Zion National Park, Utah with Kids

It was a quick stop in Zion National Park, Utah with Kids last September.This trip going to Zion National Park was not a plan or included in our road trip itinerary  and the easiest way to go to Grafton-Utah Ghost Town is to drive through the Zion National Park,Utah. I was so excited because I heard it in one of my friends and saw on books.Since we are there we explore the Zion and I amazed all the formations,colors and textures.

According to wikipedia :The geology of the Zion and Kolob canyons area includes 9 formations that together represent 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation. At various periods in that time warm, shallow seas, streams, ponds and lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments covered the area. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3,000 m) starting 13 million years ago.

Driving:

The Zion–Mount Carmel Highway can be visited year-round and is restricted to day time, as visitors  travel through the tunnel is one way.

Entrance:

We paid 25 bucks and good for 7 days passes.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive shuttle system:

Starting  April through  October, visitors are not allowed to drive their vehicles along this 6-mile stretch of road called Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.The only they can use is the complimentary shuttle or tram that is provided in the park. If you want to know more or use your own vehicle you should get a permit in the Zion office.

The place is impressive and we're planning to go back and spend more time in Utah. There are a lot things to do.

  

Travel Shot: Zion National Park, Utah

Panoramic View of Zion, National Park,Utah

Filipino foods that foreigners don't want to eat

Dried Fish

Being away from my own country, Philippines I misses some Filipino dishes and having a foreigner husband he doesn't want to eat some of Filipino dishes even when he went to Philippines. Yeah! I can cook in our home but sometimes he will tell me "are you trying to kill me" lol.

Filipino foods that foreigners don't want to eat, based on my experienced and some of my friends.

1. Dried fish-this food is so yum to me, but I don't know why the smell stinks to them and spread all over the house. My husband tells me every time I cook "are you trying to kill me" lol, with a smile in his face. He doesn't like the smells and called it stinky fish.

Balut

2. Balut-When we planned going to Philippines I told my husband about the "Balut" and describe to him.Oh my gosh! why are you eating balut. hahaha, I explained to him it is yum and lots of vitamins, he told me I don't need it.hahaha. Last episode in Travel Channel we watch together,  was about Philippines and he tries to ate "Balut" he doesn't want the taste, so hubby laughed at me.

3. Head of the fish-My husband told me, you Filipino don't waste anything in terms of food.I fried the tilapia with the head and he was surprised I cooked it and put some soy sauce,hehehehe.As you know my husband just eat boneless chicken and fish.

Sauteed shrimp paste with mango

4. Ginisang Alamang ( Sauteed shrimp paste)-One of my favourite food that I like to eat with mango, pinakbet, sauteed with pork and this smell stinks to them. lol.

5. Durian-The durian is another type of fruits that my husband that stinks even his friend.

6. Dinuguan ( Pork Blood Stew)-another viand of Filipino that is weird to them.lol.It's made of pork blood, some intestine of the pork.

I lit candle and incense every time I cook my stinky food to get rid the odor.

6 .Filipino foods that foreigners don't want to eat. Even my husband doesn't want all these foods he'll go  in Asian stores and buy.Don't get me wrong, I can cook in our home and eat in front of him but he'll tell me "I don't understand why you eat like that" with smile and says: "I'm happy if you're happy" weeehhh...

Are there any foods you think foreigners don't want to eat? Let me know.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is presented by HGTV  is one of the festivals that I love and our travel plan was perfect timing. The said festivals started March 7 to  May 30,2012.The landscaping, arrangement, gardens and flowers are amazing.

Flower Power Concert Series: The show are scheduled  Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.Sits are limited and first come first serve.

Presented by HGTV: One of my favourite TV shows that I watch and get some ideas about home decoration and improvements.

Special displays include:

• Bambi's Butterfly House
• Sustainable Beauty
• English Tea Garden
• Epcot Gardens of the World
• Haiti: Garden of Many Colors
• Other Unique Gardens
• Topiaries

They have some fun for kids and hope next year we can go back and bring our little one for another festival in Epcot.

11 Facts about Travelentz & 11 Questions

1. Describe your feelings right now. 
LOl! stable, try to answer this 11 questions.
2. Kung ikaw ay isang pagkain, anong putahe ka?
Fish, coz I don't know how to swim.
3. Is there anything you own that you can't live without and why?
Diaper bag is very important to me because of my daughter.
4. How does uhog or nasal mucus taste like? 
What a question...iwan ko kung bakit mo naiisip isali ito.
5. Would you rather be attacked by a huge bear or a swarm of bees?
Huge bear.
6. What's the best compliment you've ever received?
You're a great mom and you have a wonderful family ( this compliment during my married life). You're parents are lucky to have you ( this compliment when I worked in Philippines).
7. Kung isa ka sa 5 senses ng ating katawan, ano ka at bakit?
Touch, because the sense of touch is powerful.
8. What have you done the day before yesterday?
Spent time with family and went to  museum for a day.
9. Proud ka ba sa bansa mo? Paano?
Yeah! I am proud I was raised and born in Philippines. Education in Philippines is still the best and cheaper, and we could speak  and write in English.
10. What advise can you give to the government future leaders?
Don't blame anything to Politician or leader, blame yourself. Politician has  system they are using, they just need to change and need to be diversify to compete other countries.
11. Where do you think you'll be in five years? 
I could not imagine. I just pray to God and give me guidance and wisdom for everyday.


11 things about travelentz:
1. I worked in Philippines for 4 years and got promoted to be an Auditor but decided to left the country.
2. I worked  as an English Teacher in Thailand since  2005.
3. I don't know how to cooked and swim.
4. I learned how to cooked, drive and ride a bike only in States.
5. An adventurous woman and easily get bored.
6. I met my husband in online dating service and talked to him for  almost a year as a friend, then he decided to met me and get married after 2 years in relationship.
7. Feel I am  a dork in States. Don't blame me everything is new and I am trying to understand why, what and when. Western Country is far from Asian Country from lifestyle, cost of living and attitude of people toward another.
8. It's too hard to find friends here in USA.They're all busy if I want to call or hang out or visit them.Everyone  needs an appointment or ring them ahead of time  and I don't use to it. I am a loyal friends and ready to hang out anytime as long as  I could bring my daughter and husband/ or else don't bother to call me.
9.   Love to read pocketbook and inspirational books, and find some hobby that makes my day occupied. 
10. Love to join clubs or any community club/organization.
11. I am a quite person at first but when I get to know you, I am talkative and easy to be with, easy to pleased and you would love my company,lol.

Here's my 11 questions:
1. What is your greatest achievement in life?
2. What could you do to help your parents?
3. Are you  a family person?
4. What is your top priority in life?
5.  Do you regret anything you've done in the past?
6. What kind of travel do you like?
7. What is the best gift you ever received?
8. What would you sacrifice for your family?
9. What is your favourite dish?
10. Why do you blog?
11. What do you want to learn as a hobby?

To those who are tagged, please do the following rules (in any order):

• Post 11 random info/things about you.
• Post the answers to the questions being tagged to you.
• Make 11 questions for the people you tag to answer.

11 countries in one day

11 pavilion countries in one day, imagine that? What I mean, we went in Epcot Disney World with my  husband, and one of the attraction is the World Showcase of 11 pavilion countries. The World Showcase in Epcot features the cuisine, shops, rides and shows. The staffed in  the World Showcase is local people in its countries so you will definitely feel you've visited  the  country because they serves   local food, snacks and beverages of their own country as they wear their national costume.

1. The American Adventure- shows the  Audio-Animatronics stage show of  American History.The biggest Candlelight Processional takes after Thanksgiving until December 30.

2. Norway-The designed is looks like a Norwegian Village.One of our favourite World Showcase and rode the Maelstrom ride that took us back to a mythological version of Norway's Viking days.It was thrill riding the boats plunge forward into the stormy North Sea. They have two dining,restaurant Akershus and Kringla Bakeri og Kafe.

3. Mexico-the World Showcase is the pavilion of  Mesoamerican pyramid. You can enjoy shopping in  twilight-lit Mexican marketplace, Plaza de los Amigos  and don't miss the boat ride that  will shows   with dancing animatronics and a Donald Duck piñata.It is cool.

4. China-is the replica of Temple of Heaven. Here, you can enjoy the museums containing several ancient Chinese artifacts, scenery and dining.

5. Italy-Italian architecture such as the Neptune Fountain and enjoy  some goodies like candies and wine.We dine-in in the restaurants and reserves our seat enable to get a table.

6. Germany-The main attraction is Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. We bought some chocolate and haribo gummy bears to recharge after walking all day.

7. Japan- when you walked to the entrance to the courtyard is the replica of Japanese Pagoda.We enjoyed the Matsuriza- traditional Taiko drummers and a Japanese Storytellers. I bought green tea.

8. Canada-the main attraction is the Canada scenery like waterfall, garden and Totem Poles.

9. France-if you're tired now, you can dine in and enjoy the view of Eiffel Tower.

10. Morocco-gives you an idea of their  lifestyle and culture of the Moroccan people through the Gallery of Arts and History.

11. United Kingdom-the structures is looks  like the British Village.They have shops where you can buy some clothes, toys and Beatles Merchandise.If you want to recharge you can dine in, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room and Yorkshire County Fish Shop.

Now you visited 11 countries in one day.Where do you want to spend  your next vacation?

Epcot:Parents getaway without kids

We went to Epcot Disney world,Florida for a day without a kid. Imagine that! hehehe, it was a nice break for both of us ( I and husband) to have our free day, and I enjoyed a lot. If you just know I taking care my kids 24/7 and 365 . We stayed in a hotel for a night since we stayed at P & P at Venice, Florida for a week and the driving distance is more than  3 hours not including the traffic,we want to start our day in Epcot before the crowds.

TEST TRACT RIDE:

We arrived in Epcot we chose our first rides,  the Test Tract-it was fun and cool, hubby was surprised am not scared with speed in the test tract ride.We felt we are kids we enjoyed the rides in Epcot, and forgot our child.

MISSION SPACE:

My husband felt motion in sickness on this rides.This is about the space missions that would gives you a chance to  travel in 8,000 miles in Mars.The space mission includes spins and tilts to simulate the illusion of speed and gravitational forces. 

CLUB COOL:

This is another store located  in Future World that is refreshing on a hot day.This time we tasted the different flavors of Coca-cola around the world and it is free, and you can shop some souvenirs.

NEMO WITH FRIENDS:

I felt like a kid who enjoyed Disney World. Well, don't blame me it's my first time to visit and I would say I am a Disney's fan,and also my husband.I know this would be my daughters' favourite theme parks.

TRAVEL TIPS:

Having a baby and not bringing her in Disney World Epcot was the best decision we had done as a couple. The rides has some  height restrictions, but we're planning to go back and shows her the Disney World Epcot when she turns 4.

Chichuly at Cheekwood,TN

impressive artwork of Dale Chichuly

I was browsing all my photos and deleted some of it, and saw some  photos taken in Chichuly at Cheeckwood in Tennessee. Gosh! it was beautiful and can't resist to blog it. We visited the Cheeckwood Botanical Garden, year 2010 where they had some exhibits about Chichuly.I forgot how much we paid, it was included the garden, the museum art inside the Cheeckwood Graden, and the exhibit of Chichuly.

About Dale Chichuly:Dale Chihuly is most frequently lauded for revolutionizing the studio glass movement by expanding its original premise of the solitary artist working in a studio environment to encompass the notion of collaborative teams and a division of labor within the creative process. However, Chihuly's contribution extends well beyond the boundaries both of this movement and even the field of glass: his achievements have influenced contemporary art in general. via: Cheeckwood

reminds me, today is the first day of Spring 2012

Impressive:

The artwork is impressive, I'm glad we don't missed the chance to visited,back then. Chichuly exhibits  offers in different museums and botanical garden displays around USA and Europe, so you might check your local museums and botanical garden if  the exhibits is there.

Chichully Nights:

We missed the Chichully nights in Cheeckwood garden,back then I have a month old baby that has schedule to put in bed.

Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium with kids

@ the entrance of Mote Aquarium

Having a little one, I tried to checked attractions that is nearby in the place we stayed, one of them that caught my interested is the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota,Florida.I asked my husband if he is interested and my in-laws if they want to go with us? Good thing, they're all interested so we went.

Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium more fun in kids:

If you have a little one who loves wildlife and other species from ocean l they surely love this Aquarium in Sarasota. It is 45 minutes away from the condo we stayed. We decided to go early morning and met up with friends in the Mote Marine Aquarium.

Pricey:

Every aquarium is different and has its own upsides and down sides.I went many different aquariums    but I still love to visits and checked out.This is not too big and not too small but has a good variety of wildlife. They offered Eco boat tours where depart from Mote Aquarium and you have to purchase another tickets. The sharks, turtles and manatee is one of our favourite in the aquarium.This time we just purchased the general admission that includes "Mote Aquarium, the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center and Immersion Cinema."

friendly one

Mote Marine Lab & Aquaium address:

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway  Sarasota, FL 34236

Travel Tips for Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium:

1. Great in Photography for shark, manatee and turtle.

2. Deep Sea Diner-"dining al-fresco or inside the casual, retro ’50s-style diner, complete with an old-fashioned soda fountain."

3. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

the turtle

Pelican Photography

A pelican, derived from the Greek word πελεκυς pelekys (meaning “axe” and applied to birds that cut wood with their bills or beaks) is a large water bird with a large throat pouch, belonging to the bird family 

Yum!

Ready!

Oh! No!
This travel shot is taken in Jetty Park,Florida.

Cocoa Beach with kids and friends

We had a chance to see my friends in Cocoa beach and stayed in their place.It was  a good timing for both of us. We stayed in her place for 3 days, the last time I visited her was 2009-she's my friends and classmates in Notre Dame University in Philippines. Gosh! 3 days is not enough for both of us, YOU KNOW GIRLS!hehehe.

Kinilaw

COOKING FILIPINO FOOD:

She cooks Filipino food, Palabok and Kinilaw-our both favourite. Good thing my husband ate it and he likes it too. At the evening my husband decided to get a pizza, for me and "N"were very contented with Filipino food and decided to eat the left over, where we cooked a lot.

Palabok-Thanks to "N" I know how to cook Palabok now.

CHINESE RESTAURANT:

Aside Filipino food, we both like Chinese food, so we end up eating in  buffet in our first day in Cocoa beach.We both don't like the fried frog leg ( where I heard some of our friends its like chicken,my apologies but I don't like the taste). One of the food we both like was the "bihon" and crab leg.

BREAKFAST IN THE RIVER VIEW:

In our second day, we decided to have a breakfast in the river view, at 30 minutes away from their home. We don't ate to much fancy, I have 2 eggs over easy, harsh brown, white toast bread and orange juice. "N" got pancake with syrup and with cream on top. It was gloomy and the air is cold. We sat outside to enjoy the view, but damn cold that day. After breakfast we headed back to their home and started cooking Filipino food.

SAYING GOODBYE:

Yours truly with "N"

3 days is not enough for both of us and time flies so fast. We don't know where the time goes. I felt bad,she wants us to stayed for another day but we decided to starts heading to Venice for another adventure.We had a good time and the hospitality was overwhelming, but my in-laws and other friends are waiting for us in Venice, Florida.

THINGS TO DO IN COCOA BEACH:

There's a lot things to do in Cocoa beach, we enjoyed and get some sun in the beach, Dinosaur Store and Adventure, Kennedy Space Center and Hall of Fame.If we're on vacation, sometime I don't feel I am relaxed, coz we'd love to do things and to see.

PS:Sorry I can't comment back to much as of now,I'll be traveling this week.I will be online if I have a chance, promise

Venice,Florida: Fun things to do with kids and friends

We stayed in a nice subdivision in Venice,Florida of "Uncle P and Aunty P" where they have a nice place and pool.The place is gated community where you feel you're staying in a 5 star hotel, hehehe. We stayed there for 3 days for free and we bought some foods to share to everybody since my in-laws are also visiting with them.

GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL:

Traveling with friends and staying in there place will save a lot of bucks, I mean not a lot but a big help aside seeing them and spending time, the hospitality, the happiness that you could see in their eyes and eagerness to do things with my family is a lot for us.I'm always thankful to GOD that we have good friends to treasured with.( Actually he's my husbands' good-father ). 

The walking pool- salt water with hot tub. "Little M" with her Grandme enjoying the pool.The place where we stayed with P and P. 

JETTY PARK:

In our 2nd day in Venice,Florida we went in Jetty Park that is located just 30 or 40 miles from the place where we stayed. The place is a picturesque beach park  where a lot of snowbirds like us who  are enjoying  and  get some sun, go fishing, walking, watching the sunset and enjoying the weather. 

Jetty Park-where you can go fishing.

BEACH:

Venice,Florida has a nice beach where you can bring your own umbrella and get some sun. The only problem we had is the parking space, it's too crowded where a lot of snowbirds are out to enjoy the sun like us. The early you are the better to get a parking space and enjoy the beach and sun.

FOOD:

snow crab legs

As you know, we don't usually eat outside if we're  at home.I do a lot of cooking,during Sunday's and especially occasions is the only time we eaten outside. We preferred to eat seafoods if we are on vacation especially in Florida. My family loves seafoods.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott with kids:Last Minute deal

King size bed

During our vacation in Florida last week,was a great time, the weather was perfect, air is cool and  sunny.We decided to drove going to Florida and stayed a night in a hotel to make it cheaper for us since the driving distance is 11 hours from  home.

LAST MINUTE DEAL in FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES MARRIOTT:

Driving is so tiring once in a while, it takes many 11hours on the road but is so much cheaper than to fly. Paying 3 people for airfare is almost breaking the bank for us; we're always do things together as a family. Last minute deal is always we love to check if where going to stay a night in one place, where we can get a cheaper price and stayed in a suite room in low price, how'd we love it.

INSIDE THE FAIRFIELD SUITE MARRIOTT:

"Little M" had a blast in our room where the suite room set up ha a living room and king size bed that has its own TV.

The location was good and off the high way.Another thing we like  is the hotel amenities that has a high speed internet, clean bedroom and breakfast in the morning.

Sunset dinner @ Marina Jack

Marina Jack Cruises

During our vacation last week in Florida, "P" asked us if we want a Sunset Dinner? Both of us said "yes" to her. She said to us " we can dine in Marina restaurants and watch the Sunset or go in Dinner cruises". We decided to go in dinner cruises with 6 couples-13 people included my "Little M" and made our reservations. They don't charged my daughter which is 2 years old to go on board-which we are very happy.

Grilled Salmon with Dill sauce

Prime Rib with rice

yum-desserts

We arrived so early in the restaurants, which was good.We had a chance to roam around and enjoy the happy hour and the view, and the waiter  told us if we want we can bring our drinks in the cruise.It works out good, we don't need to rushed ourselves to finished our drinks. They have a live music in the bar, it's so loud so we decided to seat outside and enjoy the view then.

the view at night

Marina Jack II is the Sunset Dinner Cruises offers amazing view and good food. We really enjoyed cruising the bay, and you saw a million dollar homes in the bay. "Little M" had a blast and enjoyed herself. The waiter are friendly and service is good. We had a dinner buffet, and I'm seventh heaven since they served that day: rice, salmon, prime rib, Key lime pie, doubled chocolate cake, chocolate chip cheesecake, salads, bread, and vegetables.

Sunset in Sarasota Florida

We love the food and the view, if we had a chance  to go back in Florida, well definitely do it again in day time where they offer in sightseeing  lunch that starts 12:00 noon.

Marina Jack address: 2 Marina Plaza,Sarasota, FL 34236