Saturday, February 29, 2020

Reno: The Biggest LIttle City Not Only in Nevada But in the Whole World

Reno, a city in the state of Nevada, is called the biggest little city in the world. It rivals the glitter of Las Vegas, also in Nevada. It is an oasis in an almost no-man's land. It is small but the number of toursits can be compated to that of its sister city in the state.
Whatever you can see in Las Vegas, Reno has them. It is a casino haven especially for those retired set who would like to while away their time doing the rounds of the hotel-casinos around.
Reno is one favorite retirements cities in the United States of America. With its mid-range weather and access to other place in nearby states, it is a better option than in other cities of the country. Prices of houses are cheaper and the cost of living is reasonable.
Restaurants and bars are all over the city. Whether in casino-hotels or stand-alone ones, there is a place for the hungry set.
With all the buildings that surround Reno, there are places for environmental enthusiasts. Gardens are scattered in the city for nature lovers.
When in Nevada or even in California, a visit to Reno is sheer fun. Despite being able to go around the city in a couple of hours, I surmised that it is indeed the biggest little city in the world.




Friday, February 21, 2020

Simply No Place Like Manila

Manila...the Philippines' capital city. It is where the seat of government is located. For years, the city was touted to be on the verge of decay. Neglect by politicians and the lack of discipline among its people have brought Manila to this image.
With the no non-sense leadership of its current Mayor Isko Moreno, slowly, Manila is regaining its image as the country's grandest and most important city. It is now going back to its luster as a premier city in Asia.
The recent clean-up initiated by different government agencies upon the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte has made Manila appealing to all kinds of tourists. The support extended by the local government to the national government is evident with the great changes happening in the city.
The resuscitation of Intramuros and the revival of the Metropolitan Theater are just some of the proofs that "change" has really come.
Churches are being refurbished by the catholic leaders. They are also places that tourists visit. The Philippines being a predominantly catholic nation, it is not unusual to see churches in every nook and cranny of Manila.
The filthy Pasig River is now usable and ferry service is now available for the use of the riding public who wants to skirt away from the traffic on land.
Manila is also home to some of the country's 5-star hotels. The majestic Manila Hotel is called the grand dame of Manila. It's sister hotel, The Manila Prince, caters to the business set and is located in the inner streets of the city.
The oldest Chinatown in the world is located in Manila. Filipino-Chinese are the most enterprising and their businesses are based in the capital city. Old edifices are being refurbished so as to maintain their old architecture allure.
The international airport may be located in a neighboring city but Manila beacons. Its seaport is one of the busiest in the Southeast Asian region.

Manila is right at the doorstep of the gateway to the culture, history and development of the Philippines.









The Hills are Alive in Salzburg

Salzburg is a city in Austria that is also frequented by tourists. At the onset, you may find it very serene and peaceful. But once you go inside, tourists abound just like any other important city in Europe.
One of the city's famous sons is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who is renowned as one of the world's greatest musicians. In Salzburg, Mozart taught his students as well as music afficionados his kind of musical genius.
It is also in Salzburg where they say that the "hills are alive with the sound of music." Yes, it is the setting of the movie famous for its music and won an Oscar for Best Picture during its day.
Though modernity is at its doorsteps, Salzburg still has an atmosphere of the old since buildings and other establishments have been preserved. Typical European architecture is evident everywhere you go in the city.
The Salzach River is one tourist spot that one must pass through when in Salzburg. The main bridge has thousands of locks which makes it a place for lovers who made promises of locking their hearts forever.
Europe being predominantly catholic, churches can be seen and accessed in every important corner in Salzburg. Aside from churches, museums are also important must-visits.
Of course, a visit to Salzburg will not be complete without going to the shopping and tourist areas. Admittedly, prices are even cheaper than that of Vienna.
When in Austria, a visit to Salzburg is something worth the trip. The hills might be alive with the sound of music but Salzburg is alive teeming with tourists both local and international.







Tagbilaran City: Where the Old and the New Meet

Tagbilaran City is one of the cities in the Visayas where the old and the new meet. Centuries-old churches as well as new establishments co-exist. It is in this part of the region that religiosity comes to fore.
It may not have a big land area but it boasts of people who have carved good names for the city and for the Province of Bohol. Though frequently visited by typhoons and earthquakes, Tagbilaran City has remained steadfast and its people continue with their daily activities for the further development of the city.
Proof to this is the continued opening of business establishments to cater to the growing needs of the city as well as to the tourists who have made Tagbilaran City a must-see place in the country.
Since it is located in the heart of the Visayas where sea and its by-products abound, it is a haven for tourists who come in the different modes of transportation. It is now one of the docking places in the Visayas for cruise ships.
The Tagbilaran Airport is now closed and the Panglao International Airport now services the needs of travellers both local and foreign. The latter caters to more flights to and from places in the Philippines and also has flights to neighboring Asian nations.
Tagbilaran City is where nature and modern facilities can be found. The famous Alona Beach located in nearby Panglao is one of the favorites of all tourists.
Malls have sprouted in the city. Notable is the absence of big malls can be seen in major cities in the Philippines. Locally-owned establishments dominate the mall scene.
With its newly-renovated city hall, Tagbilaran is really at the forefront not only of Bohol but in Central Visayas as well. Despite the modern times, the city has remained quaint and a bastion of the Catholic faith this side of the country.