Friday, 29 April 2011

China

Have you ever been to the most populated country in the world? 
Have you ever been to a country with 5000 years history?
Have you ever tasted authentic chinese cuisine?



China is the world's third largest country with an area of 9.6 million square kilometres and a population of over 1.3 billion. China has been renown for its rich cultural heritage, so there won't be a shortage of places to visit.

                                                   The Great Wall



The Great Wall of China, known by the chinese as the 10,000 mile long wall, was built over 2000 years ago by the first empror of China, as defensive measures to fend off the normadics from the north.  The actual wall stretchs 8851.8 km, and the scenery from some sections are magnificant.

                                                  Shaolin temple


The Shaolin temple is known worldwide as the epitome of chinese kung fu. Shaolin temple was originally built by an travelling Indian Dyhana master in AD 464 to spread Buddhism. The actual temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times through out history, and built up an reputation for its kung fun. When we say Shaolin temple, we are usually refer to the Shaolin temple in Shaoshi mountain in Henan province, but few people are aware there is also a Shaolin temple in Quanzhou, Fujian province.

                                                       Chinese Cuisine


When you are in China, you are definitly going to love the food. Each area of China has their own cuisine with unique styles, such as the spicy food of Sichuan, the roast duck of Beijing, Dim Sums of Guangdong and the list would go on. In most major cities, with some research you should be able to find authentic regional cuisine from all regions of China.

Tips for travelling in China
  • Always keep some cash with you. China is still very much a cash economy, alot of the small places won't accept cards.
  • Try not to get into arguements with other people, especially the police.
  • If you are travelling to a major city, you don't have to worry too much about the language barrier, given that most people you come across will understand some english.
  • PLAN your time ahead, or your head will explode because there is just so many places to go and see, and you will never have the time to see everything, believe me...

Thursday, 28 April 2011

Spain

Have you ever wanted to see a collection of monuments?
Have you ever wanted to see the famous El Classico?
Have you ever wanted to see a castle of legends and fairy tales that Walt Disney copied?




Spain is a country and member state of the European Union and is located in south-western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar; to the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the northwest and west by the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. At 504,782 km2, Spain is the world's 51st-largest country. It is some 47,000 km2 smaller than France 

Places to see in Spain are The Alhambra Palace, Roman Ruins of Merida, Cathedral de Burgos and Alcazar de Segovia. 

                                  
                                                            The Alhambra Palace


The Alhambra is stunning from the moment you see it at a distance, it is a wonder, though not voted one of the new seven wonders of the world, but a close runner up. This is a large complex with a variety of monuments and gardens. Some say it was built to be seen at night. 


                                                         Roman Ruins of Merida

Merida was the largest Roman city in Spain, founded in 25 BC. It grew in wealth and importance which we can see today in the Roman remains like the Amphitheater, Aqueducts and Roman bridges.

                                                
                                                            Cathedral de Burgos


This is an enormous French Gothic style cathedral on which work began in 1221 and was nearing completion only 40 years later. Two 84 metre, very decorative towers were added in the 15th century. The tomb of El Cid lies under a star-vaulted dome, and there’s 13th century leather covered Christ Cristo de Burgos that has moving parts.


                                                              Alcazar de Segovia.

This is a castle of legends and fairy-tales, so decorative that Walt Disney copied it in California. The original Alcazar burned down in 1862 and was rebuilt as an over exaggeration of the original.

Travelling Tips


Get Lunch - Most restaurants have a cheap “menu of the day” during lunch around 10 Euros. They are a good way to save money on food and taste delicious Spanish food. Skip eating out for dinner it’s too expensive.

Take the Bus - While the train system is fast, it’s expensive. If you have the time and want to save money, take the buses.

Get City Passes - Most travelers don’t get city passes but if you plan to do a lot of city seeing, they are good investment. All the major cities have multiple museums, attractions, and activities. Getting a city pass can save you up to 20% on them and get you free transport. If you are going on a site seeing binge, get the pass.


Toilet Paper - The Spanish do not believe in restocking toilet paper. So bring small packet of tissues and a key chain flashlight

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

United Kingdom

Have you ever heard the news Prince William is getting marry on Firday?
Have you ever heard the university called Cambridge?
Have you ever been to a significant country that represents all the western culture countries?
Have you ever...




File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg




Not many people know the full name of United Kingdom. The full name of it is United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Irenland. It is located in the nonrth-western coast of continental Europe. The population of United Kingdom is  61113205.

                      Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a resting place of royals, Westminter Abbey is one of the most visited churches in the Christian world. It is a beautiful building, full of morose tombs and monuments, with an acoustic field that will send shivers down your spine when the choirboys clear their throats. The roll call of dead and honored is guaranteed to humble the greatest egoist, despite the weighty and ornate memorabilia.


Cambridge University
File:KingsCollegeChapelWest.jpg
    
Cambridge University is located in Cambridge and it is the second oldest university in England and English speaking countries. It is the seventh-oldest university in the world. It is one of the visit place to go, because to study in this university is the target for many of the students. The Cam river goes around Cambridge.


British Museum
File:British Museum Reading Room Panorama Feb 2006.jpg
The British Museum is a museum of human history and culture in London. It has moren than seven million objects. It it a museum has amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world. The British Museum was established in 1753 and first opened to the public on 15 January 1759. It is the best museum to go. You will see things that you have never seen it.

 
Some tips of travelling in UK:
  • Claim and recheck baggage. It is easy to mixed up baggage, because there are too many people travelling in UK.
  • Travel light.
  • Show me the money. Rather than exchanging for local currency before you begin your journey. Large financial institutions get a better exchange rate than an individual can secure.
  • Protect your documentation. Scan copies of all your passports and travel documents, then save it to a USB, just incase you lose it.

Fiji

Have you been to a place that consists of some many kinds of islands?

Have you ever seen Coral Coast before?

Have you ever been to Bouma Fall in Taveuni Levu?

Look at the map that you can feel how closer when you are in Australia and New Zealand.

Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean, It lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand and consists of an archipelago that includes 332 islands, a handful of which make up most of the land area, and approximately 110 of which are inhabited.

Coral Coast
The Coral Coast has been a popular holiday destination for many years. It was one of the first areas in Fiji to be developed for tourism, with a number of large hotels and smaller accommodation options. Located on the south-western side of the main island of Viti Levu, it is easily accessed from the coastal Queen's Highway that runs between Nadi and Suva. The beaches vary along this coastline.



Bouma Fall
The gorgeous tropical rain forest of Bouma National Park Fiji is one of the unexpected highlights of a trip to Fiji. Set in the Northern Group of Islands on the Garden Island of Taveuni, Bouma encompasses 15,000 hectares of forest with 1000ft volcanic peaks, razor edge mountain ridges and cliffs that fall into the sea.

There are bush trails throughout the park, but an experienced guide is required to show the way. For those wishing to explore by themselves, the Park offers two maintained trails, the Bouma Falls Trail and Lavena Coastal Walk. Access to Bouma Falls Trail is from the north-east coast, with the main attraction being the Tavoro Falls (three lovely waterfalls between 10 minutes and an hour walk from the main road). At the end of the coastal road on the west coast of Taveuni is the attractive village of Lavena. This is the departure point for the 3 mile Lavena Coastal Walk along the forest edge, passing cove beaches and waterfalls. This coast can also be explored by kayak.

There are some Tips for places in Fiji that deserve to visit:

1) Mamanuca Islands Day Cruise, small islands, snorkel and dolphins

2) Visit Navala Village, stunning 200-thatch roof village

3) Learn to Scuba Dive, best soft corals in the world

4) Fiji Beach Hopping, explore the Yasawa Islands

5) Bouma National Park, waterfalls, marine park and coastal walks

6) Explore Navua River, through the rainforest to villages

7) Go Exploring, head to the remote islands of Kadavu, Lau or Lomaiviti

8) Nananu-i-Ra Island Day Tour, spend a day on the beach

9) Aerial Sightseeing, seaplane, helicopter or skydive from Nadi

10) Historical Coral Coast Tour, sigatoka sandunes & tavuni hill fort




Monday, 25 April 2011

Canada

Have you ever seen Niagara Falls?

Have you been to one of the most beautiful capitals-Ottawa?

Have you ever tried skiiing in Whistler?

Canada is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. It has many interesting cities, like Toronto, Ottawa, Whistler.

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a popular tourist attraction all year round.  Over 14 million tourist visit the Canadian side of the falls each year.  Further, we are able to offer our tour from Toronto everyday including public holidays and during cold winter days.

Niagara Falls tours are available all year round everyday of the year.  These tours depart from all hotels in Toronto in the morning between 8 am and 9 am.  The tours return to Toronto in the afternoon at approximately 5 pm. 
 

The standard $79 tour includes the following:
  • Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting
  • Maid of the Mist Boat Cruise
  • Free Time at Niagara Falls
Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada's capital, it has been described as one of the most beautiful capitals in the worldand it is a city well worth a visit. For a current view of the Parliament Buildings.

Parliament Hill is the most important landmark in Ottawa - an impressive complex built between 1859-1865. The massive stone buildings are set on the cliffs of Parliament Hill overlooking the Ottawa River and are described as one of the most beautiful government buildings in the world along with the Houses of Parliament in London.
 
Whistler
Whistler ski resort -- more properly called Whistler-Blackcomb, with two big mountains-- is 1-1/2 hours north of Vancouver, BC in Canada. Guests can fly direct to Whistler, or fly into Vancouver airport and either take a shuttle or drive the scenic Sea to Sky highway. (Caution on the driving conditions in winter, though.)
 
Whistler is a popular and very-developed area, and was a major venue in the 2010 Olympics. Whistler Village -- at the foot of gondolas that serve both mountains-- has shops, restaurants, and hotels; adjacent streets have numerous condos, townhomes, etc.

It is still considered more about babies, kids, teenages.
Babies and toddlers: Whistler Blackcomb has licensed childcare, and parents get a pager.
Kids programs: Whistler Kids is one of the largest kid ski/board programs anywhere, with centers on both Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. "Magic Carpets" make learning easy for little beginners. At the popular Adventure Camps, kids stay with the same group and instructor all week long.
Teens have a week-long "Ride Tribe"; other programs too, such as special night-time jib sessions.

Canada Travel Tips:
  • you need to consider the public holiday, such as you go to bank for something in Canada.
  • Canada is officially bilingual (English and French).
  • Smoking is banned on all public transport, in public buildings, including restaurants and bars, and workplaces.
  • Canada it is customary to tip for services, different services have differet tips.

Friday, 22 April 2011

Japan


Have you seen sakura?

Have you spent hot spring.... in other words, a very comfortable spa?

Have you eaten so many kinds of seafood, not just salmon and prawn?

Japan is the place that you can enjoy them?


Japan is an island nation in East Asia. The Japan's name mean "sun origin", which is why Japan is sometimes related to as the "land of the raising sum". It is likely that the Japanese flag is also referred to the sun origin.


There are many travelling places in Japan, such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo Tower, The Izu Peninsula, Disneyland and so forth.

Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji(Fujisan) is with 3776 meters Japan's highest mountain. in addition, it can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. The easiest way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip along the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40 to 45 minutes after leaving Tokyo. If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lak(Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain. Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.

Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower of Paris, and the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. It serves as a television and radio broadcast antenna and tourist attraction.

Visitors can ascend to the main observatory at 150 meters and the special observatory at 250 meters to get a bird's eye view of  Tokyo. Under good weather conditions, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.
 
How to get there:
The closest subway stations to Tokyo Tower are Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line and Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line. You can also walk there from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote and JR Keihin- Tohoku Line in about 15 minutes.

Trading hours and fees:
Hours:9:00 to 22:00
Closed:No closing days
Admission:1420 yen (to top floor), 820 yen (to intermediate floor only)


The Izu Peninsula

The Izu Peninsula (Izu Hanto) is a resort area about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, popular for its hot springs, beautiful coastlines, beaches, mild climate, scenic mountainous interior.

Izu is also a great place to be explored by rental cars, motorbike or bicyle. On weekends and during holiday seasons, the Izu Peninsula can get quite busy, and traffic jams along the eastern coast are not unusual. However, during off-season weekdays, many parts of the peninsula can be very quiet.
 
 
What I am going to introduce is seafood in Japan, since Japan is the world's largest consumer and importer of fish and seafood products.
 
There are opportunities to supply mackerel, snow crab, cold-water shrimp, lobster and sea urchin to the market. As well, sustainable, ecological and traceable fish products, anti-ageing fish products (e.g. collagen or glucosamine), and fish and seafood products in packaging that enables the consumer to see the contents and keeps the contents fresher will likely be well-received in the Japanese market.

Japan Travel Tips:
  • Time: GMT + 9
  • When you enter a restaurant in Japan, you will be greeted with the expression, "Irasshaimase" ("please come in"), as well as in any Japanese store.
  • When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is a Japanese custom to serve each other, rather than pouring the beverage into one's own glass
  • The proper usage of chopsticks is the most fundamental element of Japanese table manners
  • Language can still be a problem, still recommend you to carry a handy phrase book and learn a few essential words.
  • Take off all your clothes in the changing room and place them into a basket together with your bath towel.

Monday, 18 April 2011

Italy

Have you ever been to a place that you have to take a boat no matter where you go?
Have you ever tried the most popular food in the world?
Have you ever felt the ancient culture?
Have you ever..



Italy is located in south central Europe and offical name is Italian Republic. Italy is a county with more than 60.6 million people and its territory is about 301338km2


Venice is a small town with little population. It only has 60 000 residents live in there. However, the average traveling population is about 2000 million people. Therefore,there is a new law in Venice only travelers who have booked a hotel can come in the town.



When we mention food in Italy, Pizza and Pasta these two Ps are two types of food that we must not miss. There are the most popular foods in the whole world. However if you want to try the original taste, then Italy is the right place to go.
 
Colosseum is the largest building in the Roman Empire. Its construction started in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. It was damaged by a major fire (caused by lightning according to Dio Cassius) In 443 there was a earthquake which caused destruction to it.


Tips of Traveling in Italy:
Italy is very busy during the peak tourist season of June to September, plan either to go in Spring April-May or September - November, you will find prices lower, queues shorter and the weather is decent
Make sure that you have the equivalent of $200 in Euros before leaving the airport. Taxis don't take $US You can either purchase Euros at home or on arrival at any major airport or train station
Ferries connect Italy with France, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia and Malta. Within Italy ferries run to the islands of Sicily and Sarina.
Buses are often cheaper than the train and do go places where the train doesn't but for the visitor with imperfect Italian the train is more easier and convenient.


Tuesday, 12 April 2011

France

Have you ever been to the most romantic country in the world?
Have you ever seen the actual painting of Mona Lisa?
Have you ever been to a winery with hundreds years history and traditions?


France, officially the French Republic, is the largest country in Western Europe, with an area of 674,843 square kilometres, and a population of 65,821,885.


Paris is the capital of France. It is known for its famous buildings and works of art. The Eiffel tower is still one of the most iconic building in the world; the Louvre, which houses some of the most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa, the Louvre's most popular attraction; Notre Dame de Paris, which is one of the best example of French Gothic architecture.

Frence has always been famous for its wines. Wine has always been a part of everyday life for French, and they take pride in their wines. A combination of factors such as soil, weather, grape variety and wine making culture has produced some of the best wines.

French Cusine has been know around the world for been classy. The French paid great attention to the ingridients they used to prepare the meal and often made use of exotic ingredients such as Foie Gras and Snails.

France travelling tips:

  • Try to greet people in French, a simple "Bonjour" will help you make a favourable impression.
  • Watchout for dog dropping, French love their dogs but doesn't seem to clean up the mess they leave behind.
  • Becareful of the cars, the French tend to be very aggressive when behind the wheel.
  • Shops and other service outlet such as banks tend to close for a hour or two for lunch, consider that when planning your day.

Monday, 11 April 2011

India

Have you ever tried to eat food(rice) by using hands?
Have you ever seen the most beatiful building in the world?
Have you ever seen a river that can provide water for people's daily life and also provide a place to accept the body when people died.
Have you ever...




Horizontal tricolour flag (deep saffron, white, and green). In the centre of the white is a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes.
India is located in South Asia and the official name is Republic of India. It is the seventh-largest country is the world by geographical area. India is a country with more than 1.2 billion people, so it is the second-most populous coutry. It has its owe special culture and views.


The Taj Mahal


The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognisable tructures in the world and located in Agra. The Taj Mahal a mausoleum that was build by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife who gave a birth to 14 kids. The building is one of her wishes. The construction of Taj Mahal began around 1632 and was completed around 1653. This building stands as a symbol of eternal love. It would be good for couple to travel to there and feel the atmosphere of love.



                  Ganges
File:Varanasiganga.jpg
A river named Ganges is the main river in India. The length of it  is 2510 km. One of the story you may not know till you actually been there. Ganges is the most important river to provide people's water for daily life. However when people died, the relatives will burn the person's body around the river and throw it into the river after the burning. Some of bodies, people throw it into the river when the body is not compeletely burned. It is a fact that happens in India.


One thing we can not miss out when we are talking about India is food! The tradition of India is eating food by hands.Curry is the most iconic food of India. It has many different types of curry such as Korma, Dupiaza/Dopiaza, Pasanda and so on.


Some tips of travelling in India:
  • Don't eat in a restaurant where there is no one else. This is a sign that food may not be fresh.
  • Hotels will put what appear to be unsealed bottles of Bisleri in your room. If there is no seal, do NOT drink the water. People in India tend to recycle the water bottles and fill them with tap water.
  • It is best to visit Indian plains during cooler months from November to March.
  • Bargaining is the norm in local bazaars selling products without a written price. Resist the urge to buy without comparing prices from shops selling similar stuff.

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Egypt

Have you ever wanted to see what civilizations before us did?
Have you ever wanted to gaze at iconic sights?
Have you ever wanted to know how the Pharaoh Lived? 



Egypt is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Covering an area of about 1,010,000 square kilometers, Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west. Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. The great majority of its estimated 79 million people live near the banks of the Nile River, in an area of about 40,000 square kilometers. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization, with famous monuments such as the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx.


Places to see in Egypt are the Great Sphinx of Giza, Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Valley of the Kings.


                                                            The Great Sphinx of Giza




The Great Sphinx of Giza is commonly referred to as the Sphinx, is a statue of a mythical creature with a lion's body and a human head) that stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. It is the largest stone statue in the world. The one meter wide nose on the face is missing. Legend has it that the nose had been broken off by a cannon ball fired by Napoleon's soldiers during the Battle of the Pyramids in 1798.

                                                      
                                                              Great Pyramid of Giza



The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact. Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built as a tomb for fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu and constructed over a 14 to 20 year period concluding around 2560 BC. The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years, the longest period of time ever held for such a record.


                                                          Valley Of The Kings 



 
The Valley of the Kings is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. In modern times the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen, and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In 1979, it became a World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis.


Travelling Tips


Money - Small notes (1, 5, 10) are like gold in Egypt, you pretty much tip everyone who looks at you so you will need a good supply of small notes handy.
Water - avoid tap water and only drink bottled water. Remember to always take your bottle of water
Dress - Egypt is a mainly Muslim country; however they are pretty relaxed and accepting of other cultures and religions. Just avoid anything too short or too low cut.
Beer - Due to the heat, the beer in Egypt has loads of preservatives which can unfortunately have a laxative effect.
Camera - Do not ever give your camera to someone else to take a photo for you – it will cost you dearly to get it back.