COFFEE REVIEW | Nescafe In A Box



Who wouldn't want a delicious cup of coffee?

Some people might only like coffee when they feel like it. But I, on the other, is in love and definitely crazy over it! It has a nice aroma, tastes great, keeps you warm and keeps you awake. And just imagine the delightful feeling when one is drinking coffee, it is very satisfying!

Since I work in a BPO company, coffee has become my daily partner. With its caffeine, coffee is a surefire to boost my energy to keep me awake all through the night. From the moment I wake until before I go to the office, drinking coffee become my nightly ritual.

And sometimes, I visit some coffee shops and try out their coffee right after work or even during the weekends. I usually go there with friends or with my significant other (he's a tea lover by the way). Hot or Iced? It doesn't matter to me, coffee is coffee.

But there are times that going to Starbucks, Coffee Bean And Tea Leaf or any local coffee shops is not an option and I just feel lazy to brew my own cup, that's when I take advantage of ready-to-drink coffee! Oh yes, those in cans or boxes and as it says on the label, they are best served cold.

Let's start with a popular and one of the most chosen instant coffee brand by Nestle in the Philippines that needs no introduction, Nescafé. They have these so-called #KapeSarapInABox ready-to-drink concoction that actually started with just White Mocha and French Vanilla. However, I was also able to try out their new Caramel Macchiato and Cafe Au Lait flavors. This give me a chance to enjoy an ice cold, cafe style coffee anytime, anywhere!


And I decided to make a review of these four variants just to give you a heads up. By the way, I am not paid to write this post so expect a very honest review.

WHITE MOCHA

It's sweet and cold. Oh, that's it! The coffee flavor of this one is weaker than the others, maybe because of the presence of cocoa powder. And I can barely taste the essence of white chocolate.

FRENCH VANILLA 

It tastes like coffee but it doesn't live up to its name. It's milkier than White Mocha but it doesn't have a trace of vanilla. I don't really find it satisfying and this is not a flavor I will recommend.

CARAMEL MACCHIATO

Finally, it is definitely Caramel Macchiato. It has buttery taste and has a pronounced caramel flavor. The sweetness is a little overwhelming, well for me. Those who love their coffee sweet will love this flavor.

CAFE AU LAIT

Surprisingly, this is my favorite. With the rich, creamy sweetness of condensed milk, I didn't expect that it will have just the right bitter-sweet taste that I love.


But don't just take my word for it.  Grab one today but I highly recommend you give all variants a shot and feel refreshed!

MOANA | Movie Review


"You will learn great things, but first you must learn where you are meant to be."
- Chief Tui

Walt Disney Animation Studios has done it again by bringing us Moana, a princess like no other. Moana is a sweeping, CG-animated musical fantasy adventure film about the heir of a chief on a small Polynesian island and is chosen by the ocean to find a demigod and return the heart of an island goddess and stop the curse from a thousand years ago that has started spreading on their island.


Unlike all the other Disney Princesses that we love, Moana is a shortish teenager with a fully rounded character with an idealized yet likely body and flaws that she recognizes and fights as she embarks on a journey to find herself and save her island.


She is a distant descendant of voyagers and has always been drawn to the ocean. Ever since she was young, Moana has always been fond of the sea but her father is totally against her hitting the waters. And as the daughter of the village chief on the small island of Motunui, she's expected to lead her people and keep them safe from monsters in the seas told by her peculiar grandma.


They have everything they need and the people are happy. However, after a curse that was set in motion a thousand years ago, their resources started to dwindle but the people of their island are not allowed to venture beyond the reef by Moana's father, Tui. Because of this, Moana has decided to steal a canoe and go beyond the dangerous reef to save her people.

Moana's endeavor to acquire the skills to sail and successfully get past the reef of her home island became the starting point for her learning the art of wayfinding.


The movie's heart is in place and the story is stunning and exciting.  And there's a lot of things to enjoy. Unlike any other Disney Princess' movie, Moana is completely romance free that makes it refreshing. Moana, as the main character or the 'princess' of the movie, strives to save her island instead of looking for  'prince'. It felt like a breath of fresh air.

What can I say? It is an absolute delight and it is well worth seeing! Moana is enjoyable and fun to watch. The story is well crafted and was done in a very tasteful way, with incredibly stunning visuals that features catchy songs and genuinely fantastic animation. It's as fun as I want it to be. The theme as well feels perfectly authentic. It's engrossing and very satisfying.

What I really love about this movie are the songs! The songs are destined to be remarkably beautiful. The story is universal and the lyrics of each song are relatable to anyone. The songs can heavily tell you what the story is all about. The songs are a reflection of the characters singing them. Most of them are catchy and emotionally inspirational. Moana's personal theme of "How Far I'll Go" has great lyrics and some melodic turns especially as it builds.


And the casting is great as well! As Dwayne Johnson portrays the demigod, Maui, the movie itself becomes an instant goddess! Moana herself is a great character, very inspiring and has an understandable personality. She's feisty but still clumsy, empowered but still filled with doubts, independent but considerate of others.


Auli'i Cravalho voices Moana and without a doubt, she did a terrific job with her amazing vocals. I also want to commend her on how  she was able to convey the emotion through her vocal performance. I am highly impressed.


On the other part, Maui is very bouncy, eccentric and egotistical. And who would have thought that Dwayne Johnson's boundless charisma can be amazingly channeled to this guy? And who knew he could sing? He sure knows how to surprise his fans.

Overall, the voice acting of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson was undeniably excellent.

Moana is a spectacular movie. It is a vibrant, joyful film with great music, great plot, and characters that made me laugh, cry and entertained. It's highly enjoyable with some great life lessons. And it has a conclusion that will have your heart singing at the end.


I encourage you to go see it. It is an exceptional movie and you are going to love it!

(You might also want to check out my movie review for the animated film, Your Name (Kimi no Na Wa). You can also check out some romantic movies that you might want to watch on a weekend.

SONGS FOR YOUR PLAYLIST


“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician.”
- Albert Einstein

Music is my best friend. I usually listen to music into the wee hours when I can't sleep. I cranked rock 'n' roll when I was a teenager which I still do every now and then. Music is also my constant companion when traveling so I usually love to put on a good quality headphones or earphones to play songs on my phone. And whenever stress and pressure pin me down, I usually drown myself in music and a cup of coffee. I always feel great afterward.

I enjoy listening to different music genre. I enjoy listening to country-pop, alternative, hip hop or rock, depending on my mood or what time of the day.

Recent research shows that listening to music improves our mental well-being and boosts our physical health in surprising and astonishing ways.

Music always plays a vital part in our life. It helps in shaping our personalities, our identities and even provides a deeper understanding of our experiences and emotions. Besides, you don’t have to be a musician to be in love with music. You just have to feel it.

Here are some great songs you might want to listen to and add on your playlist.



~ Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? ~

This revamped 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is just as perfect for head-banging as the original. Panic! at the Disco's cover is twisted and amazingly beautiful! The smooth vocals intertwines with an impeccable guitar and bass line reaches a salutary realm. Brandon Urie tried to sound vintage and old-timey which is brilliant. This amazing rendition of Queen classic hit is included  on the Suicide Squad soundtrack.



~ So, baby, pull me closer in the back seat of your Rover ~

This single of The Chainsmokers featuring American singer-songwriter Halsey is an electronic song with a "retro" style synthesizer in the chorus. It's an instant earworm with evocative verse. It is an upbeat, dance-worthy jam that surely deserves a spot on your playlist. This song is about trying to reconcile with an ex and see if they can rekindle their feelings for each other.



~ But you will remember me, Remember me for centuries. ~

One of the things that made me love the song is definitely the nostalgic feeling that Fall Out Boys are back from their Hiatus and what’s good about this song is that it gives off the epic feeling. It’s one of the things that you should add to your playlist. The meaning of the song also gives this feeling that, no matter what happen, don’t let things drag you down. And most of all, don’t let your mistakes be just a mistake and grow over you. What it also teaches that do everything you can while you leave and make sure to leave an impression that will be tattooed on the world. Of course, you have to make sure that it is something inspiring for the future generation.



~ Where do the good boys go to hide away, hide away? ~

This song definitely added a touch of class to pop music. The lyrics is undeniably refreshing and catchy. Daya's  voice kind of just fits with the song that makes it even better. It is so realistic and more people should take time to analyze not only it's tone and melody, but its rhythm more than anything else. It is really refreshing to hear someone sing about how dating in the present is. Daya speaks about the superficiality and troubles shown inside our generation. Having sex has been common more than anything and they can't make proper decisions and perceive the bigger picture. She speaks about relationships valuable and lesser commitment is being given. This song definitely needs to be on your playlist.



~ And my favorite thing to do is watch you dream in your sleep. ~

Let’s say this is one of the sickest song that I have ever heard. It’s something in the perspective of a loving character. A new thing in the ear, because it tells you the perspective of a stalker. Watching the music video might give you the creeps, but the way they put it together gives you a cute, young girl, looking out for the love of her life. What more can I say? This kind of song can really give you the creeps, but the way it was delivered gave a more unique feeling to it.



~ The water is mischievous. Ha! I like how it misbehaves. ~

This is one of the songs that I really like from the movie Moana aside from 'How Far I'll Go' and 'I am Moana'. This is about a girl destined to be a chief of her village who's still trying to discover and follow her happiness. Despite what the others are telling, she also wants to listen and understand the voice inside her and follow the path to discover who she is. However, this song also tells you that you can always find happiness wherever you are.



~ And it's a long way forward, so trust in me I'll give them shelter, like you've done for me. ~

One the things that are going crazy on the internet hodgepodge right now in the music videos. Right, I was talking about the animated music video that Porter Robinson and Madeon worked together. It has this story about a girl living on a world that belongs only to her. She creates everything on that world with the help of her tablet, but at the story at the end gives us a lonely message. Now about the song itself. It has such a very meaningful message. Not that you can hear about lately. It’s hard to put it into words, so, I want you to know it for yourself. Listen to it at Youtube, or you can view it right here!


There are a lot of songs that you can listen to but only a few will touch your heart. We fall in love to songs or music not just because of the catchy melodies and dramatic use of instruments, but also because of the messages that they try to tell us. Some songs can provoke us. Some songs will just leave an impact. Some songs will really relate to us. And there would be those songs that are really meant for us.

Music will always change and always become better. And one this is for sure, a life without music would be terribly boring.


(Collaborated with Jerwel of Thoughts For Today blog.)

FEEL THE LOVE WITH THESE MOVIES

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.”
—Christian, Moulin Rouge

Love plays a major role in our lives. It actually defines us in a very unique way that sometimes we don't really comprehend. Either the experience is good or bad, it makes us who we are, it brings us to where we should be and it teaches us of what we should know and do.

Luckily, love has also been the most popular theme of all for movies. The movie industry has produced some of the most unforgettable love stories that really touched our hearts. Romantic movies also provides us a new way to understand the different forms of love - tender and sincere, all consuming and insane, mutual or unrequited.

Here are some romantic movies that you can dive into during your weekend or if you just want to feel some love.


"I think our love can do anything we want it to." - Noah

An epic love story centered around an older man who reads aloud to an older, invalid woman whom he regularly visits. From a faded notebook, the old man's words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths. Though her memory has faded, his words give her the chance to relive her turbulent youth and the unforgettable love they shared.



"I wouldn't change anything. I would not give up one second of our life together." - Clare

When Henry DeTamble meets Clare Abshire in a Chicago library they both understand that he is a time traveler, but she knows much more about him as he has not yet been to the times and places where they have already met. He falls in love with her, as she has already with him, but his continuing unavoidable absences while time traveling - and then returning with increasing knowledge of their future - makes things ever more difficult for Clare.



"I wish I knew how to quit you." - Jack Twist

Set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, this epic love story tells of two young men -- a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy -- who meet in the summer of 1963 while driving cattle on a mountain range. They unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love.



"The thing that makes me wanna cry is, I'm losing the best friend I ever had." - Julianne

Essentially an old-fashioned romantic comedy with a few dark twists, My Best Friend's Wedding marks the return of Julia Roberts to the genre. She plays Julianne Potter, a writer of culinary guides. As her 28th birthday draws near, Julianne eagerly anticipates a proposal from her handsome former college buddy Michael O'Neal (Dermot Mulroney). The best of friends during those years (though Julianne has always secretly loved him), they vowed that if both were still single at age 28, they would marry each other. She is justifiably excited when the phone rings and it is Michael; but her joy quickly turns to shock when he obliviously invites her to Chicago to attend his wedding to innocent, sweet-natured heiress Kimmy Wallace (Cameron Diaz). Enraged, the jealous and hurt Julianne visits her buddy and editor George (Rupert Everett) and to him vows to stop at nothing to win Michael back. At first what follows is standard-issue screwball comedy. Julianne enacts a plot to turn Michael away from Kimmy and the plot backfires making the heiress look even better to her besotted fiance. After several failed attempts, the tale turns blacker as Julianne becomes almost insanely desperate and begins doing things that are less cute than awful to her romantic rival. Meanwhile, George remains the one voice of sanity, sort of a Greek chorus, for Julianne. As the tale progresses, each of the protagonists is led to the point where they must examine their true motives, behavior and emotions, thus adding a depth not usually found in this type of story.



"I thought you'd never guess. My favourite - hot chocolate," - Roux

This choice little fairy tale takes place in rural France, in an isolated village overseen by the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), who makes sure everyone keeps to the straight and (very) narrow. Enter mysterious, red-cloaked Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol), who boldly open up a chocolate shop during Lent. Aghast, the Comte tries to keep customers away. But Vianne always seems to know just what people need, giving everyone the kind of chocolate they can't resist and improving the lives of her grumpy landlord Armande (Judi Dench), and the troubled Josephine (Lena Olin). When a group of itinerants dock their houseboats in town, Vianne befriends Roux (Johnny Depp), which proves too much for the Compte and his sidekick, Josephine's husband Serge. Both the Compte and Vianne have to confront near disaster and their own fears, and the village's young priest must find a way to become a true spiritual leader for the community.



“Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me. it brought me to you."
- Jack

84 years later, a 101-year-old woman named Rose DeWitt Bukater tells the story to her granddaughter Lizzy Calvert, Brock Lovett, Lewis Bodine, Bobby Buell and Anatoly Mikailavich on the Keldysh about her life set in April 10th 1912, on a ship called Titanic when young Rose boards the departing ship with the upper-class passengers and her mother, Ruth DeWitt Bukater, and her fiancé, Caledon Hockley. Meanwhile, a drifter and artist named Jack Dawson and his best friend Fabrizio De Rossi win third-class tickets to the ship in a game. And she explains the whole story from departure until the death of Titanic on its first and last voyage April 15th, 1912 at 2:20 in the morning.



"You're beautiful, you're kind, you're gentle. You're that I'd like to be." - Landon

"A Walk to Remember" is a love story so sweet, sincere and positive that it sneaks past the defenses built up in this age of irony. It tells the story of a romance between two 18-year-olds that is summarized when the boy tells the girl's doubtful father: "Jamie has faith in me. She makes me want to be different. Better." After all of the vulgar crudities of the typical modern teenage movie, here is one that looks closely, pays attention, sees that not all teenagers are as cretinous as Hollywood portrays them.



"The few syllables you got out were absolutely devastating." - Alex

A professional collaboration between a popular lyricist and a washed-up musician takes a decidedly personal turn as the pair gradually finds their relationship developing into something much deeper in a romantic comedy directed by Marc Lawrence and starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. Alex Fletcher (Grant) may have been all the rage in the 1980s, but these days he's lucky to get a gig playing at the local county fair. Just when it seems as if things couldn't get any more bleak for the dejected has-been rocker, reigning pop diva Cora Corman (Haley Bennett) offers Alex the opportunity of a lifetime -- write and record a duet to be sung with her and watch his career receive a much-needed boost as the nostalgia-crazed public laps it up. Little does Cora realize that not only has it been years since Alex has written a song, but he's never actually written a single lyric. Now, if he hopes to make the comeback needed to save him from a life of complete and utter obscurity, Alex will have to craft a radio-friendly hit in a matter of mere days. Luckily for Alex, his quirky plant-keeper Sophie Fisher (Barrymore) has quite a way with words and may possess just the kind of songwriting talent needed to make such a hit happen. Unfortunately, the beguiling Sophie is still reeling from a recent break-up with newly famous novelist Sloan Cates (Campbell Scott), and she isn't quite sure if she's ready for any kind of collaboration right now -- romantic or otherwise. Despite Alex's hesitation to commit and Sophie's reluctance to collaborate, the pair quickly discovers that a little chemistry can go a long way in healing the wounds of the past and laying the foundation for a much-deserved future of happiness and success.


Love is always something. It doesn't have to end up happy but one thing is for sure, love will never go out of fashion.

YOUR NAME | Movie Review


“That day when the stars came falling. It’s almost as if a scene from a dream. Nothing more, nothing less than a beautiful view.”

Have you heard about the highest grossing film of 2016 in Japan? If you haven't, then let me tell you to watch out for it!

Your Name, also known as Kimi no Na Wa, is a Japanese anime fantasy film that has conquered the box office of Japan since August and has already grossed over 13 billion yen. It is written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, known for his works such as 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007) and The Garden of Words (2013). It was animated by CoMix Wave Films and distributed by Toho.


Mitsuha, a high school girl living in the remote mountain town of Itomori, and Taki, a high school boy living in Tokyo, are complete strangers living separate lives. Then one day, Mitsuha woke up in Taki's body and Taki in hers which continues to happen randomly. However, they can't remember each other's name whenever they wake up.



When they realized that their consciousness were transported into each other's bodies, they tried to adjust their lives around each other which begin to have a dramatic impact, weaving them into a fabric held together by fate and circumstance.

I haven't watched any works of Makoto Shinkai, but this movie is the best amongst anime films I have watched so far. This may sound like your typical body-swap romantic comedy situation but there's more into it. There is this kind of tension between the characters and it's interesting to know what would happen next. There is a bigger story here and you'll surely appreciate it more once you've watched it. You'll ask a lot of questions and will be surprised they'll be answered as the movie goes. It has an excellent plot and the twist was brilliantly executed. It worked astonishingly well.

Although it's a romantic fantasy drama, it has a slice of reality that makes you appreciate all the characters that made the story a hit. It is a story about human emotions that transcends both space and time. It explores the nature of life, relationships and changes in quiet ways rarely seen or discussed. And I didn't imagine the twist would be that good! Saying more will spoil the movie so I will just encourage you to watch it personally.

With an amazing story combined with an excellent animation, it managed to keep attention from start to finish. And as you watch, the movie gets better and better. The whole time I was watching the movie was spectacular.


We shouldn't forget how good the music is. Every songs and score perfectly fits the movie, the tone, the visuals and the characters' emotions.

Kimi no Na Wa was cleverly planned out from the first minute to the last. This work is a masterpiece. I started watching this movie with high expectations and somehow it managed to exceed them.


Your Name reminds us the full potential of animated films and how it offers audiences wonder and tears in a dazzling narrative effect.

6 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU'RE ALONE


Have you ever been in one of those moods where you don't really know what's wrong but you just want to be alone? When you just don't want to be in a crowd and you just want to take a break.

With our society changing every single day, sometimes living in the city can be a hassle and a little overbearing. So it's no surprise that you would want to be alone sometimes and shut yourself from the rest of the world and all its troubles.

When I was still single and haven't met my better half, I am always out to party. I always long for loud music, the crowd and the alcohol since it helps me forget things for a while. I go to bars and hang out with friends on weekends.


However during the weeknights, I always have to drag myself to work. And I tell you, working as an account associate in a big telecommunication company in the US is no joke. Talking to customers and trying to meet your daily targets can be stressful. It drains all my energy just to get the job done.

And after a stressful week, here comes the weekend again.

But sometimes, I just want to forget my job or the parties I get to attend. I just want to stepped away from all of that and take some time just to be alone.

And being alone is never lonely. It actually provides you an opportunity to get to know yourself better, to treat yourself and be productive at the same time.

Here are a handful of things that I can recommend you do when you feel like taking a time off from the world.


GRAB A BOOK

Digging into a good book has always been a part me and it never failed to melt away stress. And reading can also be therapeutic  since all my worries just slips away when I lose myself in a great story.

When was the last time you read a book? You should pick up a good book that suits your personal preferences, sit back and relax. Reading can distract your mind off your troubles for a while. A good story also provides satisfaction and relax your mind.


TRAVEL

You don't really have to take a vacation. Just go somewhere you've never gone before. Try to discover new places to visit from time to time that gives you a sense of peace.

Travelling alone promotes self-discovery and stretches your comfort zone. It will allow you to make new friends, speak to strangers and experience new things which will make you realize how little you actually knew about the world.

You might want to check out 26 Places To Visit Around The World.

EAT ALL YOU WANT

Being alone will let you appreciate food more and you will end up eating things that are new to you. Be it street food or restaurant, you will have all the time to savor and enjoy the flavor of what you eat.

Dining alone will also allow you to experience more solitude  and have a moment to unwind and focus on just one thing - your meal.


WATCH A MOVIE

There's nothing wrong with a bit of alone time when watching a movie in the cinema. I am such a movie buff that I always catch movies alone sometimes. Just like reading, it will draw you away from worries and stress.

Besides when you are alone, you can see whatever movie you want and you'll almost never have trouble finding a seat.


MASSAGE THERAPY

After all the hard work, you don't really need to find a reason to treat yourself to a massage. And being alone gives you a chance to give your body the relaxation it needs. Though massage therapy can help you relax, you will be surprise that it can do much more than that.

It actually provides many befits such as increased circulation, relaxation of of injured and overused muscles, reduces muscle spasms and cramping, increased joint flexibility and help recover from strenuous workouts.

It also reduces anxiety, relieve tension headaches and helps you sleep better.


REDECORATE YOUR ROOM

However, you don't feel like going out and you just want to stay home, then redecorating your room would be a great idea to pass the time and be productive. Try changing your wallpaper or move your bed to the other side of the room.

Take your time to rearrannge your bedroom furnitures and make sure that it would be relaxing to encourage rest.


We live in a very hectic society. And taking a break sometimes is not necessarily a bad thing since it will give us a chance to get a better understanding of ourself.

26 PLACES TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD


The world in which we live in has a lot of beautiful places to offer and it's up to you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take time to really appreciate the wonder that surrounds you - either man-made or natural.

Imagine how great it would be to live a simple life in one of the water bungalows in Bora Bora, swim in the beaches in the Carribean or even spend the day rock climbing the limestone cliffs in Railay, Thailand.

So I decided to curate the best places you certainly have to visit when you travel the world. You better include these to your list of places you'll be visiting soon.

26 PLACES TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD




Imagine yourself floating in the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool, gazing down on the glittering city-skyline from 57 levels above. You won’t find a more spectacular photo-taking spot anywhere in Singapore!

After your swim, stretch out to sunbathe on a luxurious poolside lounger, or relax in the shade of a palm tree. Sip on Champagne as you experience the unforgettable beauty of a sunset amidst the clouds.




Mù Cang Chải is a rural district (of Yen Bai province), in the northeastern Vietnam. in Mu Cang Chai there are many terraced fields (mainly for rice), creating amazing landscapes which stretch down the mountain sides.Wooden houses and guard boxes can be spotted between the terrace fields.

The rice terrace fields in La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and Ze Xu Phinh have been recognized as national landscapes by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. There have been Yen Bai festival Mu Cang Chai rice terrace fields to attract more attention of domestic and international tourists about Mu Cang Chai.




Composed of large, white, sweeping dunes, at first glance Lençóis Maranhenses looks like an archetypal desert, but in fact it is not an actual one. Lying just outside the Amazon Basin, the region is subject to a regular rain season during the beginning of the year. The rains cause a peculiar phenomenon: fresh water collects in the valleys between sand dunes and is prevented from percolating down by a layer of impermeable rock which lies underneath the sand. The resulting blue, green and black "lagoons" are surrounded by the desert-like sand, and reach their fullest between July and September.

The lagoons have large numbers of fish that arrive when the lagoons are at their fullest after July, when they are interconnected to rivers such as the Rio Negro. One species of fish, the wolf fish or tiger fish (Hoplias malabaricus) stays dormant in the mud and moist areas after the majority of the
water has evaporated, re-emerging during the next rainy season.




Some of the emblematic icons of Provence - the lavender fields or the Mont Saint Vincent so often painted by Cézanne - are or seem specifically attached to this region, others including the olive trees,  the dry rocky coastline with its scented stunted pine trees,  the evening air filled with the chi-chi-chi of a thousand crickets, and even the villages and vineyards, are actually features that characterize large stretches of the Mediterranean coast and its hinterland, in both France and other countries.




Fangweng Restaurant is located in China, in Hubei Province, about 12km north of the city of Yichang, near Sanyou Cave, or “The Cave of the Three Travelers”. The restaurant is in the Happy Valley of the Xiling Gorge, an especially scenic stretch of cliffs, caves and park land located around the area where the Chang Jiang River flows into the Yangtze. The entrance to the Fangweng Restaurant is an uninspiring grey brick building, but at the far end of a narrow concrete bridge, the restaurant caves into the cliff, the floor hanging several hundred feet above the ground. From this end, customers can view the flowing water of Yangtze River. For the daredevils, a bungee jumping platform is nearby.




Zhangye's Danxia landscape has lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. These formations, sometimes smooth sometimes sharp, stand  out against the greens or grays of the plains , looking grand and magnificent, vigorous and virile.

Across the Danxia landscape zone, a kaleidoscope of numerous red rocky outcrops resemble weird and wonderful shapes like castles, cones, towers ; as well as humans, creatures, birds and beasts. Their peaks peeping through the mist and clouds, produce mirage-like scenery of fantastic mountains and pavilions.




In the north of the Greek Ionian island of Zakynthos at an area called Skinari you will find the magnificent Blue Caves. The Blue Caves are one of the islands most famous natural attractions and were discovered in 1897 by Antonio Komouto. The caves attract thousands of visitors each year and are located just below the lighthouse at Cape Skinari.

The caves owe there name to the blue waters inside them. Objects below the water appear to turn blue. This includes people who can enter the water inside the caves to swim.





As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef holds a spot on every traveler's bucket list. Hugging the east coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef extends from Cape York in the north all the way to Bundaberg in the south — a total of 1,250 miles. With roughly 3,000 coral reefs, 600 islands and 1,625 species of fish, the reef leaves its 1.6 million annual visitors enchanted.




It's hard to know which harvest is growing faster in this fertile and beautiful valley midway between Vancouver and Alberta: tourists or fruit. The 180km-long Okanagan Valley is home to orchards of peaches and apricots, and scores of excellent wineries whose vines spread across the terraced hills, soaking up some of Canada's sunniest weather. The valley has provided a summertime escape for generations of Canadians, who frolic in the string of lakes linking the Okanagan's towns.

Osoyoos, near the US border, is almost arid, but things become greener heading north. Central Kelowna is a fast-growing city that's a heady mix of lakeside beauty and fun.

In July and August the entire valley is as overburdened as a grapevine before harvest; the best times to visit are late spring and early fall when the crowds lessen. Snowy winters also make nearby Big White resort an attraction for skiers and snowboarders.




The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambiance. Of course, the divine cuisine and vast art collections deserve some of the credit as well. The gentle River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neoclassic-design architecture, further enhanced by charming trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine's cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, cafe or cinema.

Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine, and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of "many splendors," as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoir, "A Moveable Feast." Visit the Centre Pompidou, enjoy gourmet pastries, shop couture on the Champs Élysées or hit the boutiques in Les Halles, take in the view atop the Eiffel Tower, or even plan a day trip to Versailles Palace. But don't miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelous arrondissements (districts).




Palawan Island Philippines is the largest island. The island is half desert, so still undeveloped. You can enjoy the jungle, mountains, and white beaches. Palawan Islandhas been rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as best Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world! Isthe most biodiverse islands in the Philippines. Palawan is an archipelago with 1,780 islands on the western part. Due to amazing  landscapes and high bio-diversity, Palawan island is known as “The Last Ecological Frontier of the Philippines”.

The northern part is characterized by incredible clear waters, white beaches, and many  species of flora and fauna. Here at north there are most visited places like El Nido and Taytay, characterized by limestone cliffs and underwater with many species of tropical fish and coral, also are  present five species of endangered sea turtles. Jungle have about 100 different species of birds! So…this is a real amazing tropical destination to relax and enjoy yourself! If you like tropical islands maybe you also could like on of the most beautiful island in Cambodia, visit Koh Rong Island, still undeveloped, good place for snorkeling, scuba diving or a trekking into the jungle!





With nearly 5,000 acres worth of red, yellow and purple flower-bulb fields, Flevoland is Holland’s biggest flower-growing regions! The fields can be found in East and South Flevoland and, most importantly, theNoordoostpolder. Every year in spring, there is a spectacular ‘Flower-bulb route’ encompassing over 100km through nearly 2500 acres of flowering fields. The route has become the longest and most colourful route in Holland and even, according to National Geographic, one of the world’s ultimate road trips!




Once you step into the wisteria tunnel, you will be overwhelmed by the fresh sent and the beautiful scenery of numerous clusters of flowers lying on top of one another. Please come experience this grand sight which can only be seen in spring in Japan.

Wisteria is a plant that grows all over Japan and which has captivated Japanese people for a long time. The flower clusters hang down for the tip of the plant’s long vines and sway beautifully in the wind. Wisteria is so beloved that it even appears in Waka, a classic Japanese poem. At Kawachi Fujien in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, you can enjoy the grand sight of these beautiful wisteria flowers.




Sand is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about beach. However, this is not the case with the Panjin Red Beach in China, which is, actually, red, and not covered in sand at all. Such phenomena is caused by a type of sea weed Sueda. It starts growing during April and May, then stays green during the summer, but starts turning vividly red in autumn.

The Red Beach is located in the biggest wetland and reed marsh in the world, and actually hosts the most completed ecosystem that can be found: the area has become home to more than 260 kinds of birds and 399 kinds of wild animals. You can find the endangered Crown Cranes and Black Beaked Gulls there, which is why the area is even called “home of the cranes”.

In order to keep the whole ecosystem safe, the area was granted state-level protection back in 1988. Even though most of the Red Beach is closed to the public, there still is a  small section that’s open for tourists. We can assure you that the photos below are not an example of infrared photography, it’s just one of those places that are hard to believe really exist!




Myanmar (Burma) is perhaps the most devoutly Buddhist nation on earth, with a dizzying array of golden pagodas and ancient temples, perched in splendid isolation on hillsides and sandwiched between busy city streets.




Long before the European conquistadors took over these lands, Mount Roraima was considered a symbol of these regions, an “axis mundi”, an enormous tree within which all the vegetables and fruits of the world grow.

This mountain, surrounded by 400 meter (1,300 ft) tall cliffs was a place of mystery, myths and legends for the indigenous people that used to live here centuries ago.

Today this unusual looking mountain can be visited by anyone having the will to discover it. The ascend starts in the Pemón village of Paraitepui which can be reached via the town of Santa Elena.

Getting to Mount Roraima is possible by taking a plane to Santa Elena de Uairén airport. This is a town in Brazil, very close to the border.  From here on, you will see there are buses or shuttles that can get you close to the ascending point- the village of Paraitepui.



St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow Kremlin Although it's known to everyone as St. Basil's, this legendary building is officially called "The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat". The popular alternative refers to Basil the Blessed, a Muscovite 'holy fool' who was buried on the site (in the Trinity Cathedral that once stood here) a few years before the present building was erected.

The Cathedral was ordered by Ivan the Terrible to mark the 1552 capture of Kazan from Mongol forces. It was completed in 1560. That's pretty much all the genuine history that's known about this celebrated landmark. There, however, scores of legends. Nothing is known about the builders, Barma and Postnik Yakovlev, except their names and the dubious legend that Ivan had them blinded so that they could not create anything to compare. Historians unanimously state that this is nothing but urban folklore.




Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.




Etretat is famous for its three natural arches and white chalk cliffs that tower high over the Atlantic Ocean. These natural wonders are freely accessible, as is the white pebble beach. Claude Monet and other Impressionists famously painted the arches and cliffs in the nineteenth century. An Arsène Lupin story was based here while Guy du Maupassant spent most of this childhood in the town. The old town center is fairly pretty too making Etretat a popular day-trip destination from other towns and sights in Normandy.




Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,028-acre (287.44 km2) park preserve located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, California, United States. As a national seashore, it is maintained by the US National Park Service as an important nature preserve. Some existing agricultural uses are allowed to continue within the park. Clem Miller, a US Congressman from Marin County wrote and introduced the bill for the establishment of Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962 to protect the peninsula from development which was proposed at the time for the slopes above Drake's Bay. All of the park's beaches were listed as the cleanest in the state in 2010.





Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Its capital, Florence, is home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s "David" statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo basilica. Its diverse natural landscape encompasses the rugged Apennine Mountains, the island of Elba’s beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and Chianti’s olive groves and vineyards.




Ice hotels are temporary hotels present only during the winter period. One of those ice hotels is Sorrisniva Iglo Hotel in Alta, Norway. This hotel is being rebuilt regularly since 2000. It is 2000 square meters including 2 suites and it is decoated with numbers of ice sculptures and ice furnishing, and amazing lighting system to enhance the different ice crystals. Beside the bedrooms, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel contains an ice chapel, ice gallery and ice bar in which the drinks are served in ice glasses.




High up in the shaded splendour of the Troodos Mountains we waited for Polis, the key keeper. From outside, with its dusty walls and closed shutters, the tiny Orthodox chapel gave nothing away. Inside, as Polis slid a heavy key into the lock and pushed open the door, it was a different story altogether.

Cyprus is famed for its painted churches and as we gazed at the colourful Byzantine frescoes we could see why. Built and decorated between the 11th and 16th Centuries, 10 churches have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites and we spent a happy few hours viewing several religious tales depicted on the crumbling panels. These hidden treasures weren’t the only things to surprise us.

Sure, Cyprus has the gorgeous beaches, turquoise sea and 300-plus days of sunshine that holidaymakers adore. But it also packs in lots of historical sites for such a small isle. Ancient tombs, Roman mosaics, Greek mythology and a majestic mountain range deliver far more than just a Mediterranean beach break.




Kauai is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It's nicknamed "the Garden Isle" thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are hiking destinations.





Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and elsewhere. Other notables sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100m-deep Ihlara Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches.




Thirty-five km outside of Munnar, India, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is built high atop the precipitous ridge that rises above the plains of Tamilnadu. At about 8,000 feet above sea level, this is the highest tea estate in the world. Known for its excellent, flavorsome teas, this estate is also known for its panoramic views and the for the rugged mountains that surround it.


So what are you waiting for? Pack your things and grab your passport. It's time to travel the world.