The Travel Peoples

  The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg is a stunning blend of Gothic elegance and Baroque charm, nestled in the heart of Luxembourg City. Originally built by Jesuits between 1613 and 1621 as a church for their college (now the National Library), it has since become the only cathedral in the country. Highlights: - Architecture and interior have late Gothic with Renaissance and Baroque elements, including intricate alabaster carvings and neo-Gothic confessionals. - Elevated to cathedral status in 1870 when Luxembourg became a bishopric. - Home to the revered statue of Our Lady of Consolation, patron saint of Luxembourg. - Crypt: Final resting place of John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg, along with members of the Grand Ducal family. - Bronze gates by Luxembourgish sculptor Auguste Trémont, stained glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries, and a richly sculpted choir screen. This cathedral isn’t just a religious site—it’s a symbol of Luxembourg’s resilien...

  Six-minute video here . Voila! And just like that! Paris is now part of my cities-I-love list (with Kuala Lumpur, New York City, Adelaide, Makati, and Muntinlupa). I managed my expectations when the family decided to visit. The city is at the bottom of my trip priorities because of the stories I heard. Past travelers said so much about pickpockets and tourist traps. So when we came, I had to up my antennae to be always on guard. But it first captivated me. Seeing its Christmassy streets, adorable decorations, well-placed parks, and Christmas markets, some stars popped out of my eyes. Haha! "Lovely" is an understatement. I like that everything is walkable, especially for people like me and my husband, who collect 10k steps or more daily.  The highlight of the trip is our Eiffel Tower Tour, which is featured on the YouTube short above. Our Facebook page also features a reel about one of the glitzy Christmas markets in the city.  If you try the Eiffel Tour, you have two c...

If you are in Madrid, make it a point to take that trip to the nearby Segovia. It is another historic place minus the hustle and bustle of the busy capital. We tried both transportation means. First, we took the bus, which was an hour-and-a-half ride. It was only EUR4 per person for a departure at 11 AM. Returning, we rode the fast train at only EUR14 per passenger departing at 5:30 PM. The other options are whole-day packaged tours, including bus fares, to and fro. Get Your Guide offers convenient choices for activities and fares in Segovia. The bus ride offered nice views of what lies outside of Madrid. The train windows were closed throughout the trip because it was super hot! In fact, it was a bit warm inside the train. Our first stop was the Alcazar de Segovia, which was said to be the inspiration behind Disneyland's castles. You can see it in the video and you can tell why.  The true feast to the eyes was the Segovia Cathedral. In the video, we had a lengthy portion that sho...

Transported back in time! This was the feeling when we set foot in Madrid, the capital of Spain, a former global superpower ( conquistador or conqueror). The city is bustling with history. Everything we saw, the places we ate in, and the streets we walked on, teem with colorful past. Not that I'm complaining. We love stories that we can tell when we go back home.   The iconic landmark, Plaza Mayor, is a crowd favorite with its restaurant rows and various touristy fares. We visited Madrid in the Summer --- not a smart move. The heat was too much, at 40 degrees Celsius daily. Coming from The Netherlands , the Spanish weather was too much to bear. So, when visiting Spain this season, be ready with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and lots of water.  We first noticed the country's terrain from the plane when it was about to land. It resembles most of California --- dry and brown (with few trees), and of course, sunny. Somehow some parts looked like the desert surfac...

Ever found yourself daydreaming about the enchanting life within castle walls? Reysa Alenzuela, Ph.D. recently turned that dream into a reality. According to this frequent traveler, the experience was nothing short of magical: "Living in a castle is like stepping into a world that seamlessly blends charm, tranquility, opulence, and a sense of privilege that transcends reality." Read the rest of her castle living. As a perpetual wanderer looking for unique experiences, my recent activities include staying in medieval houses, chateaux, and unique abodes. During this quest for a new and extraordinary adventure, a friend, aware of my fascination, recommended exploring places within their proximity. Thanks to the wonders of online aggregators, my search led me to an extraordinary find – the newly renovated Merlo Slott , with an enticingly substantial discount. The prospect of sleeping in a castle, with its historical allure and modern amenities following renovation, beckoned me to...

One will never run out of shopping places in The Netherlands. Bataviastad outlet store sells items at great discounts. Located at Lelystad, North Holland, shoppers get to enjoy a Christmas-themed shopping ambiance, complete with Christmas trees, and all that gleams. The highlight is always the bargain prices. Stores offer up to 70% deals.  Watch the video for a quick glimpse of the complex. Don't forget to subscribe for more travel experiences and tips.

  The Rembrandt Square in Amsterdam gleams at night. Christmas shopping at the outlets in Bataviastad, Lelystad. It may be quieter and more festive than in the Philippines. "Solemn" is the word to describe Christmas Eve here. I wonder if it's the rainy and windy weather. The snow lasted only for two days in early December. But it has been quiet and chill, literally and figuratively. It may also be the culture in my neck of the woods. I live in a suburb.  Although I liked the days preceding Christmas Eve. People were jolly and in high spirits. Even the bus and train employees at the Centraal Station sang carols to the delight of the passengers and passersby.  Christmas markets were a feast to the eyes, too. I uploaded a video on my  travel channel  for more visuals and market information.   I'm still trying to get used to this Christmas set-up. But honestly, I like Christmas in Asia or in the US. It's because of the lengthy period we celebrate it there....