Traveling During Pandemic

Happiest New Year everyone! This entry is tad late for the New Years and the Chinese New Year. Here's to praying that most of you are in good spirits and has started 2021 right. As for me, I did my first travel of the year to Cebu, not for tourism but for medical purposes and some tax related appointments.

Traveling these days is a lot of fun --- not. It's a little stressful and overwhelming. Gone are the days where traveling to places is as easy as buying a ticket online, packing your bags and just being at the airport before boarding.

Times are hard and with all the new restrictions and safety protocols, it feels as if we are traveling abroad with all the papers we need to present instead of feeling chill to be coming home to a very familiar place. I will be listing down below the requirements that my mother and I needed to present to be able to travel to Cebu.

Requirements: From Davao City to Cebu City

CONFIRMED TICKET BOOKING, we flew via Philippines Airlines. Confirmed ticketing bookings will be presented to your barangay officer to show that you are traveling to and from this city and so.

BARANGAY CERTIFICATE, to certify that you are fit to travel and that you are not a suspected or probable CoVid19 case. 

TRAVEL AUTHORITY/ POLICE CLEARANCE, to certify that you are allowed to leave and travel from and to Davao City and to your destinations.

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE, this is to certify that the barangay where you are headed is allowing you to enter their border and stay with a protocol of a 14 day home quarantine. We are fortunate enough to own a house in Cebu with relatives who made the request on our behalf. We were given the Letter of Acceptance only after we sent a copy of our Barangay Certificate and Travel Authority/ Police Clearance.

ONLINE HEALTH DECLARATION FORM, this is an online form from PAL that you have to fill up prior to traveling which will generate a QR Code for them to track your health declaration. You have to save this via your email for easy access during airport checks.

TRAZE APP, is a mandatory app that you have to have prior to traveling. You can download the app and register in it for easier and hassle free travel during check ins. 

Requirements: From Cebu City to Davao City

CONFIRMED TICKET BOOKING, again to present that you are flying on this certain dates.

BARANGAY CERTIFICATE, this is to certify that you have undergone a 14 day home quarantine prior to your travels and that you are not a person under monitoring or person under investigation.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE, to certify that you are fit to travel with no influenza like illness and no restrictions. So, you have to undergo a medical check up by a physician from the municipality that you belonged.

CERTIFICATE FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE,  this is to certify that you are allowed to travel outside of the border of the municipality that you live. This certificate is only given once you have the above mentioned certificates at hand.

TRAVEL AUTHORITY/ POLICE CLEARANCE, the travel authority allows you to travel and be granted access in different checkpoints and borders of the municipality you're leaving and of the city you will travel to. Only given once you have all the other certificates at hand.

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE,  just like the requirement of Cebu, we needed a letter indicating that we are allowed to stay in our point of destination. It just so happen that we also own a house here in Davao. So my father made the request for a letter of acceptance but only after we sent him a copy of all the certificates that we have acquired.

RT PCR TEST, as part of the safety protocol and requirement of Davao City upon entering - my mother and I needed to present a negative swab test. Requirement is 72 hrs prior to flying. But I would suggest getting the test done 2 days before since it takes some time for the result to come in - around 12-18hrs after swabbing.

ONLINE HEALTH DECLARATION, same as the online portal you need to access for PAL passengers prior to flying.

DAVAO QR Code, if you're from Davao City then this comes handy because all of us has been using this at the start of the year and late last year. For those coming in to Davao City, it is best to register for the Davao QR Code since this is a requirement in most establishments for entry. NO QR CODE, NO ENTRY.

TRAZE APP, same app as I mentioned above. This is now mandatory and is valid for 3 years.

DAVAO CITY HEALTH DECLARATION, before entering Davao City, same as with the PAL portal of health declaration - Davao City has it's own portal which generates QR Code for easier access to your data once you arrived at the Davao City Airport. 

Woah! Writing all the requirement made me feel exhausted and that's how I felt the entire time. We flew to Cebu to get a second opinion on my swollen left leg as well as do the PET Scan which is not available in Davao but thinking about going through all the paperworks is dreading. 

They may seem easy and very accessible but the idea of having to take a queue and wait for minutes to hours to get the certificates is a little difficult considering social distancing and all those safety protocols but this is now the new normal which we all have to get used to. Also some of the documents are charged with a minimal fee which is below 100php but the rest if free of charge.

As of writing, some of the protocols have already changed or been updated but as the saying goes,"if there's a will, there's a way." If traveling if your cup of tea then these requirements are nothing new. Plane tickets and hotels are obviously on big discounts now. I don't promote tourism just yet but hey, if you have the budget and if you're itching to fly out then do it the new normal way - safe, healthy and filled with precautions with your face masks, face shield and sanitizers aka alcohol. 

With that sharing a photo of me at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu. Reminiscing my brief see, sea and relax escapade. Can't wait to go back soon when Martijn comes for a vacation. 

Tourist Visa to the Netherlands

There's a little pressure about this entry. Pressure in the sense to give justice to how I applied for my first visa to the Netherlands three years ago. But I will give it a try and if any of you readers has questions, feel free to message me.

Yes, I started my introduction with a disclaimer but here it goes. If you ever plan to travel for a holiday or to visit friends or family members in Europe, one needs to secure a travel visa - the Schengen Visa. The first time I applied for a Schengen Visa was in 2009, when I visited my aunt and her family in Sweden. 

It was an invitation visa but I got denied because I didn't say my Swedish uncle's complete name but then I reapplied as an independent tourist and got approved. I was then approved a month long of stay but had the chance to extend my stay to six months but back then Sweden was not that strict with visa extensions, so you can also opt to extend for up to a year but I didn't. Now, here's a brief summary of my experience in applying for a Schengen Visa to The Netherlands. There are only two basic types of visas to the Netherlands. One allows you to stay for only 90 days and the other allows you to be a resident but with a condition to pass an exam. 

Types of Visa

Fast forward to today, my first application for a tourist visa to the Netherlands was in 2016. For Philippine passport holders, visa to the Netherlands could either be Short Stay Visa (tourist, airport transit, business, family members of EU/ Eea and Swiss nationals, visiting family or friends, Filipino Diplomatic and official passport holders, seafarer, return visa) and MVV (long term visa/ temporary residence permit). Most visa applications are tourist visa, this is for travelling in the Netherlands without a sponsor but we will focus on visiting family or friends since my application was with sponsor (my husband).

A short stay visa allows a Philippine passport holder 90 days of travel around Holland. Depending on your stamp, one can either have a multiple entry or single entry. A multiple entry allows one to travel within the Schengen states - in and out of Holland for 90 days while a single entry means, you can only travel to Holland once within the 90 days period. With this type of visa, an applicant can be given just 90 days visa validity or also 2 years or 3 years validity. My first application was just 90 days then the second time I applied, it was 90 days but with a visa validity of two years. Thus, I had the chance to travel to Holland, twice in a year. The short stay visa is applicable to those intending to travel as tourists, business and to visit family and friends.

An MVV or long term visa, is another type of visa which allows a Philippine and other passport holder a longer stay than 90 days and be a resident of the Netherlands, but with a condition of taking and passing the Basisexamen Inburgering in your country of origin before submitting applications and getting a visa. A Basisexamen Inburgering is a three part exam which tests one's knowledge on the Dutch language, reading / listening and Dutch Society. MVV is applicable to those are married to Dutch nationals and to those who wish to live in Holland permanently, for work, for study or to be with their partners (registered partner).

As of writing, VFS Global is the agent handling all tourist related visa application for the Netherlands. Below are links on where you can check about the visa information and requirements.

http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/philippines/visa_types.html

http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/philippines/pdf/Tourist-visa-check-list-1.pdf

http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/philippines/pdf/visiting-family-or-friends-visa-1.pdf

Please note that requirements vary on which visa type you are applying for. Since I applied for a Short Stay Visa to visit family or friends, this entry is more focused on visa application with a sponsor. Sponsors could either be family members (parents, children, spouse, relatives) or friends (boyfriends/ girlfriends). And unlike other Schengen states, Holland does not allow visa extensions not unless it is a matter of health and legal matters.

Short Term Visa (visiting a family or friend) requirements

The first time I applied for a Schengen Visa to the Netherlands was as a tourists with a purpose of visiting a family or friend. Friend, being Martijn my then boyfriend. Applying for an independent tourist visa without sponsor is also very much doable but since I was going to stay for 90 days with Martijn, an invitation from a sponsor was more convenient since I was also unemployed. Here are a lists of what I submitted for my application.

1. Filled out application form. Download form from link.

https://consular.mfaservices.nl/assets/documents/pdf/forms/schengen_visa_application_form_english.pdf

2. A Philippine Passport which is valid for 3-6 months from time of travel to and from a Schengen State.

-Photocopy of your Passport ID page.

-Photocopy of previously issued visas and stamps.

-Photocopy of personal details of previous passport with issued visas (old expired passport with previously issued visas.

What I did here was photocopy all my old passports with travel stamps and visas. But if this is not your first time to apply for a Schengen Visa to Holland, you only need to submit your current passport and the previous one for reference.

3. Evidence of legal residence. For this one, I submitted a photocopy of my Driver's Licensed ID and Postal ID, since both identity cards bear my physical home address.

4. Passport Photo that meets the Dutch standard.

https://www.government.nl/documents/leaflets/2015/01/21/photomatrix-guidelines-2007

Click on the link for reference. During my application, I had a total of 4 different studio passport photos because I was so conscious with how I looked on each and the OC in me always wants it to be close to perfect but let's admit it some of us are not photogenic. The only thing they want is for it to be a decent photo with white background and no teeth showing out.

5. Proof of travel.
-Travel itinerary, which is your travel ticket which is not yet purchased - just reserved. You can reserved tickets from travel agencies and just pay a certain amount. Click on the link below to purchase one online. This is where I purchased mine the time I applied for a visa. The second time I had it reserved from a travel agent.

http://www.dreameurotrip.com/how-to-book-roundtrip-flight-itinerary-flight-reservation-for-visa-application/

-A complete proof of sponsorship. Since, Martijn did the invitation, he had to fill up a sponsorship application form and had it stamped in his local city hall. Download form on link.

https://ind.nl/Formulieren/1310.pdf

-A copy of your sponsor's employment contract which is valid for 12 months from date of visa application.

-Your sponsor's recent payslips in the last 3 months or other proof of income (bank statements and the like). The payment slips you submit should be recent. Say you're submitting requirements this month January, payslips should be from December, November and October.

-Bank Statement (if you are paying for your accommodation and travel). I opted to submit this requirement to also back up my application - because I am OC like that.

-Documents proving that you will return to your home country. With this one, since I am not employed, I submitted a copy of a property that I own such as house, car and other properties you have. If you have a work, you can submit certificate of employment and if you have a child/ren, you can also submit their birth and school documents as proofs.

6. Proof of Relationship. One of the most important requirement when with a sponsor. What I did was submit documents such as photos of me and Martijn traveling. Stamps from his passport when he came to visit me in the Philippines. Photocopies of letters, cards and packages that he sent me amd vice versa. If you're married, you can submit your marriage contract and other paper documents proving your relationship, same goes if you're applying for this visa to visit relatives.

7. Proof of Health Insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from different travel agencies. You can also opt to purchase it online. I usually go for Standard Insurance. The insurance should cover 30,000 euro. Be specific when you get your travel insurance. Usually they know which one you have to get but state that it's for a Schengen Country. It costs around 6200 pesos for a 90 day travel health insurance. Click on link for more info.
https://my.standardinsuranceonline.com/products-travel.html

8. Payment. Visa Payment is 5190 pesos for tourist visa which is payable at the VFS Global upon submission of application.

Once you have gathered all your requirements, you can now schedule your appointment online to submit your application at the VFS Global in Makati. Click on link to schedule an appointment. Upon submission of requirements, you will be ask some questions about why you're applying and who you're staying with. You will then leave your passport and have your biometrics (finger scanning). When you have completed everything, you will be receiving an email from the agent stating that your visa has started its processing. 

http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/philippines/schedule_an_appointment.html 

Processing Time

Processing time is 3-4 weeks but usually it only takes 2 weeks. Your visa will be processed in Malaysia. And passport with visa stamp is delivered to you or you can also pick it up. During requirement submission, they will ask if you will pick up the passport or have it delivered.

And that's about it, it is quite a long read and I don't know if I have covered everything but I am hoping that I was. There are some who prefers to know the process from someone who has already done it. This entry shows the lists of requirements that I submitted and the flow of what  I did for a Tourist Visa with a sponsor application. Every now and then websites for this processes may be updated, so it is important to visit only legit pages for reference. All the best with your visa applications and don't be shy to ask me questions about any thing visa related, I would gladly help.

Sharing a photo of a street from the village where my husband and I live. This was taken a few days after I arrived in Holland, to inspire you readers to explore and don't be scared to take chances.

Cebu Safari Experience

Currently making a headline 'round the tourist destinations in Cebu is the Cebu Safari Adventure Park. Located at the northern part of Cebu, the place as well as the display of African animals are a hit to both young and adults.

Back in the day, people from the south side of the country have to either go to neighbouring islands or up north in Luzon to experience a safari adventure but not anymore - we don't have to travel that far. 

My first safari experience was years ago in Zoobic were I got to fed cubs, ride a truck inside the tigers haven and interact with other wild animals. Since then, I have been fascinated with these wild animals. In the years that followed, my parents were adventurous enough to also include safari visits when we travelled in other asian countries. And now, having the Cebu Safari Adventure Park just a few minutes from where I live is a dream. 

Going there is easy, you can either commute from the City via bus or van or drive which will roughly be around 2 hours depending on the traffic situation. And from the town center of Carmen, you can ride a van that can take you to the adventure park and back. Fee is at 200 pesos per head. Van ride to the safari is around 10 minutes. Entrance fee for the park is at 800 pesos for adults. 50% or half the price for children and free for children below 2 feet. The entrance fee already includes a set of meal and one round of drink.

Upon going inside, the crew will put in your park bracelet for scanning and then a short orientation on what to and what not to do inside the adventure park is done along with a short briefing on the adventure park map. 

Was unable to take a photo of the main entrance but it had the same level of security as the other safari adventure park in other asian country - it really makes you proud to go in and see the level of advancement it has :) From the main entrance, a safari truck will take you to the different stops for sight seeing. Depending on where you want to go, though is it highly recommended to check the attractions by foot for a more safari like experience.

Our first stop was at the garden, where a thousand orchids are being taken care of. It was a wonderful sight to see, it reminded me of Keukenhof in Holland but instead of tulips, I was surrounded by a cascading mountain of orchids.

Second stop after walking up, was the bird dome. Cebu Safari Adventure Park has 14 bird species scattered all over the park. The ones in the dome were Red and Blue Lorey and Pigeons. Each attraction has a personal guide to tell you more about the species. With the birds in the dome, you can feed them at 20 pesos per feeding - which I tried and would say is the most relaxing thing I've ever done that day.

Third stop and the stops in between are of different animals, mostly from Africa. The white tigers but they were resting thus the limited and not good quality photos then turtles, cheetahs and more birds. The adventure park is huge that there are still hidden places you can explore, such as the pathway surrounded by tall trees. Probably, my favourite though was the giraffe encounter as well as the zebras. Overall, I would definitely go back.

For more details you can all check out their website: http://www.cebusafari.ph/

YES!

Hi everyone! Greetings from stormy but filled with warm hearts Philippines! Officially back to my home country since end of January and there are so many exciting stories I'd like to share but will limit it to the most thrilling highlight of my 2018 to date.

In my last entry, I was expressing my excitement for the plans that my partner and I had plotted for this year and for our future. Everything was going smoothly as planned 'til we decided to drop by the city hall in his town to inquire and gather requirements about getting married (it was part of our plans for this year) and while we were merely there standing in the counter chitchatting with the officer, she suddenly came back with a surprising question of which date we wanted and to which time - to which I blurted this and this, all thinking that she was just asking for the sake of asking and then she came back and said to submit our requirements 2 weeks before the reserved date and it was it. It was a done deal, we had our wedding date on the spot - even before we got engaged. So, what did my partner do?!?!?

Being the good boyfriend that he was, we both got engaged on the same day (asking me for marriage was also on our to do lists before I left Holland - it just came earlier :D ). So, on the afternoon of the same day, Martijn brought a ring with his mother while I went window shopping and when we came back home, I went to the toilet and put some moisturiser on my hands (so it's ready for the big question).

Martijn got on one knee in our living room and the whole time I swear I was laughing because it was unlike him but he did go down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I can't remember the many times he has asked me through skype when we first started dating to marry him. It was like a practice question to which I always laugh off but says yes all the time but seeing him do the proper way in his own Martijn de Roos way was different. It still makes me a little teary eyed because - I am finally engaged to the man who made me believe in second chances and in love. It was the perfect and bestest YES, I've blurted in my life. I am officially off the market and if all goes well with our requirements then in a few months, I am officially a Mrs. SM de Roos :) 

My love story with Martijn is like in the movies but filled so much realities that we both went through before we met again and dive into the world of relationships and commitment. Four years ago, I was prepared to just be single. I wasn't looking for anything fun or serious. After all the heartaches I've been through, I've said it was enough but then Martijn stumbled upon me on Instagram and of all the photos I've seen in my entire life and after all those years that we've lost contact, I still remembered his profile photo (his baby photo!) and as they say it in books, the rest is history. I'll always be glad that he blurted I love you on that night and went through a 20 hours flight to see me in person and spend his holidays with me in spite him feeling a bit sick. 

I am so blessed that I will be marrying a man who loves me in spite all my childish ways and the miles of distance between us. I am looking forward to being called his wife and him my husband. To everyone who feels that love has closed its doors on them, have faith. Sometimes, good things happen when you least expect it. It also doesn't hurt to pray for guidance to meet a genuine person to love. With that I am excited to wear my wedding bridal set soon but for now, give me a moment to admire the promise ring and engagement ring Martijn gave me. Happy Valentine's Day everyone! :)

Hello 2018!

Happy New Year everyone! First entry for 2018 as I'm counting down the few days left of my visit here in Holland. Here's to hoping that everyone had a wonderful NYE celebration and jump start of the year.

As for us, we started it with a whole lot of planning, little tears (from me obviously) and full of positivity for what's ahead this year. Currently sick but feeling better. As everyone in Cebu is feeling all the festivities of the Sinulog, I am also feeling the good vibes for, Martijn and I have made platforms for the next few months. Starting of with me learning to speak Dutch. Since last year, I have been trying to learn words and sentences with the help of Martijn's mother, I'm now able to say and write short sentences, though I have to admit that most of the time my brain freezes with the overwhelming idea that I am learning a new language at 34 but learning is a never ending curve.

Some might be asking as to why I have to learn the language, I have to learn to speak and write in Dutch to be able to take a civic integration examination, which is a requirement if an individual wants to stay in Holland for more than 90 days. My visa is currently valid for 2 years but I am only allowed to stay for 90 days each visit but I have no complains about it (just that the fare are high on peak seasons). If I pass the test, I'll be able to apply for a residence permit which is good for 5 years which will enable me to live with Martijn for good and be able to work in Holland. 

Holland has a different immigration platform compared to other European countries. I say, theirs is to secure that anyone who steps foot in their country gets treated fairly and would go out and be part of the society to make the whole nation a better place for everyone. At first, I didn't understood such policy but if you look at it in a bigger picture, it is really for you own advantage and I am looking forward to being able to blend in and slowly start a life here. So, here's to hoping that my Dutch improves and that all our plans as a couple works out.

Will also start to be active on here again. The next few months is going to be a little exciting but for now, this is it. #nosebleed is real :D 

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland. That's how I would describe my snow experience in Holland. A little different from the first experience I had in Sweden but it was totally wonderful. I decided to walk last Monday when it snowed a little harder than it should be.

In Holland and in most parts of Europe, snow has been less abundant than it used to - blame it on climate change I say. But I was glad to have experience it even for a day. Christmas in Europe is more magical when it's white but we can't force the weather. Here are a few snaps I took.

These are photos from the street that I always walked with Martijn going to the grocery or to the square. It was all filled with snow.

Trees became real Christmas Trees.

At the church and the square. It was so breathtaking to see.

All covered :)

View from our balcony.

 

The ice in our balcony was just too much but so pretty to look.

 

From our window. 

Our first snow fall kiss.

As you can see, winter is really fun. The temperature on this day was just 0 degrees but in other parts of Europe it goes negative when it's snowing. On what to wear for this weather, I would say invest on a good thermal waterproof thick jacket with hood and good leather boots (not suede), knee length if possible to avoid your jeans from getting wet and it should be with good soles (not the flat ones). Also, make sure to wear waterproof gloves.

As for your camera, try to use a waterproof camera, but if it's impossible, try bringing a small towel to cover it from the falling snow. Also, make sure your mobile phones have back up chargers, cold weather can take up so much of your battery.

Looking forward to experiencing it again but if not then this one is for the book. Happy Holidays everyone! 

Day Tour Düsseldorf Germany

Last week, Martijn and I went to Brussels Belgium for a day tour and last tuesday, we had the opportunity to visit another country just close to the border of Holland - Germany. I thought, it was impossible to do so but it was. I've written in my previous post that I've grown fond of GoEuro.com and had been checking out fares just around the neighboring town so we could travel on a budget. But going through the ordeal of purchasing our bus tickets to Düsseldorf took days inside of minutes. The german bus company just offered the route a few weeks ago and I think they were still adjusting their site to accommodate travelers which led to our credit/debit cards rejected, which made me slightly lost hope until Martijn's mother suggested that we check the site on the earliest morning we can be online and I did just that and puff! we were all set.

Martijn had been into most neighboring towns around Holland but it's my first and so the thrill of it was just overwhelming. Beforehand though, my boyfriend had already told me not to expect old architectural sights in Düsseldorf cos during the war, most of their buildings were bombed but nonetheless, I was excited to experience some german hospitality.

Here are a few photos of the sights we went to. These places were based on suggested tour sights by trip advisory and by some travelers.

I forgot to take a photo of our bus stop for reference but if you walk around Düsseldorf, it's just like walking around Eindhoven Holland. The people are laid back and not so much in a rush (except the central train station which is always packed with travelers) with different nationalities living.

Our first stop was a local Asian Market - Hanaro Asian Markt, it is close to the bus stop with a little less than 5 minutes walk and the central train station. Walking into the Asian store was like walking into my favourite thrift store. I was so happy to see familiar packed goods that I buy at home from noodles to frozen seafoods and Filipino necessities for cooking. And we did buy vinegar, soy sauce, noodles and rice noodles for when I feel like cooking a Filipino noodle dish.

Second stop was Königsallee, is a luxury shopping boulevard in Düsseldorf which is a 9 minutes walk from the Asian Markt. It somehow resembles Amsterdam with its wide canal lined with trees. if you look at all sides of the canal, you will see all luxury brands from all over the world with cars parked in the roads in brands like Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Audi, Porsche and Ferrari. 

If you can spot Rolex then you'll know how luxurious it was to stroll around this road. It's a pretty sight. I love the wide canal which makes it look cozy.

Third stop is Hofgarten, is the central park of Düsseldorf and is a 7 minutes walk from Königsallee. Along the way, you will be greeted with an Ice Skating Rink in the middle of the road with Christmas Markets. Just like most European countries, Germany is also fond of feeding birds and bird watching.

Hofgarten is beautiful place to take a luxrious walk or run. The colours of autumn is so wonderful. And I love the idea of an Ice Skating Rink in the middle of the road.

Fourth stop, Rheinuferpromenade, it is 9 minutes walk from Hofgarten. The Rheinuferpromenade, offers the view of the Rhein River. It is one of the most important landmark in Düsseldorf if you visit. Within the area, you will see old restaurants and the museum of light house. It's a wonderful place to watch the tower and bridges from the steps. For now, they have the Christmas stalls for drinks and snacks along with the ferries wheel to give you a better view of the city. 

The Rheinuferpromenade has a peaceful vibe upon it. I think watching the sunset by the steps on sunny days is an awesome idea.

Fifth Stop, Altes Rathus Düsseldorf, a minute walk from Rheinuferpromenade is part of the city center where the annual Christmas Market is settled. It also holds the Renaissance remains of Rathus buildings. 

The place was jam packed with tourist and locals when we came. I find it really refreshing to see all the stalls which sells snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts and mushrooms as well as winter drinks being sold. Also sold in the market are personalized wood carvings, leather goods and sterling silvers.

Our next stop is Alstadt, is just 5 minutes walk from Altes Rathus. It is the city center and homes lined restaurants which specializes from good german dishes as well as international taste. It's the busiest alley of all Düsseldorf.  

For this day tour we got to cover 6 travel sights in Düsseldorf which included a little shopping and of course we will not forget eating. The night before our tour, we googled on what's the best thing to eat in Düsseldorf and I remembered seeing on tv and in posts of some Philippine actors of a pork knuckle which is known in Germany and which happens to be a specialty also back home and so we ended up dining in one of the oldest restaurants just a few meters from Altes Rathus - IM GOLDENEN RING which offers the German Platter of sausages, meats, potatoes, vegetables and the famous pork knuckle.

From the right side of the Altes Rathus, you can easily spot the restaurant. It has been suggested via trip advisory.

Don't fret! This platter is good for 2 people and more. If you're a group of 3 or 4 then this is a good deal. It's 24++ euro per person without drink.

View outside of the restaurant which is I think is really nice during summer.

Overall, it was a wonderful day tour. I didn't expect a German city/ town to be a mixture of modern and old with people never hesitating to give you a smile or to help you out when you're lost. It was fun way for me and Martijn to bond and know each other more in terms of dealing with getting lost, navigating google map and getting annoyed when we're hungry. It was tiring but it was a wonderful experience.

A very modern office building in the middle of the shopping district.

My handsome travel buddy. 

The people of Düsseldorf and the traveling tourists, loves to shop which kind of reminded me of home. It was fun to see all the people going in and out of different shops.

Christmas Markets are all over the place, so don't just shop on the first stall you see in the street.

For this day tour, we spent almost the same for our day tour to Brussels. Sharing the breakdown of our expenses. I've excluded the little shopping we made (Martijn bought me new winter jacket and we bought some stuff from the Asian Store). We purchased our tickets on the same site - www.GoEuro.com And just like our first travel together, we did brought we us some bottled water and crackers in case we get hungry while walking. If you want to do a little shopping in Düsseldorf then just make your budget a little bigger. Our aim for doing a budget tour is to see and experience more about a town/city than buy unnecessary things.

Here's our travel itinerary. If you decide to do this while you're in Europe during winter, it's best to wear something comfortable for walking and a thicker jacket since the wind could be very unpredictable in Europe. If you're a shopping enthusiast, I would really suggest Düseeldorf Germany to be part of your trip. I got lucky that it's too close to Holland's border. It was only 1 hour and 30 minutes bus ride. If by car then may just an hour. 'Til the next trip. Luxemborg I hope :D :D :D