Tagged with "Cultural History"

Everyone would like to think that they live in the best city on the planet. No matter where you go, locals will talk about their respective home cities with reverence, citing all of the reasons that theirs is the greatest city in the world. The food, the art, the culture and events that make their home unique, livable, and special.If we take the personal connection out of it, what in fact makes a

This year more than 1.3 million people will travel from the USA to Japan (JNTO, 2018). Outside of Asia, that's more Americans than travelers from all of Europe combined!From reimagined sushi (California roll), western Anime (Avatar: The Last Airbender), and even a Tokyo-inspired Los Angeles dystopia (Blade Runner), viewing Japan through an American lens has produced some interesting results over t

If you live in America or any other country outside of Asia, then you’re probably used to a particular kind of New Year celebration. For you, each new year begins on the 1st of January and is often hailed with fireworks, the dropping of a giant ball in New York City, and cheers. For many people from the West, this is the end of the New Year’s celebration, and you probably won’t think much about th

First-time visitors to New York City can easily lose themselves in the glass and steel, the frenetic pace of a city rushing towards the next big thing. Even seasoned New Yorkers find it a maddeningly complex place to navigate. Yet this is precisely what makes New York City the greatest city in the world. Bright lights, glamour, and tall buildings all inspire us to dream. If you’ve only read about it or seen it in the movies, you know New York City is the place to be. What are those things first-time visitors absolutely can’t miss? What are those places that make New York City…well…New York City? Here is our list of the top-1o best things to do. Buckle up as we head uptown, downtown, and all around to explore the Big Apple.

France, the quintessential travel destination. European old world charm. Rolling hills with vineyards stretching to the horizon. Quaint cafes tucked away in Parisian back alleys. Whether you love culture and history, natural scenery, seaside luxury, or just some heart-stopping mountain thrills, France has it all and more. Come along as we explore this great country. From the port cities on the English Channel to the storied towns on the French Riviera, we will highlight some must-see attractions and recommend ways to best enjoy the wonders on offer across the land.

Spain, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, is one of Europe’s best destinations. A magnet for those seeking simple charms, amazing cuisine, and incredible culture, Spain is a diverse country offering visitors multitudes. In this short travel guide, we’re going to delve into those can’t-miss cities and towns. These are the places you’ve seen in films or imagined as you thumbed through a novel by Hemingway. They live between the notes in a melody strummed on a flamenco guitar or in the smells and tastes of tapas. Spain’s bounty is open to all so come discover why this destination has for so long captivated writers, poets, and world travelers.

Heading east on I-15, you strike out from Los Angeles. Past Barstow, a seemingly endless desert. Crossing the Nevada state line you wonder if the sand and cacti will ever end. Then it happens. First a twinkle in the distance. A shining spot on the horizon as Las Vegas appears like a mirage. You see bright lights on the strip as someone plays a Tom Jones album two cars over. Your mind fills with images of Sinatra hanging with the Rat Pack, or maybe De Niro casually drawing a smoke at the end of the bar as he waits for Don Rickles to arrive. These are the indelible images of a town simply called Vegas. What are the top-10 things to do in “Sin City” you ask? Well not to worry because we’ve got you covered.

Game of Thrones is a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The best-selling novels by George R. R. Martin have spawned an incredible following and award-winning television adaption by HBO. Bringing the characters, locations, and stories to life was a massive undertaking. Fortunately, the screenwriters and production team were up to the task. They scoured the globe looking for the best places to incorporate into their visual storytelling. In this travel guide, we explore some of these real-world localities. Often surprising, these accessible destinations would rank high on anyone’s travel list. Come along as we explore the most incredible Game of Thrones film locations to visit in 2019.

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is the continent’s largest and most important economy. A major trading nation, it is central to the politics of the European Union. Germany’s long and complicated history have left indelible marks throughout the land. Travelers can tour ancient Roman ruins in Cologne, or visit great Romanesque Revival palaces in Bavaria. See the monuments to war in Berlin, or just relax along the Baltic Coast. This article will introduce the wondrous diversity on offer in Germany and suggest things to see in some of the country’s major cities. Come along we visit this beautiful destination.

O Canada, indeed! The world’s second largest country is a veritable natural wonderland. Pristine boreal forests, towering snow-capped mountains, powerful rivers, majestic waterfalls...Canada is a playground for outdoor lovers. Its major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are themselves full of great culture, food, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for some excellent shopping, a quaint main street, or some picturesque scenery, you will find it all and more in Canada. In this article we will explore some of the best Canada has to offer and recommend some things you will not want to miss.

Singapore is a wealthy and developed island nation located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. A global financial center with a thriving high-tech sector, Singapore attracts visitors from around the world. Cosmopolitan culture, delicious street food, beautiful gardens, amazing luxury, all of these can be found in Singapore. In this article we’ll take a closer look and concentrate on several must-see districts. The aim is to provide a way to maximize your time and enjoyment.

On the shores of the Balearic Sea lies Barcelona. Capital of Spain’s autonomous Catalonia region, the city sparkles in the Mediterranean sun. Walking along spacious boulevards, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in London; however, dart into a narrow alleyway and it seems you could strike sparks anywhere. Barcelona is effervescent and overflowing with humanity and Catalan pride. Come along as we explore this beautiful and intriguing city, a place where Roman ruins mingle with Gaudi’s modernism. This short guide will highlight some must-see attractions and provide an overview to the many wonderful things travelers will find when they visit Barcelona.

The Dalmatian Coast, a place of extraordinary beauty on the Adriatic Sea. When most people think of Croatia, this is what comes to mind. Well this and of course Luka Modri?, the World Cup, and Game of Thrones. Croatia is often overshadowed by its neighbor across the Adriatic; however, travelers in the know have long recognized the region’s beauty, history, and culture. If you’re looking for a European adventure but don’t fancy traditional destinations in the West, you certainly cannot go wrong in Croatia.

Known as the “country of a thousand islands,” the Philippines is full of surprises. Travelers can explore history and the arts in Manila, relax along some of the world’s best beaches on Boracay, dive under the waves on Bohol, or explore countless coves and bays on Palawan. With delicious cuisine, friendly people, and a proud culture, there are near infinite possibilities available to travelers. In this short article, we will survey several popular destinations and recommend things to see. When planning a trip to the Philippines, focus on what you hope to experience and narrow your focus to a few locations.

Turkey has long been a global crossroads. Straddling Europe and Asia, its lands have seen the rise and fall of vast empires including the Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. This long history combines with pristine natural beauty. Black Sea resorts dot Turkey’s northern coast. Grand cathedrals and mosques line the Bosporus Straits in Istanbul. Picturesque islands are scattered in the Aegean Sea. And ancient ruins coexist with modern luxury along the Mediterranean coast. It is a land for travelers seeking something exotic yet familiar. In this and so many other ways, Turkey is the ideal blend.

Australia, the Land Down Under, is a vast continent full of rich biodiversity, incredible culture, and untamed wilderness. The great Australian Outback is the stuff of legend. A vast expanse of desert and grasslands stretching to the horizon. Running along the country’s eastern coast is the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. Sydney Harbor is recognizable the world over for the famed Opera House and the New Years fireworks display. A country flush with natural resources, Australia is a welcoming destination where travelers can find just about anything.

Picturing beach resorts in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s Phuket, Indonesia’s Bali, and Philippines' Boracay probably come to mind. With tourists flocking to those locations, however, people who seek less populated shores must look elsewhere. White sand beaches, diving hotspots, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, and a rapidly growing casino scene make Cambodia’s premier beach town of Sihanoukville a worthwhile destination.

Set on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is a town continually inventing itself. Established as a resort destination in the early 1970s, Cancun has risen to prominence, alongside Acapulco, as the premiere resort destination in all Mexico. Beachgoers from around the world come to experience the white sands and blue Caribbean waters. Beyond creature comforts and relaxation, Cancun features Maya archaeological sites, shopping, and of course, delicious food. To take in the sights and sounds of Cancun, it is best to allot yourself several days. Interspersing visits to the beach with day-trips to archaeological sites provides a nice balance. The following collection things to do is a great basis upon which to build your own Cancun adventure.

Thailand conjures up images of elephants, temples, beaches, and of course, delicious food. The Southeast Asian nation is a major regional hub and massively popular travel destination. Lush green jungles stretch through the northern regions. Here elephants roam and monkeys are quick to steal a snack from inattentive tourists. Bangkok’s temples glitter by day while its boulevards shine bright under the neon nightlife. In the south, incredible white sand beaches stretch endlessly along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The country’s diversity and rich bounty make for a truly splendid travel destination.

Towards the end of January, a palpable excitement takes hold in places like China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations are a time of great joy and precipitate the world’s largest annual human migration. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people leave major cities to return home to smaller villages or provincial towns. The journey is joyous as people fill all manner of transport, eager to return home to see parents and children. Lunar New Year is central to Chinese cultural life, yet what are the holiday’s major characteristics? Where can you go to experience the festivities for yourself? This short primer will provide some answers to these questions and should, by the end, have you anxiously awaiting your own Red Packet!

Shanghai has, in a mere 25 years, emerged as global financial center and trendsetting modern metropolis. Glittering skyscrapers dot the skyline in Lujiazui, just across the Huangpu River from the stately architecture along the Bund. Chic cafes and restaurants intermingle with street vendors and classic gardens. Known as the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai garnered a reputation for noir and intrigue in the 1920s and ‘30s. The image of Art Deco buildings, gangsters with tommy guns, and cabaret never faded. As China’s undisputed financial capital, Shanghai is a city on the cutting edge. Money talks and glamor abounds; yet the past is never far away.

On April 15, 2019, the world was stunned to learn fire had ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris. In a matter of hours, centuries of history that had survived revolution, two world wars, and natural disasters was swept from existence. It is with heavy heart we mourn the loss of these cultural treasures.

Macau is a glittering oasis on the Pearl River Delta. The tiny territory covers just over 32 square kilometers, yet it contains a multitude of rich experiences. Narrow streets and tight corners conceal stately Portuguese colonial-era architecture. Across the harbor, towering casinos draw visitors from around the world. The famous Ruins of St. Paul’s stand solemn watch as visitors wander nearby markets and shops. Though Macau is able to claim the title of the world’s most densely populated territory, there’s a tranquility to be found in the fishing villages around Coloane. When you visit Macau, you will instantly recognize the charm and hopefully discover all this unique destination has to offer.

For most people, New Years evokes memories of large celebrations. Perhaps it’s watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, perhaps it’s the fireworks from Sydney Harbour Bridge. In Thailand and other places throughout Southeast Asia, New Years is an excuse to have a massive water fight. Thailand’s traditional New Years festival, known as Songkran, is observed every year from April 13-15. To understand Songkran is to gain an appreciation of Thailand and Thai culture. In this travelogue, we explore the traditions around Songkran and delve into some recommendations for great places to participate in the festivities. Make sure you’ve got a change of clothes, because we’re going to get wet.

Even Tokyo where neon lights cast futuristic shadows and digital billboards advertise the latest gadgets, even there you will find Japan’s classic character. Restaurants with exquisite handwritten menus, kimono-wearing shoppers searching for festival gifts, historic facades tucked amongst steel and glass. All of this comes together to create modern Japan. See where ancient opera still graces the stage, where flower festivals and tea ceremonies are enthusiastically passed down through the generations, and where the new world blends seamlessly into the old.

Hong Kong has long been a gateway into China and other parts of Asia. British explorers marveled at the natural beauty and protection offered by Victoria Harbour. The city’s location at the mouth of the Pearl River has helped Hong Kong become a major center for commerce, trade, and manufacturing. When factories started to leave the city in search of cheaper labor on the mainland, Hong Kong responded by developing into Asia’s premier financial center. Through it all, Hong Kong has maintained a remarkable identity and culture. It is a fabulous destination that offers visitors a wealth of options. From luxury shopping and fine dining to pristine natural parks, Hong Kong remains Asia’s gateway city.

Aomori is Japan’s prefecture for all seasons. Set in the northernmost part of Honshu, the largest of Japan’s islands, Aomori is a place for travelers seeking a different experience. The region blends the natural and the urban in surprising ways. Beautiful landscapes and the largest collection of cherry blossoms in all Japan make this an unforgettable destination.

Spanning nearly two continents and 11 time zones, Russia is country full of wonder and surprise. The Russian Far East and Siberia are synonymous with remoteness, while St. Petersburg’s elegance evokes memories of long lost Czars. Moscow’s Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral are quintessential symbols of this enormous country.

Picture yourself standing in a quiet field. Snow crunches underfoot as you shift your weight, gazing towards the heavens. Your breath forms a frosty mist in the air. In the distance, a dogsled pulls its passenger over the frozen fields. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the skies above begin to glow. Great rivers of color swirl high overhead and soon the entire sky appears on fire; an eerie greenish light casting shadows far below.

While sitting in a café located in Ipoh’s Old Town sipping a cup of white coffee, and enjoying the city’s slow pace and tranquil environment, it’s hard to imagine that about 70 years ago, this city was actually one of the world’s largest producer of tin.Located 200km north of Kuala Lumpur and 130km south of Penang, this capital of Perak used to have a nickname “Millionaires’ City” in the early 20th Century, as many people made a fortune from tin mining in the district.