Sunday 26 October 2008

Tokyo


If you want to experience modern Japan, Tokyo is the city to visit.

About two days are needed to gain a superficial feel for the capital and at least a week to get to know it more intimately.


Places to visit and things to do in Tokyo

Old Tokyo
Visit the excellent Edo-Tokyo Museum and learn about Tokyo's history. Afterwards, explore the nearby Asakusa area around Sensoji Temple where a touch of the old Tokyo can still be experienced.

Futuristic Tokyo
From Shimbashi Station take the Yurikamome, an elevated train across the Rainbow Bridge onto a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. There, visit the shopping and entertainment attractions and view the futuristic architecture and landscape design around Odaiba and Tokyo Big Sight.

Shinjuku
In Shinjuku, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, Tokyo's tallest building, for a free bird's eye view of the city. Then take a look around the area’s department stores. To escape the crowds, take a break in the Shinjuku Gyoen, a spacious city park. In the evening, experience the notorious Kabukicho entertainment district.

Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Jingu
Shibuya and Harajuku are the most popular shopping and entertainment districts for Tokyo's young generation. For some contrast, visit Meiji Shrine, located in a spacious wooded park just next to Harajuku Station.

Imperial Palace, Ginza
Visit Imperial Palace and its East Gardens before exploring Ginza, Tokyo's most expensive and famous shopping district.

Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort, just 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, consists of two separate theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Kids and adults of all ages will love it!

Sunday 19 October 2008

Niagara Falls


The city of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada is home to one of the wonders of the world – Horseshoe Falls, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls (the other side is in New York, USA). Its spectacular views attract 20 million visitors each year.

Beautiful park walkways run alongside the full length of the Niagara River where you can take a leisurely stroll while gazing at the magnificence of the falls.

If you’re more adventurous and want to view the waterfall from somewhere other than the ground, here are some suggestions:

1. From a tunnel behind the falls
Descend 150 ft by elevator then follow a short tunnel to two outdoor observation decks and two portals where you can view the falls from below and behind.

2. From one of many observatory towers in the area.

3. From your hotel room
Hotels line the streets facing the falls. The Sheraton Fallsview has one of the most stunning views.

4. From the Skylon Tower, a very posh, elevated revolving dining room.

5. From a helicopter
This is quite expensive (over $100) but the experience is well worth the money. Book online.

6. From the SkyWheel, a ferris wheel on Clifton Hill, located next to the falls.

7. From the Maid of the Mist, a boat which takes passengers right up to the foot of the falls. You get very wet.


The falls are especially captivating at night, when they are lit up in several different colours.

It’s easy to see why Niagara Falls is the honeymoon capital of the world.

Sunday 12 October 2008

Las Palmas


Las Palmas is the sunny Spanish capital city of the island of Gran Canaria - the largest of the Canary Islands located off the north-western coast of Africa.

It’s a bustling, vibrant city with three beaches and plenty of nightlife. Whether you want to rest and relax with the family or go clubbing with friends, you can do it in Las Palmas.

The weather in Gran Canaria has been referred to as “The best in the world”. I would call it “Hot”. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is a matter of personal taste.

During your trip, stay at the 4-star Reina Isabel Hotel by the main shopping area of Las Palmas. It has 224 rooms and the average price is 78 euros.

It’s well located for Canteras Beach and is the only hotel in the area with its own sun loungers on the beach.


A room with a sea view is a must. Alternatively, the views from the rooftop pool area (with sun loungers) are amazing, and there are screens to shelter you from any wind.

The promenade is just outside the back entrance to the hotel and is perfect for a stroll at any time of the day or early evening.

The food in the hotel is first-rate and there is free internet access in the reception area.


The annual Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is widely known not only in Spain but worldwide and is one of the main attractions for tourists.

Sunday 5 October 2008

Sydney


Located in New South Wales and known as Harbour City and The Gateway to Australia, Sydney is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches.

While the coastlines here are perfect in their natural state, there are quite a few that come with extras anyway - coffee bars, surf lessons, spas and even the odd dolphin, if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Sydney can more than cater to all your seaside needs!

Bondi Beach


The most famous beach in Sydney – if not the whole of Australia – has to be Bondi Beach. It’s a whole kilometre of golden sand and the closest beach to the centre of Sydney at approximately 20 minutes drive.

There is a vibrant café and restaurant scene on Bondi. Check out Campbell Parade, a strip of outdoor cafés and ice-cream bars running along the back of the beach. Just a street back from the parade you’ll find shops selling beachwear and streetwear.

On the beach itself you can learn to surf with Let’s Go Surfing, relax in the Icebergs Pool [above pic] or take part in the daily Bondi to Bronte Walk, starting from Bondi Beach and ending up at Tamarama Beach (nicknamed Glamarama) in Bronte, with refreshment stops and magnificent views along the way.

Manly Beach


More relaxed than Bondi, but somehow managing to be just as vibrant and fun, Manly Beach has all the essential criteria for a great day out – sun, sea, sand, surf, shops and spectacular views, not to mention a world-class dining scene.

Check out Oceanworld Manly, a fish’s-eye view of the underwater world. If you’re brave enough, try Shark Dive Xtreme, a scuba session with sharks. If you’re not that fearless, but still feeling adventurous, take a guided boat or shore dive with Dive Centre Manly.

For something a bit less adrenalin-filled, join the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk - a 10km stroll along beaches, through parks and forests and over cliffs and bushland.

At the weekend there’s the Manly Arts and Crafts Market, where you can buy such things as candles, jewellery, woodwork, paintings, leather and glassware.


Sydney and its beaches have been described as bold, brash and beautiful and this certainly seems to be the case. If you ever happen to be passing by Oz on your travels, stop and say “hi” to Sydney!