Find Wonderful Solace in Cutesy Kanazawa

(1)

(2)

Kanazawa is a small capital city in Japan which is known for the Kenroku-en, a 17th-century castle garden that boasts history and magnificence.

Despite the fact that it covers just a small fraction of Japan’s expansive land area, Kanazawa is more than just a minuscule location, as it is home to several samurai and geisha districts which are purely Japanese in nature.

(3)

Although not as advanced as other Japanese states, Kanazawa is definitely worth visiting as you’d surely love some of its hidden waterfalls and calm rivers, the always hospitable citizens to make your stay even more memorable, and the wide array of public markets and museums that were inspired by its very own history.

Kanazawa is brimming with vintage and ancient life, and if you adore places that shout impeccable history and culture, then this small town is just for you.

Location

(4)

Strategically bordered by huge bodies of land and water, Kanazawa is well-sheltered given its location. Bordering the town are the Japanese Alps, the Noto Peninsula National Park and the Hakusan National Sanctuary.

Circling Kanazawa’s edges are the legendary Sai and Asano rivers while the whole of the town sits on the vast Sea of Japan. Currently, Kanazawa is inhabited by nearly 500,000 locals and has a total land area of 180 square miles.

Climate

(5)

If you love the rain, then Kanazawa is suitable for your craving of cool days and relaxing nights. Classified to be under the temperate climate type, it usually rains in the town making their median temperature a little bit lower than the rest of Tokyo.

The sunniest month is May with an average of 202.3 sunshine hours per year and the rainiest month can be attributed to December with an expected 11.11 inches of accumulated precipitation.

(6)

Annually, the temperature for the whole of Kanazawa is at 38.5-degrees Celsius at its hottest, while the most frigid is at -9.7-degrees Celsius.

The snow season starts in December and can stretch as far as March with a whopping 43.9 inches of snow accumulated on average for four months.

Transportation

(7)

Like other remote cities and islands in Japan, Kanazawa doesn’t have an airport of its own and yet, travelers from Tokyo can easily reach this town with several options of land travel. The capital city of Tokyo is two hours away from Kanazawa and so the best way for a tourist to reach this place is via train.

Currently being served by the JR West Hokuriku Main Line and the Hokuriku Railroad, reaching Kanazawa won’t give you so much hassle as public commute is a daily activity. There’s also the nearby Komatsu Airport, which would connect you to other major cities in Japan as well as Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul.

What to See

Omi-cho Market

(8)

Said to be comparable to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, the Omi-Cho is the place to be for products and services that are affordable and oozing with quality. You’d also savor the fresh smell of sashimi and other fish products being sold here and watch the daily lives of Kanazawa locals as they haggle for things they’d need within the day.

Taste what Kanazawa can offer through the wide array of newly-caught meat and seafood, and never regret spending money on these valuable items.

Shinise Kinenkan

(9)

More on souvenir shopping, the Shinise Kinenkan is a dwelling for you to get your hands on local products and handicrafts sold at very reasonable prices. You’d be immersed in local shops that sell anything from candies and chocolates, to pastries and miniature geisha statues.

You’d also find it enjoyable to lay your eyes on several samurai items being sold at this complex, and gain the ability to distinguish between which ones are legitimate and fake.

Seison-kaku

(10)

Built by the Maeda Lord in 1863, the Seison-kaku is found within the realms of the Castle Park. Now functioning as a retirement villa, this edifice is now a collection of chambers and rooms that serve as a museum.

Here, you’d be able to personally see the furniture, clothing and armaments that have been present since its erection, and be mesmerized by how well they are preserved.

http://laurenceourac.com/find-wonderful-solace-in-cutesy-kanazawa/

On Its Geysers and Pristine Smokes, Meet Rotorua

(1)

(2)

Hailed as the ‘Sulphuric City’, get some rest from the usual vacation spots like beaches and forests as Rotorua gives you a breath of fresh air from amazing geysers, hot springs and erupting mud pools that will surely leave visitors in awe especially for those who will see this facet of nature for the first time.

(3)

The surroundings may appear rough, but do not underestimate the appeal of this destination, as it garners significant visits every year. Give this place a try and see the allure of nature on a whole new dimension.

(4)

Location

(5)

Found on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, the city is found in New Zealand’s North Island. The city is the core of the main island of the country. In North Island alone, the population is estimated at over three million, branding it on the list of the biggest islands in the world. Rotorua gets its fair share of this dense population, as it houses more than 56,000 residents.

Climate

(6)

The city has a warm temperate climate. The high altitude makes Rotorua experience below-zero temperatures, especially during the winter season – usually between the months of June till August. Visitors may try booking a trip here during the months of January to March and November to December because these possess average temperatures.

Transportation

(7)

The city can be reached via air through its airport, Rotorua Regional Airport, which is located 9 kilometers away from the city center. Flights going to New Zealand’s major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are served here. By land, travelers can use State Highways 5, 30 and 30A. Trains are also another option as there is a railway network from Putaruru that passes by the city.

What to See

Whakarewarewa Village

(8)

If there is one place in the city that sums up anything and everything it has to offer, it will be Whakarewarewa Village. Be accompanied by the locals that are equipped with the knowledge and history of the place that served as their home from the beginning of time.

No one knows the nooks and crannies of the said destination other than the people residing here, that’s why paying a visit to this corner of Rotorua is definitely worthwhile, since going here also means seeing the hot steams and geysers that the city is famous for.

Te Puia

(9)

This thermal reserve has around 500 springs on it. See Pohotu, a geyser that is recorded to explode about 20 times a day. It is specifically located just 3 kilometers out of the city center and is slowly carving its name as one of the best tourist spots in the whole of Rotorua.

Situated within the limits of Te Puia lies two equally famous travel destinations like the National Carving School and the National Weaving School, which are both open to the public.

Rotorua Museum

(10)

As usual, even the smallest towns and cities would have a place where it can exhibit its rich culture both in the past and in the present. Rotorua Museum is no exception, and it has all the elements you’re craving for. This eye-catching edifice stands mightily under a Tudor-pegged architecture, making it grand and fabulous when viewed from the outside.

The Rotorua Museum delved into some of the things it beholds, such as a film showing the general history of Rotorua, which is observed to run every 20 minutes from opening time. Here, visitors will also have the chance to see intricate woodcarvings, audiovisual displays meant to make you participate, and even a cafe with breathtaking views and well- maintained flora.

http://laurenceourac.com/on-its-geysers-and-pristine-smokes-meet-rotorua/

Images:
(1) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Rotorua_from_gondola.jpg
(2)http://www.travelnzmate.com/images/regions%20images/rotorua2.jpg
(3) http://www.gottalovenz.com/assets/Uploads/DSC-0782-copy.jpg
(4) https://sunroom-sycha.netdna-ssl.com/raftabout.co.nz/wp-content/gallery/rangitaiki/dsc_1666.jpg
(5) http://www.nzfishing.com/FishingWaters/Eastern/ERMaps/Rotorua.gif
(6) http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/media/10597165/rain-wet-weather-getty.jpg
(7)http://d35hcom83xwl0h.cloudfront.net/assets/sportofkings/generalpresentation/id30266pic2.jpg?ts=130673005674426257
(8) http://worldlynomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Whakarewarewa-Thermal-Village-rotorua-new-zealand.jpg
(9) http://cdn.nomadsworld.com/image/resize.php?url=images/featured/hero-rotorua-1.jpg&width=1600
(10) https://unstableimage.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/img_5590.jpg

Marvel at the Striking Colors of Janakpur

(1)

One of the many things that make Nepal a melting pot for tourism is its innate ability to preserve its past. Many Nepal towns, provinces and cities have clung to the notion that for them to move forward, they must never forget where they came from. If you want to see Nepal in its full glory, then get a plane ticket to Janakpur.

(2)

Despite the fact that it is a border town where commerce and businesses are usual, there’s an air of sophistication and grandeur floating through the air, making you feel like you’re in a high-class setting. The scent of a rich heritage and a strong cultural background is very eminent in Janakpur, exposing travelers to ruins and structures, the crowded markets and the ancient streets that have witnessed history unfold.

Get in touch with customs and traditions that many thought have died due modernization, and go home with an elated heart that only Janakpur can offer.

Location

Specifically, Janakpur is part of the Terai Province, which is perched within the Himalayan Mountains’ forested, alluvial and marshy terrain. Janakpur is elevated at 243 feet above sea level, classified as a sub-metropolitan area and is home to 169,287 residents as of 2015.

(3)

Janakpur covers a total land area of 38.69 square miles and is surrounded by numerous bodies of waters such as ponds and rivers, some of which are Rato, Balan, Jalad and Kamala.

Climate

Oddly, Janakpur follows its own set of seasons and climate classifications, but the best time to be here for a smooth sailing vacation would be the months of September until March. The town holds six seasons in total, which are known as Basant Ritu, Hemanta Ritu, Barsha Ritu, Grisma Ritu, Shishir Ritu and Sharad Ritu.

(4)

The temperature starts to rise in Janakpur starting in April and can stretch up to September, with an all-time high of 34.8-degrees Celsius. When December kicks in, frigid weather is experienced which stretches up until February. For rainfall accumulation, Janakpur collates a total of 61.22 inches with July and August considered to be the wettest months.

Transportation

The only railway system used in Janakpur right now is Janakpur Railway. As for air travel, Janakpur does have a domestic airport which has connecting flights to Nepalese cities like Kathmandu.

(5)

If you want to roam around the city, you can subscribe to methods such as cycle rickshaws, taxi cabs for more personalized travel, city buses which are routed to transport you to more specific places and even bicycles, a method that most Janakpur locals use.

What to See

Janaki Mandir

Dubbed as one of the most intricate structures in Nepal, travelers frequent Janakpur to get a glimpse of the legendary Janaki Mandir. This wondrous feat of architecture is actually a temple made for Sita, the known heroine of Ramayana.

(6)

Despite the disastrous 2015 Sri Lankan earthquake, the Janaki Mandir still stands mightily in its full glory; a fact that amazes most people.

Ram Sita Bibaha Mandir

The Ram Sita Bibaha Mandir is an odd piece of architecture that is located just next to Janaki Mandir. This specific location marks the spot where Rama and Sita were married.

(7)

Featured in this wondrous temple is an intricately-designed pagoda which houses Rama and Sita life-size models for you to feast your eyes on.

Traditional Villages

If you ever roam around the whole city of Janakpur, you’d probably come across the legendary Traditional Villages which adorn the streets with its color and flamboyance.

(8)

Attributing each of the house’s designs to the traditional Mithila concept, feast your eyes on mud walls that become more interesting with different hues derived to form different paintings.

http://laurenceourac.com/marvel-at-the-striking-colors-of-janakpur/

Let Sintra Cater to Your Inner Royal Dreams

(1)

If you’re in the mood to visit a place where you want to feel like a king or a queen from the vibe of the immediate surroundings, then paying Sintra in Portugal a visit would be your best bet.

Sintra is crowded with thick forestry, towering mountains, the most exotic landscapes and these qualities are sure to make you stay here a bit longer.

(2)

Usually, the city’s general area is dotted with tourists going in and out of its famous landmarks and if there are no sights to be seen outside, it’s probably because people are inside their chosen watering holes to pass the time.

Truly a wonderful place to spend your hard-earned vacation days, Sintra would never disappoint.

(3)

Get in touch with nature while enriching your interpersonal communication with other travelers and locals, then let Sintra do everything else in the backdrop.

Location

Currently, the island of Sintra holds 123.26-square miles of Portugal’s land area and is subdivided into two cities, namely Queluz and Agualva Cacem.

The town of Sintra lies within the vicinity of the Sintra Mountains, which faces the Atlantic Ocean and is known to be located in Europe’s westernmost point.

(4)

Sintra is known to be a heavenly spot which faces the ocean and is elevated magnificently at 574 feet above sea level. The town is currently inhabited by nearly 380,000 citizens.

Climate

Generally, one of Sintra’s many strengths is its climate. Day trips to this humble town are possible almost any month in the year due to the fair weather compared to its neighboring states.

Rain showers, although not that strong, can be observed when December kicks in and can stretch as far as February with 15 days of rain per month.

(5)

Temperatures are said to increase in the months of July, August and September where it hits the 30-degree Celsius mark, which is quite good for visitors to enjoy the city.

The coldest months are attributed to February and March, which can go as low as 3-degrees Celsius.

Transportation

If you’re traveling by land, you need to prepare yourself for heavy traffic jams and crowded streets as the roads going in and out of Sintra are dubbed to be Europe’s busiest.

Like other medium-sized cities, all air transport is said to come from Portugal’s capital city Portugal and travelers are expected to take bus rides or train trips to get into the heart of Sintra.

(6)

The Sintra tramway might be your best bet to travel within the cities’ designated realms and going around on foot has never been an issue to locals.

If you want to maximize your stay here and avoid the hassle of daily traffic, plan your itinerary ahead of time so that you’d know which direction to take.

What to See

Convento dos Capuchos

If you want to feel the ancestry built upon Sintra’s bedrock, then pay the Convento dos Capuchos a visit since this is where you’ll see how people from the olden times built their places of dwelling.

(7)

Erected in 1560, this historical establishment used to house 12 monks and ever since it was vacated, the local government ensured that it will be maintained at its best condition.

Walking is the best way to get in and out of this convent, and the people who visited this place have been struck with awe as the cells are lined-up with cork.

Quinta da Regaleira

Created and planned by an Italian set designer, the Quinta da Regaleira is a sprawling mansion which looks deceiving from the outside due to its palace-looking vibe.

Now, the villa is empty and travelers feast upon the majestic view offered by the establishment and even get satisfied when they look into its homely interior.

(8)

Get in line if you want to see the frescoes draping the walls and magnificently carved fireplaces inside the mansion.

Parque da Pena

Adjacent to the frequently-visited Palacio Nacional da Pena, the Parque da Pena is a huge and extensive landscape housing the finest plants and trees that are pleasing to the eye.

(9)

Here, you’ll be immersed into different types of redwoods, fern trees, camellias and even the rare rhododendrons.

Museu de Arte Moderna

The Museu de Arte Moderna lives up to its name in showing the whole of Sintra their in-house talents and modern approaches to channeling creativity.

The museum itself is now an avenue for young artists to showcase what they possess in kinetic and pop art along with other kinds encompassed within the modern spectrum.

(10)

Showcasing collections of art from artists like Andrew Warhol, Lockney and Lichtenstein, this place of talent is something that you surely wouldn’t want to miss out on.

http://laurenceourac.com/let-sintra-cater-to-your-inner-royal-dreams/

Keeping Tabs of Yogyakarta’s Stunning and Splendid History

(1)

If you want to know more about Indonesia’s rich culture and norms, then paying Yogyakarta a visit should top your priority list.

Thriving as Jakarta’s opposite when it comes to orientation and living, Yogyakarta boasts of local color, traditions and homage to the country’s roots.

(2)

It is with great pride that this humble city is introduced as one of the most frequented stops in Indonesia, and with its growing tourism, it sure is to be part of Asia’s wide array of hidden gems. Yogyakarta will transport you back in time to when the country was building its own identity, making you feel as if you’re part of the city’s past.

Behold the beauty of Yogyakarta’s scenery and take pleasure in the city’s innate hospitality, leaving you more and more impressed the longer you stay here.

Location

In total, Yogyakarta spans 12.5 square miles in land area. It is perched on Indonesia’s center, surrounded by equally famous cities and local provinces.

Yogyakarta is categorized to be under the Yogyakarta Special Region, and is home to a total of 388,627 residents.

(3)

The city is subdivided into two regions, namely the city and the metro, with the latter eating up much of Yogyakarta’s total land area. It is elevated at 371 ft. above sea level, similar to the whole country.

Climate

One of the best things that an Asian country such as Yogyakarta possesses is it’s the much-awaited summer season. Revel under the feisty yet enjoyable spikes of temperature all year round, granting many opportunities for you to stay outdoors as much as you can.

Temperatures would range from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius in an annual scale, with a lot of sunshine hours compared to the wet season.

(4)

The months of April to June and August until September are deemed as the hottest of each year, with heat climbing to as high as 32-degrees Celsius. Frigid weather can be experienced when July kicks in, with an average temperature of 21-degrees Celsius.

The wet season will be felt during the Holidays and can stretch up to March, depending on world climate conditions. In a year, Yogyakarta experiences a whopping total of 85.9 inches of accumulated precipitation.

Transportation

If coming in by air, the entry and exit passages are at the Adisucipto International Airport. This aviation terminal connects Yogyakarta to other major cities like of Balikpapan, Pekanbaru, Jakarta, Pontianak, Pelambang and many others. International flights are also available, which would let you travel to nearby countries such as Singapore and Malaysia via Singapura and Kuala Lumpur respectively.

(5)

In the event that you want to roam around the city and use public transport, you can avail of two major rail lines namely Tugu Railway and Lempuyangan Station. Both are known to be accessible wherever you are in Yogyakarta and will easily connect you to other major cities in Indonesia. The main streets would be another method for you to scan the city via bus rides through the Trans Jogja.

What to See

Kraton

Situated in the heart of Yogyakarta is a landmark that’s definitely difficult to miss due to its relevance to the city’s heritage and culture: the legendary Kraton. Known as a huge palace, Kraton is simply the former home of Yogya’s sultans back in the day and is now a tourist spot that many travelers are interested in.

(6)

Here, people can marvel at the beautiful architecture of the palace’s walls and floors, mementos from the old Sultan families who have resided here and other intricate ornaments that are original and marvelous in its strictest sense.

Affandi Museum

6 kilometers from Yogyakarta’s city center is a museum that screams sheer artistry and innate creativity. Known and named after one of the country’s most iconic artists, Affandi, this museum is now home to his extensive work. A plethora of firsthand paintings and artworks are on the display in the Affandi Museum, giving you more room to applaud the talent in Affandi.

(7)

Visitors can also enjoy at a little café situated inside the premises along with a dedicated prayer room, adorned with Affandi’s skilled and creative hands.

Taman Sari

Since Yogyakarta is dotted with ancient castles and towering historical buildings, one should not miss visiting the Taman Sari. Perched on Kraton’s southwestern end, Taman Sari used to be a majestic park enjoyed by the great sultans who lived in the city.

(8)

Here, your eyes will be pleased by the pools and waterways converted into a public park. Also, be intrigued with the mosque and underground alleys that are well-preserved for you to explore.

http://laurenceourac.com/keeping-tabs-of-yogyakartas-stunning-and-splendid-history/

Images:

(1) https://cdn.audleytravel.com/-/-/80/030237185202125027082187206132200224161103201034.jpg
(2) http://shansi.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/borobudur-temple-in-Yogyakarta.jpg
(3) http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/indonesia_pol98.jpg
(4) https://landakungu.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/dsc01131.jpg
(5) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Yogyakarta_Indonesia_Train-at-Tugu-Railway-Station-02.jpg
(6) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Kraton_Yogyakarta_Pagelaran.jpg
(7) http://www.cosmopolitan.co.id/newtest/vrgallery/teaser/9d73c78244774f8925515daddad3b3c5.jpg
(8) http://www.topindonesiaholidays.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tamansari-2.jpg

Keeping it Classical and Relaxing in Salta

(1)

(2)

Aside from the festive aura that Argentina shows to the world, the country is also a great tourist destination for those who want to please their eyes through architecture and romantic scenery.

The country leans on their unmistakable hospitality towards travelers, extending their culture in all possible ways to make their stay worthwhile.

(3)

(4)

It is through their vibrant tourism that their economy is flourishing, and there’s no denying that Argentina as a whole enamors people through its sheer beauty and rich history.

If ever you’d set foot in Argentina, ensure that you’re itinerary will take a side-trip to a town called Salta: a place where architecture and culture meet.

Location

(5)

Salta is located in the famous Lerma Valley, positioned in the northwestern tip of Argentina. The town is placed 3,780 feet above sea level and is known to be the capital city of the Salta Province.

The town is divided into a metro and city area, which is currently home to 535,303 and 619,000 inhabitants respectively. Salta is dubbed as the second most populated area northwest of Argentina’s.

Climate

(6)

According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Salta is blessed with a very beautiful weather, fit for travelers anytime of the year. In general, Salta experiences four seasons annually and each season comes is very mild, which is perfect for exploring.

The hottest temperatures are experienced in the months of September until December, while the rainy and wet seasons are felt in January until March. Temperature can go as high as 39.9-degrees Celsius and accumulated rainfall is at 754.70 millimeters for the whole year.

Transportation

(7)

The main modes of transport in Salta are rental cars and taxicabs, since more and more people treat this town as a feisty tourist destination and convenient travel around the city is necessary.

If you want to experience traveling with Salta locals, bus lines are present that connect the town to nearby places such as Buenos Aires, La Quiaca, Formosa and Cordoba. If traveling by air, the main aviation terminal is a good 5-kilometer distance from Salta’s city center.

What to See

Museo de Arquelogia de Alta Montana

(8)

If you’re into history and would want to know what Argentina and Salta are comprised of, then paying a visit to the Museo de Arquelogia de Alta Montana will satisfy your craving for information.

Here, you’ll see displays portraying the ancient Inca civilization and the famous Andes Mountain’s monumental glory.

You’ll also be introduced to a mummified human being found in the freezing Andes Mountains, and some traditions of Salta and Argentina for occasions involving death tributes.

Iglesia San Francisco

(9)

Staying true to what Salta is known for, the towering Iglesia San Francisco is an eye-catching landmark found in the town. This place of worship has been widely known for its striking facade and intrinsic attention to architecture.

Be thrilled to know that there’s also a part of Iglesia San Francisco meant for religious art and treasures, even a maintained garden cloister for when you want to relax after roaming the church tediously.

Valles Calchaquies

(10)

Dubbed as one of the country’s most well-preserved and well-attended tracks, adventurous travelers should set their gears and trek the so-called Valles Calchaquies. Here, you will witness how Salta locals and Argentinian people took care of their history and influence as can be seen through the houses lining up the path.

Expect to notice that houses follow distant Moorish arches and neoclassical columns. Also, immerse yourself into taking the greenery in as tall flora and bountiful fauna are what make Valles Calchaquies one of a kind.

http://laurenceourac.com/keeping-it-classical-and-relaxing-in-salta/