Mythical Japan "A Visit To Miyajima Island"

When one thinks of Japan, they may think of bustling cities crammed with people, or a romanticized world of kimono clad women and tea houses. Many of these things can be found in Japan, but the Japan that most impressed me was the serene, mystical Japan I found on Miyajima Island.

Approaching the island, beautiful Mount Misen greets you with a majestic presence. The large red Otorri gate indicates you are entering a Shinto shrine. It is constructed from large beams of wood and supports its own weight as it stand in the sea.

Upon arriving on the island you are welcomed by a greeting committee. The greeting committee, wild deer, run freely throughout the island. The Shinto religion believes that spirits live in nature, including animals, therefore they are unharmed and able to run freely. Along with your new found friends, the deer, you walk along a path to the Itsukushima Shrine, a wonderful floating shrine that is situated on the beach. As the tide changes, water flows underneath the shrine giving the illusion of a floating oasis.

The shrine pays homage to the spirits that reside in nature and also those of the sea. In perfect harmony, the architecture and nature work together to do this. This shrine exemplifies the belief of Shinto unifying all of these elements.

After exploring the vermilion shrine, pagoda, and Noh theater, I went for a hike to the ropeway cable car station to visit the top of Mount Misen. The walk to the station is an uphill passage through an enchanting, peaceful forest. The ropeway cars remind me of the carriages of a large Ferris Wheel, but much more precarious. Traveling on what seems like the tiniest cable, I reached the midway point, only to have to transfer to another car on a separate line. Finally, after the final ropeway journey, I reached the top.

The top of Mount Misen presents the story book vision of Japan found in Zen ink paintings. The most special treat of all was to be greeted by hundred of small monkeys walking around the mountain. Families of monkeys just gaze as we walked by, enjoying the serenity and beauty of this magical place. The animals, trees, sea, and mountains will make you have a better understanding of why this site became a shrine.


Catching the last ropeway down, I looked out the window gazing at the lush forest of bamboo and ferns, and thought how wonderful it is to have visited such a fantastic place. It wasn't what I expected to find in Japan, but was definitely a pleasant surprise.

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Sub-Sahara Africa Travel

Journey to the wild, untamed wilderness areas of Africa south of the Sahara or experience the unique flavor of the African markets. Climb famous mountains or feel the spray of majestic waterfalls. Take scenic wine tours through South Africa's wine-lands, seek out the elusive Knysna elephants or be pampered during a luxury African Safari.

For the adventurous and budget conscious, tour the deserts or go off-road in a 4x4 to seek out the Big Five of Africa in the myriad of Nature Reserves scattered through the beautiful continent. Snorkel in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean at the unspoiled beaches.

African Markets
Africa is one of the last emerging markets with tremendous growth potential. Take steps to capture market share and mindshare and we had to make affordability a priority.

Epupa Falls

The Kunene River forms the natural border between Namibia and Angola and mostly flows at a gentle gradient. At the Epupa Falls, however, a rock shelf extends at an angle of 45 degrees across the river. This main waterfall is 36 meters high.

African Safari
The personnel at Mala Mala Private Game Reserve attribute these phenomenal game viewing statistics to the fact that a maximum of fourteen safari vehicles roam the 13 500 hectares of wilderness per day in open game viewing vehicles. Photographic safaris are also conducted on open four-wheel drive vehicle.

Self drive 4x4 Adventure

For adventurous off-road enthusiasts seeking a holiday off the beaten track. Six days of encountering no other traffic except for the convoy of vehicles traveling together.

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The Best Sites In Alaska

One of the most beautiful places on earth is the state of Alaska. Although cold, the sites are simply stunning. Whether sightseeing through natural parks, looking for bear, camping, taking a tour, or just dining out, you will fall in love with the land and the people. If you have been thinking about a vacation and are not sure where to go, we recommend you consider a trip to the most stunning place – Alaska.

To help you plan your trip, we have provided some suggestions on what you might do and see.

Alaska Native Heritage Center – Anchorage
To help you learn about the various cultures of Alaska and the native people, this center teaches about customs, practices, and arts. This experience includes walking through native homes, watching ancient practices and performances.

Iditarod Headquarters – Wasilla
If you have never taken the opportunity to watch the Iditarod on television, you are missing an amazing adventure. At the Iditarod headquarters, you can learn about this massive dog sled race.

Alaska Seal Life Center – Seward
From monetary settlements coming out of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, this center was created to help teach people about marine biology, seal life, and animal rehabilitation. This area of Alaska is mesmerizing, rich with an abundance of sea mammals, fish, and birds.

Denali National Park
Denali, which translates to “The Great One”, is the native name for the highest peak in all of North America – Mount McKinley. This mountain range offers a number of peaks where all types of wildlife live to include bear, wolves, Dall sheep, wolves, and moose.

Glacier Bay – South East Alaska
At Glacier Bay, you will discover 13 tidewater glaciers. Although they are all spectacular, the three largest and most impressive include Margerie, Muir, and Johns Hopkins. For those harder to reach, you can enjoy magnificent views from airplane or boat.

Bear Watching
One of the favorite things to do in Alaska is to look for bear. With grizzly, brown, and polar bears, the very sight of these incredible creatures is breathtaking. Katmai National Park is an excellent adventure where you can enjoy brown bear feeding off salmon runs and Kodiak Island.

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10 essential stops for Europe first-timers

We’ve come a long way since the emergence of the 17th-century ‘Grand Tour,’ when the wealthy (mostly Brits) finished their education with a real year in the world, learning to fence in Paris, studying art in Florence, climbing the Swiss Alps, and complaining about the service in Athens.

Over time, the first-timer traveler’s trails across Europe have swayed back’n'forth, with changes ushered in by the advent of trains, Mark Twain’s ‘is he dead?’ jokes, and the rising or falling of an Iron Curtain or two.

So, what is the ‘Grand Tour’ version of today? The Lonely Planet Discover Europe guide has one that gives a wide-eyed first-timer the 10 best of Europe’s cities in three weeks. (Of course, it’s OK to take longer.)

LONDON

Two days isn’t a huge amount of time in a city with so much to do but you should still be able to see highlights like the Tower, Tate Modern, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace as well as attend a West End theatre show and enjoy the ethnic eateries of the East End.

PARIS

A high-speed Channel Tunnel train takes you to the sights in Paris. Overlooking the avenues from the Arc de Triomphe, seeing the Louvre or Versailles and a beautiful church or two is the least you can do. Try lively Montmartre for dinner.

BARCELONA

An overnight ride of the rails and you’re at your next stop, colourful Barcelona, where the organic Modernista architecture and Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia will wow you. Don’t miss the Catalan cooking. Your first flight of the trip moves you along to…

ROME

The Eternal City; they say a lifetime isn’t enough to know it. Choose from among the monumental attractions of the Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Evenings you’ll be eating out in the centro storico and Trastevere.

VIENNA

Overnight on the train to the imperial city of Vienna , where you’ll linger in a coffee house, watch the Lipizzaner stallions, wander the pedestrian shopping streets and see a performance at the Staatsoper.

BUDAPEST

Just three hours away, Budapest also has a lively cafe culture, plus a vibrant mix of old and new. Be sure to visit Castle Hill and take a soak in one of the city’s thermal baths.

BERLIN

Europe’s most rapidly changing (and exciting) city; must-sees include all the Berlin Wall galleries, memorials, plus new city sights like the Sony Centre and Filmmuseum. At night Kreuzberg is the alternative nightlife hub, while Prenzlauer Berg is more grown up.

DUBROVNIK

You’ll have to board a plane in order to be dazzled by the marble streets and red roofs of Dubrovnik, Croatia. First walk the city walls; the views over the town and sea are great. Explore the rest of the old town and take a seat at a cafe or along one of the beaches.

ATHENS

The Greek capital is a treasure trove of ancient ruins with the magnificent buildings of the hill-top Acropolis heading the list. Below it stand more impressive remains, plus bustling flea markets and lively tavernas giving you a taste of more modern Athenian life.

ISTANBUL

Once you’ve touched down you’ve reached the edge of Europe, where east meets west. Explore the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Aya Sofya. Then shop and dine in modern Beyoğlu, centre of the city’s nightlife. A boat ride on the Bosphorus gives you the chance to step foot in Asia.

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10 World's beautiful beaches

Sanur beach, Indonesia

Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues compliment traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island.

Carmel beach, California

In Carmel-by-the-Sea itself, right at the foot of Ocean Avenue, is Carmel Beach (not to be confused with Carmel River Beach, just a mile south). It's locally renowned for good surf and excellent dog-walking conditions, as well as breathtaking sunsets.

Accra beach, Barbados

The parish of Accra beach is one of eleven parishes of Christ Church, Barbados. Another notable area of Christ Church is Saint Lawrence Gap, which is the most lively tourist area on the island. Many of the taverns and clubs in St. Lawrence are frequented by locals and tourists.

Hulopoe beach, Hawaii

Formerly known as the “Pineapple Island,” where for decades the fruit was grown by the Dole Company, Lanai is now a remote and secluded vacation destination. Hulopoe Beach Park is an exquisite pocket beach at the head of Hulopoe Bay. Hulopoe has some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii due to the rich variety of colorful fish and stunningly clear water.

Anakena beach, Chile

Anakena beach is known for its warm water and white sand, as well as the two monuments that were restored in 1954: Ahu Ature Huki and Nau Nau. It has an incredible archaeological value because it was the first ancient city in the island, founded by the first king of Rapa Nui, Ariki Hotu Matua.

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fernandina Beach is a port city in Nassau County, Florida, on Amelia Island. It is a part of Greater Jacksonville, the city itself being 25 miles northeast of Downtown. Fernandina Beach is also Florida's northernmost city, and is known for its annual shrimping events, its historic downtown, and its marina.

Jade Star beach, Philippines

Patrick's on the Beach and The New Patrick’s on Cloud 9 resort in General Luna, on beautiful Siargao Island is a Philippine Beach Resort with a lush tropical private setting, and beautiful white sand beaches. Perfect for A Honeymoon Destination. Ideal for Diving, Surfing, Fishing, Jungle Hiking, Caving, Mountain Climbing.

St. Andrews Beach, Scotland

Well-known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing.

Ipanema beach, Brazil

Granted, it is one of the most urban beaches on the planet – but still, it’s Brazil’s most popular tanning spot. And, we think it’s one of the best for people-watching. Ipanema Beach has it all – with street vendors stopping by with local favorite snacks, seafood and coconuts.

Roatan Beach, Honduras

Roatan Eco Friendly Dive and Beach Front Resort, BananaramaDive is blessed with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, sparkling white sand and beautiful lush tropical trees and plants. This is certeanly an island dream vacation for those who want to escape the stress of everyday life and relax Roatan Island style.

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An everyman's guide to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- "Laid back" is not the way I'd describe Los Angeles.

Although it is true that your typical L.A. resident probably functions at a more relaxed pace than a Wall Street trader during a selloff, I think many Southern Californians are high-energy. They just focus all that adrenaline differently.

In L.A., a lot of people put plenty of effort into their social life, whether it's taking off for a great entertainment event or someone's outdoor soiree, screaming for the Dodgers, Lakers, Trojans or Bruins, making an event of a great meal, or trekking to the beach, hiking or some other form of exercise. I describe the vibe as "work hard and play hard, too."

Let's establish that if you are looking for ultra-expensive, nose-in-the-air, glitterati experiences in Los Angeles, I am a lousy source. But if you want a working man's guide, here goes:

Which restaurant would you take a loved one to for an anniversary or other special occasion?

The SmokeHouse is an old-school Hollywood haunt that features dark booths and great beef and is just a model's runway walk from Warner Brothers Studios (a CNN sister company).

For intimacy, sneak into a barely lit table, and at night you may hear some great crooner or pianist plinking away. The Sunday brunch is pure hedonism, as you drink mimosas to wash down crab legs, crème brûlée, tacos, tri-tip sirloin and crepes. Enjoy the sideshow while aging studio characters in absurd hats and an array of wannabe entertainers forage for their seventh serving.

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Pantai Koka, The Next Dream Beach

Nusa Tenggara Timur - Daratan Flores tidak henti-hentinya menawarkan pemandangan alam yang eksotis. Di tengah2 petualangan Cika menyusuri keindahan alam Flores, ternyata masih ada satu tempat yang sangat menarik namun sepertinya jarang dijamah manusia (tpi jangan berpikir tempatnya di alam gaib lho ya ). Sebenarnya sudah ada jalan menuju ke tempat ini,namun kurang banyak orang yang mengetahui tempat ini karena jalan masuknya agak kurang terlihat dan papan penunjuk arahnya sudah tidak jelas lagi menunjuk kea rah mana,hehe..

Tpi jangan khawatir,Cika bakal ngasi sedikit petunjuk untuk dapat mencapai lokasi ini. Dengan ditemani oleh seorang sahabat asli putra Flores, Cika memulai perjalanan menuju Pantai Koka, The Dream Beach dari kota Maumere. Dengan menyusuri jalan yang berkelok2 selama hampir 1 jam menuju arah Ende, akhirnya Cika tiba di Kecamatan Paga yang merupakan lokasi pantai ini. Nah, setelah mencapai Paga tinggal tengok2 ke kiri jalan, karena nantinya akan ada papan petunjuk arah menuju pantai. Pada saat nyari papan petunjuk jalan mesti focus, nda boleh lirik2 yg laen (apa coba ??? :p) karena ukuran papannya cukup kecil dan posisinya sudah tidak normal a.k.a mereng kanan kiri. Kalo nda nemu jalan menuju pantai,padahal kepala udah mereng kiri karena kelamaan nyari n tiba2 sudah sampai di gerbang perbatasan kota Maumere – Ende, itu artinya jalan menuju pantai udah lewat. Tpi jangan khawatir, lewatnya ga jauh ko, coba deh telusuri lagi jalan yg dilalui sebelumnya sambil nanya2 ke warga setempat, pasti deh ketemu.

Kalo udah nemu jalannya, berarti kurang lagi beberapa menit lagi temen2 bakal melihat pemandangan yang sangat indah dan menawan. Dengan hamparan pantai putih bersih dan birunya laut sangat menyejukkan dan menenangkan hati. Dari jalan utama, tinggal menelusuri jalan kecil selama kurang lebih 15 menit. Berhubung jalannya cukup kecil dan kondisinya kurang bagus, Cika saranin sebaiknya kesini naek sepeda motor, ato kalopun menggunakan mobil parkirnya di jalan utama saja trus jalan kaki. Tpi kalo udh yg mahir naek mobil n males jalan kaki, nda papa si naek mobil, cuman ya gitu kalo seandainya ada mobil papas an dari arah berlawanan mesti nyari tempat yg kosong biar mobilnya bisa lewat

Begitu sampai di Pantai Koka, hamparan pasir putih dan birunya laut sudah menyapa Cika dan seolah2 memanggil untuk menikmati keindahan yang ada. Tidak menyia2kan waktu, Cika langsung mengambil kamera Canon Powershoot kesayangan (kamera satu2nya si,hehe) untuk mengabadikan keajaiban alam yang sangat mempesona ini. Rasanya tidak cukup kalo hanya poto2 saja, mesti merasakan juga lembutnya belaian ombak Pantai Koka. Tapi kalo mau berenang disini paling ngga mesti sudah bisa berenang, coz ombaknya cukup besar, bahkan waktu Cika berenang tinggi ombak bisa mencapai 1,5 meter. Cucok banget buat yg hobi surfing.

Menikmati keindahan alam Pantai Koka seperti tiada habisnya, sayangnya keindahan ini belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal. Dalam bayangan Cika, seandainya jalannya diperlebar dan diperbaiki, papan petunjuk arah dibuat dengan design menarik dan permanen, ada fasilitas hotel/cottage, restaurant di pesisir pantai tentunya akan menambah pesona pantai ini. Apalagi ditambah dengan promosi wisata yang gencar ke mancanegara pasti akan semakin banyak wisatawan yang berminat untuk mengunjunjungi Pantai Koka dan tempat2 menarik lainnya di Flores.

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