Here is our final blog post and a travel video we have created all about global travel!
It is a look at four of the amazing places we have featured in our blog posts, including our own personal insights into these great travel destinations.
A spotlight is placed on the east coast of Australia, China, Oman and Maldives, with each segment being compiled by Emily, Jessica, Anwar and Luke respectively, who also edited the video together and added the title and ending.
Thank you for visiting our blog, we really hoped you enjoyed it!
So, I already said I wanted to go to Hong Kong, so what's this now? Well, let me tell you about Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton). When most people think of "Cantonese" they think of Hong Kong, and vice-versa. That is because the Cantonese in Hong Kong (be it the language or the food or the culture in general). However what most people don't realise is that Hong Kong is actually a mixed place (where there are lots of smaller groups of people who aren't necessarily Cantonese). Guangzhou, however is heart of the Cantonese culture. The reason that Cantonese is the language of Hong Kong is because the overwhelming majority of people there were from Guangzhou or descended of Guangzhou people.
Enough boredom, please, let's move on to the next point. OK, so, Guangzhou, like Hong Kong, is a very busy city, and it's got a shiny sky-scraper side, as well as a, ummm, less shiny sky-scraper-y side.
The city may not have much in terms of sight seeing from a tourist's point of view, but it's got enough to offer me...I basically like any place with lots of people that is busy. However I do not like a place where I would find out that these people are all robots, ones that you cannot interact with and all carry a weird cold aura and demeanour. I like a place where I can feel that people's expressions vary, as do their personalities. I feel that Guangzhou will offer that. I intend to go there in July in the same trip that will take me to Hong Kong...yay!!
Alright, I'll see you guys soon!! All the best! Explorer Anwar signing off...:)
Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. What is Dubai? That name is one that comes up in many different topics...where can you find the tallest building? Dubai. Where can you find the largest shopping centre in the world? Dubai? Which place has many million dollar police cars? Dubai. Skiing inside a shopping mall? Dubai. Random man-made islands that look like palm trees and a miniature version of the earth? You guessed it, Dubai. So, where is Dubai? Well, it's not a country (contrary to popular belief), it's a city inside the UAE. The UAE a group of emirates that have united together to form one country, and Dubai is such an emirate.
It is always hard to find an appropriate picture of Dubai as it is very varied. It also changes rapidly. I have been to Dubai a countless number of times, the first time being in 1999 to transit in the airport, and then every year from 2004 to 2008, and finally just last December and again in February. As an example, in 2004 I could see the first of the Palm Islands being built, at the time obviously a quite a way from completion. However, by 2005, the island was already completed, and in 2006, we actually stayed on a hotel on the island! Just this year I went to Dubai to transit on my way to and from Kuwait. On my return in Australia, I spent one night in a hotel near the airport. It must say though, I hardly recognised the city, it had changed so much! Take a look at these examples of Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the most important roads in Dubai:
See what I mean? But Dubai isn't all just city with fancy shops and nice looking things, it's actually got a lot of history as well. You can go out to the markets and purchase different foods, spices, gold, clothes and many other things! You can go out to the desert and live for a while and stay in a traditional tent like place and experience traditional hospitality.
And look at those police cars! These aren't even a fraction of the ones they have!
Hong Kong...a British colony for a couple hundred years up until the year 1997, when it was then returned to China. It is a bustling metropolis with a busy central business district as well as open-air market areas.
Hong Kong is divided into three regions; Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon were given to the British in the 1800s while the New Territories are leased to them in 1898 for 99 years (hence Hong Kong's return to China in 1997).
To understand Hong Kong you must understand it's unique situation. How do you take a "colony" from one country and give it to another country with a completely different set of rules and way of life? Hong Kong was given back to China on the condition that it would be able to govern itself for at least another 50 years.
Enough about the history though, why am I talking about Hong Kong? Well, I actually haven't been there yet, but I do intend to go in July. It is a place of great interest to me, so why not blog about it, yes? Well, I imagined that I knew a lot about it, but it turns out that I don't, I mean I know more about Malaysia than I about Hong Kong (and I'd hardly been to Malaysia).
It is also very interesting to me because of it mixture of the British culture and the Chinese culture. A lot of things in Hong Kong operate closer to the British way when compared to the way these things are done in Mainland China.
Anyhow, a place of interest in Hong Kong would be the Mong Kok market, or markets. Open air, noisy, lots of people, random products (and probably lots of counterfeits)...ahhh, I'm homesick already!!
I mean just look at that!! I can smell the street food from here! Or is that just my instant noodles cooking? I'm not sure, I'm quite hungry but I really cannot wait to go!
Th-th-th-that's all folks! Explorer Anwar over and out!
Malaysia is a wonderful place with a lot of variety, but I never had the chance to fully experience it. I come from Kuwait, so I would transit there sometimes on my to Australia or back. However, the last time I was there I decided to stay there a little longer. Besides, I might be able to meet some of my Malaysian friends along the way. I would also have a chance to practice my Malay with the locals (turns out that I would hardly use it, as their English is way too good). I spent about a day and a half in the downtown of Kuala Lumpur, taking a 30-40 minute train ride from my airport hotel.
I did get to see the efficiency of the train system, I got to eat in mall food courts as well as little places on the side of the road.
Malaysia has three major ethnicities (along with three different cultures). The Malays, which is by far the biggest population, the Indians (of which a lot are Tamil), and the Chinese.You get to experience the foods from all the different cultures, along with hearing languages of all the different people. I went there during Chinese new year, and saw some Chinese new year shows inside a shopping mall, quite nice.
This was the first time I'd ever gone on a trip by myself, and I learnt a lot from it. I had made no planning whatsoever, and as soon as I checked in to the hotel and put my stuff in my room, I headed out, armed with only my phone and 500 MB of data to use during my stay. With that, I used Google for directions, as well as asking random people, and had a wonderful experience that I would have never otherwise had had I gone with my family.
The weather at that time of year (February) was a nightmare though, it was unbearable hot, and very, very humid. Whatever nice drink that I'd just consumed would simply evaporate into the atmosphere and rendering me thirsty again.
By the way, there is something I'd heard stories about, but never seen in person...paid bathrooms!! Wow! I wonder what's it like inside, is it a palace bathroom or what? In any case, I'll guess that will be it for now, until then, Best regards my fellow travelers, My name is Anwar and I'm off to somewhere new!
Yes, while it is important to experience other places and cultures, such as those described in other blog posts, it is just as important to look around your own backyard, in my case being Australia. Whether it is natural wonders, a centuries old Indigenous culture, attractions, history, culture, sports or amazing wildlife you are looking for, Australia has it on offer!
Being an island, Australia is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, for instance those found at Noosa and Bondi. Natural beauty is evident all around this amazing country with breathtaking sights found at the Bungle Bungles, the Twelve Apostles, Wave Rock, The Three Sisters, Lake Eyre, the Daintree Rainforest, Shark Bay, Kimberley and the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Some of these sites are of a large importance to Aborigines, having 40,000 year old culture, being focuses of stories of the Dreaming which forms the foundation of their belief system. Other such places include Kakadu National Park, which contains rock paintings, and Uluru, a sacred Aboriginal site.
Looking for fun? Well the Gold Coast has you covered featuring attractions such as Australia’s tallest building, Q1 Tower, Sea World, Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Australia’s capital Canberra, is an historical hub, home to the Royal Australian Mint, Australian War Memorial, Australian Parliament House, Old Parliament House, National Gallery, National Library of Australia and National Archives of Australia, as well as, Questacon, Mount Ainslie, Floriade, Telstra Tower and the Australian Institute of Sport.
Aside from the key landmarks people most commonly associate with Sydney, such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Sydney Tower, this city has so much more on offer, such as Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium and Cockatoo Island, not to mention beautiful Sydney Harbour, the Rocks, Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Olympic Park, the venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Famous for being a sporting nation, some of our biggest sporting events include the Tennis Australian Open, Formula One Australian Grand Prix, Rugby Union Bledisloe Cup, NRL Grand Final and State of Origin, AFL Grand Final, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Melbourne Cup Horse Race, Cricket Ashes and Boxing Day Test, Bathurst 1000, Golf Australian Open and A-League Grand Final.
If culture is more your thing, head down to Melbourne for an assortment of restaurants, bars, cafes, shopping, laneways and markets.
Make sure to say hello to Australia’s unique wildlife, the most famous of which being kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, dingos, platypus’, wallabies and wombats in addition to stunning native plants. Make sure you watch out for crocodiles!
With numerous islands surrounding the Australian mainland, such as Fraser Island and Kangaroo Island, it is so important to look further that what you experience everyday and experience all this amazing country has to offer. The possibilities are limitless!
Experience a luxurious city living in architectural
masterpieces, with some magnificent views seen from the sands SkyPark at Marina BaySands,
designed by a famous architect, Moshe Safdie. Expect it to be crowded, full of
both joggers and businessmen alike, whizzing their way through the Marina Bay the
place that they call home.
Feel like taking a relaxing walk next to the
waterfront? Marina Bay’s got you covered, take the waterfront promenade, a walk
that’s right to the water’s edge, decorated with artistic sculptures. You might
even come across boat races or musical performances. You never know what you’ll
come across in such a lively city.
Treat yourself to Singapore’s natural scenery, the 101
hectare Gardens by the Bay, just a short trip from Marina’s Bay should be added
to your list if you’re planning to stay at Marina’s Bay. You will find; flower domes, Supertrees,
Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes, Far East organization Children’s Garden, and
even a Cloud forest.
A
well-known historical river in Singapore, containing three famous Quays: Boat Quay Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Here there are many various
activities to do, from dinning, to theatre, to an electrifying night life in
clubs and festivals that are held during different times of the year. This
website here even offers “deals of the month” for those visiting Clarke Quay, the fun never stops.
Singapore even include in a touch of Chinese culture,
having their very own trendy Chinatown. This place is very rich in heritage,
and pretty much has everything you can think have when someone says
“Chinatown”: temples, to souvenir shops, local food stalls, bars, traditional
store and even museums. The best time to visit is in February, when the annual
Chinese New Year Festivals are held.
A signature marketing icon of Singapore is depicted as
a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a body of a fish. Being so widely
used it has become a national personification of Singapore. This famous sculpture
is positioned at the waterfront of Merlion Park, and even has a fishy tale
attached to its origin and symbolism. The Merlion stands at 8.6 metres all and
weight approximately 70 tonnes, sprouting water from its mouth.
Mount Fuji is the tallest standing mountain in Japan,
at 3,776 meters high sitting at the boarders of Shizuoka and Yamanashi. Quite
often Mt. Fuji has been used as a subject in literature and paintings becoming
a world renowned symbol of Japan. There are “checkmark points” if you’ve made
plans or are planning to climb Mt. Fuji. At the foot is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine – a place that celebrate the “Yabusame
Festival” during May, consisting of samurai performances-
Awaji is well known for its beautiful flowers that
bloom whilst in season, and their fine beaches both on the east and west
coasts. Nowadays, a lot more tourists come here cycling around the island,
visiting the beaches, watching a puppet theatre, or doing something a bit more
traditional, such as visiting the water temple, or going to an Onsen (hot
spring) to relax.
The Meiji Shrine has a strong connection to its
history, it is dedicated to the spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress
Shoken. The original shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was
rebuilt shortly after. Two tori gates stand at the entrance to the shrine,
passing beyond this point is considered to be a sacred place. The shrine
features beautiful scenery including; inner garden, treasure house annex, the treasure
house, and a kaguraden. The Meiji Shrines holds multiple festival every year; Meiji
Jingu’s spring festival, fall festival, sumo grand champion ceremony, national
foundation day, and prayer ceremony for agricultural fertility.
Nara Park is a large park sitting in Central Nara, and
is the location of many of Nara’s main attractions including; Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha,
Kofukuji, and Nara’s National museum. The Nara Park is home to hundreds of free
roaming deer, considered in Shinto (one of Japan’s main religion) to be the
messengers of Gods, and the deer became a symbol of the city. Deer crackers are
for sale near the part and visitors are allowed to feed the deer. 5Harajuku
Harajuku, a very popular fashion and shopping district
in Tokyo. However the Harajuku fashion is repeatedly confused for cosplay (costume
playing), hence a bridge near Harajuku station has become a cosplaying area. Here
many young Japanese dress in costumes to look like their favourite rock stars
or anime characters. The food, or clothes offered in this area tend to be
cheaper as well, as it attracts the young people, or just ones who are low on
money but want to spend something decent for themselves.
South Africa, located at the base of the African continent, is an incredible country with a fascinating culture, and actually has three capitals - Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein. Its tourism site advertises that ‘go almost anywhere in SA and experience the ultimate combo of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and vibe’ and this post will explain why!
Popular tourist spots to visit include Cape Peninsula and Johannesburg, at which the rich history of South Africa’s freedom struggle can be explore at the Apartheid Museum.
The nation is home to innumerable natural wonders such as The Blyde River Canyon and the Garden Route, at which you should definitely experience the canopy tour, zip lining across 10 platforms 30m above the ground!
The ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, South Africa offers over 130 adrenaline pumping adventures, from the highest commercial bungee jump in the word at 216 metres at Bloukrans Bridge to tubing down Storms River, or do both at Victoria Falls, which offers an 111 meter bungee jump and whitewater rafting down the Zambezi River. If you are really looking for a thrill, you could go Shark Cage Diving at the notorious channel, Shark Alley!
If your interested in larger marine animals, 42.5 km away from Shark Alley is Hermanus a frequently visited spot by tourists for whale watching.
On land however, there are an abundance of national parks and reserves rich with the countries unique flora and fauna, and at which you can partake in breathtaking safari experiences. One of the most popular is Kruger National Park where you can see lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos and elephants up close. http://www.krugerpark.com/?gclid=CLGUgr-B2cwCFYGavAodqX4CRQ
However, South Africa also provides the unique opportunity for visitors to contribute to conservation projects, helping wildlife such as penguins and turtles at Maputaland’s beaches, giving you a chance to have an unforgettable experience, but also give back.
Have a look at some Wildlife Volunteer Project Websites
While people in dirndl and lederhosen may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Austria, this European nation has so much more to offer. From its absolutely beautiful mountain scenery to its world renowned food, such as Wiener Apfelstrudel and Wiener Schnitzel, Austria i spectacularly diverse. There are numerous wine regions in the country, such as in Vienna, which is the ‘only world capital with a significant wine production within it's city limits’. However, today there will be a spotlight on the Austrian city of Salzburg. Situated on the German border, Salzburg, the ‘Stage of the World’, is the birthplace of Mozart the famous classical composer, and is an Austrian cultural centre, home to many historical sights, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, numerous museums, and around 4,000 cultural events, such as the Salzburg Jazz Festival. However, the city is most famous for its featuring as the location in the 1965 musical film, ‘The Sound of Music’, which contributes to 70% of overseas visitors to the city. There are numerous tours around Salzburg showcasing the sites at which scenes of the movie where filmed, including singing tour guides, bicycle tours, horse drawn carriage guides or original bus tour. Take a look at the list below of sites frequently visited by such tours and their relation to the film • Leopoldskron Palace - Residence of the Von Trapps in the film, accommodation available • Frohnburg Palace - Residence of the Von Trapps in film
• Hellbrunn Palace and grounds - Gazebo in ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ and ‘Something Good’ • Nonnberg Abbey Benedictine Monastery - Convent in the film • Mozart Bridge - ‘Do Re Mi’ • Mirabell Palace and Gardens - ‘Do Re Mi’ • Hedge Maze & Gnome Park - ‘Do Re Mi’ • Werfen Picnic Meadow - ‘Do Re Mi’ • Residence Square and Fountain - ‘I Have Confidence’ • Felsenreitschule - Salzburg Festival scene • Villa Trap - The Original Sound of Music Family Home, accommodation available Book a tour for yourself! http://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/guided_tours/tours_from_salzburg/sound_of_music Austria receives snowfall from October to May, making it a haven for winter sports. The nation is a perfect place to go to relax or partake in activities such as cycling, walking and hiking, with April to October being the best time to do so, whilst taking in the idyllic views So go and experience Austria for yourself! - Emily
A place
strong with Korea’s history, Gyeongbokgung or more commonly called the Northern
palace - named so due to it’s geographical location, being the most north out
of all the palaces in the area - is built back in the 14th century, and is
located in northern Seoul. It is the largest out of the Five Grand Palaces and served as the home of the kings during the
Joseon dynasty. Nowadays, it is used to
hold tours of the palace, or to hold Korea’s cultural festivities.
America is known for their White House, Korea is known for
their Blue House. Korea’s Blue House is the official residence of the South
Korean president of the republic of Korea, located in the capital city, Seoul.
You can join a tour , taking you through;
Standing at
a height of 236 metres N Seoul Tower is
one of many attractions in South Korea and offers visitors a panoramic view of
the Seoul city and its surrounding natural landscapes. The N in the name means
“new” and it was renovated to include new lighting systems into the tower,
co-ordinating it to fit the season or event. Visitors are encouraged to try out
their revolving restaurant that is featured in the tower.
The Jogyesa temple is
a major Zen Buddhism center in Korea,
and is famous for the location of its establishment, the city. One of the first
things you’ll notice about this temple are the trees that surround the
building. The trees being approximately 500 years old, standing around 26
metres are quite a sight to see,
providing a natural element to the temple as well as nice shade during
the day. The Jogyesa Temple holds multiple festivals every year; Yeon Deung Hoe
( lotus lantern festival ), or Buddha’s birthday are some examples. Visitors
are allowed to stay overnight at the temple and partake in various activities during the Temple stay programs.
Myeong - dong is one of Seoul’s primary shopping district.
Featuring many brand name shops
department stores that stretches across streets and alleys; clothing
departments, shoes, accessories hair salons, banks and theatres are included.
Myeong - dong are also known for their multi-cultural family restaurants, fast food, western and
Japanese style foods.
Fiji is yet another pacific island nation that boasts some of the most crystal waters and activities for all. Suva is the capital of Fiji and where most people go through when they first arrive. from there its a drive or a boat trip to your destination. One destination is the Shangri-la resort about an hours drive west of Suva.
The resort boasts many activities that you would expect in a tropical island resort such as surfing, all types of water sports including banana boat rides to a popular activity of simply relaxing by the pool.
One other popular activity is the tour through the local village only a quick walk around the beach. Even if you don't want to walk you can get horseback rides around the the village. Another way you can get there is with old steam train ride tour that takes you to various places which include the local markets where you can buy a vast array of locally made arts and crafts. It also includes a tour of the local caves with significance to the locals. The island also has its own golf course so you can keep your skills in touch while your away. It also has big game fishing tours off shore.
Moving further abroad,
Fiji also has some small resort only islands that are famous for beautiful snorkeling and diving. One of these is the Mana Island resort which is further north and an hours boat ride. You can also get small plane to the island which is a scenic way to see the islands from above, however the boat trip is just a scenic with plenty of fish and dolphins to be seen.
On the island they boast some of the best diving tours in Fiji as well as fishing tours. If this isn't your thing there is plenty of other things to do. If seeing the sights is more your thing than the small lookout atop the island mountain is the thing for you. The lookout over looks neighboring mountainous island as well as the huge natural lagoon. You can also you a round trip of the island taking in the palm tree lined beaches.
If crafts is your thing they offer grass skirt making for both kids and adults. They also offer activities in local culture such Ta Tavu which is a local cooking method that creates a delicate blend of flavors for everyone to try. For a bit of light hearted action you and the kids can also participate in crab racing daily. And if those kids won't leave you alone there is a kids club to keep them entertained all day and night while you sit by the pool and and sip on a cocktail.
Only a 4 hour flight from Syndey, Fiji is place that will capture your imagination and keep you wanting more!
