Come to Chicago for Print 05 & Converting 05

Sept 9 to 15, 2005
McCormick Place, Chicago


PACKAGE INCLUDES Roundtrip airfare • 6 nights hotel accommodation at the Congress Plaza 3* • daily breakfast • arrival and departure transfer • half-day city tour of Chicago

The Congress Plaza is 1.5 miles from McCormick Plaza. Plan your trip as early as now. CALL or EMAIL us for more information.

Hong Kong Disneyland opens its doors Sept 12, 2005

Once again, Disney will make families happy this time in Asia with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. The world famous park is located only ten minutes from the airport! The last time I was in Hong Kong (just a few months back, in Feb) I spotted the famous Mickey emblem on some trains. Makes one feel like a child again!

There are two hotels - Hong Kong Disney Hotel and the other is Disneys Hollywood Hotel. Expect the same kind of discerning quality (with rates to match) as you would with other Disney hotels worldwide. You can still stay in Tsim Sha Tsui area, taking in a city package but for the period of the opening, wait till July when the rates will be out.

The Rambler Garden (4*) in Tsing Yi is accessible to Hong Kong Disneyland and is more affordable. By September, I expect that the transport system will have improved. The rooms are in simple chic designs with large picture windows. The standard rooms though, I must say are very small. With the size of my hips, I felt I had to wiggle around if I wanted to get things done.


Ah the enchanting view of cargo containers in the early morning light. This view was taken from the room at Rambler Garden.

Venice - pretty as a postcard

Venice - pretty as a postcard
Originally uploaded by gelikerk.

This is not a postcard I bought at San Marco Square. I took this shot when we were approaching this enchanting Italian island.

I wonder how many thousands, if not millions of visitors to this intoxicatingly beautiful island have taken a shot like this.

The day was perfect -- not a cloud in the sky! The group and I arrived via private boat. We didn't have to squeeze in with others. We enjoyed views of elegant villas and churches as we chugged towards San Marco Square.

The local guide met us on arrival and treated us to wonderful and amusing information. I like making things as efficient as possible. This way, you are treated like royalty (well, almost as good as royalty and minus the sky-high pricetag).

Gondolas - the symbol of romance in Venice

Lola, ang ganda ng gondola
Originally uploaded by gelikerk.

The gondola is the symbol of Venice. I took this photo while waiting for my group's boat. Just watching empty gondolas bob up and down on the canal paints romantic pictures in my mind.

Sigh... but did you know that a gondola weighs about 600 kilos? That's as heavy as me (and 9 of my clones)! It is made up of 280 pieces and of 8 different kinds of wood! Who would have thought!

Venice is one of the most sought after cities to see by Filipino travelers.

Venice city packages include 3-star hotel, daily breakfast, roundtrip transfers from the airport or train station, an in-depth city tour on foot and ofcourse -- a GONDOLA RIDE thrown in! (So remember to bring your favorite comfy shoes!)

From Venice, include a visit to Florence, Pisa, Assisi and the one and only Eternal City... Rome.

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun
Originally uploaded by gelikerk.

Living in Europe (more like enjoying one very long vacation) made me realize that I need the sun! It's been more than a week that I've been waking up to dreary weather. So, even if there was work to be done, my kids and I excitedly pulled out our bicycles and went for a ride.

Syempre, the Pinoy in me made me wear my visor and sunblock. We were the only ones wearing caps. Not like the Dutch - they cherish the sun! I do too -- but my vain and health conscious side cherishes skin without the sun spots and (gasp!) age spots.

The days are getting warmer and in a few weeks, the Europeans will be going on vacation. Major cities in France, particularly Paris, will be slightly cheaper. Why? The Parisians will be elsewhere. And with the current exchange rate of the euro, I suggest you plan a visit to your favorite European cities soon!

Outside our bedroom window

Outside our bedroom window
Originally uploaded by gelikerk.

Waking up to days like this make me look forward to sunny mornings. There are times when I find it beautiful but not if I wake up to this everyday for more than a week!

Hello from Europe!

I'm writing this for my dear clients who ask me for suggestions on where to go on their long awaited next vacation or that instant getaway in less than 24 hours.

In this blog, I list not only my personal travel tips but also tips from clients, friends, my clients who become my friends, and my family.

Tips such as where to eat, where to shop, what hotel to stay in, fun things to do, even photo tips! We need wonderful pictures not only to show off to our friends (and enemies) but also to remember beautiful memories.

I do hope you join me regularly and pick up some ideas. If you need to talk to me, I'm just a call away!

I simply adore travel. Don't you?

Eiffel pretty

Eiffel pretty
Originally uploaded by gelikerk.

This shot was taken in the morning, so notice the fresh smile. At the end of a whole day of walking, the smile was gone... thank God for digital cameras!