A Fairytale Come to Life For as long as I can remember, Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list. Nestled along the Romantische Strasse—the Romantic Road of Germany—this picturesque town in the Ansbach district of Middle Franconia, Bavaria, has always called to me.
Finally, after years of dreaming, planning, and imagining, I found myself on a long drive through the rolling countryside, each mile bringing me closer to this enchanting place.
As I approached Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the anticipation that had been building inside me reached a peak. The town’s iconic medieval walls, turrets, and half-timbered houses appeared in the distance, looking like they had been plucked straight from a storybook. I had seen countless photos, read endless articles, but nothing truly prepared me for the magic of stepping into this fairytale world.
The moment I walked through one of the town’s ancient gates, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The cobblestone streets wound through the town like veins, leading me to charming squares and hidden alleys, each more beautiful than the last. It’s often said that Rothenburg is like a Disneyland for adults, and I couldn’t agree more. But where Disneyland is fantasy, Rothenburg is delightfully, authentically real.
This town wears its history proudly, with every building, every stone, telling a story. The medieval architecture here is breathtaking. Timber-framed houses painted in soft pastels line the streets, their steeply pitched roofs and intricate details making them perfect subjects for photographs. It’s no wonder every corner of this town is Instagrammable.
I found myself constantly pausing to capture yet another scene—whether it was the flower boxes brimming with vibrant blooms, the warm glow of sunlight filtering through narrow alleyways, or the towering spires of St. Jakob’s Church in the distance.
The most icon street Plolein , this was featured in the 1940’s disney film Pinnochio
One of the highlights was strolling through the Castle Garden, where the view of the Tauber Valley was simply breathtaking, surrounded by vibrant flowers and ancient stone walls.
I also savored a glass of Franconian wine served in the distinctive Bocksbeutel bottle, which added a local touch to the experience.
BocksbeutelOne must have a typical German Cuisine
And let’s not forget the famous Schneeballen pastries—a sweet treat that’s as delightful as the town itself.
The Schneeballen
Rothenburg isn’t just a town; it’s a dream come true, a place where history and beauty collide in the most enchanting way.
It was long beautiful drive back home with Rothenburg Ob der Tauber in my heart .
Sundown but our spirits are high .. thank you Rothenburg
In the journey that we partake we will always meet a soul that shines like a diamond in darkness of the night .
I have met ms Maruja early this year. She is the founder of Butuanon Choice award , one of the “it” event both on social media and for Butuan itself.
Butuanon Choice Award
As a starting non governmental organization, we aim to have a platform that could make our voice for our advocacy a little bit louder . Butuanon choice is one of those platform
I have shameless chased for this award , for this nomination just because I believe that this could shed light on the programs that the MOONWALKERS 1989 incorportated stands for .
In the process of this all ,I met ms. MAruja. A person with a beautiful face and a very humble heart .
Maruja
It all started with a short messenger call we chatted she expresses her points on how to become a nominee and more so to become an awardee ..
I should say it was love at the first call…we started sharing thoughts and passion for our beloved Butuan .
Ms. Maruja is an icon of her own right she have motivated the younger generations by recognizing their potentials .
She is more than just her name, for she carry her heart with kindness towards her family , friends and to those people that needed to be seen .
Butuan is lucky to have her .
Awardee
We, together with the MOONWALKERS 1989 incorporated eventually got the award . But in my heart I am awarded more than just a trophy.
The universe gave me a friendship , She showed me a beautiful being witha heart full of kindness
The universe showed me the soul of Ms. Maruja Maestrado …
A gift by a friend who see me through my soul , my being ..
There are moments that we keep close in our hearts . Moments that sparks of joy to our souls and bring a smile to our lips . .. These moments are not huge they are just pulses of life that we sometimes take for granted . A warm hug , a cake and good company.
The pulses of life
Cherish ,them took a portrait of that moment.
Portraits are the mirror of us in the eyes of those who loves us and despise us . Portraits reflects a moment in time. It brings us back to a nostalgic road of joy and at times path of lessons that have been resulted from broken relationships.
Broken relationships are not necessarily be a bad thing or a bad experience … it is a journey of growth and self development as we better ourselves.We change and we grow apart. I am thankful for the lessons for those who broke me ..For it is to them that I grow .. It’s with them that I become a better version of meyself.
As I walk in this path of cherished moments ,I will always take portraits of special moments.
An informal art installation in remembrace to those who were inflicted with violence.
Lost in the labyrinthine streets of Rome, our journey to the Vatican took an unexpected turn. Amidst the ancient cobblestones and towering architecture, we stumbled upon a haunting mural that stopped us in our tracks. The ‘Wall of Dolls’ stood as a changing art and memorial installation remembering the female victims of violence and murdered.
Each doll represented a soul lost, a life shattered by brutality. As we gazed upon the faces of the missing and the fallen, a chill swept through us, a reminder of the darker shadows that lurk behind Rome’s storied facades. In this city of timeless beauty and history, every corner holds a tale waiting to be uncovered, a narrative of resilience and remembrance.
We remember them
Rome whispers its secrets, urging us to listen, to learn, and to never forget.
I thank the universe for us, for this friendship , for YOU.. We have been through life, whether we sat on each others mud crying our eyes out or just simply smiling walking on the rainbow of life , we called them growing process. Distance is just a word for us … Enjoy life , love ,travel and let everything flow until it will falls on the right place.
I love you sooo much Happy 365 days around the sun
To share the little moments of life with you makes it more magical ..
MOONWALKERS 1989 incLaunching of our Program for our Elders
In the bustling heart of Butuan City, there exists a bond forged not just by time but by the warmth of camaraderie and the shared purpose of making a difference. We are the Moonwalkers 1989 Inc., a beacon of hope and positivity in our beloved community.
Our journey began not with grand ambitions, but with the simple desire to celebrate life and friendship. United by the memories of our high school days, we reunited after three decades with a shared dream: to mark our 50th birthdays together. Little did we know that this reunion would ignite a flame of service and compassion within us.
Our goal happy 50th to us
With each passing year, our humble gatherings evolved into something extraordinary—a testament to the power of unity and empathy. What started as a small act of feeding the hungry blossomed into a myriad of initiatives, from empowering indigenous communities to bridging educational gaps and promoting health awareness.
Our way of getting together
Yet, amidst our endeavors, it is the spirit of togetherness that truly defines us. Every project, every endeavor, is not just an opportunity to serve, but a chance to reconnect, to share stories, and to bask in the joy of friendship. For us, a meal shared is more than sustenance—it is a feast of laughter, memories, and love.
As we look back on five years of shared experiences, we are reminded of the strength found in diversity and the beauty of supporting one another through life’s challenges. Together, we have discovered the transformative power of kindness, proving that even the smallest ripple of compassion can create waves of change.
Today, as we continue to tread the path ahead, we do so with faith in our hearts and unity in our spirits. We pay homage to our alma mater, Agusan National High School, and proudly carry the banner of Batch ’89. Our journey is far from over, but with each step, we are guided by the values of respect, friendship, and service.
Our way of paying homage
To all who share our vision, we extend an invitation: join us in making a difference, in spreading love, and in building a brighter tomorrow for all.
Together, as Moonwalkers 1989 Inc., let us illuminate the world with the light of friendship and the warmth of kindness.
With love and gratitude, The Moonwalkers 1989 Inc. family 🌙💖
Step into the charming time capsule of Òbidos, Portugal, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of medieval romance.
The tourist in the quaint town of Obidos
As we strolled through its fortified walls, we were whisked away to an era of knights and fair maidens, surrounded by quaint shops offering treasures from yesteryears.
A picturesque town with lovely shops
But amidst the historical splendor, one thing stole the show – Ginja de Óbidos! This potent potion, served in chocolate cups, was both tempting and intimidating. With hesitant hearts, we pondered its strength until Mario from Ocean Clover dared us to take the plunge. And oh, how we soared on the wings of cherry-scented bravery!
The Kings Best Secret And the last but the best dare ..
With giggles and glee, we wandered, sipping on liquid courage, until we found ourselves posing for a picture-perfect moment outside the fort, thanking Ocean Clover for unveiling Portugal’s spirited soul. In the end, Òbidos wasn’t just a town; it was a whimsical journey through time, with a cherry on top!