Seoulistic

If you’re a tourist, you’ll probably want a few pictures of Seoul to take back with you. But some people are better than others when it comes to photography skills. As luck has it, there’s a few spots in Seoul where you can whip any old camera and get an iconic picture of Seoul. Just go there and say kimchi!

Gwanghwamum Square

This is the center of all tourist activities in Seoul. It’s immediately adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea’s main royal palace, as well as two statues of Korea’s greatest heroes, Admril Yi Susin and King Sejong the Great. Even if you don’t have the best camera or you’re not the best photographer in the world, there’s plenty of opportunity to snag some good looking pictures with the iconic backdrop of the palace gates as well as Bugaksan Mountain. These statues are pretty majestic.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Head inside of Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of Korea’s last royal dynasty, and you’ll find plenty of picture taking spots for amateur and professional photographers alike. You’ll get a closer view of Bugaksan Mountain, the chance to take pictures with the Gyeongbokgung guards, as well as plenty of traditional Korean architecture to photograph. There’s a plethora of beautiful photo opportunities, but one of the most iconic pictures of Seoul you can take is of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, a private place in the back of the royal grounds.

Changdeokgung (Secret Garden)

Gyeongbokgung is the main palace, but Changdeokgung is considered the prettiest of them all. And anybody taking photos of Seoul would be amiss to forget visiting this beautiful palace full of photo ops. It’s less crowded than Gyeongbokgung so you don’t have to wait as much for other people to get out of your shot. And there’s also the Secret Garden in the back of the palace. There you’ll find perfect harmony between nature and traditional architecture.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul tower is one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. Jutting out from Namsan Mountain, it sticks out of the Seoul skyline most prominently and can be easily photographed from many places in Seoul. But many photographers take their photos from the base of the tower. It’s here where you’ll find a pavilion with traditional Korean architecture nicely contrasting with modern man’s achievement up above. While you’re there, don’t forget to take pictures of the love locks as well as the entire city from atop the tower.

Bongeunsa Temple & Statue of Buddha

This Buddhist temple in Seoul is located in the most modern district of Seoul, which even has a song named after it (“Gangnam” for those living in a cave). The hyper modern skyscrapers are a beautiful backdrop to the peaceful oasis that is Bongeungsa Temple. Position yourself perfectly, and you’ll have a photo that says the same. Make your way to the back of the temple and head up behind the large statue of Buddha to take a picture of Buddha presiding over the city of Seoul.

Jogyesa Temple & Flowers

Jogyesa Temple is another Buddhist temple located in the middle of the city. But here, you have to look inwards for the best pictures. The temple is home to an array of beautiful flowers the monks garden, which produce the brightest colors seen in most temples. The reds, yellows, greens and blues are dynamic and vivid and are also easily captured in images (best time is spring and summer). 

But the most iconic photos from this temple is from the Lotus Lantern Festival, which celebrates Buddha’s birthday with colorful lanterns strewn across the temple grounds. The festival has yet to announce it’s dates for 2014, but it should be the first weekend before Buddha’s birthday (first weekend of May, 2014).

Cheongyecheon Stream

If you’ve ever searched pictures of Seoul, you’re bound to have come across Cheongyecheon Stream, a popular urban oasis with flowing stream water and shaded rest in the middle of bustling Seoul. It’s a great place to rest and hang out, but it’s also a great photo opportunity, especially at night when it’s all lit up and Christmas-like. The flowing water and night lights are perfect for those with a few camera tricks up their sleeves.

Banpo Bridge

Another spot that’s frequented by tripod toting photographers is Banpo Bridge. It’s where the Rainbow Fountain sprays its colorful jets at night, making for awesome night photography. The Rainbow Fountain Show is only during warmer months (April – October) and at certain hours (12PM, 5PM, 7:30PM), displaying more often during summer months (July – August, 8PM, 8:30PM, 9PM, 9:30PM).

Namdaemum & Dongdaemum Gates

Namdaemun and Dongdaemun are of course popular markets where locals and tourists go to. But these markets are named after the gates that protected them hundreds of years ago. These gates are located on islands with cars literally zooming past them every second. It’s a dream if you’re into time lapse photography. But even if you’re camera stupid, you can hardly mess up. These gates are beautiful from any angle!

Seoul Fortress Wall

Sometimes the pictures you have to work for are the best. Seoul used to have a fortress wall surrounding the city. Although most of it was destroyed, there are still remnants of them scattered throughout the city. The part of the fortress wall that still remains over Seoul’s mountains is part of what makes this photo opportunity so great. Taking a picture up atop one of the mountains allows you to get a view of the entire city while peering into the city’s ancient past at the same time.

Paradise and Sunshine in Hawaii-Oahu

Say the word “Paradise,” and it’s likely the first thing that comes to a person’s mind will be the Hawaiian Islands. And on those islands, perhaps the most popular place for a vacationer to go is Oahu. Oahu houses many of the state’s most iconic landmarks, top tourist destinations, and most sought-after vacation activities. So regardless of whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler here are 16 Must-See Oahu Hawaii Tourist Attractions to get you started on the journey.


Nuuanu Pali Lookout

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout may be located only five miles from downtown Honolulu, but the gorgeous vistas and the 1,000-foot perch that looks down on Kaneohe, Kailua, Honolulu, and various other parts of the islands will make you feel as though you’re as far removed from society as you can possibly be-in a good way. Catch views of the University of Hawaii, the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and revisit the site of the Battle of Nuuanu in 1795, when King Kamehameha I wrested control of Oahu’s factions in to one government. Best of all, there are no hours you have to keep and no admission to the reserve, unless you’re driving, and that’ll run just $3.

Aloha Tower

The Aloha Tower, heart of Honolulu since 1926, is the welcoming grounds for container vessels and cruise ships, and so much more. With dozens of shops and restaurants, from Hooters to a specialty magnet store, as well as a full ongoing calendar of events, you could literally spend your entire vacation inside its walls and be just fine. Of particular interest to those wanting to experience the beauty of Oahu, the tenth-floor observation deck is a must-visit. Open every day from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. PST, admission is free, and the views stretch as far as the eye can see.

Pearl Harbor Tours

Dec. 7, 1941, transformed Pearl Harbor from a standard military post in Oahu to a place of sorrow, and eventually, a rallying cry for the triumph of Allied Powers during World War II. A multitude of ships were attacked that day, but it was the U.S.S. Arizona that sustained the greatest casualties at 1,177. The Arizona is still visible from the surface of the water, and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial is built over its final resting place as a testament to the men buried below. A throat-tightening experience if there ever was one, it is the centerpiece of the Pearl Harbor Tours experience. The complete Pearl Harbor Tour runs $119.99 and lasts from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. PST every day, excluding Christmas.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

If you came to Hawaii for snorkeling, then it’s likely you’ll stumble across the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, because the location has a sterling reputation for it. Situated in the flooded-out remnants of a volcanic crater, the preserve is just a 30-minute drive from Waikiki and home to deep blue waters and a kaleidoscope of undersea life. Admission to the Preserve is $7.50 per person with a $1 charge for parking. If you are aHawaii resident or a child under the age of 13, you get in free, but regardless, it’s a small price to pay for one of the best sights on all the Hawaiian Islands.

Skydive Hawaii

Skydive Hawaii is Oahu’s premier location for scheduling a 12,000- to 20,000-foot jump. You want to see Hawaii like few have ever seen it before? Then book a tandem for $225 (or get the Internet special for $150). Group rates are also available, and if you’re over 200 pounds, it’ll cost you an additional $2 per pound over the 200-pound mark. Hotel shuttles are available at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1 p.m., every day.

Le’ahi Diamond Head State Monument

Every day, from 6 a.m.-6 p.m., you can hike or drive through perhaps the most famous site in all of Hawaii, the Le’ahi Diamond Head State Monument, a 475-acre land crater, created more than 300,000 years ago from a single explosion. Whether hiking, sightseeing, or nature-walking, the $1 walk-in, $5 drive-in, fees are easy to manage, and the immaculately kept premises make it an ideal place to spend a day picnicking and enjoying time with your family or that special someone.

 Dole Plantation

Since 1989, the Dole Plantation has been known across the world to tourists and locals as “Hawaii’s Pineapple Experience.” And while that’s true, the facility has a lot more than that to boast about. From thePlantation Garden Tour to the Pineapple Garden Maze and the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the kids will love this experience, and so will you. The Visitors Center is open from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily, and admission is free, though you’ll have to ante up for the activities. The Express runs $8 for adults, $6 for children; the Maze is $6 for adults, $4 for children; and the Garden Tour is $5 for adults and $4.25 for children.

Iolani Palace

If you’re a history buff, the Iolani Palace should claim a place on your vacation itinerary. The building has survived 130 years and counting in downtown Honolulu, and is on the National Register of Historic Places as the former home of the Polynesian monarchy, prior to the Hawaiian Islands annexation into the United States. The Palace is available to visit, and can be booked for group events. If you’re just a tourist passing through, you’ll have to drop by from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PST, Monday through Saturday, for guided tours, which run $20 per person or self-led/audio tours, which run $12 per person. Iolani is open on the occasional Sunday.

China

Forbidden City

Lying at the city center and called Gu Gong in Chinese, it was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu  in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient Chinese Astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was in the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the emperor on earth was so called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the empeor. Hence its name 'The Purple Forbidden City', usually 'The Forbidden City'.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. The longest wall in the world, it is an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. It deserves its place among "the New Seven Wonders of the World" and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.

The Yangtze River

The Yangtze is the third longest river in the World, but the longest river within a single country. The Yangtze River has a good case for being the most interesting and popular river in the world. It has thewidest variety of outstanding tourist attractions, scenery and culture along its length, all contained within China, and holds several world records.

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army has laid underground for more than 2000 years. However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. In December 1987, UNESCO enrolled it as a World Cultural Heritage Site. It is significant because the hundreds of detailed life size models represent the army that triumphed over all other Chinese armies and who were the decisive factor in forming a united China.

Li River

The 83-kilometer-long section between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful part. The landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo groves. As one of the most popular and picturesque scenic spots in China, the Li River was listed as one of the World’s Top Ten Watery Wonders by America’s National Geographic Magazine. Some world famous figures have visited the Li River, including former US President Bill Clinton, former US President George Bush, and Bill Gates.

The Yellow Montains

The Yellow Mountains is one of the most famous and beautiful mountains in China. It was enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. Outstanding natural beauty is Huangshan's number one feature. Yellow Mountain’s classic attractions could be counted as five natural wonders in the winter: the imaginatively named pines, oddly-shaped rocks, the sea of clouds, hot springs and winter snow scapes.

Yungang Grottoes

Enrolled as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2001, Yungang Grottoes represent the excellent achievement of Buddhist sculptural art of ancient China, and it is the largest among the four most famous ancient grotto complexes in China. Yungang Grottoes with 252 caves and 51,000 Buddhist statues are the classical masterpieces of of Chinese Buddhist art in the 5th and 6th centuries. The whole grotto complex ismagnificent with delicate carvings. All the statues are precious and vivid, representing the development of art, architecture, music and religion at that time.

Phuket Island- List of "Must Do's"

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, one of the most beautiful and popular resorts in the world. Numerous people from different countries travel to Thailand to spend their vacations on Phuket. Washed by crystal clear waters of the Adaman Sea, the island boasts its marvelous snow-white beaches and first-rate hotels. Phuket is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand.

If you are planning a trip to Phuket, it’s advisable to read this list of ”must-do” things on this island of paradise.

Visit evening show
If you spend your vacations on the Thai Island of Phuket, you should visit famous evening shows. There are two most popular and interesting shows which are worthy of notice. The first one is designed for adults. It’s an amazing Simon Cabaret Show which attracts a great number of visitors. If you travel with kids, you can visit Fantasea Show, in which the main actors are elephants, birds, tigers and other animals. Thousand of travelers visit these shows taken place on Phuket Island (tourism Thailand).

Taste durian
Known in Asia as the ”king of fruits”, durian is should be tasted if you are in Phuket. This fruit smells so badly that it’s even banned from hotels and airports in Southeast Asia. But inside it you can find the pale yellow, creamy flesh, which tastes very nice: there are delicious overtones of hazelnut, apricot, banana and egg custard. Thai durians are regarded as the best ones in the world. In addition, this fruit is very healthy.

Ride elephants
If you have always been dreaming to ride an elephant, Phuket is one of the most wonderful places where you can achieve your dreams. Elephants seem to be enormous clumsy and awkward animals. But in fact they are extremely tender and delicate. They give you only positive emotions and vivid impression. Phuket elephant trekking is really a lifetime experience.

James Bond Island

Explore neighboring islands

The water area around Phuket is so beautiful, that you shouldn’t slip the chance of exploring it. These beautiful territories are even popular with Hollywood film directors. The famous movie with Leonardo DiCaprio ”The Beach” was made against the natural beach settings of Ko Phi Phi. Here you can find James Bond Island in the Bay of Phang Nga, where the world-famous movie The Man with the Golden Gun was made. These places are local ”must-visit” attractions, which boast their breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Before going on a trip, surf the Web in search of someThailand forums and study the information about your travel destination.

Visit Buddhist temples
Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand. More then 90 per cent of people profess Buddhism. The main symbol of Thai Buddhism is wat, a Buddhist monastery or temple. On the island of Phuket there is a span of temples. Foreign travelers have an opportunity to enter any of them. The only thing to remember is that it’s prohibited to enter Buddhist temples with bare knees and shoulders. The most visited ”wats” of Phuket are Wat Chalong, which is the main Buddhist temple on the island, and Wat Phra Tong, in which you can see the Big Golden Buddha statue actually made of brass (Thailand Budddha).

Wat Chalong, Phuket

Walk around Patong Beach in the evening
By day, Patong Beach is the most popular local beach which offers all sorts and kinds of beach activities. But in the evening it turns into an accumulation of night life. The evening may be started in one of the fish restaurants and proceeded with dancing in one of the numerous clubs till sunrise.

Patong Beach, Phuket

Traditional Beverages- Portugal

Vinho Verde. It is a traditional Portuguese wine. Vinho Verde translates as ”green wine” or ”young wine”. It is the unique Portuguese beverage made of grape grown in the north-western part of the country. Vinho Verde may be rose, white or red. This wine is very light and sparkling. The locals assert that Vinho Verde is good for digestive system; in addition it stills thirst.

Port or Vinho do Porto.
It is a strong wine produced in the region of Porto; it may be red, white or rose. There are numerous sorts of port wine in Portuguese. Port is served at mealtimes: as an aperitif, or for dessert; cheese and olives are usually washed down with Vinho do Porto; it is also added to different cocktails. Also it is usually served in shot forms in bars.

Ginjinha or Ginja.
 It is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made by adding cherry and sugar in alcohol (brandy or wine spirit). It is served in a little liqueur-glass, in the bottom of which there is a cherry. In Portugal there are numerous little Ginja-bars, where you have an opportunity to drink this delicious beverage from a chocolate glass, which you can eat after having Ginja.

Cachaca. 
It is a hard Brazilian liquor made of sugar cane. There are mature sorts of Cachaca (they are of golden color) and young sorts (they are transparent). The Brazilians drink unmixed Cachaca. This beverage is something like tequila.

Caipirinha.

 It’s Brazilian national cocktail, made infusing sugar and lime in cachaca. This beverage enjoys wide popularity in Portuguese and Brazil. Moreover it becomes more and more popular all over the world. Caipirinha even begins to compete with famous mojito. This cocktail is rather light and fresh; it perfectly slakes your thirst.

African Safari

Are you eager to take a closer look at crocodiles, hippos, lions, and zebras? Don’t you know what to start with? Of course you have to go on a safari. One of the variants is to travel to Serengeti. Have you ever heard of the Ngorongoro Crater and the Pink Lake. There are some national parks in Africa, where you can go on a safari. These are small and big, popular and unknown parks, in which you can face up to unexplored wilderness. The dark continent becomes more and more popular. Tanzania and Kenya are considered to be the most visited countries, which provide numerous opportunity of going on African safari. 

The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are located in Tanzania; the Maasai Mara National Reserve is to be found in Narok County, Kenya. The Tanzanian city of Arusha is considered to be the capital of the African safari. From Arusha you can easily get to the most famous national parks.

Lake Manyara National Park
The park is located within 130 km from Arusha. Here you can meet practically all the animals with exception of leopards and cheetahs. Pink flamingos which live on the lake of Manyara, and lions, which can climb the the trees. In fact the local lions spend the most part of their lives on the trees, as the forests are extremely dense in this region, and the predators have got into the way of tracing their prey down from above.

Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is located within 320 km from Arusha in Tanzania. Serengeti is translated as ”endless plain” from the Maasai language. But in this park there are savannahs, riveres, and lakes as well. The territory of the park is mostly populated with antelopes and lions. In addition you can meet numerous elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes, crocodiles and hyenas, giraffes, jackals, baboons and foxes. 

Tazania Maasai Lion

The park is inhabited with 35 species of plain animals and 500 species of birds. In the wet season (November-Mai) millions of antilopes, zebras.

10 Interesting Places to Visit- Japan

If you are in Japan, you cannot but visit Kyoto. This town has a long and interesting history, that’s why there are a lot of sights here. It takes you at least two days to explore this ancient town of Japan. So we have chosen 10 places which should be visited by all means.

1. Higashi Honganji.

This monastery is located at the railway station in Tokyo. In the west of Kyoto there is one more monastery, which is the replica of the first monastery. At first these two monasteries belonged to one and the same sect, but later this sect was divided into two branches. Nowadays in the Eastern Temple the tourists can see a severe dragon with a stream flowing out of its mouth.

2. Fushimi Inari Shrine

It is the biggest shrine in Japan. It is located in the suburbs of Kyoto. From the platform there is a 4-km way to the temple. Around the temple there are numerous statues of red foxes. The road to the temple is going uphill. There are a lot of sellers, which offer the tourists to buy a bamboo cane and some drink. In addition to the architectural monuments the tourists can see enormous black butterflies, big horned snails and a tortoise pond. Red foxes guard the entrance into the temple. The foxes sit on either side of the gates. The fox which is on the left mouthes a scroll. The second fox looks at the visitors.

3. Seimei-dsinsja. If you have seen Japanese cult film “The Wizard”, you’ve already got acquainted with Abe-no Seimei. He was a monk and a wizard born from a fox-man, that’s why he possessed a gift of magic. If you are not afraid to be consigned to perdition, come into the temple of Seimei. It is a small and cozy temple. Wall-paintings demonstrate all the famous deeds of Seimei ( in the film they are also depicted). In the temple the tourists can buy different charms which protect people against evil spirits.

4. Kiymizudera (”Pure Water Temple”)

All the previous temples are shintoistic shrines. But this one is buddhistic. This temple is considered to be one of the most important sights in Kyoto. Here the tourists can get the best view of the town, especially in autumn, when the maples are getting red. The temple was built in honor of the goddess of Fortune. In addition to the temple buildings there is a spring with holy water. Not far from the shrine you can find a street, where numerous souvenirs can be bought.

5. Toej Park (Eigamura)

The village of Toej is a real functioning film studio and an amusement park for tourists at the same time. Actors go along the streets: here you can meet samurai with swords, girls with umbrellas wearing kimonos and warriors of the Shinsengumi with severe look. Having paid a little money the tourists have an opportunity to feed ponies or bend a bow.

6. Nidsjo Castle. It is one of the biggest castles in Japan. It is a luxurious medieval building decorated with carving and wall-paintings, the windows are covered with the finest rice paper. Each room of the castle has its own purpose: for having an evening rest or for receiving guests. Numerous wax figures can be found in the castle. But it is outlawed to take photos of them. It’s better to take photos of the swans in the pond in front of the castle.

7. The Temple of Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

It is the most popular attraction of Kyoto. This place is always overcrowded. In autumn the temple is especially beautiful because of maple groves which are getting red in this period.

8. Mibu-dera.

Mibu-dera is a family nest of Kondo Isami. Here you have an opportunity to see a house, where the famous warriors lived. A statue of Kondo Isami is located here.

9. The Gion Quarter.

Gion is a place of frivolous amusement, a red-light district, where the tourists can see Kyoto geishas dancing.

10. Japanese Garden. 

This garden isn’t a historical antiquity, but an archaized place, where you can go for a walk. Here the tourists are able to listen to the traditional Japanese music and taste different dishes of Kyoto cuisine. If you don’t know how to eat the traditional dishes, ask for help. The Japanese are always ready to help. On the whole, Japan is a very hospitable country. But the tours to this country are always expensive. So if you have enough money, travel to the Land of the Rising Sun. Be sure you won’t be disappointed.