Why I Visit Calamba Not for the Huge Claypot

Calamba is a city in the province of Laguna, known to many as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its hot spring resorts.

This first class city is approximately 54 kilometres south of Manila and was declared as the regional centre of the CALABARZON. I am inviting you to pay a visit and spend a day or two to make your stay worthwhile.

• House of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal
• Banga or the biggest "Claypot" 
• St. John the Baptist Church
• Hot spring resorts lined mostly along the Barangay Pansol and Barangay Bucal

Read the tips and recommendations that I have prepared. It will help you plan ahead and have a smooth journey.

I want you to not miss visiting Banga in Calamba.

Independence Day Celebration in Abu Dhabi Revealed

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority is finalising an activities programme which will bring the emirate alive during the 42nd National Day weekend running November 28th–December 2nd this year.

Abu Dhabi’s stunning Corniche will burst with activity for the whole of the weekend with attractions and challenges for all – residents and visitors while women’s-only activities will run on Al Bateen Beach.

Additional celebrations are being planned for the emirate’s heritage heartland of Al Ain and its Al Gharbia Western Region with concerts and fireworks on the drawing board for Delma Island and Madinat Zayed.

“People can anticipate an action-packed weekend to satisfy the tastes of residents and visitors alike and which will undoubtedly make Abu Dhabi the place to be for the 42nd National Day. Visitors to the emirate will leave with lasting memories of celebrations which will have a distinctly traditional and Emirati flavour with most of the activities being free-to-attend.” explained Faisal Al Sheikh, director events bureau, TCA Abu Dhabi.

On the drawing board are two mega firework displays along Abu Dhabi Corniche running for ten minutes each at 20:00 on December 1st and 2nd.

“We anticipate those stakeholders with Corniche-focussed operations will be able to package around this and look forward to hearing their ideas,” added Al Sheikh.

Sault Ste. Marie: Agawa Canyon Adventure on the Train

Now that autumn season is fast approaching, planning a trip to Agawa Canyon in Sault-Ste.Marie for a whole day train adventure in the wilderness is the best advice I can give you.

The city of Sault Ste. Marie is located on the St. Marys River in Algoma District in Ontario, Canada.  The south side across the St. Marys River is the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan which is part of the United States of America. They are called the twin cities due to their same name.  

Though Sault Ste. Marie is famous not only on a particular season, I opt to explore the landscape that is so popular during the fall. The train roll its wheels from the train depot in downtown Sault Ste. Marie and started to move towards the northern side of the city as the journey to the wilderness begins.

5 Things to Do in Marseille

Written by Adrienne Erin

Travelling abroad opens the doors to many opportunities for travellers. Every location shows you something different - gives you a different sense of culture.  Marseille is one of the most colourful cities you can visit if you want to take in some culture - an eclectic mix of French and African spirit in a hilly, seaside city, it's a great place to get to know and love France.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Translated, the name of this church literally means, "Our Lady of the Guard." Notre-Dame de la Garde was a Catholic church originally built in the 12th century, but eventually was abandoned.  In the hopes of being able to reuse the church, the original Notre-Dame de la Garde was rebuilt in the 15th century.

Photo Credit Adrienne Erin

While the church was a huge success, it failed to retain its structure due to a religious war ~ which ended in the demise of the Notre-Dame de la Garde.

In an effort to rebuild it in 1853, attempts were made to make it last for far longer. Carved from rock, this church has a lower church and an upper church decorated with mosaics, and it's not going anywhere soon. To give the church a more sentimental feeling, a bell tower was created and standing upon it is Madonna and Child. The pair, atop a tall tower in perhaps the highest vista in the city, seem like guardians, protecting the church and town from any threats.

Flying Comfortably to China

Written by Ariana Louis

Travelling on Long Flights

First rule if travelling on a long flight - try to get comfortable seats. Ask your travel agent for airlines that have good seats. I travelled to Asia a couple of years ago and was very glad to have listened to a friend's advice to book the most comfortable seats with better leg room. Even better, if you can afford business class. But since not everyone can, let's look at some ways to prepare for a long flight.

Great Wall of China

Tips on How to Prepare for Long Flights

If it is a long haul flight, chances are you will be staying longer so will need to plan how everything at home will be taken cared of. Also, you will need to plan what to bring for the long journey and your stay.

Here are some things to think about when planning for this.

1. Are all financial responsibilities settled before travelling?

2. Do you have enough money to take and access to it if you need more when travelling?

3. Make sure your bank knows that you are travelling and that you may use your credit card or debit card abroad so they know that they are legitimate transactions.

4. Secure your house/flat and have some automatic timers set up to turn lights on and off. You might want to think about having a local friend or family member check on the house and cars at least once while you are away.

5. Find an airline that has comfortable seats with some leg room.