Although the trail to the remarkable Inca engineering and cultural achievement called Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous destination, Cañon del Colca, or Colca Canyon is a grand and extraordinary experience…one not to miss! One of the deepest canyons in the world — nearly 14,000 feet from its highest point to its lowest, twice as […]
Peru’s Stunning Colca Canyon and Realm of the Andean Condor Read More »
Travel is about discovery and amazement. An “older than time” Buddhist temple in Thailand, a vast and detailed Dubrovnik cityscape, the Taj, the David….the big “aha” moments. Sometimes though, it’s that random glimpse of genius that commands my attention. Wandering the cobblestone streets of Rovinj, Croatia on a lovely summer afternoon, a stunning display of
Croatia’s Secret Genius: Sculptor, Artist, Designer…Meet Ivan Midzic Read More »
Thousands of vermilion Torii gates blazing in the August sun which straddle a network of trails behind its main shrines. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. I was fortunate to visit on a steamy August day… A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance
A Hike of 10,000 Torii Gates: Kyoto’s Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Read More »
A morning walk along the Miyagawa River finds farmers and craftspeople selling sansai (mountain vegetables), wasakana (river fish) along with selections of local pottery and vintage kimonos repurposed as ornate handbags and a subtle rainbow of silk jackets. This remarkably preserved city of 80,000 is in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Takayama retains a
Visit Astonishing Takayama: Opulent Festivals, Sake and the Art of Onsen Read More »
As strange to me as a rare bird, precious and mysterious. Doll-like, she silently entered our hosted dinner in the Gion area of Kyoto and turned so that we could admire the lavish, shimmering brocade of her kimono. Her kimono weighs over twenty pounds. She is rigorously corseted into her garments which require a man’s
Japanese Jewels: A Stunning Performance by Maiko in Kyoto Read More »
Spanning almost 150,000 square feet, Tokyo Night & Light is the largest architectural projection-mapped display in the world! “Tokyo Night & Light” is a projection mapping display which uses light and sound as an expression of multi-coloured art, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one of Tokyo’s main landmarks, as its canvas. Travel Weekly Asia
A Must See! Tokyo Lights Up Guinness World Record Attraction Read More »
Minutes away from the ultra-modern steel and glass skyline, uber efficient ramps and highways in the Shibuye Ward of Tokyo, visitors can find the sublime peace of the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū). Wooded, with pea gravel walking paths (the Japanese encourage serenity by paving with tiny stones mimicking the sound of water) this is
Borders of a Sacred Place: Visit Tokyo’s Incredible Meiji Shrine Read More »
Opatija, Croatia is a beautiful seaside town with a long tradition as a tourist destination and a 7 mile shoreline promenade called the Lungomare offering sparkling vistas from sunrise well into the indigo evenings. Hotels all offer breathtaking views. And of course, there are the legends. Every town in Croatia has at least one. Here,
Amazing Istria: Opatija to Rovinj and the Mystery of St. Euphemia Read More »
Since most of the world is dealing with scorching summer temps, here’s a cooling visual reprieve. Croatia’s first national park since 1949 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes is the country’s oldest and largest with sixteen lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Located very close to the Croatian border with Bosnia, it’s about a two
Croatia’s Ultimate Summer Refreshment: Hike Plitvice National Park Read More »
My first stop along Croatia’s coastline was a ferry ride to Korcula, only 20 miles long but 6th largest of the collection known as the Dalmatian Isles. It’s old town is charming with streets designed in a fishbone shape and walled since the 13th century. Built for protection from the sea winds in the winter
Hvar and Korcula Islands: Brilliant Jewels of the Adriatic Read More »