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Beyond its serene gardens and ancient temples, Kyoto has a vibrant side that many travelers might not know about: its festivals. Let’s see why these cultural events should make it onto your Kyoto itinerary. 

1. Gion Matsuri:
   Picture this: massive wooden floats decorated with intricate tapestries parading through streets filled with music and dances. Gion Matsuri, held in July, isn’t just a festival; it’s an embodiment of Kyoto’s spirit. If you’re there during this time, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. 

2. Kyoto Illuminations:
   When autumn leaves turn Kyoto into a riot of colors, the city celebrates with special illuminations. Temples and gardens are lit up, creating dreamy nighttime vistas. Walking through these light displays, you get to see a different, enchanting side of Kyoto’s landmarks. 

3. To-ji Temple Flea Market:
   On the 21st of each month, To-ji Temple transforms into a bustling market. From antiques to food stalls, it’s a treasure trove for those looking to shop or simply soak in the local vibe. And who knows? You might just find a keepsake to remember your Kyoto journey. 

Conclusion:
Kyoto’s festivals and events provide a glimpse into its soul. Beyond the tranquility, there’s celebration, community, and life. Next time you’re planning a trip, sync it with a festival. Kyoto, in festivity, is an experience in itself.…

Kyoto is well-known for its temples and history. But, like every city, there’s more under the surface. For the curious traveler, here’s how to uncover some of Kyoto’s less talked about treasures. 

1. Nature Trails:
   Most people know about Kyoto’s temples, but have you heard about its nature trails? Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is one. Walk through towering bamboo stalks, and you’ll feel miles away from the city buzz. It’s peaceful, green, and a bit magical, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. 

2. Local Markets:
   Fancy some shopping? Skip the malls. Head to Nishiki Market instead. It’s an alley lined with stalls selling everything: food, crafts, and even souvenirs. You can taste local snacks, chat with vendors, and pick up unique finds. It’s a vibrant slice of local life you won’t get elsewhere.

3. Hidden Cafés:
   Tired feet? Time for a break. Kyoto’s got hidden cafés that aren’t in every guidebook. These spots serve more than coffee; they serve experiences. Old wooden houses turned into cozy spots with gardens, offering matcha treats and peace. Perfect to relax and reflect on your journey. 

Summary:
Kyoto’s a blend of the famous and the hidden. While the temples are great, it’s these lesser-known spots that make your trip richer. So, when in Kyoto, roam a bit. You never know what you’ll find.…

Kyoto’s more than just another dot on the map. It’s a mix of the old with the new, making travelers feel they’re part of its unfolding story. So, why should you pack your bags for Kyoto? Let’s get into it.

1. Historical Streets:
   Ever thought about walking through history? In Kyoto, you can. Places like Higashiyama aren’t just streets; they’re time capsules. With wooden houses on each side and traditional shops at every corner, you get this genuine old-Japan feel. It’s like you’re in a different era but with all the comforts of today. 

2. Gardens and Scenery:
   When the noise gets too much, Kyoto offers quiet spots. Think Zen gardens. Imagine just sitting by a stone, listening to the wind, and losing track of time. Places like Ryoan-ji aren’t just for looking; they’re for breathing, thinking, and recharging.

3. Cultural Immersion:
   But don’t just watch – dive in. Wear a kimono for a day. Try some matcha tea at a local café. Listen to the stories of the locals. Every experience in Kyoto feels genuine, letting you take home a piece of Japan’s heart.

Conclusion:
Kyoto’s not just about the sights. It’s about the feelings, the stories, and the moments. For travelers looking for something real, Kyoto delivers. Trust me, it’s worth the trip.…

The most awesome feature in a Bhutan vacation is that crime is low and violent crime is even rarer. This way, you enjoy your vacation without having to look over your shoulder or worrying about the kids all the time.

Additionally, the people are really nice and welcoming. Bhutan is the only country in the world that actually takes time to research and invest in the happiness of their citizens. It is all part of a concept known as Gross National Happiness (GNH). 

Interestingly, Bhutan is also one of the only Himalayan countries that has protected its heritage and culture completely. Until the late 90’s the country was closed off to tourists. Even now, before visiting one has to register with an authorized tourism service. This way tourists really get to enjoy the country and its natural heritage without much of a crowd.

Its ancient architectural style, mountain side buildings, and sacred monasteries make it a unique destination. The kingdom of Bhutan is like nowhere else in the world.

To make your 2023 vacation special, visit the Kingdom of Bhutan.…

The most intriguing feature of this spectacular nation is the fact that it is invested in its citizens’ happiness. Literally. Formally known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, this little nation has been recognized as the happiest place on earth. The improvement of the Gross National Happiness (GNH) is the major pursuit of its government. The world thrives to improve GDP, and Bhutan strives even harder to improve GNH. 

Another wonderful feature of the country is that there is little to no traffic congestion, ever. This is surprising because its capital city is the only one in the world without traffic lights. But the traffic police located throughout the city put in lots of effort. They strive to ensure that whatever might disrupt traffic flow is handled swiftly. 

Additionally, it is perfect if the aim is to go somewhere not too crowded. Even though it is becoming increasingly popular, there is no overcrowding of tourists. The government’s policy for tourism requires that people book well ahead of time before coming in. this way tourists get to enjoy a proper guide throughout Bhutan’s many natural endowments. 

A controlled crowd, safe environment, great food, and beautiful sights all come together to make Bhutan the special little place it is today.…

If you are planning a holy trip to Italy the way Muslims generally plan their annual pilgrimage or hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, no doubt a visit to Rome would serve as the pinnacle of your tour. But there are many other places in Italy that could offer you visual and spiritual nourishment, and one of those would be the Cathedral of Pisa or Duomo di Pisa.

The Beginnings of the Cathedral of Pisa

Located in Italy’s Tuscany region, the city of Pisa is best known for its Leaning Tower. That, however, is not the only attraction it has to offer. There is also the Cathedral of Pisa, which makes as impressive a sight as its world famous tower.

Construction of the Cathedral of Pisa began in 1093. Buscheto, who had since then been entombed in one of the cathedral’s arches, had been its primary architect. Upon his death, his work was continued by the equally renowned Rainaldo.

In 1595, a tragic fire had laid the majority of the medieval artwork that the Cathedral of Pisa was hailed for. Thankfully, many of the best Renaissance artists had been commissioned to assist in the cathedral’s redecoration. Their significant contribution had allowed the Cathedral of Pisa to continue being the symbol of Pisan Romanesque art that it is today.

Other Sites to See in the Cathedral

There are many reasons why your trip to Italy must include a visit to Pisa. For starters, the Cathedral of Pisa offers numerous impressive artworks that you’ll rarely see anywhere else. If you reach the vast nave of the cathedral, you will see a beautiful Cosmatesque marble pavement with a painted and equally lovely oval dome above it. In this area, you will also be able to view the majestic tomb designed by Tino di Camaino for Emperor Henry VII. The pair of cherubs in the southern side, however, is a masterpiece of Ghirlandaio.

Another one of the cathedral’s most famous art masterpieces would be the pulpit designed by Giovanno Pisano. After the 1595 fire, renovation workers had initially been unimpressed with the pulpit’s appearance. As a result, the pulpit had been dismantled and hidden away in a crate. It was only in 1926 that the pulpit was thankfully found and restored to its rightful place.

Last but not the least, be sure to visit the entrance pier of the cathedral. You’ll find there St. Agnes with her Lamb, a glorious painting done by High Renaissance artist Andrea del Sarto. Also in the area are the bronze angels and the crucifix made by Giambologna.

The Cathedral of Pisa is open every day although visiting hours vary depending on the date of your visit. If you have a strict budget for your trip to Italy, please be aware that the Cathedral charges visitors a small fee for entrance.

Even if you have allocated only a short period of time for your trip to Italy, you would still not regret making a side trip to the city of Pisa. As the cathedral and the Leaning Tower are in close proximity to each other, you would not have a hard time visiting both attractions in a single day.…

The question is whether you would like or not a visit to Jordan since it lies in an unstable area surrounding Israel. Jordan, also known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located on the north of the Arabian Peninsula. The nation shares its borders with Syria in the east, with Iraq & Saudi Arabia, in the west with Israel, & of course; south with Saudi Arabia. A small part of the southern boundary washes by the waters of the Red Sea.

Madaba “City of Mosaics”, Jordan

Jordan – part of the Christian Holy Land; therefore are located numerous places, as connected with the events described in the books of the Old and New Covenant Christian Bible. Among the enormous enumeration of the places, which are of interest for the pilgrims, should be noted the mosaic map of Madaba (discovered in 1896) in which is located in the floor of the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George.

The archaeological park which unites into itself a number of the remainders of Byzantine villas & churches is rich in the decorated mosaic panels. The abundance of mosaics in Madaba has given the name “City of Mosaics” to the Jordanian city. After the inspection of numerous monuments you will be able to rest in the dead or Red Sea. An 8 day tour package priced at about $1,100 per person is available online at OnTheGoTours (onthegotours.com/Totally-Jordan) website which includes a 7th day visit to Madaba.

Petra – An Ancient City Touted in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Petra, an ancient Rose Red city near a discovered site known to be 9000 years old, suggests its prehistoric inhabitants were humans. Petra was lost to the western world until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The city is now a World Heritage Site since 1985 & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There are many fascinating buildings in Petra, cut from stone of the rock cliffs like the Monastery, The Urn Tomb, & the treasury. It’s certainly a unique experience to be visiting the ancient city that had possibly been mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls as the city of Rekem. Anyway, Petra is a fantastic achievement of ancient human civilization in the area.

A trekking tour to Petra package can be found online from OnTheGoTours.com for about $1747 per person. It’s a 9 day tour arriving in Amman on the first day & visiting the lost city of Petra on the 5th day. An alternative tour package could be taken from within Israel. Now that the two countries, Israel & Jordan, have been at peace since 1994, frequent tours are possible. The one day tour (Israeltr.Powweb.com/jordan.htm) is priced at about $145 per person & begins from the Israel southernmost city of Eilat. Also note that a visa to Jordan must be acquired before arriving in Israel. Which of the two ways you choose to visit Petra, be known that you will be stepping into an awe inspiring environment, perhaps even an alien & mysterious city. So the answer to the initial question about visiting Jordan is that you would like it.…

In English, Riyadh means The Gardens, and it is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is a wonderfully developing city that sits on a large plateau. There is much to do and see in this majestic city. When you travel to Riyadh, you will experience the true culture and beauty that is known as Saudi Arabia.

One of the places to visit in Riyadh is the National Museum, which houses a wonderful representation of Saudi Arabia’s history from ancient to contemporary times. It is a beautifully structured building with wide open spaces. The National Museum of Riyadh has exhibits like that of the Arab Jahilya poems. Other exhibits allow you to use all your senses to explore the museum. You can even follow the footprints on the floor so you never get lost. The museum is so large that you should come back several times to really experience all that it has to offer.

Another must see in Riyadh is the Al Faisaliyah Center. One of the first things you will see is a glass globe that sits atop this stunning building. There are plenty of clothing shops throughout this mall with beautifully crafted traditional apparel. The Center is organized and well designed so that you can find everything you are looking for quickly. It also has an incredible tower lobby that tends to have activities going on. Nearby, you will find luxurious hotels with a plethora of restaurants that will suit everyone’s taste. Best of all is the spectacular sunset view of Riyadh.

The Masmak Citadel is one of the oldest parts of Riyadh. This majestic fort has been beautifully restored with authentic construction materials. The citadel is a lovely example of Nejd architecture and the surrounding area offers incredible ruins of the old city. This is also a place where the locals come to buy traditional goods. It tells the story of her life used to be in Riyadh and how life was changed into what it is now.

For a unique Saudi experience and incredible traditional food, stop by Al-Najdiyah Village. It has a wonderful ambiance. You can sit outside with carpets and cushions sampling lots of different dishes. Both the quality and quantity of the food is very impressive. The décor is very traditional. The service is very fast and courteous. If you love to try local foods, this Saudi restaurant in Riyadh, is a great place to experience a traditional atmosphere and savory food.

Riyadh is a phenomenal Saudi Arabian city offering so much history and culture. You will enjoy every last moment she spent here as you explore historical museums and traditional malls. You can also see the people of this culture in their own world, and you really feel like you were part of something new, something different, and something ancient all at once.…

The country of Costa Rica is one that is beautiful and thriving with life. The country is one that can help relax anyone. A vacation in Costa Rica can provide the breath of fresh air you need to take your mind off work and everyday stress. The general atmosphere and setting alone is a major attraction of this island country. 

Additionally, Costa Rica is home to some of the most exquisite spa treatments in the world. The 5-star treatment their hotels and spas offer, could almost make the whole trip worth it. There is nothing quite like their traditional massage techniques and therapies that will have you feeling euphoric and carefree. 

While the country is mostly natural parks and sights, it also has a fancy side to it. The city of San Jose is one that can cater to even the most stringent of requests. The various restaurants and food spots around the city, are mostly handled by chefs who operate on an world class standard. They have something for everyone. Seafood so tasty you’ll wish it never ran out. Vegetarian and other dishes with a taste so exquisite you’ll have a hard time describing the tastes.…

The most attractive feature of Costa Rica will have to be it’s magnificent aquatic wildlife variety. Spending a day in certain beaches and strategic cliffs will open your world to a whole new experience in Costa Rica. You get to view several exotic fish species doing their thing in their magical turquoise colored home. 

For those who love snorkeling and diving, the Costa Rican shore is one in a million. The underwater experience will make the whole trip worth it. There are also other water sports hosted in various beaches for those who just want to have a good time. 

Then the island food and drink culture is another really cool feature of Costa Rica. The island’s Cacique Guaro is one of the sweetest drinks you’ll ever taste. This popular island liquor is gotten from sugarcane and is absolutely mind blowing. The island’s rum is also one of the purest you’ll taste. The various island dishes will leave you drooling for more.

Another really lovable attribute of this island is the friendly people. Costa Ricans are generally problem-free and hospitable. You’ll have a good time watching the fishermen rejoice over their hauls.

You will absolutely love Costa Rica.…