Friday, October 12, 2012

West Indies: Caribbean Adventure



The Caribbean, long referred to as the West Indies, includes more than 7,000 islands; of those, 13 are independent island countries and some are dependencies or overseas territories of other nations. 

Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer began his exploration of the Caribbean, becoming the first European to venture into the area. After reportedly landing in the eastern Bahamas, Columbus named these islands the Indies, because he thought he had finally reached Asia (and the East Indies). 



Great military powers continually fought for control of the islands, and finally, a blended mix of African and European cultures and languages transformed this large group of islands and its peoples into one of the premier tourist destinations on the planet. Long called the West Indies, the overall area is now commonly referred to as the Caribbean, a name that became popular after World War II. 

Now, let me show you around you around the Caribbean Islands: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bay Islands, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Croix (briefly), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.


Bridgetown, Barbados

Anguilla has become a popular tax haven,
having no capital gains, estate, profit or other forms of direct taxation
 on either individuals or corporations.
Ziplining Adventure is St. Lucia...longest and highest one in the Caribbean



Moon Hole in Bequia, Grenadines

Pirates of the Caribbean

Mayreau, Grenadines

A hardworking man selling his handmade crafts at the same time fishing

My First Yellow Submarine Experience c",)
Skeletons found under the sea
Submarine Adventure in St. Barths
Water Sports Marina Adventure with the Ladies



Mardi Gras in Dominica
The Tobago Cays Catarmaran Adventure 
A very deep hole at the top of the Fort


British Virgin Island of limestone and corals
Lovely Kids from Mayreau, Grenadines

There's much more photos to share, so much to enjoy and so much to be amazed at in here. Overall the Caribbean is a magical place of palm trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sunshine, all blessed with a climate that consistently offers a much-needed break for those stuck in the cold weather doldrums of the north. 


If you haven't been, you should, and if you've been here more than once, you will come again, as these islands, these beach-ringed, jungle-covered rocks are home to thousands of historical surprises and activities galore. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Wish Crafted, Your Wish Is My Craft


As Peter Drucker once explained living a “total life” with diverse interests, relationships, and pursuits; what he called “living in more than one world.”.One unique idea he advocated was creating a “parallel career” as he encouraged developing a second career and becoming the CEO of your own life. All these have inspired me to pursue Wish Crafted! 

Apart from my duties at the court side, events organizing and being a campaign manager, I was able to go back to school in the field of Fashion where I learned to create my own accessories, bags, recycling old clothes and personalizing some souvenirs and crafts. 

It was a dream come true for me as I slowly started on my own: WISH CRAFTED, Your Wish Is My Craft! Everything hand-made (no sewing machine used for the fabric) and customized from your choice of colour, style, size, design, and others with my desire to fabricate products that is innovative yet practical.

Wish Crafted became an opportunity from a different World but definitely where my passion for crafts, arts and fashion will be displayed. Coming from a Pre-Medicine Course and shifting to Fashion was nevertheless OVERWHELMING considering that being resourceful, innovative and artistic is something innate in me.


Take a look at some of my toil:















You can check out some more in my fb account:  wishcrafted.rmv@gmail.com . And here’s my way of saying: Never limit what GOD wants to do through your life...Rise Up and Work...MAXIMIZE YOUR YOUTHFUL LIFE... because truly only a person with passion, courage and determination will find their bliss at work.
-Wish Crafted-


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Castello Aragonese at the Volcanic Island of Ischia, Italy


Ischia is the island of restoration, of vigour, of history and splendor. This treasure chest island of delights however has been desecrated and subject to innumerable violence over the years. This history of abuse continues in the present, as the lure of the quick buck continues to play its role in unlawful building projects, damaging the land and the environment.


14C Temperature in Ischia


Castle Hopping in Italy



Our view of the Castle from the Yacht


Despite the damage strewn across its past, Ischia has an enduring beauty and attraction, due to its riches in natural resources. The island has a unique supply of hot springs, spas, volcanic mud and valuable minerals -- thus healing and renewal have become a resource by which the Island has improved  its economy and found its zenith as a hub of well being for countless visitors. 


Magnificent Panoramic View on top of the Castle

Long Walk Inside

It is the largest of the three islands off the coast of Naples with its exquisiteness rising from the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Inside the prominent Castello Aragonese:





The Aragonese Castle which was built on a rock near the island in 474 BC, by Hiero I of Syracuse. At that time, Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples) occupied the island, captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. Today the castle is the most visited testimonial of the island. 












The way in is through a tunnel with large openings which let the light enter. Along the tunnel there is a small chapel consecrated to Saint John Joseph of the Cross (San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce), the patron saint of the island.








The Gardens of La Mortella, situated in Forio-San Francesco, belong originally to English composer William Walton. Walton resided in the villa next to the gardens with his Argentinian wife Susana. When the composer arrived on the island in 1946, he immediately called Russell Page from England to lay out the garden where magnificent tropical and Mediterranean plants were planted. A museum dedicated to the life and work of William Walton now comprises part of the garden complex. There's also a recital room where renowned musical artists perform on a regular schedule.








Giardini Ravino is a botanical garden with one of the richest collection of cacti and succulents cultivated outdoors in Europe. Giardini Ravino has been honoured as the most ecofriendly property in South Italy by the OPE (European Parliamentary Observatory. This botanical garden is owned by Captain Giuseppe D’Ambra as a result of his 50 years of great zeal and loving work.







Surrounded by a park, the Villa La Colombaia (called "The Dovecote") was made by Luigi Patalano, a prominent local communist and journalist. It is now the seat of a cultural institution and museum dedicated to Luchino Visconti – institution that promotes cultural activities such as music, cinema, theatre, art exhibitions, work-shops, and cinema reviews. 







Without a doubt, Castello Argonesse prominence on the Ischia skyline makes it hard to avoid and who would want to? There is also cafe and a hotel at the top that visitors must try...... and don't forget your camera as panoramic views that you will never forget awaits you!