It was a gloomy day but that did not stop us to go visit this museum. My 5 year old daughter was so excited to see those airplanes and space shuttles. So After work we headed straight to the Museum.
Admission is free for all, parking fee is $15 but it is free after 4pm, you can also get a refund for parking if you are just dropping off.
They have a souvenir shop, vending machines for drinks and Mc Donald’s inside so you will not get hungry.
In the Museum, there were lot of things to do and to see. We got to see the airplanes used during the World War II. A lot of Nazi airplanes, trivia and facts about those planes and who flew them.
They also have those commercial planes exhibited there. Like the Concorde airplane, which was the fastest commercial plane, NASA space shuttles, rockets, the things that the astronauts had when they went in space. It was really educational for everybody.
IMAX theater, observation tower, flight simulators, free group tour around the facility are the other things to do.
We ran out of time because they were closing soon, we didn’t get the IMAX because it was 35-45 min long and my 21 month attention span is not that long. We tried the flight simulators, It was a nice ride, my 5 year enjoyed it. She really thought that she flew the space shuttle.
Flight simulators
NASA Discovery Space shuttle
Adi entering one of the flight simulatorsIf you’ve seen one of the transformers movie you probably seen this.
Overall, it was a nice educational trip for the whole family. My mom was with us too. She also enjoyed it.
You can also visit their website to plan your trip. Link below.
https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/udvar-hazy-center/
I have been blogging about fitness and I am just so happy to be living closely to these areas Washington, D.C. Arlington and Alexandria, Va. That was just named the most fit city in the U.S. For 2015.
According to USA today, Access to parks and paths for jogging, walking and biking helped make the Washington, D.C. area the fittest of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., according to a study out Tuesday.
I live at Fort Washington, MD which is like 10 mins away from Jones Point Park and Belle Haven Park in Alexandria, Va. It was just across the bridge.
Let me give you a glimpse of Jones Point Park by sharing wonderful pictures of it. You’ll see the Potomac River and when the weather is good you’ll see a lot of people sailing with their sail boats.
Coming from the other end of joints point park is Belle Haven Park which is from the foot of the bridge on Va side and when you cross the bridge it’ll take you to the National Harbor, MD side.
We also have one that we go to in Fort Washington, MD which is the Tucker Road Park.
Our area is really nice to live in specially if you raising a family. As a parent, we are being a good example to our kids. Since their generation is more on technology like the iPad generation. We let them move around and be kids like these DC activities.Â
If you follow my blog I share a lot more about Metropolitan DC area like places to see.
If you are in to nature and want to see some of the wonders of the world. Niagara Falls is another God’s creation of a beauty that never fails. It was a looooooong drive from Maryland to Niagara Falls, New York. But it was all worth the long ride.
We first visited Niagara Falls back in September 2009. It was only me and my husband and some friends, no babies yet. Oh when we got there I could not explain the feeling of being able to see such an amazing sight of beauty, It was breathtaking!
View of the falls from the USA side
Rainbow bridge connecting USA and CanadaFerry boat ride maid of the mistViewing deck from USA side
Cave of the winds
PicnicCave of the winds
Last year, our relatives from Italy came to visit us last summer and we wanted to share that whole experience to them. It was such a great family trip. My daughter appreciated the view too. Nature has a lot to offer for us, we just have to take care of it.
With the whole family
As for things to do while you’re there. They have the ferry boat ride (maid of the mist) where they can take you closer to the falls. They also have a cave of the winds experience, you’ll be at the side of the falls. Be prepared to get wet even though they’ll provide you with ponchos and sandals. You can get these experience from both sides.
Back in 2009 we got to view the falls on both sides. The New York side and Canada side. See which view do you like.
Overall, it was such a great experience for everybody. As you can see even though it was a very long drive (8-10hours depending on the traffic) we still went again for the second time. You can never get tired of this view.
I started traveling with my daughter when she was 3 months old. It was tough, every travel is an experience. I travelled with Adi (was 3 months old) and with my mother in law. I am not saying I am a pro but I can give some tips that we learned from our travels that will make your travel very comfortable and convenient.
1. If you travel with little kids who doesn’t know how to swallow during take off and landing. For them not to cry, give them milk or anything they can drink so they will not feel the pressure on their ears. It always works for me.
2. If you are traveling with infant in lap. You can request bassinet from the airlines. Most of them offer it for free. In that case you baby will be able to sleep well during the flight. Everybody happy, right?
3. Bring toys that they like, that will entertain them or it can calm them down. Like my daughter, her companion was her Daisy Duck stuffed toy. It was a charm, she’ll just hug it and it made her go to sleep.
4. Some older kids can be entertained by your gadgets, tablets, iPads and the likes. Because not all airlines has TV screen on every seat specially if it is a domestic flight. Mostly international flight does.
5. Bring in some of their favorite snacks. Because they might not like what the airline offers.
6. Check in online if you can if you are traveling as family so that you can have the seat together. Because on the day, even if you are early at the airport to check in and if the flight is full. There are a lot of people who also checked in online. You do not want to be seated apart or asking other people to switch seats for you.
7. Do not forget to pack first aid kits and your child’s medicine if they have any. You might need it along the way and some places might not have the medicine your child need. Adi at 2.5 years old with her Minnie Mouse and iPad en route Philippines. At Taoyuan International airport, Taiwan.
Adi at 4 playing with bubbles and Aidan at 19 months. En route Las Vegas from Maryland.
Happy travels! I hope these tips will help you.
We were in Taiwan for 19 hours waiting for our connecting flight back to the USA. When I booked my tickets two way from NY to Manila and Manila to NY I already know that the connecting flight was long because I prefer to get the cheap ticket. You all know how it goes if you buy cheap flights.
I was thinking we can tour Taiwan for half a day and see what they have there. Another country to visit. So I went ahead and booked a hotel for us since we have our 2 year old daughter with us then.
What I didn’t know was China Airlines has a complimentary hotel already booked for us included in flight itinerary.
So here’s what happened….
We were on our way back to the U.S., arrived in Taiwan and went to China airlines kiosk to ask how we can get to our hotel. The receptionist was very helpful, they gave us a sticker with the name of the hotel so the driver who’s gonna pick us up can see us right away. Didn’t pay attention at the sticker since he was the one who put it on us. When we get to the exit the driver was already there and helped us get in the car.
While en route the hotel, I was wondering why we were traveling for almost 15 mins because as far as I remembered it should only be 5 mins away from the airport. But I didn’t say anything.
At the hotel, I found out we checked in at Taoyuan hotel. All the staff was nice, they gave us the keys and stated that we have a free breakfast and then tomorrow morning the driver will drive us back to the airport so we can catch our next flight. So went along but I already knew that I had to call the airline and ask when they took us to this hotel.
We cheked in the room, it was descent. Not the hotel that I booked which was much better, The Novotel.
After putting everything down any resting for a little hit. I started calling the airline. We were worried we’re gonna have to pay for this hotel. Plus I want to stay to the hotel that I booked.
Here is what happened. Since I booked my plane ticket from cheapoair.com there was no agent who informed me that China Airlines gives complimentary hotel since the layover was 19 hours. So it turned out that I didn’t have to pay anything for this.
Kudos to China airlines!! we were also pleased with their airline staff. They were very helpful.
So what we did was checked out and we took a cab to get to Novotel (the hotel that I separately booked for us). The difference between Novotel and Taoyuan was that Novotel was new, 5 mins away from the airport and it is nicer.
Freeway.Taoyuan Hotel lobby.
Taiwan’s side street.Novotel rooms.
Authentic Chinese noodle soup.
Novotel lobby
The other hotel that the airline booked for us was an older hotel but still nice and clean, staff was also nice and helpful too.
That was one hell of an experience.
Before I forget, another stupidity on my end. I didn’t’t looked at the whole itinerary. Before we get to Taiwan the pilot announced that we were approaching Osaka, Japan. And I panicked because I thought we went to the wrong flight. Mu husband was like check the itinerary. He doesn’t know any thing about the whole trip because he left it under my hands. I found out too that the flight was from JFK-Osaka-Taiwan-Manila and vice versa going back. I guess I was just too excited about this trip that I didn’t pay attention to all the details since I haven’t been back home for 4 years.
We saw Taiwan by all the en route driving we. Took to get to the hotel. We saw that their salons are all glass made. They also have advanced technology. They are nice to tourist.
The moral of the story was. First of all, Double check the flight details, make necessary calls to the airline and ask if they have a hotel set up for you if you have a long layover. I am not sure if all airlines do this complimentary thing. Second of all, make sure you know all the layovers so you will not be shocked and you’ll know if it was gonna be a tiring trip. And if the ticket are cheap check what is the catch. But if you are up to an adventure. Book it!
Learn from my mistakes. Be an educated traveler. Overall, it was still an experience. It was an adventure for us. My daughter was fine the whole time she was just sleeping. My little jet setter.
It is gonna be summer time before you know it. The reason why I wanna blog about this. Just to give you guys an idea on where to head for the season.
And being it Cinco de Mayo today. We learned that was the Mexican victory over French men.
Coming to Cancun, Mexico was the most relaxing vacation we have been too as a family. We really enjoyed it!!
We went there September 2014 for my birthday. Since it is off peak I was able to book it on a cheaper price. Since that is the start of the hurricane season for the Caribbean.
If you will be traveling with kids. There are a lot of choices of hotels where you can choose from. I suggest get the all inclusive ones so you do not have to pay for anything that you wanna eat in the hotel for the rest of your stay there.
We stayed at Grand Oasis palm, this hotel is family friendly. The staff was nice and helpful. The food was good and the good about our stash there was. Mexico was celebrating their Independence Day. We have the same birthday!! So the hotel had a feast and they had different shows for the guest and some free stuff.
Another reason why I chose Cancun was because we can do a side trip to see the Chichen Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was in my bucket list.
Before our trip, I already booked everything online as far as the transportation And the tour guide. I booked it using orbitz and chose the grayline. They have a very helpful and friendly staff. And they are always on time. Their vans were very convenient to ride on. It was so convenient specially we were traveling with our kids. They give free bottled water too.
The travel time from Cancun to the Chichen Itza was 3 hours back and forth. So be prepared for that ride if you wish to go there. We were able to hear the stories about the Mayans. Which became very famous for that 2012 prediction end of the world.
It was such a nice experience. It was like an educational field trip for us visiting the Mayan ruins. The beach was of course relaxing. They have different restaurants there to choose from. They also have the kids club where you can leave your kids if you wanna stroll with your partner. They also have baby sitters if you prefer that. We just had our daughter stayed at the kids club. She really enjoyed it because there were a lot of kids too.
I recommend this trip if you are planning to have some getaway with your family, specially if you will be traveling with kids.
Bohol is another island in the Philippines that has nice white sand beaches. Just like Boracay that I was talking about on my blog regarding how I got to love traveling.
This place is also heaven and is not as crowded as Boracay. They also offer a lot of side activities if you want to be off the beach.
Other fun tour activities, point of interest:
Baclayon church – it’s a Catholic Church which is made of coral stones.
Whale and dolphin watching at the Pamilacan island.
Loboc river cruise – it’s like having a buffet party while cruising the river with live music and they have stop over some waterfalls and natives.
Chocolate hills – these are small mountain formation. Must see!!!
Tarsier – smallest primate in the world. They are the cutest!
So if you happen to travel Asia, stop by the Philippines and head on to Bohol. From the international airport you can connect to tagbilaran airport. They have lots of nice beach hotels to choose from. It’s nice to have some island life. It is summer there now 🙂
“Travel to a new place you’ve never been before.” That was one of the things my husband and I agreed to do starting this year. Instead of collecting things we want to collect memories. And that’s what we did…
I can’t believe It has been a month already since we visited Las Vegas, Nevada.
Why did we choose the “Sin City?”
I believed that this place has a lot to offer aside from their casinos and night night clubs. I also know this is close to the Grand Canyon and  LA if we want to side trip. So will this place be a good one for a family travel with the kids?
When it comes to travel, I always research about it and asked people who have been there to get some insights.
I have asked some of my family friend who’s been there with their family. They said that Circus Circus will be a nice place to stay with the kids from the name itself.
So I checked www.orbitz.com and found a deal for that hotel+flight and booked it. That was hubby’s post birthday celebration and Spring break for our family.
Since that was the first time we’ll be traveling to the west coast. I took the opportunity to contact some of my friends who lives there to come meet us if they have the time. And she did say yes! We haven’t seen each for a good 10 years but we’re always in touch.
So all was set and booked. Calendar was marked.
Day 1: We arrived at night so we were not able to do anything except to unpack, ate dinner and checked out what’s in the hotel.
Day 2: We met our friends with their son who also stayed in the hotel with us. We used up all the time in the hotel’s Adventuredome. The kids and us too enjoyed the rides and other games which we won some cute stuff. We were also able to see live circus since that was also a part of their attraction. every 30-45 mins they have different circus or magic acts. It was one good experience for the whole family. As for the dining experience. There were a lot of places to choose from. As for us, we went to all the Filipino restaurants that we did not have in the East coast and ate there. It was a blast!
My friends left that night. They just really wanted to meet with us that day. Since my mom was with us too. My husband and I was able to enjoy the night out. Went out to the Casino and also had some drinks. We got to see the beauty of Vegas strip at night.
Day 3: Another Family adventure that we’ve never done before. Instead of going to the Grand Canyon, We just went to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area since we did not have much time. Plus it will be too tiring for the kids. This place was 30 mins away from the strip. They have a scenic drive and many different hiking trail.The view was amazing!!! We don’t have that in the East Coast.
In the afternoon, we went to The Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
I recommend that if you will be traveling with kids, go rent a car. There is always parking there. You can book your rent a car online. Try www.rentalcars.com/las-Vegas-airport. The companies listed there will only have you take 1 shuttle ride. Less of a hassle. Because what happened to us was… We did get fox rental online. I didn’t know that from the airport we had to get 2 shuttle transfers to get there. The company was good but that was the down side. It was too much for us since we traveled with 2 strollers and 3 lugages.
Another fun filled memorable trip for us. I hope I inspired you all.
We woke up early to catch the train. It was uncle Jo and his girlfriend and Brendel’s turn to tour us. Â From Modena to Venice was 2 hour train ride each way. It was a nice ride since you get to see the scenery. And as we fast approach Venice. I really could’t believe that I am here now. The one place that I always imagine I will visit but seem to be impossible. But there I was, with my family. Such a blessing!
I should say that this is a very romantic place for me. Oh,I fell in love right away! I would love to go back and stay here for few days with just my husband. Every thing that you see was lovely! I thank the Lord for letting me see this place. I must say too that Italians are nice people.
As we look at the map to get to Saint Mark’s Square, all we know is that we all had to walk for us to be able to enjoy the view and every thing. taking nice photos nice Italian architecture.
Gondola.Got me some souvenirs..speed boat ride.
The Grand Canal.
Uncle Jo, Arlene and Brendel.
How long did we get to St. Mark’s Square? I’m not sure… Hats off to uncle Jo and my husband for they had to push the strollers, take note we had two because Brendel also needed one. He was only 2 years old. And mind you, stairs everywhere!!! As in 5 to 6 steps everywhere.
The kids were cool. They were playing with each other. Since it was spring. The weather was nice. We just had to give them a treat. Ice cream!! My daughter enjoyed chasing the dove’s too. Not too many tourist that day. This place was worth seeing for when you go to Italy.
Day 4 was rest day. We get to bond with the family the whole day since we were flying to Paris at night. They took us to the park and Downtown Modena. I will never get tired of this place. People are friendly, good food! everybody was laid back. I wonder if they were stressed at all…
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Day 5: Paris
We boarded another low cost carrier. RyanAir. Each passeneger were only allowed to have 1 hand carry and that was for free. Every extra baggage you have to pay. Since we were only staying for a day. We only had 1 hand carry each. It was a nice ride. Nice view from the plane going to Paris. Another downside of riding low cost carrier. We have to take a bus from the airport to get to Paris and it will be another hour ride. It was still worth it though. every experience I will count was an adventure. Still, my daughter was the best. She was just sleeping the whole time. Looks like she is getting used to travel. what a young jetsetter she is. So as when we were approaching the City of Light. Everybody in the bus was literally amazed by the stunning view of the Eiffel tower. It was already night time so we get to see the lights. Magnifico!!!
At the bus stop, we had to take a cab to the Hotel. I had to call the hotel as I could’t locate were we are exactly. The funny this was. He was asking where we were. I said Porte Maillot (por-te-may-liyot). He couldn’t get it. The he realized I was talking about (por-te-mayo) which was the correct pronunciation since it was French. lol!!
There was this one cab driver that was so rude and was charging us $20 up front. I was like, Are you gonna fool me? I was like I grew up from a third world country what are you talking about?! So we got another cab and he was fair. He only charged us what was on the meter which was $5. and we gave him $2 tip.
Checked in the hotel. It was like 10 minute walking distance to the Eiffel tower. Not bad!! We were also excited to meet My husband’s previous co worker back home. He was the one who gave us the tour of the city. We were only able to go to Ave Champ de Elysses, Arc de triomphe and eiffel tower. Like I side we did not have much time. I just inserted this Paris trip from our itinerary since we were already in Europe. Next time, baby!!
strolling the streets of Paris.our hotel entrance.
We met Maynard and His co worker her. He was based in Paris at that time. We got to ride their bus, train, taxi 🙂 Their food was good too. I must say though that Europe is very expensive. I will still choose to live here in the USA because of the cost of living.
Day 6: Milan
Milan was 2 hours train ride also from Modena. This time it was Uncle Fernan and Auntie Flora’s turn to be our tour guide. The best thing about all this tour, Our tour guide was the one paying for everything. Wasn’t that cool!!
Even though Milan is a City. If you will compare it to the other busy city of Hongkong, Manila, New York, Kuala Lumpur. I still felt that they were still laid back. People were not pushing each other in the subway station even if it was rush hour. everybody was taking their sweet time walking… moving. Maybe they office hours are flexible? I don’t know….
In this city, as a Catholic, we went to visit the Duomo Milan, We kneelled and pray thanking God for all the blessings! We went to the nearby mall. It was so elegant, all the luxurious brand was there. Of course I only did window shopping. Gucci, Louis Vuitton….. We also ate in one of their buffet places. my goodness! it was expensive!
This shot was a memorable one for my husband. It was terrifying. There were a group of people outside the church offered my husband they’ll take my hsuband’s pic. So my husband handed the camera, the guy took the photo and ask for $20 so he’ll return my hubby’s camera. What a thief!!
Day 7: Leaning Tower of Pisa.
It was Uncle Ruel and Uncle Emil’s with their kids who’s turn to give us a tour, That was 2 hour drive from Modena. Again, we get to enjoy the scenic views…. We bought a lot of souvenirs here from the sidewalk. Gorgeous place!!!
Day 8 Adi’s First Birthday celebration.
They all chipped in for this whole thing to be a success. We celebrated it at one of the buffet places there. It was all family only. Then there was an after party at Uncle Amante’s place.
Day 9: off to the airport heading back to Maryland.
If our relatives will be reading this blog….
We really appreciate all of you and your hospitality. We never felt that we were a burden to you. We felt all the sincerity in every way you showed us all throughout our stay. May God continue to bless you all. FYI, they just visited us here in the US last year just one family thought with Auntie Phening. They also enjoyed their stay here in the USA, as a matter of fact. It was Auntie Phening’s 3rd visit already.
If any of you given a chance to travel. Visit these countries. You’ll definitely enjoy here!!!
Safe travels everyone. Good night. Tomorrow might talk about health and fitness…
Reminiscing our trip to Italy and France May 2011…. We planned this trip to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday. She was our first born and we want it to be special. Since my husband’s relatives lives there. They kept on inviting us to come over and visit them since some of them had been here in the USA to visit us. We were like, sure! we have funds since we got our tax refund… did I say it loud? wink*
As being a Filipino citizen still. We have to get a visa to Italy before anything else. It was not hard we just followed all the instructions in their website and we got it on time.  Our relatives there already have itineraries for our 9 day trip. 6 of his uncles live there.
Okay now, this will be our first time traveling with a 1 year old. We made sure we had everything to keep our little girl comfortable. I booked her ticket as baby on lap so we only paid taxes for her ticket. I jot down all the things needed for this trip, all baby stuff and gifts for our relatives since we will be staying with them. And it is customary also to give them some gifts.
The day came. We were all packed up, I had to give Adi milk during take off and landing. So for all the parents out there who will be traveling with a baby. This work out since they will be swallowing their ears will not hurt. No crying babies on board, make sure bring a lot of different small toys to entertain. Our daughter was very charming, She was so quiet and just sleeping most of the flight time. All the other passengers specially the elderly enjoyed playing peek a boo with her.
We landed in CDG, France for our layover. Oh man! it was a huge airport and they did not have train unlike most of the airports I have been. We had to rush to get to the bus stop to get to the next plane ride to Bolognia, Italy. By the way, we are going to Modena, Italy. That’s were our relatives live.
To summarize the whole trip.
Saturday: the day we arrived at Italy, Uncle Amante and Auntie Phening welcomed us at the airport. they took us home to get to meet the other cousins, uncles and aunties. Then they toured us around Maranello were they have the factory for the Ferrari. They bout us a ticket as for my husband to be able to drive a Ferrari. In the streets of Italy, Man! OH! that was one heck of a ride!
with John, My husband’s cousin. He paid for the ride. It was 90 euro to drive a ferrari.joy ride.
checked out Ferrari Museum with Sincere, John’s big sister.
we get to visit the Ferrari museum where they have the different models and different engines for the Ferrari’s. Dinner time was bonding time with the clan.
Day 2:
Trip to Rome: It was Uncle Amante and Aunti Phening who drove us there. That was a 5 hour drive to get there and another 5 to go home. We just slept the whole time. It was a Sunday Morning, the best time to visit the Vatican too. Pope Benedict was the one preaching. We did not get inside the church because there were a lot of people lined up. That was the thing when traveling with babies. We have the stroller so it was a hassle if we will get inside the chrch or go up the church tower and also to get to Fontana de trevi. Pretty much, Rome was so magnificent! get to see the Colosseo. let’s talk about some ancient history. wink*
with the swiss guards
Saint Peter’s squareeating some gelatto
with uncle Amante and Auntie Phening
with the Romans.
authentic Italian Pizza. Nom! Nom!
Colosseum
to be continued tomorrow guys… I am so sleepy now. It is allergy season and I just took an allergy medicine. It is also late.
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