Exploring Melidoni Cave in Crete, Greece

With its spirited culture, fascinating ancient antiquity and beautiful scenery, its no wonder why Greece is one of the greatest travel destination in the world. I was amazed enough by the country's spectacular views but the myths of each place will definitely make the experience more haunting and memorable.

Melidoni Cave is one of the three caves that we visited in Crete. After 76 km, an hour drive, twisty road, getting lost, we finally found the cave. You definitely need a car and a good map to get there...

The cave is situated in the mountain and the view from the Taverna's terrace above is breathtakingly beautiful. To enter the cave, we had to pay few euros which is pretty modest.

So I took the first step going down to the cave. When I was only steps away.... my skin felt the coldness from the inside. I felt anxious and waited for Claas to lead the way. We were alone and we had the place only for ourselves to explore. It is spooky but indeed beautiful.

According to the myth, Melidoni cave was a central place of worship. It was the mythical home of Talos (the man of Bronze in Greek Mythology). He used to circle the island of Crete three times daily to keep the Island safe from pirates and invaders. They also said that Hermes (son of Zeus and Pleiad Maia) was also worshiped inside.

I had cold hands and feet after I read the terrible history of Melidoni Cave. Over 350 men, women, and children were suffocated by smoke when Turks blocked and started a fire at the very entrance. So you see, behind is a communal tomb and a plaque which is placed there to commemorate the lost lives in 1824.

The stone formations are amazing. The lights illuminated the whole cave and stone structures. My body shivered as it is wet and cold inside... I was just wearing a thin laced dress cause it was burning hot outside. But I must say that the whole experience was good and very interesting. The cave is beautifully kept and definitely a worth to visit...

To view some of our video clips from Greece, just click here and enjoy!

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Exploring Spandau Zitadelle - A Fortress in Berlin

This is a beautiful memory to remember... Just pictures to share....

The view from the outside

When I was still in Berlin for work, my husband used to visit me every weekend. So on weekdays, we try to plan already where to go and what to visit during Sundays. For this reason, we were able to see almost all of the iconic sights in Berlin within 3 months. One of the great historical places that we visited is Zitadelle Spandau. A fortress in Berlin.

You need to walk through a bridge to get into the fortress...

such a perfect weather... 

Its amazing how nature can refresh your body, mind, and soul...

This medieval castle was built for the protection of the town of Spandau. It has a symmetrical structure with four bastions in its corners. It is composed of buildings all related to defense against attackers and is surrounded by a water. Zitadelle also became a home for many people of the town in times of crisis during 16^th century. Now, it is one of the best-kept Renaissance fortresses in Europe.  

Today, Zitadelle is a popular tourist spot for many and is also well known for its open air concerts during Music Festival in the town. Zitadelle also offers activities for family and children during summer.

we go nowhere but old places... old places have soul...

enjoying the beauty... all in one picture...

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for more information about Zitadelle Spandau, visit http://www.zitadelle-berlin.de

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Bright Summer Nights...

"Oh, how beautiful is the summer night, which is not night, but a sunless, yet unclouded, day, descending upon earth with dews and shadows and refreshing coolness! How beautiful the long mild twilight, which, like a silver clasp, unites today with yesterday!" - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I thought of sharing some of my favorite photos i took during summer evening around the place where my husband and i live. Yes! its evening and the sun is still bright! 

Unlike in the Philippines, no matter what, the sun always goes down at 18:00. But here, you can still do sports activities outside until 22:00. But of course sunsets changes here when the cold season comes, when days are shorter and nights are longer. So during winter, it starts to get dark at 16:00 / 4 in the afternoon which is quite extraordinary for me at first coz I didn't know all about this sunrise and sunset time in Europe. Shame i know. :D I arrived in Germany during summer, I was wondering about my watch if it was working or not. It was 21:00 on my clock but the sun was shining bright outside  like there's no tomorrow. Yep! nobody told me about this "Natural Phenomenon" as i call it and it's just a very normal daytime for my husband. :D

I feel lucky that we live a bit outside from the city.  The area is very ideal for raising a family and children. All big shops (Ikea, grocery stores and outlet shopping centers) are just 5 minutes drive away. It's like on the left is the urban side and right is the nature side. We are in the middle! 

So after work, me and my husband spends our evening running and bicycling. The blue sky, cool blowing wind and Raps fields are just magnificent as ever. No vehicle's sounds, just tweeting birds and crawling snails. Truly refreshing every time!

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