Get your feet busy with Dakar’s intrinsic string of hotspots

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No matter how small a place is when it started, there will come a time that it will expand to greater lengths and heights. Formerly a tiny patch of land and is inhabited by a miniscule number of people, Dakar is nothing but a speck of a place in its mother country, Senegal.

As time passed by, this shy town has significantly evolved into something more interesting and more worthy of a traveler’s attention. Dakar now has spread, when it comes to its land and citizen reach, and it’s far from the possibility that it will cease in doing so.

Get your excitements at high notes when you visit Dakar as you will be introduced to a world where people can be seen riding horses in the middle of the day while others are riding luxurious vehicles careening the depths of the city.

Furthermore, put your doubts at bay when you have seen how inviting Dakar’s waters are, and so as the numerous number of cafes, museums and landmarks that is made to tickle the fancy.

Location

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Being a Senegal’s capital city, Dakar is spanning a huge sum of land area and is subdivided into 19 smaller towns. Currently, Dakar’s populace is at 2.46 million as of last check and this town also serves as an administrative center for the country.

Dakar’s specific location is at Africa’s westernmost tip, which gives the city a fair advantage to welcome trade and industry on its shorelines. Known to be on Atlantic Coast’s Cap-Vet Peninsula, Dakar is also being bordered by smaller and neighboring towns of Wolof and Sereer.

Climate

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According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Dakar is shelved under the hot semi-arid climate, which technically means that the dry season is longer significantly that the wet weather phase.

Eight months have been covered as hot and dry and rainfall can only be experienced from July to October within a mean average of 6.6 inches of precipitation.

In an annum, Dakar’s mean temperature is at 24.93-degree Celsius and can go as low as 10-degrees Celsius when winds from the monsoon affects the ambient temperature.

Sea breezes are mainly responsible for the cities mellowed down heat all year-round.

Transportation

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The main way for you to get in and out of Dakar via air travel is through the country’s main air terminal at the Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport, which is being served by Senegal Airlines.

Through this airport, you’d have the chance to be transported to other nearby cities across Central and Western Africa such as Ziguinchor, Cap Skiring and Banjul. Dakar also has a train station for locals and travelers to use with the main terminal located 500 meters from the city center.

Through the Dakar Train Lines, you’d be able to extend your travel by getting into neighboring cities such as Bamako. Dakar Dem Dikk buses are scattered all over the city that would provide you a cheap way of circling the city and all that’s found within.

Taxi and car rentals are the most common mode of transportation that can be availed while in Dakar, though many former travelers have mentioned that the price is quite hefty.

What to See

Village des Arts

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If you want to know how creative and art-inclined Dakar locals are, then you might want to put Village Des Arts as one of your priority places to visit.

This arts complex is housing the most recent and most valued Senegal works from photos to paintings and photographs.

The gallery that can be found on-site displays a wide array of work collection and if lucky, you’d be able to meet the creators just within the grounds of the complex.

Medina

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Famously known as one of Dakar’s most visited neighborhoods, Medina is a clear testament of how well residents have successfully infused several culture and ways of living into one unified clump.

Get yourself knowing differences in heritage as Medina has several shops focusing on various pegs.

Musee Theodore Monod

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Get the general African art and understand its origins when you visit the Musee Theodore Monod and be saturated with almost 9000 objects of arts on display.

Coming from other African countries such as Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Benin and Nigeria, feast thy eyes on traditional dresses and playful masks, designs and tangible works of arts and all the talent prevalent within the confines of this establishment.

Palais Presidentiel

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As what the name says, Palais Presidentiel is the current place where the President of Senegal resides in. Despite the fact that the inside of the complex is off-limits to locals and travelers, this architectural and historical wonder is a great spot for souvenir photos and an avenue for you to experience how tight the security is for their leader just a few meters away from where you might be standing.

http://laurenceourac.com/get-your-feet-busy-with-dakars-intrinsic-string-of-hotspots/

Images
(1) www.commons.wikimedia.org
(2) www.wolofresources.org
(3) www.suggestkeyword.com
(4) www.en.wikipedia.org
(5) www.agrovessenegal.blogspot.com
(6) www.dereksbiketrip.com 
(7) www.africanah.org
(8) www.artyficielles.wordpress.com

When the cities won’t do it, travel to Foula

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When you’re tired of the crowd, tired of the noise, tired of the smoke, tired of the traffic jams, the buildings and everything in the city that suffocates you, Foula is the perfect place to take a breather.

Referred as “the place place at the edge of the world,” you’ll hear nothing but the crashing of waves, noise from the birds, and see nothing but a wide expense of the uninterrupted nature.

LOCATION

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Foula is considered Britain’s most remote inhabited island as well as the worlds. This little island of three and half miles in length and two miles and half in width is situated more or less 20 miles off the shore mainland Shetland.

Surrounded by five towering peaks – Da Noup, Hamnafield, Da Sneug, Da Kame, and Soberlie – Foula has never felt so small and remote.

CLIMATE

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Foula shares Shetland temperate maritime climate. It is characterized by mild and wet summer and hurricane-infested months. Since the island is so far north, the sun can stay as long as 19 hours during the summer and can be short as six hours during the winter.

The whole of Shetland is a windy place and can go foggy in times. However, Foula is excused to fog due to its location. Another notable climate characteristic of Foula is it enjoys mild temperatures with snows infrequent and more on gale and sleets thanks to the sea.

TRANSPORTATION

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Despite being a remote place, reaching Foula is relatively easy. Once you reach Shetland there are two ways to proceed to Foula: through air and through the sea. Ferry services going to Foula are available in the west mainland of Shetland.

It takes not less than two hours, but not more than three hours to reach the island. The ferries operate only three times a week, so you need to book beforehand for your arrival and return trip. Another one is through a boat operating every Wednesday. It will transport you at an early morning and return for you at the evening.

The other mode is by chartered air service, seating eight people and operates four times a week. You can explore the island for hours before it brings you back to the mainland.

ATTRACTION

Physiology of Foula

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The general appearance of Foula is a vast plain snuggled in between towering peaks whose cliffs are carved and molded into layered sandstone by constant exposure to the thrashing waves. This makes up for a beach filled with rugged stones that sometimes look like remnants of a massive storm.

Apart from its appearance, its physiological characteristics have also resulted to inconsistent weather. On the valley between its peaks, the wind could drop and you’ll be rewarded with a blue sky, a vast expense carpeted with wild flowers and lush greenery wherever you look at. Better enjoy it while it lasts as the storm may be not too far behind.

Wildlife

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Foula meaning “Bird Island,” its name is a fine description to tell how many birds are nestled in this island. There are a lot of rare species of birds to be seen in Foula, but the most common residents are the Great Skuas. Foula is known to be the largest colony of these birds and for years, the zoologists of Glasgow University made this island an important research spot.

Apart from the birds, other animals such as seals, porpoises and killer whales are making an appearance on and offshore of the island.

Culture and Tradition

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Another source of wonder in Foula is its people. With a population of not more than 50, the residents of Foula make do with what is on the island and continue to be happy.

They also have a different culture. For a start, there still follow the Julian calendar abandoned by Britain two centuries and half ago. Meaning, they celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January and New Year on the 13th.

Food from groceries is also delivered by plane, in which they are also the means to transport a mother to the hospital to deliver a baby. When asked on why they continue to live in a remote area, these residents all have their own reason that all boils down to what they feel would bring them happiness.

http://laurenceourac.com/when-the-cities-wont-do-it-travel-to-foula/

Images:
(1.) http://i4.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk/incoming/article4769184.ece/ALTERNATES/s1023/JS52543977.jpg
(2.) https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/8/80/Shetland,_c._1845.jpg
(3.) http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article4782773.ece/ALTERNATES/s1023/Weather-10th-December-2014.jpg
(4.) http://www.shetland.org/site/assets/files/1989/20140708180643-_dsc2996.1680×0.jpg
(5.) https://wovember.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/9hapshawllandscape.jpg
(6.) http://www.shetland.org/site/assets/files/1546/bird_watching.1680×0.jpg
(7.) http://www.shetland.org/site/assets/files/1250/img_1268_c_nick_law.jpg

The Stark Scintillating Bodo

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A place not only open to the see, but to its visitors as well, Bodo is a well-loved tourist spot that always holds a tender spot for anyone visiting it.

Warm locals, rugged peaks, scintillating landscape and starkly beautiful place from day to night, you wouldn’t want to miss the gateway to the country’s true north.

LOCATION

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Dubbed as the gateway to Norway’s true north, Bodo is the capital of the county of Nordland, where the undeniably Kystriksveien Coastal Route ends.

A city opens to the sea, it is only 63 kilometers away west of Fauske of the Arctic Highway.

Bodo is considered to be the second largest city in the northern part of Norway boasting 46, 000 inhabitants and a thriving economy.

CLIMATE

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Ever heard of the midnight sun? The northern part of Norway is famous for those. In Bodo, the sun shines non-stop for the whole month during the time of summer. It usually happens from June 4 until July 8.

This natural phenomenon offers longer time for activities and for visitors, a reason not to sleep at night and bathe in the mystic light (but not really mystical when explained by science).

However, our energy does not last forever unfortunately. Hotels in Bodo have thicker and darker curtains, so sleeping for visitors should not be a problem.

For anyone sleeping in a simple fisherman’s cabin on the other hand, pack up with sleep masks.

For a general climate of Bodo, it has a milder climate compared to the other coasts of similar latitude in the world. Summer and winter also has only little differences.

TRANSPORTATION

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For tourists visiting from outside the country, the best option is to book a flight to Oslo. From Oslo, it is a 90-minute flight to Bodo’s airport located only two kilometers away from the city center.

You can also aboard the Hurtigruten ship, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the famous Norwegian coastline.

ATTRACTIONS

Adventures by the Sea and Beyond

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Bodo offers a lot of activities. The most popular and has plenty of activities are the coastal adventures in which you will not only see the beautiful seascape but also the small islands offshore.

One of the famous coastal destinations is Saltstraumen. Located 33 kilometers away from Bodo, you will see the world’s strongest maelstrom. Yet, while these whirlpools are undoubtedly one of the finest shows of nature, you will also find in Saltstraumen other simple pleasures such as fishing. 

These places are teeming with them. The most common are cod, halibut, saithe and wolf fish.

Beyond the mainland are small islands with small fishing villages in which you can see by boats. In there, you will see the white-tailed eagles also known as the sea eagles.

Activities Under the Midnight Sun

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For all of their simplicity, usual activities are made remarkable under the midnight sun.

The dramatic landscape of countrysides, the bustle of the city, and the glowing golden orange tinge of the sky brings the visitors into the edge of their emotions that even golfing, kayaking and the likes are more enjoyable and pumping activities.

City Wonders

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Destroyed during the World War II, Bodo has only few to boast architecturally. One of the historical sites that survived is the Bodin Church dates far back in the 1200. Another one is the museums in Bodo, which are the Norwegian Aviation Museum and Nordland Museum famous for aviation chronicles and recreational areas, respectively.

Where truly lies the charm of Bodo is in its arts and cultural activities. You can enjoy a seaside beer gathering with friends overlooking the sculptures on the breakwater. You can also attend a violin concert, or – if that isn’t your taste – a rock concert in the city center.

Northern Lights

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It wouldn’t be a trip to the north without seeing the northern lights. Perhaps the simplest and most enjoyed part of touring Bodo would be gazing at this hazy dance of shimmering emerald lights.

Together with your family or friends, it is a great highlight for the trip.

The northern lights can only be seen from the months of September to April next year.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-stark-scintillating-bodo/

Images:
(1.) http://www.visitbodo.com/sites/v/visitbodo.com/files/c8e8ec63edc12bd4bd5a599a350d06a3.jpg
(2.) http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/norway_rel96.jpg
(3.) http://fjordtravel.no/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/000974_Reiner-Schaufler_www.nordnorge.com_Berg-1024×685.jpg
(4.) http://www.siemens.cz/siemjetstorage/files/58131_Bodo$airport.jpg
(5.) http://www.visitbodo.com/sites/v/visitbodo.com/files/122203488.jpeg
(6.) http://www.nordnorge.com/sites/n/nordnorge.com/files/827904931.jpeg
(7.) http://2015.iswi.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2015/05/Stueba_iswi1.jpg
(8.) https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7286/16749860316_f2f5fbd963_b.jpg

Get the medieval feel in Eze

(1) Eze, a hilltop town

Travel back and be taken away as Eze gives you the royal feel with its structures and sights that are truly beautiful.

Get the medieval vibe and walk along the city and discover how anything and everything speaks nothing but the spectacle of the antiquated and one of the most celebrated era in all history.

Location

(2)Eze Village Map

Eze is an ideal travel destination for tourists because it’s blessed with both mountains and seas. Eze is located in French Riviera found in the southwestern part of France.

It’s a mountainous town located in between Nice and Monaco. Locals are called Ezasques. The place covers an area of some 9.47 square kilometers in size.

Climate

(3)Eze on a sunny day

Eze has a tropical climate. The vegetation in this town is a palpable evidence that the place experiences warm weather majority of the year.

Fruits like banana, lemons and oranges grow abundantly, which serves as a proof that the place is blessed with sunny weather most of the time.

March happens to be the warmest while in August occurs the coldest. Driest month is being experienced during December while September is being considered to be the wettest.

Transportation

(4)An Eze road

Nearest airport would be Nice Cote d’Azur International airport. It is 18 km away from the town and can be reached through car drive in approximately 30 minutes. The most accessible mode of transportation, though, would be via bus.

Bus operators are available in Nice, Eze and Monaco. There are scheduled timetables that tourists need to observe when choosing this option as a mode of transportation. Taxi can also be another option, however it’s not advisable due to the fact that the fare costs high.

Attractions

Jardin Exotic d’Eze

(5) Jardin Exotic d’Eze

Also called exotic garden, this located garden allows visitors to see face to face some of the most exotic plants ever existed.

Collections of cactus and succulents from different parts of the world can be found here. The garden is located in Place du General de Gaulle and was founded during World War II.

Streets and architecture

(6) An example if Eze street

If there’s one thing that’s truly amazing about Eze, it would be its alley walks and pedestrian only streets. The sight is very raw with the stoned pathways and amazing view of hills and seas merge into one.

It would be best for tourists to wear their most comfortable shoes to enjoy wandering and discovering the town’s interesting places, points of interests and of course, cuisine.

Artisanal Shops

(7) An Eze souvenir shop

The city knows their popularity with tourists. On a good season, the streets can be crowded due to travelers who roam around to admire and learn more about this unique community, that’s why the place won’t run out of souvenir and artisanal shops.

Learn more about their culture by seeing the types of artworks and key pieces being sold in shops and streets.

http://laurenceourac.com/get-the-medieval-feel-in-eze/

Images:
(1) http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8h9SaFsT__0/maxresdefault.jpg
(2) http://www.mappery.com/maps/Eze-le-Village-Map.jpg
(3) https://theremarkabletraveller.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc_0601.jpg
(4) http://cdn1.vtourist.com/19/5860151-Eze_201ze.jpg?version=2
(5) http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tGVrQT3sGpg/maxresdefault.jpg
(6) https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9e/9c/d5/9e9cd50fb17550066f3b24fe3c962510.jpg
(7) https://wheelsonourfeet.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/europe-842.jpg

Flam: The little paradise in between steep mountains

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Flam, meaning “little place with steep mountains,” is a name that couldn’t be more apt to describe this seemingly children storybook-ripped place. With its mountains glistening in winter snow and blooming in the spring season, winding waterscape of rivers and waterfalls, lush meadows with farms dating far back in history, and together with all its in-between, Flam – simply put – is a salve for anyone looking for a break.

LOCATION

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This little village of less than a thousand population is cradled by one of Sognefjord’s arms, Aurlandsfjord. Surrounded by other scenic points such as Myrdal in the southeast in Ulvik in the south, Flam offers a lot of activities that go to-and-from in this place.

Also, another part of the benefits of its location are its nearness to Sognefjord’s another offshoot, Naeroyfjord. Since Flam is situated in the western coast of Norway, it belongs to the long line of scenic railway called Flamsbana.

CLIMATE

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You can visit Flam anytime of the year; yet there is a notable influx of visitors from summer to fall where it’s evident on the number of cruise ships squeezing on its fjords during these seasons.

However, the other seasons have their own appeal as well, especially the winter time, which is famous for adding more drama to the landscape of Flam. If you plan on visiting during the winter, be sure to pack your activities according to the hours of daylight, which is noticeably shorter.

TRANSPORTATON

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Flam is surrounded with scenic points; the two major ones are the cities of Oslo and Bergen. These cities, both with their own international airports, serves as the landing point of Flam visitors as well.

From these cities, there is a famous railway called Flamsbana, which transports tourists to-and-from Flam in a scenic ride. From May to October, the railway goes on around eight to ten times a day and is cut off in half during winter season.

On the other hand, you can aboard ferries as well in going to Flam. Being the country’s fourth largest cruise port, ferries transfer thousands of Flam visitors from May to September.

Getting around Flam is mostly by foot since the distances of the destinations around Flam are all within walking distance.

You can also bicycle your way around or rent a car.

ATTRACTION

Flam Railway

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This twisting and tunneling scenic drive puts Norway in a nutshell. From Flam to Myrdal and back, this one-hour ride will let you see the staple of the Norwegian landscape. It goes up to 3000 feet and goes down entering 20 tunnels.

Along the ride, you will see waterfalls, rivers, and valleys, all of which you have the opportunity to stop and take a picture of. For an additional adventure, some visitors bring bikes and disembark in Myrdal for their cycling routes. Some also stop in Myrdal for a hike and then go back five hours after riding again the Flamsbana.

Most of the visitors, after the Flam Railway activity, go to the Flam Railway Museum and Documentation Center to see one of the world’s most celebrated impressive railway construction. This is free for all visitors.

Fjord Safari

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The fjord safari offered by different guided tours will give you an opportunity to experience the fjords closely. The narrowest ford in Europe, Naeroyfjord, can be seen here as well as the Aurlandsfjord, which are both tributary of the famous Sognefjord, surrounded by 6,000 feet of looming steep cliffs and thundering waterfalls, the fjord safari is one of the must-do in visiting Flam. Together with scenery, there is also the wildlife to be seen. The most common fauna here are porpoises, seals, and eagles.

For anyone who wants a more intimate experience of the fjord together with its wildlife, you can sign up for a kayaking activity.

Otternes Farm Museum

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Otternes Farm Museum is a celebrated destination in Flam. It is considered a “living museum” due to the activities you can do here. Dating as far back as the 16th century, the cook-houses, barn, farmhouse, storehouse are all well preserved that they are used to demonstrate the old domestic chores of people such as yarn dying and traditional food making. You will also see here during the summer a number of domestic animals like goats, rabbits and sheep.

http://laurenceourac.com/flam-the-little-paradise-in-between-steep-mountains/

Images:
(1.) http://i.imgur.com/lr411cV.jpg
(2.) http://nordicventures.com/wpError! Hyperlink reference not valid.-content/uploads/2015/02/norway-map1.jpg
(3.) http://fjordtravel.no/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Aurlandsfjord-Photocredit-EA-VikeslandFlamUtvikling.jpg
(4.) http://digitalnomad.nationalgeographic.com/files/2012/05/Flamsbana.jpg
(5.) http://www.fjordtours.com/sitefiles/1/img/highlights/tre26.jpg
(6.) http://fjordtravel.no/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Sognefjord-Photocredit-Morten-RakkeVisitFlam.jpg
(7.) http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/50/2006_05_14_Otternes_014.jpg

Exploring the best of Narvik

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Narvik, a place that should be inhabitable, turns to be quite the opposite.

This city in the arctic, surrounded by mountains on both sides and by fjords on its north and south is teeming with life and continue to do so by inviting tourists’ left and right.

LOCATION

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This city in the north of Norway is a land that should not be able to support a population turns out to be have gained a rough estimate of 20,000 populations. Its distance to the Gulf Stream made it possible, keeping the town from freezing.

Narvik is a town part of the county of Nordland. It was bounded by Bodo in the south and Harstad in the north. On its west, Narvik faces the sea and the Lofoten Island, while on the east the town is separated from Finland by a boundary line.

CLIMATE

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Despite its distance to the north, Narvik’s port does not freeze over during winter due to the Gulf Stream. Its summer temperature can also climb at around 20 degrees Celsius. However, there are the dark seasons in Narvik where the sun disappears.

This happens in the middle of wintertime from November to January. Opposite the dark season is when the sun shines for months in which it is called the “polar days”. All visitors of Narvik are advised to bring different types of clothing for different seasons, as the weather is unpredictable.

TRANSPORTATION

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The town of Narvik has a domestic airport close to its town center. It connects Narvik to major cities of Norway, which is mostly Oslo, where there are international flights.

Another recommended way of transport for visitors outside the country would be through Hurtigruten, a Norwegian Coastal Voyage that cruises on Norway’s coastal areas and transport passengers.

If you’re from Sweden, there is a train called Statens Järnvägar in Boden to transport you to Narvik. 

It takes around five hours of travel time. Another train is from Oslo to Fauske, where you still have to ride a bus before reaching Narvik.

ATTRACTIONS

Museums

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Narvik has three museums: Ballangen Museum, War Museum, and Nord Museum – Narvik. Each museum has their own focus. Nord Museum – Narvik houses the history of Narvik, where each exhibition presented tells the story of the development of this city in the arctic.

War Museum and Ballangen Museum on the other and focuses into specific parts of Narvik history. 

Ballangen tells a portion of Narvik history from 1600 to the middle of 1900, when the mining operation in Narvik is a booming industry.

The war museum focuses on the World War II. In here you will see the old war machines well preserved since the war. It also provides an extensive knowledge of the causes that leads to the unfurling of events during the WWII.

Narvikfjellet

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Narvikfjellet is a popular destination for many outdoor activities especially skiing. For years, families, friends, and lovers bond together in Narvikfjellet to ski. However, as they say, it isn’t all about skiing.

You can also enjoy the scenery 656 meters above sea level. The famous way of enjoying the view is through the cable car in which you can see either the midnight sun bathing the landscape of Narvik or the arctic light exploding over the winter-cloaked region. It all depends on what month you visit the area.

A famous restaurant called Mountain Restaurant is a spot to relax and also enjoy the view of the fjords.

Polar Park

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The polar park is a unique experience in Narvik. In here, you will see the predators such as bears, wolves, lynx, and wolverines up close.

In Wolf Park, you will have the opportunity to touch and have the famous “wolf kiss” without the fear of being devoured.

Apart from meeting the predators, there are also other facilities in the park you can enjoy with your family, such as flying over rivers through the zillions and recharging your energy in restaurants.

Ofotbanen Railway

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Visiting Narvik, you wouldn’t want to miss the Ofotbanen Railway. Often referred as the one of the best scenic routes, Ofotbanen railway connecting Narvik, Norway and Kiruna, Sweden does not only offer the best sights you could ask when traveling to the fjords and peaks of Norway. It also introduces you to the history and culture of the country.

http://laurenceourac.com/exploring-the-best-of-narvik/

Images:
(1.)http://d2mve4pl256l37.cloudfront.net/globalassets/global/campaigns/uk/northern-lights/2015/aurora-jan_arne_pettersen_copyright-1400.jpg?width=800
(2.) https://4gwar.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/norway_pol96.jpg
(3.) https://nomadsmag.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/2.jpg
(4.) http://cruisejobdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hurtigruten.jpg
(5.) http://nordnorge.com/sites/d/destinationnarvik.com/files/42bab08626b5551042c81c9ec5d2fd39.jpg
(6.) https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5159/5913866268_4dcd541a3a_b.jpg
(7.) http://www.fruamundsen.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/DSC_2930.jpg
(8.) http://www.visitnarvik.com/sites/v/visitnarvik.com/files/62db876cd9734957e8ae6255ed5c83d1.jpg

Bow down to the majestic place of Sapporo

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We’ve been all fascinated by snow. No matter what age bracket we’re in, whenever we see the season of snow on television and social media, we all have this liking to be at that exact place to have fun and portray nonchalance despite the cold.

Japan is one of the lucky countries to experience this season even though it’s an Asian country and the state boasts of a town called Sapporo. Best known to hold an annual festival that is dotted by humongous frozen sculptures, Sapporo and the Sapporo Snow Festival is a part of everyone’s vacation dream.

But aside from this special event, the town is known to be a starting point if you also want to stretch your Japan stay and explore the wilderness. Some of the many things that you’d definitely adore about Sapporo are their wide array of gastronomic treats, the infamous Sapporo bear and the self-indulging nightlife and shopping opportunities that can be found within its limits.

Location

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Known to be a Japanese city basically being surrounded by everything—land forms, bodies of water, nearby rural and urban areas. Sapporo is specifically located at Ishikari Plain’s southwestern tip and the well-known Toyohira River.

Sapporo’s southern and western areas are being dotted by a number of mountain ranges from Maruyama, Mount Moiwa and Mount Teine with a few stints from the rivers of Sosei and Ishikari.

Some of the neighboring cities that border Sapporo include Otaru, Date, Tobetsu, Kyogoku, Eniwa, Ebetsu, Kitahiroshima and Chitose. Sapporo is dubbed as Japan’s fifth largest city, which scopes a total land area of 433 square kilometers and is currently being inhabited by a total of 1.9 million people.

Climate

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As according to the Koppen Climate Classification, Sapporo is tagged under a humid continental climate, which equates to summers being generally warm and hot while winters are frigid and saturated with too much snow.

Temperatures begin to pick up its pace in the month of May and at its zenith in August at a record-high of 36-degree Celsius. December paves way for colder temperatures and snow would be best felt during the months of January, February and March with a mean average of 27 snow days per month.

Rainfall can still be observed in Sapporo with September garnering the highest amount of rainfall collected at 5.40 inches while the number of days with clear skies can be experienced during May at 198 hours per month.

Transportation

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Transportation isn’t much of a concern in Japan as they are well-known to have propagated sophisticated ways of commuting regardless of what method one would use.

In Sapporo, the main railway system is being served at the JR Hokkaido Station, which can transport customers with three lines including Hakodate, Chitosa and Sassho. Rapid transit can also be relied on when in Sapporo as the city offers swift methods via Sapporo Municipal Subway, Sapporo Streetcar, Teineyama Ropeway and Mount Moiwa Ropeway.

True to its dubbing as one of the most accessible cities in Japan, Sapporo is being supported by two airports—Okamada Airport for domestic and local flights to Hokkaido and the New Chitose Airport which caters to a more diverse international flight options.

Bus lines are also a major thing in Sapporo locals and it is evident through the mishmash of bus lines circling the town such as JR Bus and Chuo Bus Services.

What to See

Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum

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The city is pretty much the very place where the Sapporo Gold beer had been made and so it is just fitting to have a museum dedicated to alcohol production, hence, the Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum.

This place of interest is originally the Sapporo Beer Brewery and this had been flipped into becoming the town’s main focal point if travelers would want to know better.

There had been guided tours on how the famed beer is being made all complete with tastings while a restaurant adjacent to the main museum would defy your cravings for an artisanal meal under a variety of cuisines.

Sapporo Clock Tower

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What sets this landmark apart from all the others is the synchronicity that has provided since its erection in 1878. The Sapporo Tower Clock, as what the name says, is a signature landmark in Sapporo and is formerly one of the tallest edifices made within the city.

Feel the historical importance of this monument and take in the impressive structure which had been the main reason on as to why it is still standing and serving Sapporo locals up to this very day.

Hokkaido University

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Not just serving as a hall for academic excellence, the Hokkaido University is known all over the world to house the most intrinsically designed school buildings and well-manicured lawns that are just beauty to the site.

After a couple of centennials, this spot has left visitors breathless since 1876 and one must nod in agreement that it’s all worth the visit due to the museums being opened to public and several campus areas are just adorable to stay at.

Sapporo TV Tower

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If Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Sapporo brags about the Sapporo TV Tower as the exact counterpart. Located on the eastern side of Odori Koen, this towering edifice has an observation deck at 90 meters high and is one of the main reasons why travelers pay this landmark a visit. Be enthralled as you see the sun set and rise while at the Sapporo TV Tower, free of charge.

http://laurenceourac.com/bow-down-to-the-majestic-place-of-sapporo/

Images:
(1) www.lifetoreset.wordpress.com
(2) www.planetware.com
(3) www.japantimes.co.jp
(4) www.en.wikipedia.org
(5) www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp
(6) www.placesfortour.com
(7) www.commons.wikimedia.org
(8) www.panoramio.com