A mouthful in the South

There are a lot of ports along the Mediterranean coast of 
France and Spain.



St. Cyprien, Canet, Ceret, Banyuls, Port Vendres, Port Argeles and Collouire are in the French side while Port Lligat, Cadaques, Empuria Brava are on the Spanish side.
Each of these ports has something special, exclusive and unique to offer. Banyuls has barrels of their aperitif wine while Collouire are known for their fresh anchovies and sardines. 

While shopping in Ceret, there were espadrilles galore but I ended up buying a Panama Hat for my husband. 





When you cross the Pyrenees mountains to Empuria Brava, 
they serve the most delicious paellas, tapas and churros con chocolate.                                                                                                                        

Enjoying a beautiful day and bustling scenery while having our brunch in Canet.

mussels served with pomme frites

mussels cooked in white wine and fresh herbs in it's natural juice.

Chilled rose in plastic bag filled with ice and cold water. 

What a refreshing idea to serve chilled wine at home

Having our brunch in Collouire. 
Ordered our salad served with your own vinaigrette...nice touch.

a variety of skewered and grilled shrimps, squid and pork served with smoked ham and crusty baguette.

What an incredible way to start the vacation. I have a feeling it's going to be gastronomic. Well, bring it on.

My quiet moment at St.-Pauline-Kirche

While travelling between France and Germany, I was invited by our very good German friend who lives in Trier to come and visit. He had just become a grandfather and I was excited to meet the new addition to their family. He assured me it was well worth the visit and he already bought my train ticket. It was a Thalys train so in less than an hour from Gare de lest, I was at the station to meet him. There is so much to blog about Trier. Tourists and Germans flock to this small town to learn about its rich heritage and history . 
http://www.holidaygermany.com/take-a-trip-to-st-paulin-kirche-germany

One of the ancient churches we visited was St.-Pauline, a Romanesque basilica 

which houses one of the rarest attraction in Germany. Christians were persecuted during the Roman empire and the bones of Christians who belonged in the Theban legion are buried in this Roman sacred ground.

               

                                     This video was taken inside the magnificent baroque church 
                                                      designed by Balthasar Neumann.


          http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/410497/Balthasar-Neumann.

Welcome 2012!

I found this beautiful poem and want to share to all my fellow bloggers. Enjoy!

"Drop a pebble in the water" by James W. Foley

Drop a pebble in the water:                                  
in a minute you forget, 

But there's little waves a-flowing,

and there's ripples circling yet, 

And those little waves a-flowing

to a great big wave have grown; 

You've disturbed a mighty river

just by dropping in a stone.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness:

just a flash and it is gone; 

But there's half-a-hundred ripples

circling on and on and on, 

Bearing hope and joy and comfort

on each splashing, dashing wave 

Till you wouldn't believe the volume

of the one kind word you gave.

Dumaluan Beach

My Mother and I went to Cebu to attend my brother's wedding and soon after that, I whisked her away and embarked to Tagbilaran City via Supercat. It has been a while since my mom and I had a vacation.. The ride in the fast ferry took almost two hours. Once we arrived at the port, we were greeted by our tour guide for our day tour (which I will talk about in another blog). After our long day of sightseeing, the rest of the week was spent by the beach.

The last stop of the tour was the historical blood compact statue which overlooks Panglao beach. The water was so inviting. Our tour guide arranged a shuttle for us to Alona beach. I was looking forward for a little rest and recreation,  and eager to take my 83 year old mother on a swim in the vast, warm blue sea.

Had our breakfast by the quiet sea. We woke up to a relaxing and serene view.