The Grand Marble Structure of Victoria Memorial Hall | Kolkata

January 21, 2015

Escaping the overpowering energy of Kolkata's streets, we followed the distant sight of the towering dome and statues that lead us to a quiet spot dominated by the sheer grandeur of this grand marble structure, known as the Victoria Memorial Hall. Dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, this impressive edifice started construction in 1906 and opened to the public in 1921 and now remains as one of the ostentatious remains of the British rule. Today it is one of the city's tourist attraction with a museum that houses historical artifacts of the Victorian era. 

Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata

The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy | Sri Lanka

January 21, 2015


I was meaning to spend only a night in Kandy before I head out to Dambulla. However—after experiencing the flamboyant bustles of the city—and fueled by a capricious wanderlust whims, I decided to extend my stay. It wasn't a bad idea, especially with Kandy situating in the midst of the plateaus of Central Sri Lanka, surrounded by rolling hills and tea plantations, the place presented an ideal opportunity for me to slow down a bit. I quickly discovered that much of the activities centers on the man-made Kandy Lake. A walk-around here, will lead you to ample heritage establishments and another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Inside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Complex

The Baby-Taj Mahal: Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah in Agra | India

January 16, 2015

After catching a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from the rooftop of our hostel in Agra, Aileen and I agreed to temper first our excitement and check out the other nearby attractions. Before proceeding to Agra Fort, we went to this low-key historical landmark also situated along the eastern bank of Yamuna River. Built from 1622 to 1628, the "Bachcha Taj" or the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is frequently regarded by architecture scholars as a draft of the Taj Mahal.

Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah

Where to Stay in Laoag City: Balay da Blas Pension House

January 08, 2015

Balay da Blas showcases a bipolar architecture character by blending the antiquated era of traditional Ilocano interiors with an expansion wing that houses all modern aesthetics. Coming from an enjoyable stay at the rustic and charming Villa Angela in Vigan City, we keep up with the throwback vibe by asking the caretakers for a similar lodging evoking a similar feel. We were then pointed to this pleasant 13-room bed and breakfast right at the heart of Laoag City. 

Top Tips for Keeping Healthy While Traveling

January 02, 2015

 

While traveling can be a great way to find relaxation and get yourself away from the stresses of your daily life, you should never forget to take care of yourself. Since you’ll be far away from your place of comfort, it’ll be harder for you to do the things that keep you healthy like exercising or preparing nutritious foods. With that said, we’ve listed below some tips to help you keep yourself healthy while traveling.

Karla Ramos