Jetlag is an amazing thing. It's barely after 5 am and I have already been reading for an hour an a half. So I figured I might as well use this bout of sleeplessness and record my first impressions of British Columbia.
My WestJet flight out of Toronto left a 7:15 am yesterday, so that meant I got up at 4:30 am, after 2.5 hours of sleep, to check all my luggage, eat a brief breakfast and get myself out to the airport. Sometimes a little travel savvy goes a long way, I had decided to use my Airmiles to go to BC and upon doing some research I found out that WestJet had a special on that only required me to use 1600 Airmiles instead of the regular 3900 Airmiles, so off I went and booked the trip, saving myself 60% of the Airmiles that I would have otherwise spent. When you travel frequently, you have to look at every available option of savings costs and my travel reward miles came through big for me.
I was able to book a flight from Toronto to Calgary and another from Calgary to Vancouver. WestJet is always an interesting experience because its flight attendants are known for cracking jokes over the PA system. The flight to Calgary was actually really bumpy and for about an hour we went through what felt like a dirt road in the sky full of potholes, hitting the occasional air pocket and dropping a few feet. But the WestJet crew brought us down safely and humorously, something I was very happy about.
In retrospect I actually felt pretty lucky, considering that the very night before my departure an Air France flight had crash-landed in Toronto. Fortunately, all 300+ passengers and crew survived and only 43 people ended up with light injuries, despite the fact that the plane went up in flames. Not surprisingly the newspapers referred to this incident as the Miracle Flight.
Well, my aerial transport went a lot smoother and after about 7 hours of flight and transfers our plane touched down in beautiful Vancouver. The natural setting of Vancouver is indeed impressive: it is set in the Coastal Mountain Range, surrounded by Vancouver Island and the Pacific Ocean. It certainly looked breath-taking from the air, but my exploration of this city had to wait since my first item of the agenda was to get myself to the City of Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
I located the Pacific Coachlines desk at the Vancouver airport and for just over C$70.00 I bought a return ticket for a coach and ferry ride across to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. I only had about a half hour between my arrival at the airport until a comfortable air-conditioned bus whisked us to the Tsawassen Bay Ferry Terminal, following which the bus went onto the BC Ferries boat itself.
The ferry was a very large vessel with 3 different decks for cars, trucks and buses. There are 3 additional passenger decks including an open-air sitting area in the front of the ferry. We slowly started our crossing of the Straits of Georgia and I thoroughly enjoyed the panomara of mountains and water. Due to my lack of sleep my head got a little heavy and I fell asleep on the open-air deck. When I woke up we were just chugging through the narrows between Galiano Island and Mayne Island. The narrow channel is embedded in between these islands which are covered by coniferous forests. The entire approach to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal was one of the most scenic waterways I have ever seen.
Punctually at 2:25 pm people headed back down to the bus, at 2:35 the bridge was lowered onto the ferry and our bus was the first vehicle out of the boat. Another 45 minutes later and we arrived in downtown Victoria at the bus terminal, right next to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, one of Victoria's most famous landmarks. Designed as a chateau-style luxury hotel, it was built in 1908 for $1 million and was extensively restored in the late 1980s to the tune of $45 million. But more extensive exploration of this stunning building would have to wait, since a local friend was picking me up at the bus station.
My co-worker Clare, who works with me in my full-time business in new business development, relocated to Victoria with her husband Haishan in March of this year, and the two of them have been graciously accommodating me since my arrival yesterday. Both Clare and her husband are originally from mainland China and have been calling Canada their home for the last few years.
Haishan came to pick me up and after a beautiful drive through Victoria and some of its suburbs, I arrived at Clare and Haishan's beautiful house in a little hillside community outside Victoria. After a couple of hours of rest due to my utter exhaustion, I got up to a beautiful Chinese dinner complete with 3 different meat dishes and the most delicous chicken with chestnuts dish I had ever eaten.
While we were savouring this gourmet meal, a deer made its appearance in the backyard, and Clare had already informed me earlier that deers show up in the backyard on an almost daily basis and take care of all newly planted landscaping and flowers, much to the chagrin of the residents.
After this delicious dinner we went on a little drive in the neighbourhood and drove down to the lagoon from where we had a perfect lookout to the Olympic Mountain Range in Washington State, across the narrow strait from Vancouver Island. One of the mountains was snow-covered and this majestic mountain range combined with the waters of the Pacific creates one of the most stunning sceneries this lovely planet of ours has to offer. We had a view of a historic light house and the Esquimalt navy base and after a brief drive through the hilly coastal roads (and another close encounter with a deer) we drove back to Clare's beautiful house on the slopes.
After another hour or two of shop talk I was positively exhausted and dropped into bed like a sack of potatoes, only to wake up before 4 am, unable to sleep. Well, this early rise has given me a chance to record my first impressions, and I have avidly been reading my guidebook on Vancouver and Victoria, laying out a draft itinerary for today. The sun is coming up now so I've got another couple of hours of reading ahead of me in preparation of today's discovery.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2007
Viva Cuba!
Thanks to a severe case of the Revenge of Montezuma (or Ricky Ricardo?..,) I am sitting here in the Hotel Havana Libre and I finally get around to create updates from my first 4.5 days here in Cuba. The Internet connection is definitely the slowest I have ever seen in my entire life, (15 minutes to access my messages at Yahoo..), but I am giving it a shot anyways.
Friday morning I arrived at the airport in Toronto at 5:30 am since my husband gave me a ride before work. The plane was scheduled to leave at 10:30 and several transfers with public transport would have taken me 2.5 hours anyway, so I decided to head there early and read a book.
Air Canada was delayed after all (due to a problem with the water supply on the plane) and we had to wait for a substitute plane from Winnipeg and finally got off the ground at about noon. 3.5 hours later we arrived at the airport Jose Marti in Havana - a reasonably modern airport. However, it took me and the other travellers almost 2 hours to collect our luggage and finally hop into a taxi.
On the way in from the airport I noticed that there was a mixture of industrial developments and agricultural areas, right up until the centre of the city, which is strange compared to Toronto, where there is no significant agriculture until way outside the city. The older gentleman driving the taxi was very friendly and explained a few basic things to me, e.g. that most of the area is industrial and agricultural. He also showed the National Sports Centre to me. Of course you see old cars from the 50s and earlier as well as beat-up Russian Ladas everywhere. Old sidecar motorcycles are also a popular way to get around.
I finally arrived at my hotel at about 6 pm where my brand-new friend Pedro (a connection through a friend in Canada) was waiting for me. I had told my friend that I wanted to really spend some time with locals to learn about Cuba, its customs, its way of life etc.
Pedro is a brown-skinned black man in his late thirties with a common-law wife and a young daughter. An extremely nice person and he´s been very gracious in taking me around and explaining things to me.
After I dropped off my suitcase and refreshed myself a little, we hopped into a private individual's car (a practice extremely common in Cuba), he paid a few local pesos and we were whisked downtown in a very old beat-up Lada which ended up picking up various other locals along the way.
Habana Vieja is a fascinating colonial city and the age and beauty of the building is astounding. Of course I saw the Capitolio (very similar to the Capital in Washington), several of the big museums, the Hotel Inglaterra and some of the bars that Hemingway frequented.
I also saw the big spider exhibit of 2 metallic spiders that are located right in the heart of downtown, an exhibit by a French sculptress that will stay in Havana until April 28 and then apparently move on to New York.
We walked around and chatted about life in Cuba and I started to learn a few things, about some of the practical consequences of the revolution (e.g. blacks have it much better today than before, and there is relatively little racism according to Pedro), and the double economy, where locals receive their salary in Pesos Cubanos, (around US$8 to $30 a month), which is not even close to enough for living, so everybody participates in the underground economy in some way.
We had a reasonably expensive meal in a downtown "Paladar", a private restaurant in a private home with a maximum of 12 seats, one of the few official private enterprises allowed. When asked about the future of Cuba after Fidel, both my new-found friend and the old man running the Paladar indicated that they thought not much would change after a future passing of Fidel. (Actually the mention of Fidel´s passing often makes people pull up their hands in front of their mouths and start to speak very quietly...).
After the meal, Pedro again flagged down a private vehicle, we hopped in and I got dropped off at the hotel, dropping into bed like a tired sack of potatoes. But I definitely had a great introduction to life in Cuba on my first evening....
Friday morning I arrived at the airport in Toronto at 5:30 am since my husband gave me a ride before work. The plane was scheduled to leave at 10:30 and several transfers with public transport would have taken me 2.5 hours anyway, so I decided to head there early and read a book.
Air Canada was delayed after all (due to a problem with the water supply on the plane) and we had to wait for a substitute plane from Winnipeg and finally got off the ground at about noon. 3.5 hours later we arrived at the airport Jose Marti in Havana - a reasonably modern airport. However, it took me and the other travellers almost 2 hours to collect our luggage and finally hop into a taxi.
On the way in from the airport I noticed that there was a mixture of industrial developments and agricultural areas, right up until the centre of the city, which is strange compared to Toronto, where there is no significant agriculture until way outside the city. The older gentleman driving the taxi was very friendly and explained a few basic things to me, e.g. that most of the area is industrial and agricultural. He also showed the National Sports Centre to me. Of course you see old cars from the 50s and earlier as well as beat-up Russian Ladas everywhere. Old sidecar motorcycles are also a popular way to get around.
I finally arrived at my hotel at about 6 pm where my brand-new friend Pedro (a connection through a friend in Canada) was waiting for me. I had told my friend that I wanted to really spend some time with locals to learn about Cuba, its customs, its way of life etc.
Pedro is a brown-skinned black man in his late thirties with a common-law wife and a young daughter. An extremely nice person and he´s been very gracious in taking me around and explaining things to me.
After I dropped off my suitcase and refreshed myself a little, we hopped into a private individual's car (a practice extremely common in Cuba), he paid a few local pesos and we were whisked downtown in a very old beat-up Lada which ended up picking up various other locals along the way.
Habana Vieja is a fascinating colonial city and the age and beauty of the building is astounding. Of course I saw the Capitolio (very similar to the Capital in Washington), several of the big museums, the Hotel Inglaterra and some of the bars that Hemingway frequented.
I also saw the big spider exhibit of 2 metallic spiders that are located right in the heart of downtown, an exhibit by a French sculptress that will stay in Havana until April 28 and then apparently move on to New York.
We walked around and chatted about life in Cuba and I started to learn a few things, about some of the practical consequences of the revolution (e.g. blacks have it much better today than before, and there is relatively little racism according to Pedro), and the double economy, where locals receive their salary in Pesos Cubanos, (around US$8 to $30 a month), which is not even close to enough for living, so everybody participates in the underground economy in some way.
We had a reasonably expensive meal in a downtown "Paladar", a private restaurant in a private home with a maximum of 12 seats, one of the few official private enterprises allowed. When asked about the future of Cuba after Fidel, both my new-found friend and the old man running the Paladar indicated that they thought not much would change after a future passing of Fidel. (Actually the mention of Fidel´s passing often makes people pull up their hands in front of their mouths and start to speak very quietly...).
After the meal, Pedro again flagged down a private vehicle, we hopped in and I got dropped off at the hotel, dropping into bed like a tired sack of potatoes. But I definitely had a great introduction to life in Cuba on my first evening....
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is unlike any other country in the world. I have never been to a more beautiful country, or met such hospitable people. This is why I have written a Traveller’s Companion and Guide – the first guidebook since 1972 – to this extraordinary country and in 2004 started to take tours there. I think that everyone who came on one of those tours wants to return.In the 1960s and 1970s Afghanistan was the most romantic and exciting travel destinations in the world, but after twenty-five years of war, is unjustly thought of as a barbarous backwater.
I have been visiting Afghanistan since 1993 and since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001 have seen the country improve out of all recognition. The most recent milestone in the country’s reconstruction was the presidential election in 2004.
Travel in Afghanistan is tough but rewarding - you will see a unique world that will not survive much longer.
Travel Afghanistan is an Anglo-Afghan joint-venture with Afghanistan’s largest and best transport and logistics company, Afghan Logistics who have fifty vehicles ranging from lorries, buses and 4WD Landcruisers to town cars run by Muqim Jamshady, one of Afghanistan’s most dynamic young entrepreneurs, and we are uniquely well-equipped for you to make the best of your time in this wonderful country.
Afghanistan as a travel destination in the past
Until the Russian invasion of 1979, Afghanistan was a well-known tourist destination. Bruce Chatwin and his wife Elizabeth were regular visitors. When I interviewed Elizabeth for a Times article on Afghanistan she said ‘Afghanistan is the benchmark for me against which all other countries are compared. Perhaps Kashmir comes close in beauty.’ Some of Bruce Chatwin’s best pictures were taken there and can be seen in the new paperback edition of Peter Levi’s Light Garden of the Angel King. (The full collection is in the care of the Trevillion Picture Library and is well worth seeing)
Bruce Chatwin wrote as brilliantly about Afghanistan as one would expect:
‘On the streets of Herat you saw men in mountainous turbans, strolling hand in hand, with roses in their mouths and rifles wrapped in flowered chintz. In Badakshan you could picnic on Chinese carpets and listen to the bulbul. In Balkh, the Mother of Cities, I asked a fakir the way to the shrine of Hadji Piardeh. ‘I don’t know it,’ he said. ‘It must have been destroyed by Genghiz.’
‘Even the Afghan embassy in London introduced you to a world that was hilarious and slightly strange. Control of the visa section rested with a tousle headed Russian emigré giant, who had cut the lining of his jacket so that it hung, as a curtain, to hide the holes in the seat of his pants. At opening time he’d be stirring up clouds of dust with a broom, only to let it settle afresh on the collapsing furniture. Once, when I tipped him ten shillings, he hugged me, lifted me off the floor and bellowed: ‘I hope you have a very accident-free trip to Afghanistan!’
His introduction is a lament for the world that has not been accessible to travellers since the Russian invasion until now:
‘That will not bring back the things we loved: the high, clear days and the blue icecaps on the mountains; the lines of white poplars fluttering in the wind, and the long white prayer flags; the fields of asphodels that followed the tulips; or the fat tailed sheep brindling the hills above Chagcharan, and the ram with a tail so big they had to tie it to a cart. We shall not lie on our backs on the Red Castle and watch the vultures wheeling over the valley where they killed the grandson of Genghiz. We shall not read Babur’s memoirs in his garden at Istalif and see the blind man smelling his way round the rose bushes. Or sit in the peace of Islam with the beggars of Gazar Gagh. We will not stand on the Buddha’s head at Bamiyan, upright in his niche like a whale in a dry dock. We will not sleep in the nomad tent, or scale the Minaret of Jam. And we shall lose the tastes – the hot, coarse, bitter bread; the green tea flavoured with cardamoms; the grapes we cooled in the snow melt; and the nuts and dried mulberries we munched for altitude sickness. Nor shall we get back the smell of the beanfields; the sweet resinous smell of deodar wood burning, or a whiff of a snow leopard at 14,000 feet.’
The monstrous Taliban blew up the Buddhas at Bamiyan and Istalif has been flattened. But you can experience most of the other things he listed.
Note: The Chatwin passages come from his introduction to the Picador edition of The Road to Oxiana.
Accommodation
In the old days, one stayed in hotels that were known as Klubs. Many of them were taken over by the local mujihadeen commander to put up visiting foreign dignitaries (and there were some), members of the government and journalists. Some of these guest houses are very good: any journalist who has covered Afghanistan will speak very highly of the government guest-house at Astana in the Panjshir, near Massoud’s home village, which has electric light, western lavatories and baths. 2002 saw the completion of what was intended to be a palace for President Rabbani in Faisabad on a rocky eminence overlooking the Kokcha river. As Rabbani is no longer president, this house has become the Government guest-house, and the Governor of Badakhshan considers it the first of what will be a chain of first-class hotels. Herat also has two perfectly decent hotels.
In the other towns, like Kunduz, the old Klubs are more basic and although the staff are (as always in Afghanistan) extremely hospitable, paying tourists would probably be disappointed. In these towns we will use our own tents moved onwards day by day in a Landcruiser and put up awaiting the group.
Getting around
Thesiger told me not to travel by car. ‘Always go by horse or on foot. That’s how I did it. There’s just no point travelling in a car.’ He is absolutely right. In a car, you are an intruder, not a participant, in the landscape. Sights rush past you, like a speeded up picture of a flower opening.
Therefore, although we will use Landcruisers to cross the Hindu Kush and for long journeys, we try as much as possible to let you travel as Thesiger did: by horse drawn carriage or foot. It is a completely different experience of travel and the country. Of course, if you prefer to go by car, you can. In the northern cities the main method of transport is horse-drawn carriage and this is how we will move from town to town.
You don’t need any experience to travel on a horse. The ones I have had have been very placid and I just sit on the back and let the horseman lead it. I had never been on a horse before I crossed from Badakhshan to Pakistan in 2001. You do, though, get quite stiff for the first few days and it would be a good idea to get some practice in before we leave. I can organise a few one-day courses in England.
You don’t need to be physically particularly fit. I take no exercise and have never really suffered. Nor especially young. My friend Mr Gary is 63 and spends months at a time in the country.
by Matthew Leeming
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Japan
Traveling to Japan will be for you while traveling in the next century and a century ago. Nowhere in the world of ancient traditions of the people do not have so much significance in everyday life, as in Japan. We want to introduce you to these traditions, to change the stereotypes about Japan.
Far and near ... simple and mysterious, colorfully described in books and reports by well-known journalists, it captures our imagination and the exotic electronics, affects economic miracle and ancient history.
Statehood Japan under national epics began with the erection of the first to the throne of Emperor Kamuyamato - Ivarehiko in 660 BC e. Day of his enthronement to the throne on February 11 observed as a national holiday, the Day of the empire.
On interesting historical events from a bygone world many architectural elements reminiscent of those times : the locks, shintoism and Buddhist temples. In Japan, you will see many interesting. Days held in the Rising Sun Country will always be in your memory!
Welcome to Japan!
Start familiarity with Japan should, of course, in Tokyo. With posed capital Countries Rising Sun? Endless skyscrapers, endless vortex vigorous business life of one of the largest cities in the world, magnificent entertainment for adults and children "DisneyLende", the National Theatre of "Kabuki" enchanting beauty shintoism and Buddhist temples.
Be sure to visit the Omotesando district, which the Japanese called Tokyo Eliseyskimi fields. Here are glorified house Kenzo and Mori, the most elegant and stylish cafes, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, where the evening is going to Tokyo bohemia.
Want to buy-Baden on the most famous street of Ginze. Here are many large and small boutiques where clothes offered very particular Japanese designers, has long been the fashion world legislators.
Tokyo is the biggest city of Japan : one of the three largest cities in the world. The other two are New York and Shanghai, the population of Tokyo about 12 million. Tokyo is the most modern and vesternizirovanny city of Japan. It has a lot of large buildings; It paved streets as zapruzheny as in New York and London. The legacy inherited from the old Japan, which pleased the eyes of tourists, Japanese gardens, imperator- Teacher Palace, a large number of churches. To say that Tokyo is a place where East and West, old and new mix most harmonious way.
Tour, which offers our agency in Tokyo includes an excellent opportunity to visit one of the largest parks in the world, founded in 1985. With hands loan, you can see the hundreds of different attractions in the territory of 50 hectares in six thematic areas. You will see a parade of heroes Walt Disney films and evening fireworks. You will see one of the biggest cities in the world. The tour will run through pridvortsovuyu area in the business district of Tokyo-Kasumiga- customs, which are building the Japanese parliament and government agencies. You will see the Akasaka Palace, a similar appearance at Buckingham Palace in London, through a number of national stadium. Inspect the Shinto shrine, vozdvignuty in memory of Emperor Meiji. Enjoy the panorama of the city with a new viewing platform Municipality and pronesetes over Tokyo Bay Bridge on the beautiful Rainbow Bridge. Also, you can see the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo goddess of mercy, Kannon, which is trading Street Nakamise - Dori center sales of souvenirs. In the end you through a tour of razor Gindze.
Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan, which was the center of Japanese civilization for more than 1,000 years. This continued a visit to all visitors to Japan. Despite the fact that the Kyoto modernized, it, nevertheless, is the classic city, which are abundant in the ancient temples, sanctuaries and monuments of Japanese art. Fortunately, Kyoto was not injured during the Second World War. Kyoto is also a Buddhist Centre of Japan. In 1600 the city and some 300 Buddhist temples shintoism.
Okinawa is an unincorporated archipelago located between Kyushu and Taiwan. This is the only area of Japan, located in the humid subtropical climate. Prior to the capital Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, from Tokyo about two hours. Palace Syuri-largest demonstration of Chinese influence on the architecture of Japan. Historical, closely linked with China, coral reefs, emerald sea, sunny skies and subtropical climate attract tourists to Okinawa. Archipelago, the United States occupied after World War II, was returned to Japan in 1972. You will be able to offer on the ocean liner voyage from the port of Yokohama to the island entertainment Hakkeydzima where Akvamuzey, Dolphinarium, attractions. Among the most recent steep slide over American marine waters. It is located 170 kilometres north of Tokyo. You can enjoy the nature of this unique place where you will impress Lake Tyuzendzi, Kegon Waterfall, Tosegu Shinto shrine, a museum of architectural miniatures "Tobu World Square."
You never forget swimming in the thermal sources, which are the traditional form of recreation for the Japanese. You can become a traditional Japanese etiquette serving tea powder, elegant manners, the kind of aesthetic studies. You tell the history of tea ceremony and show, as it posted a 15 century Buddhist monks. The ancient feudal capital of Japan and a famous spa, where you can look at the bronze Chinese Buddha Amida, visit the Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hatimangu, walk on the banks of the Pacific.
The first imperial capital of Japan, where you can extended the park, which are more than 1,000 deer. You can visit the Buddhist temple Todaydzi, see the largest and the oldest in Japan bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha.
Spa Hakone
They come to get rid of a number of respiratory diseases, arthritis, osteochondrosis, psoriasis and eczema. Indeed, there are a great many hot springs (onseny). Each year, thousands of suffering plunge in mud to mud baths come here from all over the world. You can also sizzling in the sand bath. Outgoing reduce heat razogreet body is not worse than in pairs. In just a few minutes, you feel yourself, just tents at the top. However, many health willing to tolerate these sweet flour again and again.
Sapporo
Clearly, the best rest here at this time of year to ski resort. You can also visit the aquarium, a museum of beer and exhibit contemporary art known masters of Japan, Denmark, Czech Republic, USA, France ...
You may well rest on the best ski resorts in Japan Naspa and Naeba.
In the Rising Sun Country respected alpine sports and improve infrastructure winter entertainment.
Of Niigata (which has direct air links with Vladivostok) can be driven to the city Yuzawa (travel time is about 1 hour), where the bus departed to ski resorts NASPA, Joetsu Kokusai and Naeba.
Naeba is one of the most famous, fashionable and popular ski resorts of Japan. Located on the slopes of Mount Takenoko, it became the venue for numerous competitions downhill skiing and snowboard local and international level.
Many slopes for beginners, amateurs and professionals, over 30 lifts, rent, school instructors, children's playground, Snow Land.
Between spa and Yuzavoy offers special shuttle-bus.
A foot of the mountains is a smart hotel Naeba Prince 5 *.
You have the opportunity to stay in Japan to learn
with various companies of Japan, to meet with them, find answers to many of your questions. Our visitors were briefed on the work of the automotive, chemical, petrochemical, electronics, steel, were guests Association notaries, employees of real estate, bank of Japan.
We will be happy to arrange a visit for you or your firm interest. Many of our group of tourists visiting various international exhibitions organised in Japan. We invite you to visit the two largest expo Japan : Big Sidon, a city of Tokyo and Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (near Tokyo).
Useful :
The Japanese supermarket products, as a rule, an order of magnitude more expensive than in the street machines. For example, in stores for juice or soft drinks you take from 140 to 280 yen. By purchasing the same machine, you save between 20 and 40 yen.
In Japan, but restaurants offering ethnic dishes, a large number of enterprises' FastFood "where you can quickly, tasty and inexpensive meal. This is the famous "Makkdonalds" and "Kentucky Fried Chikken." Cumin is worth 59 yen, complete with potatoes and Cola-at least 580 yen.
Our advice - Dining once in a family restaurant. They usually offer an adequate selection of foods from European cuisine.
Far and near ... simple and mysterious, colorfully described in books and reports by well-known journalists, it captures our imagination and the exotic electronics, affects economic miracle and ancient history.
Statehood Japan under national epics began with the erection of the first to the throne of Emperor Kamuyamato - Ivarehiko in 660 BC e. Day of his enthronement to the throne on February 11 observed as a national holiday, the Day of the empire.
On interesting historical events from a bygone world many architectural elements reminiscent of those times : the locks, shintoism and Buddhist temples. In Japan, you will see many interesting. Days held in the Rising Sun Country will always be in your memory!
Welcome to Japan!
Start familiarity with Japan should, of course, in Tokyo. With posed capital Countries Rising Sun? Endless skyscrapers, endless vortex vigorous business life of one of the largest cities in the world, magnificent entertainment for adults and children "DisneyLende", the National Theatre of "Kabuki" enchanting beauty shintoism and Buddhist temples.
Be sure to visit the Omotesando district, which the Japanese called Tokyo Eliseyskimi fields. Here are glorified house Kenzo and Mori, the most elegant and stylish cafes, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, where the evening is going to Tokyo bohemia.
Want to buy-Baden on the most famous street of Ginze. Here are many large and small boutiques where clothes offered very particular Japanese designers, has long been the fashion world legislators.
Tokyo is the biggest city of Japan : one of the three largest cities in the world. The other two are New York and Shanghai, the population of Tokyo about 12 million. Tokyo is the most modern and vesternizirovanny city of Japan. It has a lot of large buildings; It paved streets as zapruzheny as in New York and London. The legacy inherited from the old Japan, which pleased the eyes of tourists, Japanese gardens, imperator- Teacher Palace, a large number of churches. To say that Tokyo is a place where East and West, old and new mix most harmonious way.
Tour, which offers our agency in Tokyo includes an excellent opportunity to visit one of the largest parks in the world, founded in 1985. With hands loan, you can see the hundreds of different attractions in the territory of 50 hectares in six thematic areas. You will see a parade of heroes Walt Disney films and evening fireworks. You will see one of the biggest cities in the world. The tour will run through pridvortsovuyu area in the business district of Tokyo-Kasumiga- customs, which are building the Japanese parliament and government agencies. You will see the Akasaka Palace, a similar appearance at Buckingham Palace in London, through a number of national stadium. Inspect the Shinto shrine, vozdvignuty in memory of Emperor Meiji. Enjoy the panorama of the city with a new viewing platform Municipality and pronesetes over Tokyo Bay Bridge on the beautiful Rainbow Bridge. Also, you can see the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo goddess of mercy, Kannon, which is trading Street Nakamise - Dori center sales of souvenirs. In the end you through a tour of razor Gindze.
Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan, which was the center of Japanese civilization for more than 1,000 years. This continued a visit to all visitors to Japan. Despite the fact that the Kyoto modernized, it, nevertheless, is the classic city, which are abundant in the ancient temples, sanctuaries and monuments of Japanese art. Fortunately, Kyoto was not injured during the Second World War. Kyoto is also a Buddhist Centre of Japan. In 1600 the city and some 300 Buddhist temples shintoism.
Okinawa is an unincorporated archipelago located between Kyushu and Taiwan. This is the only area of Japan, located in the humid subtropical climate. Prior to the capital Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, from Tokyo about two hours. Palace Syuri-largest demonstration of Chinese influence on the architecture of Japan. Historical, closely linked with China, coral reefs, emerald sea, sunny skies and subtropical climate attract tourists to Okinawa. Archipelago, the United States occupied after World War II, was returned to Japan in 1972. You will be able to offer on the ocean liner voyage from the port of Yokohama to the island entertainment Hakkeydzima where Akvamuzey, Dolphinarium, attractions. Among the most recent steep slide over American marine waters. It is located 170 kilometres north of Tokyo. You can enjoy the nature of this unique place where you will impress Lake Tyuzendzi, Kegon Waterfall, Tosegu Shinto shrine, a museum of architectural miniatures "Tobu World Square."
You never forget swimming in the thermal sources, which are the traditional form of recreation for the Japanese. You can become a traditional Japanese etiquette serving tea powder, elegant manners, the kind of aesthetic studies. You tell the history of tea ceremony and show, as it posted a 15 century Buddhist monks. The ancient feudal capital of Japan and a famous spa, where you can look at the bronze Chinese Buddha Amida, visit the Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hatimangu, walk on the banks of the Pacific.
The first imperial capital of Japan, where you can extended the park, which are more than 1,000 deer. You can visit the Buddhist temple Todaydzi, see the largest and the oldest in Japan bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha.
Spa Hakone
They come to get rid of a number of respiratory diseases, arthritis, osteochondrosis, psoriasis and eczema. Indeed, there are a great many hot springs (onseny). Each year, thousands of suffering plunge in mud to mud baths come here from all over the world. You can also sizzling in the sand bath. Outgoing reduce heat razogreet body is not worse than in pairs. In just a few minutes, you feel yourself, just tents at the top. However, many health willing to tolerate these sweet flour again and again.
Sapporo
Clearly, the best rest here at this time of year to ski resort. You can also visit the aquarium, a museum of beer and exhibit contemporary art known masters of Japan, Denmark, Czech Republic, USA, France ...
You may well rest on the best ski resorts in Japan Naspa and Naeba.
In the Rising Sun Country respected alpine sports and improve infrastructure winter entertainment.
Of Niigata (which has direct air links with Vladivostok) can be driven to the city Yuzawa (travel time is about 1 hour), where the bus departed to ski resorts NASPA, Joetsu Kokusai and Naeba.
Naeba is one of the most famous, fashionable and popular ski resorts of Japan. Located on the slopes of Mount Takenoko, it became the venue for numerous competitions downhill skiing and snowboard local and international level.
Many slopes for beginners, amateurs and professionals, over 30 lifts, rent, school instructors, children's playground, Snow Land.
Between spa and Yuzavoy offers special shuttle-bus.
A foot of the mountains is a smart hotel Naeba Prince 5 *.
You have the opportunity to stay in Japan to learn
with various companies of Japan, to meet with them, find answers to many of your questions. Our visitors were briefed on the work of the automotive, chemical, petrochemical, electronics, steel, were guests Association notaries, employees of real estate, bank of Japan.
We will be happy to arrange a visit for you or your firm interest. Many of our group of tourists visiting various international exhibitions organised in Japan. We invite you to visit the two largest expo Japan : Big Sidon, a city of Tokyo and Makuhari Messe in Chiba City (near Tokyo).
Useful :
The Japanese supermarket products, as a rule, an order of magnitude more expensive than in the street machines. For example, in stores for juice or soft drinks you take from 140 to 280 yen. By purchasing the same machine, you save between 20 and 40 yen.
In Japan, but restaurants offering ethnic dishes, a large number of enterprises' FastFood "where you can quickly, tasty and inexpensive meal. This is the famous "Makkdonalds" and "Kentucky Fried Chikken." Cumin is worth 59 yen, complete with potatoes and Cola-at least 580 yen.
Our advice - Dining once in a family restaurant. They usually offer an adequate selection of foods from European cuisine.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Travel To Taiwan
A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan embodies a unique entangling of ancient and modern, East and West. From the bustling commercial center of the capital city, Taipei, to the cascading volcanic mountains of Yushan National Park, Taiwan offers the world traveler an unmatched experience. It is no coincidence that Portuguese explorers named this island 'Ilha Formosa', or the beautiful island.
Taiwan is truly a gem worth visiting. But, just like any overseas travel, expensive airfare can easily keep this gem out of reach. If you want to discover the natural beauty of Taiwan but want to keep your travel budget from spiraling out of control, be sure to find discount airfare to Taiwan. cFares is a great place to find deals on wholesale travel to Taiwan. cFares offers amazing travel deals and discount airfare to Taiwan that just can't be found anywhere else. So if you looking to book a flight to Taiwan but want the best deal possible, check out cFares for discount airfare to Taiwan. Wholesale travel to Taiwan is the answer to finding the best travel deal.
To Travel to Taiwan is to Understand Diversity
Officially known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused with the People's Republic of China, which refers to mainland China. Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has been "returned" to China and is currently striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation. Taiwan's tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.
One of Taiwan's most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the world's tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan's substantial economic growth from the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government's dedication to a democratic society separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.
The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism
Exploration of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan National Park is home to the island's tallest peak, Jade Mountain, which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko Gorge on Taiwan's rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people, one of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky cliffs at the canyon's end are a starting point for those who wish to travel farther into Taiwan's history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan's National Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor sightseer.
From the island's tallest building to its tallest peak, Taiwan has something exceptional to offer every kind traveler. Travel Taiwan's thriving society and come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger.
If you really want the lowest discount airfare to Taiwan start your search at cFares. The number one wholesale travel site for the shrewd international traveler.
cFares also offers great travel deals on airfare to China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries in Asia.
For more information on travel to Taiwan and other areas in Asia, and discount airfare to Taiwan, www.cfares.com.
Taiwan is truly a gem worth visiting. But, just like any overseas travel, expensive airfare can easily keep this gem out of reach. If you want to discover the natural beauty of Taiwan but want to keep your travel budget from spiraling out of control, be sure to find discount airfare to Taiwan. cFares is a great place to find deals on wholesale travel to Taiwan. cFares offers amazing travel deals and discount airfare to Taiwan that just can't be found anywhere else. So if you looking to book a flight to Taiwan but want the best deal possible, check out cFares for discount airfare to Taiwan. Wholesale travel to Taiwan is the answer to finding the best travel deal.
To Travel to Taiwan is to Understand Diversity
Officially known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused with the People's Republic of China, which refers to mainland China. Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has been "returned" to China and is currently striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation. Taiwan's tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.
One of Taiwan's most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the world's tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan's substantial economic growth from the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government's dedication to a democratic society separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.
The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism
Exploration of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan National Park is home to the island's tallest peak, Jade Mountain, which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko Gorge on Taiwan's rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people, one of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky cliffs at the canyon's end are a starting point for those who wish to travel farther into Taiwan's history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan's National Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor sightseer.
From the island's tallest building to its tallest peak, Taiwan has something exceptional to offer every kind traveler. Travel Taiwan's thriving society and come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger.
If you really want the lowest discount airfare to Taiwan start your search at cFares. The number one wholesale travel site for the shrewd international traveler.
cFares also offers great travel deals on airfare to China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries in Asia.
For more information on travel to Taiwan and other areas in Asia, and discount airfare to Taiwan, www.cfares.com.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Australia Day Comes Alive
I write about Australia. Very much it has liked me :)
When Australia Day comes each January 26th, it brings with it a celebration of all things Australian. This celebration has greatly evolved over time, changing both its name and its content to reflect modern Australians and their pride in their country.
Australia Day began as a celebration of the foundation of the Australian colony. On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip (pictured right) took formal possession of the then-British colony and became its first governor. While people throughout the colony informally celebrated this date for the next several years, it wasn’t until 1818 that the celebration was officially celebrated as part of the 30th anniversary of the colony’s settlement by Europeans.
By 1838, the 50th anniversary, it became Australia’s first public holiday. This commemoration was different in that it encompassed everyone, not just those smaller, private events of the past. This early celebration was known as “Foundation Day” and usually included many sporting events. Horse racing was particularly popular, as was sailing. In fact, the Anniversary Regatta (now known as the Australia Day Regatta) in Sydney is the world’s oldest continuous regatta and stems from this early athletic bent to Foundation Day.
When Australia’s centennial celebration came around in 1888, Australia was a very different country than it had been 100 years prior. Gold had been discovered, and Australia was home to nearly three million people. In 1888, all the colonial capitals, except Adelaide, proclaimed “Anniversary Day” a public holiday and each colony celebrated Australia’s 100th birthday.
The 150th anniversary of European settlement in 1938 brought an issue regarding Anniversary Day into the limelight. The highlight of the celebrations in New South Wales was a reenactment of Captain Phillip's landing, complete with the deposition of an Aboriginal tribe. However, aboriginal people in the city refused to participate in the reenactment and instead, several hours prior, Aboriginal activists convened a 'Day of Mourning' conference aimed at securing citizenship and equal status for Aborigines. This was the first time Aboriginal complaints were so prominent on Anniversary Day, but it wouldn’t be the last.
In 1946, the Commonwealth Government, States and Territories agreed to observe “Australia Day” under one name and on the same day. The celebrations continued to have a distinct slant towards the European settlers, and consisted largely of reenactments of the First Fleet’s landing and the events that immediately followed.
Looking to promote a wider celebration of Australia Day, the National Australia Day Council was formed in 1979, with state and territory councils and committees soon after. These groups have worked towards more local and individual involvement in Australia Day, rather than it just being “another holiday.”
When 1988 brought Australia’s bicentennial, it marked two distinct celebrations. The classic reenactment
Sydney Opera House, Sydney Australia
of the First Fleet’s voyage was held. However, alongside the celebrations, 1988 was named a Year of Mourning for Australia's Aboriginal people, who also regarded the year as a celebration of survival. To many people, Australia Day is still best known as “Survival Day.”
Finally, in 1994, it was legislated that all the states and territories endorsed the celebration of Australia Day on the actual day instead of the closest Monday. Universal Australia Day celebrations have been held on January 26th ever since.
About the author:
Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets. She has taken a small, successful gourmet chocolate shop and made it a name recognized world-wide. Harmony Sweets’ original mission focused on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives as birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day gifts. Roseen expanded that mission to include corporate gift-giving.
When Australia Day comes each January 26th, it brings with it a celebration of all things Australian. This celebration has greatly evolved over time, changing both its name and its content to reflect modern Australians and their pride in their country.
Australia Day began as a celebration of the foundation of the Australian colony. On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip (pictured right) took formal possession of the then-British colony and became its first governor. While people throughout the colony informally celebrated this date for the next several years, it wasn’t until 1818 that the celebration was officially celebrated as part of the 30th anniversary of the colony’s settlement by Europeans.
By 1838, the 50th anniversary, it became Australia’s first public holiday. This commemoration was different in that it encompassed everyone, not just those smaller, private events of the past. This early celebration was known as “Foundation Day” and usually included many sporting events. Horse racing was particularly popular, as was sailing. In fact, the Anniversary Regatta (now known as the Australia Day Regatta) in Sydney is the world’s oldest continuous regatta and stems from this early athletic bent to Foundation Day.
When Australia’s centennial celebration came around in 1888, Australia was a very different country than it had been 100 years prior. Gold had been discovered, and Australia was home to nearly three million people. In 1888, all the colonial capitals, except Adelaide, proclaimed “Anniversary Day” a public holiday and each colony celebrated Australia’s 100th birthday.
The 150th anniversary of European settlement in 1938 brought an issue regarding Anniversary Day into the limelight. The highlight of the celebrations in New South Wales was a reenactment of Captain Phillip's landing, complete with the deposition of an Aboriginal tribe. However, aboriginal people in the city refused to participate in the reenactment and instead, several hours prior, Aboriginal activists convened a 'Day of Mourning' conference aimed at securing citizenship and equal status for Aborigines. This was the first time Aboriginal complaints were so prominent on Anniversary Day, but it wouldn’t be the last.
In 1946, the Commonwealth Government, States and Territories agreed to observe “Australia Day” under one name and on the same day. The celebrations continued to have a distinct slant towards the European settlers, and consisted largely of reenactments of the First Fleet’s landing and the events that immediately followed.
Looking to promote a wider celebration of Australia Day, the National Australia Day Council was formed in 1979, with state and territory councils and committees soon after. These groups have worked towards more local and individual involvement in Australia Day, rather than it just being “another holiday.”
When 1988 brought Australia’s bicentennial, it marked two distinct celebrations. The classic reenactment
Sydney Opera House, Sydney Australia
of the First Fleet’s voyage was held. However, alongside the celebrations, 1988 was named a Year of Mourning for Australia's Aboriginal people, who also regarded the year as a celebration of survival. To many people, Australia Day is still best known as “Survival Day.”
Finally, in 1994, it was legislated that all the states and territories endorsed the celebration of Australia Day on the actual day instead of the closest Monday. Universal Australia Day celebrations have been held on January 26th ever since.
About the author:
Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets. She has taken a small, successful gourmet chocolate shop and made it a name recognized world-wide. Harmony Sweets’ original mission focused on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives as birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day gifts. Roseen expanded that mission to include corporate gift-giving.
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