Ocean World Puerto Plata Dominican Republic

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December 14

Ocean World Puerto Plata

Dominican Republic

Dear Travellers,

Centrally located in the Caribbean on the North Shore of the Dominican Republic in Cofresi, just three miles west of Puerto Plata, Ocean World Marina and Casino are the newest additions to a US $100-million dollar complex that also includes Ocean World Adventure Park.

This incredible marine park which opened in March 2004 has already become the �must-see� attraction in the Dominican Republic. The Adventure Park features the largest man made dolphin habitat in the world, with the largest of the dolphin pools comprised of 12 million gallons of seawater. I had the opportunity to interact one-on-one with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, stingrays, exotic tropical birds, meet majestic tigers, walk through a tropical forests and enjoy the pool area.

Ocean World is an extraordinary entertainment complex dedicated to offering visitors a once in a lifetime experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere in the world.

Rinell J

Labadee Haiti

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Haiti Labadee
A Private Island

Dear Travelers,

A wide variety of activities and interests await me in this beautiful island of Labadee. The picture perfect coastal location of Labadee brings out the inner adventure seekers, the explorers and the beach lovers in each of us.

During our daylong visit, there�s plenty of time for a Sea Trek water sport of our choice... from a hair-raising ride on a personal watercraft tor relaxing all day on a floating beach mat.

Dragon�s splash water slide is my first activity that catch my attention, I embark on a short journey into Columbus Cove�s forest where a stone pathway meanders through the vegetation, climbing up to the head of the dragon. Slip and slide down this 300 foot long stainless steel custom built creation that ends in a splash in an 18 foot splash zone.

Dragon�s tail coaster I really enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of Labadee as I slowly rise up from the beach on Santa Maria�s lookout mountain. Once I reached 680 feet, I have just enough time to catch my breath and marvel at the view before turning and whooshing down at 30mph. As I race through 360 degree turns as well as dips, waves and curves, I can catch glimpses of the ocean. Roaring down the gorgeous mountainside forest, this alpine coaster is one thrilling ride you and your family will be talking about long after you get home.

I tested the trade winds on Labadee�s Dragon�s breath flight line. After a flight briefing and orientation, test your mettle on our shorter �Little Dragon� flight line. Then experience a short drive in a custom made safari vehicles to the take-off point for the Dragon�s Breath, 500 feet above the beaches of Labadee. At over 2,600 feet long, this is the longest flight line in the world over water. I really enjoyed the breathtaking views, as I sip down the flight line at speeds of 40-50 mph.

Rinell J

Georgetown Grand Cayman

9-10 December

Dear Travelers,

I�ve met a couple who became my friends here in Georgetown Grand Cayman. They were from Jamaica and working in this island. Noel�s  girlfriend Michelle escorted me to the 7 mile beach, one of the longest beaches in the world. It is my first time to visit the place and wow it was so beautiful, the water is so clear that you may want to drink it.

After swimming Michelle invited me to go to the turtle farm, drove me there by her car, I was so excited to see for the first time a big sea turtle. By the entrance I noticed, posted on the door that it was closed on Sunday and is open only for private function. I ignored it and goes to the front desk immediately and inquire how much is the entrance. The receptionist informed me that they were closed. Seeing my disappointment I asked them if there is any possible way to see the turtle because it is my first time to visit their country and will be leaving day after tomorrow and might not see the place anymore. After waiting for 5 minutes  they gave me an entry pass for free J..

Yahoo!!! I was amazed how big are the turtles are swimming effortlessly through the currents of the water. Michelle and I were both happy wandering around the farm. I took a lot of pictures and videos, unfortunately the battery of my camera died when we are about to take a look of the dolphins flying in the air! I thought it was only the turtles that we will be seeing... Well I was so blessed... J

Rinell :-)

Cozumel Mexico

Click here to see Ensenada Mexico

Dear Travelers,

I am here at Mexico�s largest island in the Caribbean, Cozumel it was settled by the Mayans over 2000 years ago.  Just 12 mi (20km) off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, the island was home to a thriving population of some 40,000 inhabitants when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. Sadly, the Mayans were decimated by smallpox or shipped off to Cuba as slaves, leaving just 30 non-Spanish inhabitants by 1570.

Thanks to a visit by Jacques Cousteau many years ago, Cozumel has grown to become a prime dive site, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. The placid, protected waters along the west coast are ideal for all things aquatic. Visitors with a penchant for archaeology may want to arrange a trip to the mainland (forty minutes by ferry) to see the Mayan ruins at Tulum or Chichen Itza.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Body Painting at Daranak Falls Philippines

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Click here and let us visit the world

Dear Travelers,

While on my vacation at my home country the Philippines I've got the chance to meet the famous Jay Dalupang a Filipino Body painter Artist through Facebook.

I was excited to meet him and of course to be body painted for the first time. When I called him it was a rush decision to meet somewhere and do body painting. I was suggesting that we do this at the Luneta Park but it was so hot that the painting could immediately fade, so he suggest we go to a falls and we end up at the Daranak Falls which is majestic place to do this body painting at the same time promoting our beautiful country Philipppines. I'm using my car and it was a zigzag road like going to Baguio City.

We were talking about what design should he paint for me and I suggested that since I'm traveling I want a world on the center of my chest and 4 different famous landmarks that I have visited. Time is limited so we decided to put only the names of the country on the lower part of my body. It was a long day but we enjoyed the moment talking and admiring the beauty of the falls serenading us by it's sound. I almost end up sleeping.. LOL! 

I thank Jay Dalupang for this wonderful experience and becoming one of his friends.. More power to you and God Bless!

Body Painting Video at 

Daranak Falls PHILIPPINES

Your Tour Guide,
Rinell 

HALLOWEEN 2012

THIS VIDEO IS FOR HALLOWEEN ONLY!
PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS A MUST!
YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD & ABOVE!
SEXY SCENES ARE NOT DELETED!
THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY!

Click the links below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPJNeTXGfUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEw6QRv6Wdg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncg7w9zvHYM

THANK YOU!

RINELL

RINELL BANDA IS ON VACATION

Click here and let us travel Around The World

Hello Travelers,

I'm on my vacation right now in the Philippines and I'm going to continue my travel blog again by October continuing my Journey to travel around the world. For the meantime please follow this links of my videos.

Please scroll down also to preview and read my previous travels around the world.

Thank you.

Rinell :-)

Quebec City Canada

21 September

Dear Travelers,

Before I go home in the Philippines on the 22nd we are going to spend some time in Quebec City. It is the walled city perched above the St. Lawrence River on rocky Cap Diamant. Dominated by the venerable castle-like hotel Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec is the heart and soul of this resolutly French-Canadian city. Founded just over 400years ago by Samuel de Champlain, historic Quebec is the only remaining walled city in America north of Mexico; it became a World Heritage Site in 1985.

Make your way up to Terrasse Dufferin, the boardwalk promenade overlooking the St. Lawrence. Stroll the cobblestone streets, past quaint old houses and chic boutiques. Pause for coffee or an aperitiff at one of the inviting outdoor cafe's catching the weakening rays of the autumn sun.

See you there..

Rinell :-)

St. John's Newfoundland Canada

16-17 September

Dear Travelers,

Another day for us to travel St. John's Newfoundland, it is named by John Cabot when he visited on the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist in 1497, St. John's would not become a permanent settlement until the 17th century. The naturally sheltered harbor is back-dropped by steep hills lined with bright-hued houses and the massive Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. A walk up historic Signal Hill is rewarded by excellent views of this appealing seaport, capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This historic site is considered as the birth place of the Information Age. Here, in 1901, Italian inventor Marconi received the first wireless transatlantic signal.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

I'm here in Greenland! "Ilulissat"

Please click here and let us travel to Greenland!

09 September

Dear Travelers,

I'm here in "Ilulissat" it is the third largest settlement in Greenland with a population of 4,453. Ilulissat is also Greenland's most popular tourist destination on account of its proximity to the picturesque Illulissat Icefjord, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Inuit settlements have existed in the area of the icefjord for at least three thousand years. The modern town was founded in 1741 by missionary Danish Poul Egede for trader Jakob Severin who had an established trading lodge in the area.

I drove a zodiac along with the icebergs on my side, icy wind blowing gently to my face and I'm dancing to the music of ice ice baby! I can't wait to upload my new video blog and share the experience with the ice..

Please like and support my facebook page "Pinoy Travel Channel" so I can be able to continue and share my travel blog. Thank you.

Truly yours,

Rinell :-)

Northern Lights

07 September 2012

Dear Travelers,

Let me talk about the Northern Lights, Aurora curtains occur in the upper atmosphere between 80-320km (50-200 miles) above earths surface and are particularly prevalent in the area surrounding the Labrador Coast along the arctic circle. Over the Magnetic North Pole earth's magnetic field concentrates and channels electrons, creating the pattern of light associated with the Aurora. Colors emitted are mostly reds and greens. However, Auroral displays are infinitely varied shifting and changing constantly.

Rinell :-)

Arctic Polar Plunge

06 September 2012

Dear Travelers,

I couldn�t believe that I did Polar Plunge in the Arctic for the first time in my life! I�m wearing a life jacket because I can�t swim, it will save me from drowning and sudden shock. The moment that I step on the diving platform and about ready to jump the guy told me not to wear it because it is dangerous, I have no choice, I waited for the line, without thinking I take off my life jacket and jump!! The rest is history!

Coming out from the water and making up to the ladder is critical, I used every single energy to paddle myself and try to swim hoping that I could make it. I can�t feel my body, all I was thinking is to save myself from drowning and the moment I touched the handle of the ladder I feel my power, excitedly climbing up and from the top of the platform I yelled from the top of my lungs... YEAAHHH...

My fear of swimming suddenly got lost from the freezing cold water of the Arctic along with the icebergs on the side. I still couldn�t believe myself that I made it, I�m so proud. I will remember this for the rest of my life.

Rinell :-)

Expedition Mode "Somerset Island NORTHWEST PASSAGE"

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Click here and let us explore Somerset Island

Dear Travelers,

For the first time in my life I experience snow while driving a zodiac and hiking in the mountains of Somerset Island, touching my face and my skin delicately.. I was sitting and meditating with the serene ambiance of the picturesque view of the place. I was also running pretending I was been chase by a polar bear, don't worry I'm safe because one of the Expedition Team is always carrying a weapon that only will distract the bear and not to kill them.. I hope ?

Rinell :-)

5th day of Expedition "Johansen Bay"

29 August

Hello Travelers,

I'm so very busy with my activities and now is the chance for me to write my daily travel blog. Last day August 29 I visited Johansen Bay it is a bay in the region of Nunavut, the country of Canada with an average elevation of -138 feet below sea level. The location is sparsely populated with 0 people per mile2�

Rinell :-)

4th day of Expedition "Walker Bay"

28 August

Hello Travelers,

My forth day of expedition in Walker Bay it is located on the west coast of Victoria Island in Canada�s Northwest Territories. In the late 1920s the Hudson�s Bay Company established a trading post called Fort Brabant on the north shore of Walker Bay to encourage local Inuinnait to trap Arctic fox, which at the time were a were a luxury fur. In 1932 the trading post relocated to present-day Ulukhaktok. This was home to the Copper Inuit Trading post at Walker Bay, circa 1930  (Library and Archives Canada).

See you there...

Rinell :-)

3rd day of Expedition "Ulukhaktok Canada"

26 August

Dear Travelers,

Your host Rinell traveling in the Northwest Passage for an Expedition. Driving a zodiac exploring Ulukhaktok formerly called Holman it was recently recognized as the official name of this community located on the western side of Victoria Island. In the local Inuinnait dialect Ulukhaktok means "place where one finds material to make ulus", knives with curved blades that were traditionally made with stone or copper.

Although Inuinnait have occupied the region for hundreds of years, the present-day community began when a Hudson�s Bay Company trading post and Roman Catholic mission were built there in 1932. Since that time it has grown into a permanent community with a population of approximately 450 people. Uluhaktok is home to the Uluhaktok Eskimo Cooperative and Craft Shop, which sells locally produced arts and crafts.

See you there...

Rinell :-)


P.S.

Pictures and video will follow after my full completion of my expedition.. Thank you. :-)

2nd day of Expedition "Cape Parry"

25 Aug

Hello Travelers,

I will be driving a zodiac and cruise Cape Parry it is located at the northern end of the Parry Peninsula, Northwest Territories, which extends into Amundsen Gulf. The closest community is Paulatuk, approximately 100 kilometres to the south. The cape has several limestone outcrops that form coastal cliffs rising 20 meters above sea level. A rich marine environment is created by upwelling currents around the cape. Offshore, a polynya produces open water in the ice near the cape and islands. It is this combination of safe nesting habitat on the cliffs with a nearby reliable area of open water that allows for a small seabird colony to exist here.

This site is home to the only thick-billed murre (aka Brunnich's guillemot) colonies in the western Canadian Arctic. The main colony is quite small by murre standards, with around 1,000 birds. Although not numerically significant, these colonies are noteworthy since the nearest colonies are at least 1,300 kilometres away to the west in Alaska or to the east on Prince Leopold Island.

Elsewhere on the cape, beaches of sand and gravel form the coastline and many bays and small inlets exist. The peninsula is dotted with ponds and small lakes with sparse tundra vegetation in between.

There is a DEW line site on the peninsula, and we likely will see the buildings and attendant antennae and radar domes.  Distant Early Warning system was an array of missile detecting facilities strung across Alaska and the Canadian Arctic during the height of the Cold War.  Many of these stations, including this one, are now automated and operating with vastly different technology than existed in the 1950�s. 

See you there..

Rinell :-)

First day of Expedition Herschel Island Canada

23 Aug

Dear Travelers,

     My first day of expedition here in Herschel Island. It is a small island off the north coast of Yukon Territory. It is known as "Qikiqtaruk", which means "island", in Inuvialuktun. Archaeological sites show that ancestors of the Inuvialuit of the western Canadian Arctic lived on Herschel Island at least as early as 700 years ago. Starting in 1890 commercial whalers operating out of San Francisco and Seattle extended their voyages to the Beaufort Sea, often overwintering at Pauline Cove on Herschel Island. The commercial whaling era was short-lived, but at its peak in the mid-1890s more than fifteen ships and over one thousand whalers spent the winter on Herschel Island. Following the decline of the whaling era Herschel Island became a centre for the fur trade in the western Canadian Arctic. Herschel Island is now a Territorial Park administered by the Government of Yukon. Several historical buildings are preserved in the park.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Artic Explorers

Dear Travelers,

After the failed Franklin expedition of 1845 it would take more than a half century to pass before an innovative explorer finally conquered the Northwest Passage.

On 16 June 1903, a 29-year-old Norwegian, Roald Amundsen, set out with improbably slim resources: six men and a tiny shallow vessel, the Gjoa, which he presumed could slip through channels that endangered larger ships. Caught by the winter ice, Amundsen did what the earlier Franklin crew had been unable or unwilling to do. He turned to the native Inuit to learn their ancient skills of Arctic survival. What they taught him not only ensured the success of his voyage but were crucial training for his conquest of the Sout Pole in 1912. During this time, they also mapped the frozen, island-studded area of the north.

Your travel host,

Rinell :-)

Top of the World

Dear Travelers,

?My exploration of Alaska continues to tiny Icy Strait Point and Anchorage, the state's largest municipality. Turning westward, I will follow a course from Kodiak Island along the Aleutian chain before bearing north to the Siberian outpost of Provideniya and onward to Nome. Entering the Arctic Circle, we begin a passage to the Atlantic, a journey attempted by intrepid explorers for some four hundred years before success was finally attained by Roald Amundsen in 1905. Blocked by ice much of the year the Northwest Passage remains impractical as a trade route but certainly provides ample adventure and breathtaking beauty along the way.

Rinell :-)

Nome Alaska

17-18 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

I would like to feature Nome, unlike many Alaskan towns, Nome did not exist as a native settlement prior to the discovery of gold in nearby Anvil Creek in 1898. The resultant stampede of eager dreamers created a tent city that stretched for 30 mi/48 km and housed an estimated 20,000 miners at its peak. Over half the population is of native descent while several small authentic native villages lie outside town. Nome is also famous as the finishing line for the annual Idutarid Trail Sled Dog Race.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

St. Paul Alaska

14 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

We will explore one of the four Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea while only 500 miles from Siberia, St. Paul is home to the largest Aleut population in the world. Descendants of an ancient native population on the mainland, the Aleuts of St. Paul remain skilled fishermen, hunters and artisans. Today, St. Paul is known for its excellent bird-watching (248 species have been sighted) and wildlife, particularly its Northern Fur Seal rookery and endemic the Blue Fox. Two U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew stationed here during crab season have been featured on the Discorvery Channel's Deadliest Catch series.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Dutch Harbor Alaska

12-13 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

I present you the port of Dutch Harbor, located on Amknak Island in the Aleutian chain, consistently ranks as the largest fishery by volume in the U.S. Each year, the large fleet brings in tons of halibut, salmon and king crab-fans of the Discovery Channel may be familiar with the area, highlighted on the popular series "Deadliest Catch." Naturally, sport fishing opportunities are plentiful.

Dutch Harbor is also known for being the only place on American soil other than Pearl Harbor to be bombed by the Japanese. In June of 1942, two days of air attacks killed 43 American servicemen but did very little long-term damage to the base. Visit the informative Aleutian World War II National Historic Site for the whole stay.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Kodiak Alaska

9-10 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

Your host Rinell traveling here in Alaska's "Emerald Isle" Kodiak! This is the second-largest island in the U.S., after Hawaii. The island and its eponymous largest town boast an interesting history. Native Aluttiq people settled here in semi-subterranean homes called barabaras thousands of years before Europeans arrived on the scene. Check out their rich cultural heritage at the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository. Russian influence is highlighted at the Baranov Museum, housed in the oldest extant building in Alaska, which is also the oldest Russian builidng in North America. In 1964, the Good Friday earthquake and its resulting tsunami came within inches of destroying it.

A walk along the waterfront reveals the Fisherman's Memorial dedicated to the numerous residents who have lost their lives pursuing one of the most dangerous occupations anywhere. Nearby is the last Liberty Ship built during WWII, the Kodiak Star, which lies surrounded by concrete, and serves as a fish processing facility. It was brought here shortly after the big quake.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Anchorage Alaska

6-8 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

Anchorage is the gateway to the entire state. With a skyline not unlike that of any similarly sized city in the Lower 48, Anchorage at first glance may not even seem to be in Alaska. But lift your gaze a bit further and you will find no less than six mountain ranges in view, even the majestic Mt. McKinley Denali makes an appearance on clear days.

the nation's third-largest state park, Chugach, lies largely within the city boundaries-a true wilderness less than half an hour from the city's center. Among the 52 species of mammals found here are black and brown bears, moose and Dahl sheep. And you don't have to go far for salmon fishing-it is great right under a freeway overpass alongside Ship Creek, in the heart of downtown.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Cordova Alaska

4 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

Only reachable only by sea or by air, tiny Cordova is still a working port where nearly half the households have at least one member employed in the fishing industry. Self proclaimed as "Alaska's Hidden Treasure," Cordova is a gateway to one of the largest wetlands in the Western Hemisphere it is also famous for Childs Glacier, it's frequent "calving" during the height of summer. Vacationers are drawn by an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to wildlife viewing in Prince William Sound and fishing in the famed Copper River Delta.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Haines Alaska USA

31 July - 1 August 2012

Dear Travelers,

Charming yet somewhat eccentric Haines can be a bit of a surprise to most visitors. Although citied for having the best small library in America in 2005 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Library Journal, Haines is perhaps better known for its large assemblage of Bald Eagles.

The town is centered around Fort Steward, a collection of handsome white buildings surrounding a large parade ground (a Tlingit clan house) at its centre. Stop by the Tsirku Canning Co., a museum dedicated to preserving (pun intended) an industry that once had over 150 such operations along the coast. The tiny Hammer Museum boasts a collection of 1800 such tools, including an 800-year-old Tlingit mallet discovered while digging the foundation for the museum.

Visit the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve (20 miles outside town) or drop into the unusual American Bald Eagle Foundation Natural History Museum, essentially a large diorama of over 180 species of Alaskan wildlife.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Wrangell Alaska USA

27-28 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Step back in time to the 1950's, before every town had a Mc Donalds and a Starbucks, when no one locked their doors at night and nobody remained a stranger for long. Thanks in part to a fire that destroyed much of downtown in 1952, Wrangell is such a place. One of the oldest non-native settlements in Alaska, Wrangell was originally home to a village of Tlingit natives. The area attracted Russian fur traders in the early 1800's, followed by the British-owned Hudson Bay Company in 1840. Ultimately, the town flew the American flag following the purchase of Alaska by the U.S. in 1867.

Once almost exclusively reliant upon the lumber and fishing industries, Wrangell is slowly reinventing itself as an eco-tourism destination. The town's history and culture are especially valued, as witnessed by the Nolan Center Museum, Petroglyph Beach State-Historic Park, as well as the Tlingit clan house and totem collection on Chief Shakes Island.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Ketchikan Alaska

Click here for Dance Move!

Click here for Zipline Adventure!

24-26 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Nestled on the hilly shoreline of the Tongass Narrows, colorful Ketchikan bills itself as �Alaska�s First City� and the �Salmon Capital of the World.� The cool, often damp weather (rain is by far the most frequent weather forecast) doesn�t seem to concern the residents, most of whom either fish or participate in the lively tourist trade for a living.

Venture beyond the T-shirt and jewelry shops to Saxman Native Village, where the Camp Fox Dancers perform in full regalia. Check out the exceptional totem pole collection, as well as the carving shed where new totems are skillfully shaped by hand. A stroll down the boardwalk of Creek Street brings you past a series of old houses perched on stilts-once the town�s red light district-things are a bit tamer nowadays.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Vancouver Canada

Please click here and let's travel to Vancouver

19-22 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Deemed one of the top ten places to live or visit by a host of publications (including Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler), Vancouver is a lively, contemporary metropolis set amid stunning natural beauty. Check out the panoramic city views from atop Harbor Center Tower or ride the gondola up Grouse Mountain for a different perspective. Walk or bike around Stanley Park, a 400-hectare (1000-acre) urban rainforest at the edge of the Pacific; although heavily damaged by a widstorm in the winter of 2006, the park is open to visitors once again.

The old Gastown neighborhood and Chinatown are each worth a visit for their colorful buildings and shops. Grab a water taxi or ferry to nearby Granville Island and peruse its multifaceted Public Market, one of the best in North America.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Nanaimo Vancouver Island

17-19 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Nanaimo, just across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver, is British Columbia's third-oldest settlement. While the larger city of Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, may be more familiar, Nanaimo has a charm all its own. Designated the Cultural Capital of Canada for 2008 by the government, Nanaimo boasts a vibrant art and music scene. As is the case with most of B.C., there is no shortage of activities centered on the outdoors-golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, scuba diving-even bungee jumping and an exhilarating zip-line ride are among the options.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Salt Spring Canada

14-16 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Largest of British Columbia's Gulf Islands, bucolic Salt Spring Island is known equally for its range of outdoor activities and its dynamic artists colony. Island life centers on the three exotically named communities of Ganges, Fulford and Vesuvius. Do some kayaking around the gulf or tranquil Cusheon Lake, try your luck at fishing or perhaps cycle off around the island.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Victoria British Colombia Canada

Victoria BC Canada Part 1 Episode (Muntik ng maabot ang langit)



13-14 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Just across the Strait of Georgia from modern, lively Vancouver, charming,  quaint Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. Unlike its much larger sister city on the mainland, Victoria has preserved nearly all of its historic architecture. The landmark Parliament Buildings near the harbor are even more striking at night, outlined with twinkling lights. The venerable Empress Hotel has been serving afternoon tea in its elegant lobby for nearly a century; drop by its equally esteemed Bengal Lounge for a refreshing Pimm's Cup or curry lunch.

It would be difficult to overlook the bounty of blooms found in Victoria-baskets overflowing with brilliant flora hang from Victorian lamp posts, English gardens flourish at every turn, roses scent the air as you walk the quiet side streets.... But nowhere are the blooms more magnificent than those found at famed Butchart Gradens. Once the site of depleted limestone quarry owned by the Butchart family, the grounds were landscaped by matriarch Jenny Butchart and opened to the public in 1904. During the summer, the gardens are illuminated in the evening, the perfect venue for a relaxing concert.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Friday Harbor Washington USA

11 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

The only real town of any size in the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor was named for a native Hawaiian farmer employed by the Hudson Bay Company in the mid-1800's. A harbor, once filled with steamships and schooners used to transport supplies north to Alaska, is now packed with fishing boats, private yachts and tour boats. Searching for pods of orcas is easily the most popular activity in the summer months, with sightings practically guaranteed.

Ashore, visit the Whale Museum, explore the shops or venture out to some of the island's small wineries. Remnants of the little-known "Pig War" (a thirteen-year standoff between the British Navy and the U.S. Army) include the sites of both camps. Other attractions include the fragrant fields found at Pelindaba Lavender Farms and the fuzzy, sweet-faced creatures of Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Seattle Washington USA

7-10 July 2012

Dear Travelers,

Seattle, the Emerald City, offers a pleasing diversity of attractions-from the iconic Space Needle and Pike Place Market to the Olympic Sculpture Park and the avant-garde interactive rock and roll museum known as EMP. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking, biking, boating, skiing, golf and tennis. Oenophiles have 35 wineries within easy reach and beer and ale lovers will certainly enjoy sampling the suds from the area's roughly 40 breweries and brewpubs. If java is more to your liking, Starbuck's, Tully's and Seattle's Best vie for your attention at every turn.

Surrounded by water on three sides with the Olympic Mountains looming in the distance, Seattle is spread over six hills in a seires of appealing neighborhoods, each with its own charms. Belltown is a hotspot for dining and imbibing; Wueen Anne Hill offers sweeping views and carefully preserved architecture; historic Ballard proudly reflects its Scandinavian roots; the artsy, Bohemian Fremont district bills itself as the "center of the universe," the Waterfront and Pike Place Market provide hours of entertaining exploration.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Portland Oregon USA

3-6 July

Dear Travelers,

Deemed "America's Best Big City" by Money Magazine in 2007, the City of Roses offers residents and visitors an unpretentious ambiance with just the right touch of sophistication. Snow-capped Mt. Hood stands majestically in the backround of the city at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. This time of year, the city's famed roses should be at their peak-drop by the Peninsula Park Rose Garden or the International Rose Test Garden for abundant proof.

The tranquil Japanese Garden is one of the finest in the country, a delight even on rainy days. Portland has in recent years become a bit of a Mecca for food lovers, with trendy restaurants in the Pearl District and elsewhere proffering the freshest Pacific Northwest produce prepared with innovative techniques.

Geneally regarded as the birthplace of microbrews, the city boasts more than 20 breweries, ranging from the more familiar Widmer Brothers, Roque Ales and Full Sail to the amusingly named Amnesia and Hair of the Dog. Wine lovers need not feel neglected either, for the nearby Willmette Valley produces some of the finest Pinot Noirs bottled anywhere.

See you there...

Rinell :-)

Eureka California USA

Click here to see Victorian Houses in Eureka

30 June - 1 July

Dear Travelers,

Lumber was king for well over a century here in Eureka, where as many as seven mills operated non-stop processing redwood to fill the demands of expanding cities to the south. Much of the forest which pushed up against the town is long gone, some of it turned into ornate Victorian Houses-including the famed Carson House-still standing in Old Town. Take a walk along the recently created waterfront boardwalk or head over to the historic lumber mill in Samoa for a look back at life in the 1800s.

See you there..

Rinell :-)

San Francisco California USA

Click here to see the Famous Golden Gate Bridge

26-29 June 2012

Dear Travelers,

The graceful span of the Golden Gate Bridge arches above as you sail into San Francisco Bay. Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County's "Sleeping Lady," is silhouetted off the port side. Off the starboard side, the wooded greenery of the Presidio, the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts and Ghirardelli Square's sturdy brick buildings. The distinctive TransAmerica Pyramid, the faceted Bank of America building and unmistakable Coit Tower are each part of a skyline known around the world.

Cable cars still clang their way up the city's steep hills, just as they have for over a century. The coffee shops and Italian trattorias of North Beach, the exotic aromas of China Town, the bawdiness of Broadway, are all integral parts of "The City by the Bay".

Serious foodies will find no less than 28 restaurants in the Bay Area and nearby Wine Country which have earned coveted one, two and three-star ratings by the notoriously finicky Michelin guide.

See you there..

Rinell :-)

http://www.yo/

Monterey California USA

22-25 June 2012

Dear Travelers,

A prosperous whaling station in the 1800s, Monterey opened its first cannery in 1900, eventually becoming the largest supplier of sardines in the hemisphere. Most of the fishing industry has long since moved elsewhere, but small boats still bob at anchor in the sheltered harbor near the old Presidio. Cannery Row, so vividly portrayed in Steinbeck's novel of the same name, now features seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Visit the justly famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, with its three-story acrylic-walled tank filled with specimens swimming through the undulating kelp forest. The charming sea offers are among the other popular exhibits.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its mixture of art galleries and boutiques, is just a short drive away, the dramatic beauty of Big Sur a bit further south.

See you there... :-p


Rinell :-)

Santa Barbara California USA

20-21 June 2012

Dear Travelers,

Fortuitously located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, Santa Barbara enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean climate most of the year. Fronted by a long stretch of palm-lined, sandy beach, Santa Barbara is the embodiment of life in the Golden State. Now a sprawling resort and college town, the city grew up around its eponymous mission and presidio, founded in 1786. First-timers may want to ride the electric, open-air shuttle that runs along State Street and out to the enclave of Montecito.

See you there..
Rinell :-)

Catalina Island California USA

18-19 June 2012

Dear Travelers,

A longtime favorite getaway for Southern Californians, Catalina island sits just 22 miles off shore from Los Angeles. With less than 4000 permanent residents (most of whom live in the port town of Avalon) and no traffic signals, it seems a world away from L.A. Chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. purchased most of the island in 1919, eventually leaving his holdings to the Santa Catalina Island Conservance. The best options for exploring this "Island of Romance" are on foot, by bicycle or in a rented golf cart - private cars are very limited.

Rinell :-)

San Diego California USA

Let's travel to San Diego California USA

13-17 June 2012

Dear Travelers,

We are going to spread across roling hills, ocean front passages and inland valleys, San Diego received its name in 1602 when Spaniard Sebastian Vizcaino named the area for Spanish Catholic saint San Diego de Alcala.

Unrestricted views of San Diego Bay can be enjoyed from Cabrillo National Monument, a park replete with historical displays and a precious tide pool ecosystem. While Old Town San Diego is mostly comprised of small shops, the original town birthplace managed to retain its tranquil charm.

San Diego's sunny climate invites for walks through the historic Gaslamp Quarter or to Balboa Park's Casa del Prado Theater. Don't miss the luxurious Hotel Del Coronado, setting of the Marilyn Moroe classic "Some like it hot." With inviting beaches, about 90 golf courses, the San Diego Zoo and nearby Wild Animal Park, Sea World and Legoland, as well as the upscale seaside village of La Jolla, San Diego offers something for everyone's taste.

Rinell :-)

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Dear Travelers,

From 11-12 June 2012 we are going to visit Ensenada located not far from the U.S. border along Highway 1, Ensenada co-mingles international tourism with day-to-day Mexican living. Host to over 75 sporting, culinary and cultural events annually, it is also the perfect site for gray whale watching between January and March.

The area's mild climate is ideal for wine-making and 90% of Mexico's wines are produced in and around Ensenada. If you prefer a tasty margarita, try Hussong's Cantina, which opened its doors in 1892 and continues in operation today.

Not too far shouth of Ensenada you find La Bufadora, one of the biggest blowholes in North America with saltwater streams up to 18m (60ft) high during high tide. Take a look at the magnificently restored Riviera del Pacifico Cultural and Civic Centre, boxer Jack Dempsey's former casino and a favorite Prohibition hang out of the rich and famous.

See you there.

Rinell :-)

Nawiliwili Kauai Hawaii USA

Hello Travellers,

June 3-4 we experience Nawiliwili Bay and its port town of Lihue serve as the gatewayto Kauai Hawaii's oldest major island. Long promoted as the Garden Isle, Kauai's celebrated landscape is indeed a prime example of nature's handwork.

Take in the crimson and rust shades of Walmea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"- don your slicker and explore Mount Waialeale, the rainiest spot on earth - gaze at dazzling Wailua Falls, often swathed in a brilliant rainbow - or explore the equally wondrous world beneath the waves.

Rinell :-)