Image taken on 2006-05-09 03:19:01 by djdpascoe.
|
||||||
 |
It’s very difficult to believe that less than one hundred years ago, travel was a bit of a novelty and a majority of people in North America went through their entire lives without traveling more than a handful of miles from their birthplace. It was during the 1920s and 1930s that auto and air travel became significantly more available and prevalent for the common Joe. And now the person who has hardly traveled is considered rather sheltered and behind the times. But why do we humans enjoy travel so much? Most people don’t plan a week at home for their vacation. Why is a vacation usually associated with travel? It’s more than just a western custom. People worldwide crisscross the globe constantly and the trend is expected to explode, not lessen in the generation to come. 1) Most of us like a change. Life becomes so routine that, once in a while, we crave a change of venue, a change of scenery. We escape from the dullness of our daily jobs and have some relaxation and fun. Then we enjoy coming back home and telling about what we saw and experienced. 2) We come to realize this is a large planet with amazing places that we have only heard about or seen in pictures. Seeing and experiencing unusual cultures and places is exciting. Some like a week lounging on a beach with family, listening to the waves lap the shore. Others like a formal tour in which they can enjoy new places with others and learn the inside story about various locations and landmarks. Still others enjoy a hands-on holiday full of adventure and rare experiences. 3) Perhaps Reality TV and boredom have combined to create a thirst in people for adventure. Today individuals can take safaris, go on hunting or fishing trips, backpack into the wilderness, raft the whitewater, live on a wildlife preserve, pack it in on a dude ranch or working farm, or stay with native peoples. Sure, there can be a certain risk involved, but some get a charge out of telling the stiffs at work about the grizzly they saw up close and personal. 4) Some associate travel with luxury. Though cruising has become quite affordable to many, it is still considered a luxury vacation. Passengers are catered to: Their cabins are refreshed a few times a day, they can dine anytime, day or night: meals can be served in their cabin, they can munch at a pizza café, or dress up a little and eat in a formal dining room. Shows of all kinds are staged and passengers can indulge in varied on-shore excursions. There are art auctions and elaborate spas and gyms on board. Others prefer more privacy and would rather fly to exotic islands or hideaways unknown to the general public. 5) Many families travel because they feel that this brings them closer as they share common experiences and create memories. Instead of parents selecting their ideal vacation preference, wise ones choose a vacation the kids will enjoy because if the kids are engaged and engrossed happily, parents can avoid the constant bickering, griping, and the age-old: “We’re not having any fun!” complaint. Hopefully, when the kids grow up, parents will have a chance to travel to places more to their own liking. 6) For some, the illusion of travel is enough to satiate their quest for novelty and excitement. Virtual tours are now available from various companies. One can lie back in a comfy chair and enjoy 3-D locales as if he or she is really there. You can dance at a beachside disco in Spain, hike through an action-packed Amazon jungle, or walk through the hubbub of a Tokyo city street. You can even interact with people you encounter and experience things just as they are in that world setting. Hopefully, virtual travel is not going to ever take the place of real travel, but it’s a growing industry. 7) Some like to travel primarily because of what things they can enjoy or procure with better quality and for better prices in another city or country. As long as customs allows it, there aren’t many limits on what you can buy in other climes and bring home for your personal enjoyment. I would simply encourage you, if possible, to find products or articles in native stores or settings. The souvenir and touristy shops usually charge much more than necessary for their wares. So why do you love to travel? Are you excited about traveling this year? For some, the planning and anticipation is half the fun. If you like, I can help book your travel,
Asia is a land of wonder and magic. If you have plans to visit the region, make sure you leave yourself enough time to experience the tropical wonder of places like Vietnam or Laos, or the pristine, picturesque beaches of Thailand. Plan your trip to the paradise of Asia and you’ll find yourself wishing you would never leave. So, you’re going to Asia on business, the time you’re going is set, and it’s time to decide where you want to go during the “down time”. When the work is done and you need a little holiday, Asia offers a multitude of fantastic options. When making your selection, there really are certain places that will offer you the unique traveling experience you deserve, and you will be sure to leave this dreamy reality with a pocketful of memories. • Thailand The Land of Smiles is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The tiny, remote islands off the coast offer respite from the insanity of the world outside their humble shores. Basking in the sun, relaxing on the sand a few feet from the front door of your bamboo bungalow will provide you with ample reason never to go home again. • India It’s hard to describe the majesty and splendor of a country home to both India Gate and the Taj Mahal. The serenity of the miles and miles of beaches along the coast of the Indian Ocean, and the sights and sounds of and exotic land will intoxicate you, and thrill your senses. • Nepal When you get to Nepal, your adventure begins immediately. No matter if you’re trekking ancient pathways through forests, or gazing in wonder at the vibrant colors and diversity of the wildlife, Nepal offers a unique perspective into the Asian culture. Also, be sure to take a plane ride over the Himalayas. It’s a must! • Indonesia With lush, rich forests full of vegetation that seems to swallow you whole, Indonesia is the perfect destination for those who are intent on being surrounded by the beauty of nature. Visit the shore and experience pure amazement as you snorkel and dive through mirror-clear water that’s as warm as a blanket on a cold day. • Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam If you’ve ever watched a television show or movie where they showcase a tropical jungle in all its majesty, they have undoubtedly based it on the natural splendor of the foliage, vegetation, and wildlife of the jungles of these three countries. The coasts offer a blend of paradise and raw nature, and to experience these three countries is to know the wonder that is Asia. • Singapore You’ve done all the beaches; you’ve explored exotic jungles; now you want civilization. What to do? One word: Singapore. With style to spare, this more metropolitan country offers the brilliance of Asian city life. Mixed with an ancient culture that will make even the staunchest of stick-in-the-muds realize, as they shop the wondrous markets and eat the fine cuisine, that they’re actually having a great time. • Taiwan Taiwan? When did Taiwan become a tourist destination, you ask? Since before they started producing your AA batteries made there. Believe it! Taiwan is a center for both city life, and the idyllic surroundings of the country. The real beauty of the country is both the hospitality of the people, and the rich, ancient culture of Taiwan. Explore the Shihlin Night Market, or the Chaing Kai-shek Memorial. Whatever you do, don’t deny yourself the pleasant memories you’ll have by making this one of the hubs of your Asian adventure. • Japan A vacation here will give you everything. The decidedly unique culture of Japan will give you a unique perspective on Asian life. What do you do first? Maybe you could get lost in the bustle of downtown Tokyo or Yokohama, taking in the shops and self-catered apartments. Or visit the mystical Japanese countryside and see what people talk about when they mention ancient Oriental culture. The pristine countryside and exotic temples have made more than one poet be at a loss for words. These are just a few of the recommended stops for you Asian trip. Try to visit more than one place on your journey. The countries that make up the continent are to diverse and unique to limited to only one. Make a list of everything you want to do on your vacation. You want to snorkel, shop, and go to the beach. Well, Asia can give you all that and more. Whatever you have in mind for your adventure, the countries above, and all of Asia, offer the opportunity to leave your workaday world behind, and escape into paradise.
How to spend 10 Days in South Africa “You arrive in South Africa landing on the sticky tarmac of Cape Town International Airport. The sun bounces off the glass surrounding the terminal creating a shimmering box in which to collect your luggage. The rigmarole of checking in to South Africa is swift and unimposing, you get to the exit, coaches and taxis waiting. Let the holiday begin!!” The hustle of Cape Town is something to be savoured, so simply passing through would be a missed opportunity. The Cape Grace Hotel is a perfect place to start your luxury holiday. The hotel is classically inspired and encapsulates the enchantment and intrigue of South Africa perfectly making it the only possible place to start your luxury South African Safari. The Cape Grace Hotel The hotel is situated on the harbour offering stunning panoramic views across the quay and into the ocean. Cape Town is steeped in history with evidence of the apartheid years still visible as tourist attractions which act as a shocking reminder of years gone by. A particular point of interest is Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town. Robben Island in recent history was primarily used as a prison to segregate political prisoners and activists. Nelson Mandela was held here for 27years. It is a sobering experience, but also a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit and one that shouldn’t be missed. Cape Town offers all the modern amenities, with a great market and contemporary retailers. The tourism industry is thriving in Cape Town and you can therefore benefit from great service and facilities. “After a couple of days perusing through the streets of Cape Town sampling fresh seafood and exquisite local cuisine it is time to set off further into the African savannah to sample more of what South Africa has to offer. How about further west, “Wine Country”…hmmm…There’s an idea.” Franschhoek is about 2-3 hours west of Cape Town nearer to central South Africa rather than the coast. The landscape appears more “European” than African; luckily the heat will remind you instantly where you are. Franschhoek is a large rural area filled with grapes and vineyards. South Africa has now confirmed to the world that it is a serious competitor in new world wines. Australia, South America and South Africa are becoming the core countries pursuing winemaker’s recognition. Le Quartier Français is one of the finest hotels in the world let alone Africa. The restaurant was voted 37th in the reputable S.Pallegrino “best restaurant” award. The food is therefore out of this world, and the accommodation itself lives up to its Michelin star counterpart. The rooms are elegantly designed with a great feel of contemporary design. The rooms each have a traditional wood burning fireplace to give a wonderful balance between old and new. ICi is one of the restaurants on the resort offering an incredible breakfast each and every morning. Once you have taken breakfast the rest of the day is up to you. You can explore the region of Franschhoek visiting individual winemakers and vineyards sampling South Africa’s finest export, or you can ? Môreson and Bread & Wine for the ultimate wine and food experience ? Golf courses within fifteen minutes drive – Pearl valley and Paarl Golf Course ? Tennis courts ? Hiking and biking excursions ? Horse-riding and wine tasting on horseback ? Paragliding and helicopter trips ? Chocolate tasting ? Great restaurants and wineries to visit I think because of its produce the area of Franschhoek is certainly an adult’s playground offering the finest luxuries no matter what your request. “After a couple of days soaking up the sun, atmosphere and wine, it’s time to head out to the plains of Africa. The real Africa is waiting, the chance for safari. Heading further west will bring you to the largest National Park in Africa. Kruger National Park. Leaving Franschhoek is the first step to a genuine adventure, a chance to explore some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Keep the camera on standby or at least within arm’s reach. The difficult thing about an incredible moment is that they are easily missed. Pack the camera!!” Setting off to Kruger fills you with excitement, the chance to release the “inner-attenborough”. Game lodges are dotted throughout Kruger National Park, each with its own incomparable views and game drives. Wildlife is rife throughout Kruger, giving you the opportunity to see the big 5 as well as exceptional birdlife. The Royal Malewane lodge is one of the finest lodges in the entire park. It is a place for people who want to get away from modern life and really engage themselves with Africa. All suites are based in the African bush in an unspoilt environment giving astonishing views of landscape and wildlife alike. Game drives are held throughout the day giving you a chance to see a plethora of wildlife, from Lions and elephants to exquisite bush and tree dwellers, what more would you need from a luxury safari in South Africa. The Lodge manages to bring luxury to the most bucolic place on earth, the combination of opulence and the sounds of wildlife calling throughout the night is a combination like no other. South Africa is a place that you will be talking about for years after you leave. It’s an emotional thing. I can’t imagine bonding with London, New York, Tokyo etc in a way you can bond with South Africa. It has everything! Discover the possible potential for a South African Safari.
Miss the nostalgia and magic of an outdoor movie? Take a journey down memory lane with family and friends at Jurong Bird Park on 27 February and be amongst the first island-wide to catch this film. Debuting in Singapore, Jurong Bird Park will be screening Yona Yona Penguin at the Pools Amphitheatre for a special one-evening only preview. Directed by Japanese animator Rintaro, director of Metropolis, Yona Yona Penguin is a Japanese animated movie with English subtitles about the amazing adventures of Coco, a small girl with a penguin coat, as she journeys through a world of fantasy and magic to save her friends from the Emperor of the Dark. Join her and her friends in this heart-warming tale where they discover friendship and courage for the first time in their lives. Having been represented at various film festivals in Venice, Spain, Tokyo and Bangkok, this is a movie that both the young and old will enjoy! From 6.30pm onwards, guests watching Yona Yona Penguin will be able to get up close to a colourful array of feathered friends from the Bird Park as they thrill visitors with their antics, and learn more about them and their diet from their keepers, who will bring them out for a special evening. While here, be sure to visit some endearing tuxedoed friends at Penguin Expedition. Occupying 1,630 square metres, Penguin Expedition is home to five species of penguins, namely the Humboldt, the Rockhopper, the Macaroni, the Fairy and the majestic King Penguin. A 30-metre long viewing gallery provides ample opportunities for a panoramic view of these fascinating birds as they ‘fly’ underwater. For online ticket purchase, click here. Movie preview details Date : 27 February 2010 (Saturday) Group Bookings (minimum 30 pax) Show only : S$6 (adult/child) applies Yona Yona Penguin Characters © 2009 Rintaro + Madhouse / Yona Yona Penguin Film Partners + DFP |
Tokyo City
September 10, 2010, 4:50 pm
 Partly sunny 28°Creal feel: 30°C
current pressure: 1010 mb
humidity: 61%
wind speed: 7 m/s S
wind gusts: 7 m/s
sunrise: 5:20
sunset: 17:56
|
||||
|
Copyright © 2010 life-in-tokyo.info - All Rights Reserved |
||||||
It shouldn’t be forgotten than some even travel in order to assist those of others places in some way. Many religious or philanthropic individuals, as well as organizations such as World Vision, the Peace Corps, and Habitat for Humanity traverse the planet providing medical, agricultural, housing, or other assistance to those in need.
