtrip 2019 - 1st Stop: St. Michael in Lungau, Austria

We started off our summer roadtrip one rainy Saturday. First stop of this trip: St. Michael in Lungau, Austria. St. Michael in Lungau is Salzburg's vacation paradise, surrounded with lush mountains offering a variety of hiking opportunities for families, and deep-blue idyllic mountain lakes. 

We stayed at a family run apartment in St. Martin, with a view of the mountains and just very near the Sonnenbahn.  The Sonnenbahn will take you up to 2,0000 meters above sea level, a great starting point to explore the Speiereck mountain on foot or see the mountain lakes in the area.

Good hiking shoes are needed if you want to go further but sports shoes will suffice if you just want to take a leisurely walk, see the alpine cows lazily grazing on the mountains. There is a restaurant and alpine hut called the Peterbaueralm where you can enjoy traditional Austrian food or stay the night if you somehow ended up still in the mountains and it has already gotten dark.

On our first full day in St. Michael, we went up Speiereck. It was very foggy when we got there but the skies cleared up while we were hiking. It was amazing how the mountains would clear up one moment and then with just a gust of wind be all covered up in fog the next. We brought our french bulldog with us of course and she had a lot of fun up in the mountains. Dogs need of course to always be kept on the leash since there are alpine cows in the area. The cows were very calm creatures but if they see other animals, they might see them as a threat and could then pose a danger to people.

It was a great day up, taking in the breathtaking view of the mountain, with its fresh and cool mountain air, a wonderful experience for the entire family. It was tiring but we all had a wonderful time. Another adventure awaits on the next day.

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A Family Roadtrip for the Summer of 2019

School is officially out and six weeks of "doing nothing", as the daughter likes to call it, is in! But no, it will not be six long boring weeks because there will be things other than school stuff to do. Plus, this family will be going again on a roadtrip this summer, this time for the first time with our adorable french bully Suki. Yay!!!

It has been quite a while since our last roadtrip as a family and we sure could use a vacation for a number of reasons: 

1. We need to take a break and get our minds off work, hence this much deserved holiday.

2. Our "little girl" did very well at school and this milestone has to be celebrated with the family.

3. We didn't get to spend our summer with Suki last year since we flew back to the Philippines so we are spending this summer with her. She was still happy last year though because she spent it at Pino's Hundehotel with other dogs.

So where to this year? We initially wanted to drive through France and then Spain and back but because it would be too hot in Spain in the summer, we decided to drive to central Europe, where the summer weather will hopefully be milder and more friendly to our frenchie. Thank God for Google maps, I was able to map out our route that will take us through St. Michael in Lungau, Austria, Heviz and Budapest in Hungary, Bratislava in Slovakia,  and back to Germany.

Our route has been set and our dog-friendly accommodations have already been booked weeks ago. What is left is to research on what we will be doing in each country that are foremost "dog-friendly"and family friendly too. If you know of any dog-friendly destinations or activities in these areas, be sure to drop a word or two in the comment section below! It would surely be very helpful and is much appreciated!

I will be writing another entry in the coming days so be sure to drop by every now and then. Thanks!

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Bantayan Island

Autumn is slowly creeping in but before that, let me post this beautiful photo of the Virgin Island, a nearby island just a couple of hours away from Bantayan Island in the province of Cebu, Philippines.

Clear blue waters, white sand, hot sun - the perfect combination for a perfect summer vacation. It is a very beautiful place for snorkeling too - with lots of fish or just lazing about on one of the hammocks while sipping a tumbler of fresh mango juice. There is a viewing deck further on and cliff diving on the other side of the island for the more adventurous at heart.

Nothing really beats nature's beauty. It was a brief stay but the memories we made with family and friends will forever be treasured.

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The Islands Beckon

Summer - that time of the year when we finally get to unwind and have a long vacation.

This year was unlike any other as we got to explore the islands of our home country and saw it in a different light, enjoying the sun, sea and countryside with family and friends, breathing in and basking in its beauty. From one island to the next, it will always have its own charm and beauty but one thing remains - the Philippines is a beautiful country rich in natural resources. 

Breathtaking sunrise in Pacifico, San Isidro, Siargao Philippines.

We went back to places we have been to and was surprised at how much globalization has changed the face of the island. There are crowded places teeming with tourists but there are also locations where one can enjoy the laidback pace of the island life. I hope that its natural beauty will not be compromised with commercialization otherwise it will be the end of it.

So be it for adventure, meeting new friends, enjoying extreme sports or just lazing about, there will always be a spot for anyone who will visit the islands of the Philippines.

With its 7,106 islands, there are still thousands more islands that we need to explore. And these we will definitely visit and explore in the next summers of our lives.

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There's No Place Like Home

The day that we have long been waiting for has finally come! After the Friday rush from work (which I so dread but expected), all the last minute packing, and saying goodbye to all the stress, we are now on vacation mode!

Waiting for boarding at the gate at Zürich Airport, Switzerland's largest airport.

In-flight meal from Singapore Airlines en-route to Singapore. Yum!

Transit in Singapore. We had to change from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1.

Arrived last Sunday with my sissies and bro picking us up from the airport and having a typical Filipino meal. It was also my Papa's birthday, which made our home coming even more special. Cousins, also the ones who I haven't seen for years, came to visit and celebrate with us. It is a great feeling to be back home again and tasting my Mama's home cooking meals again! And to see my nephews and nieces who have grown a lot since I last saw them.

All is well and good... and we are now exploring the different islands my home country has to offer. First on the list - Cebu and it's islands! But that folks is another story...

;)

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Exciting Ways To Spend Your Next Vacation

A vacation is something that should create lifelong memories. For some families, going to the same spot each year is the ideal vacation. But some people want a different kind of excitement each year, and that means trying new activities and going to new places to make things interesting.

An Overland Adventure

Overland trips are excursions done far off the beaten path to destinations you have probably never seen before. These are the types of adventures where you will truly see something you have never seen before, but you should always have a professional guide with you to make everything safe. You can buy overland excursion packages from tour companies that will give you an adventure you will never forget.

A Safari

Perhaps the pinnacle of vacation adventures is to go into the lowlands of the African continent for a genuine safari. While a safari can be exciting, there is a bit of danger involved. But when you use the services of a professional safari tour company, you can rest easy knowing that you will be able to enjoy all of the adventure Africa has to offer.

Cave Tours

While many thousands of miles of caves in the United States remain unexplored, there are still plenty of exciting places people can go to safely explore caves. The rock formations and other features of caves make them the kind of place people go when they want an adventure. When you go to a cave tour, you will be outfitted with the gear you will need and you will be able to have the experience of a lifetime

The idea of vacationing in the same spot each year gives some people a much needed sense of security. But every once in a while, it is good to try something exciting and different. When you are planning your next vacation, be sure to think a little outside the box and look for something that will give you a whole new set of lifelong memories.

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4 Tips for Enjoying North Carolina

Are you headed to North Carolina? It's a wonderful place to visit, especially if you're going with loved ones. You'll have lots of opportunities to fill up a scrapbook! Here are just a few tips for making the most out of your trip.

1. Plan Your Schedule

This is especially important if you're traveling for work and needing to squish your recreational sightseeing into weekends or afternoons. While some attractions in North Carolina are always open, others will have visiting hours or peak visitor times that you should avoid for fear of crowds. If there's a landmark or location that you definitely want to see, check dates and times before you go.

2. Be Careful With Accommodation

Before you sign up with a random company offering North Carolina beachfront rentals, make sure to do your research on their brand. The same goes for hotels, resorts, cabins, villas and bed-and-breakfast locations. Do they have good reviews? Do they respond to emails promptly? Are there image galleries that you can browse on their website? Be fully confident in your choice before you book.

3. Eat Your Fill

North Carolina is known for its amazing food, so don't be shy about undoing the top button of your jeans as you take a seat at one of its many eateries. You'll need plenty of room in your stomach to enjoy its cuisine! Whether you're looking for five-star restaurants or hip little bistros, North Carolina can provide.

4. Mind the Weather

The weather in North Carolina is generally mild, but you might want to double-check the forecast before you go on your vacation or honeymoon. Sudden rains can put a damper on travel, and unexpectedly chilly days have been known to sweep the state during the winter. You might need to change your itinerary if you have a lot of outdoor activities planned during a stormy season.

These are just a few tips for enjoying yourself the next time that you're in North Carolina. Whether you're traveling for work, business, family or another reason entirely, use these suggestions to have a great time!

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How To Make The Most Of Your New York Vacation

New York is one of the most exciting cities on planet earth. When you go on a New York City vacation, it seems like there isn't enough time to explore everything that this bustling metropolis has to offer. While you might not be able to take in all of Manhattan on a single vacation, you can definitely make the most out of your vacation to the city that never sleeps. Here's how to do it.

Pack Wisely

Too many people worry about how they look instead of how they'll feel when they visit New York. While it's understandable that you want to look stylish in the most fashionable city on the planet, remember that New York vacations involve a lot of walking. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Take In The Entertainment

New York is arguably the best place in the world to experience live theater. From NY cabaret to Broadway shows, there's no better place to take in a breathtaking live performance. Start shopping for deals on tickets before you arrive in New York in order to ensure that you can see some great shows for reasonable prices.

Watch Out For Your Safety

While New York city is a lot safer than it was a few decades ago, any large city still poses some safety concerns. Watch out for anyone who seems too eager to talk to you, as they might be out to scam tourists. You should also always keep your belongings close to you, as petty theft is unfortunately common. However, don't believe anyone who tells you that New York is extremely dangerous. While you should definitely be alert and practice personal safety, New York is actually a lot safer than many similar-sized cities.

A New York City vacation is a great way to broaden your personal horizons and experience a place that so many people dream of visiting for yourself. Seeing New York in person is an experience unlike any other and everyone should visit the city at least once in their lifetime.

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The Eselsmühle in Siebenmühlental

The Siebenmühlental, roughly translated as "seven mills valley", is a hiking area between Leinfelden-Echterdingen and Waldenbuch in Baden-Württemberg. The name does not really correspond to the number of mills because instead of 7, it has a total of 11 mills, of which only one remains operational - the Eselsmühle.

The Eselsmühle has a beautiful history to it and today one can still take a look at the original mill wheel still intact. A visit to the Eselsmühle is a great idea to escape the humdrums and stress in the city. They also produce Demeter-quality breads and baked goods in the bakery using wood-fired ovens. 

There is also a Kaufladen (store) that sells organic and natural products and of course, animals that greeted the guests, both big and small. 

Another attraction: pony riding for the children. They usually make a short tour around the area (around 15 minutes), much to the delight of the kids. In the photos is my little girl, when she had her pony ride some 3 years ago.

 And when you get tired from all the sightseeing and hiking, you can always take a break at the Cafe. They serve organic food and beverages. Yum! It was very good!

After all that eating and drinking, you can continue on the way to explore the rest of the other mills or continue on one of the hiking trails around the Siebenmühlental. :)

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Suki's First Family Trip in Belgium

We had our first family roadtrip with Suki last Easter weekend. Hubby had a bike race last March 31, the Tour of Flanders, and since it was a long weekend, we decided to tag along. 

Suki was sleeping most of the time on our way to Antwerp.

While hubby was toiling and pedalling away in this historic bike race known for its classic cobbled tracks, which started in Antwerp and ended in Oudenarde, we opted to explore the sights in the city.

The hotel we were staying in was pet-friendly and was just across Antwerp Central Station so we decided to start exploring from there. And was Antwerp Central Station very grand as you can see from the photos! Our Suki enjoyed her day out too, or should I say day inside the train station. Hihi!

It was cold when we went to Antwerp - with overcast skies, chilly wind and rain shower every now and then. So our Suki was out with her pink "adidog" pullover. Isn't she just adorable in it? People we would meet along the way say so too. :)

That's all for now. More stories about our little Suki in the next posts.

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Missing The Mountains

It has been a while since we as a family went on a hiking trip. I miss smelling the fresh air, the grass that would gently graze our legs as we pass through narrow trails amidst green fields, the surprising and sometimes challenging ascents and descents that we encounter along the way, the breathtaking view at the summit or at our end destination, how it allows us to just empty our minds of the mundane and busy world that we left behind and just enjoy the presence of one another despite the occassional whining and complaining. :) Walking trails always gives us that sense of stillness and peace, leaving us in awe at the majesty and beauty our eyes can behold. 

Following the king's trail during a hiking trip
a couple of years ago in Schwangau, Bavaria.

However, due to circumstances beyond our control, traveling for this purpose at the time being is difficult to make. But I remain hopeful and positive that one day, all shall be well again... things will go back to normal and we could once again help ourselves to a day or two of hiking in the mountains.

The mountains beckon... and we will be there, SOON!

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Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

One of the most photographed places in the world, Riomaggiore is indeeed a postcard-perfect place with its multi-storied colorful houses sitting on a cliff, overlooking the Ligurian Riviera. Painted in the tones of red, orange, yellow, violet, every building has its own charm.

Taking the train from La Spezia, our first stop was Riomaggiore. A wider (than standard "Cinque Terre street") main street  leads you through the village down to the sea. A numerous variety of shops, restauranrs, bars, cafes and gelaterias line up the streets. Colorful boats on the docks are a typical sight, and there are also local boats that do tours, taking you from one village to the next.

The food - with its selection on fresh seafoods, was something that we really emjoyed. It was a bit pricey but it was worth it nonetheless. In the peak seasons, expect long lines - better reserve in advance so you can enjoy your meal. :)

We just basked in the sun after our sumptuous lunch, enjoying watching the many throngs of tourists as they rush and squeeze in to have their photos taken. All of these while enjoying our gelato until it was time to move on to the next village.

Ah, Riomaggiore... we will come back again!

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