12 Tips for Avoiding Culture Shock in China

12 Tips for Avoiding Culture Shock in China

Culture shock is one thing that can really spoil many visitors’ experience of China. Looking beyond the giant malls complete with Louis Vuitton franchises, the cutesy rebuilt red lacquer teahouses, and the super-modern bullet trains, this is a nation of 1.6 billion people, the vast majority of whom still live traditional lives.
On that first sashay through an ultra-modern, enormous international airport that most likely put the one you flew from in the shade, these distances and differences can be hard to appreciate. But for most it doesn’t take long before the sheer alien-ness of Chinese culture begins to seep through the gaps.
Perhaps a defining moment of Chinese culture shock for me was emerging from a Subway sandwich shop (yes, they have those!), lunch in hand, wandering past a bunch of suited and booted young professionals, and encountering a barefoot fisherman dangling a turtle in a fishing net, presumably destined for the same fate as my foot-long sub.
The shock of the new, though, can be a pleasure as well as a pain, and culture shock is one of the reasons most of us travel: to experience the new. These twelve principles should help the novice navigate the maelstrom of this country’s craziness and avoid culture shock in China.

1. The concept of personal space is different in China

Crowds in China. Photo credit: Mike via Flickr.

If you come from a country where queuing is habitual and bodily contact with strangers uncommon, the surging hordes to be found in China’s huge cities – many cities that most Westerners have never heard of boast larger populations than London or New York – can prove intimidating.
Pushing and barging is routine, be it getting onto public transport or into an attraction, but – importantly – no one takes it personally. The Chinese will routinely switch their respect for the aged off when barging past them onto buses, and back on again when offering their seat with all due courtesy to the precise same greybeards they just ramraided through.
During rush hours you can expect to be intimate with strangers on the sidewalk and virtually enfolded in the bodies of those with whom you share public transport – as in most cities, it’s wise to keep a hand on any bags at this time.
Interestingly, there is a strong etiquette around elevators. While everyone pushes and shoves – let’s face it, it wouldn’t be China without that – it is essential to wait until your elevator is headed in the right direction (be that up or down) before boarding, or receive a wave of disapproving stares.

2. Tourist destinations breed tourist scams

Avoid rickshaw taxis in China. Photo credit: Jirka Matousek via Flickr.

An exhaustive list of common tourist scams in China would be an article in itself. Probably the most famous are the tea scam, where a new friend invites you to drink tea, often, but not always, with some of their friends too. At the end of the evening a bill arrives, totaling at least hundreds, and possibly even thousands, of Chinese renmimbi – and, strangely enough, it’s all on you.
Also popular is the art scam, whereby some friendly art students invite you to look at their art, a simple trip that turns into an ultra-high-pressure sales environment. Charity scams, as in cities around the world, are common – monks requesting donations, in particular, are often fraudsters.
Other scams? Goods, such as toys, sold on the street are typically offcuts from a factory, which means that there is normally something critically wrong with every single one apart from the demonstration model. Fake notes can be either given in change, exchanged for notes given, or offered with a request for change – if a street vendor agrees to a negotiated price too fast, the fake note scam may be in play.
“Travel agencies” can be set up for a matter of weeks to harvest the cashflow from train and plane tickets, then closed as the complaints from stranded passengers begin to flow in. So only book tickets through official outlets, reputable agents or your hotel.
Other obvious scams? Don’t buy – and certainly don’t attempt to sell – jewels, don’t engage in games of chance with strangers, and avoid pedicab rides and rickshaws, which typically charge foreigners more than agreed at the end of the journey.

3. Mandarin is a direct language

Chinese does without many of the small “pleases”, “thank yous”, “woulds”, “coulds” and “mays” that English works with – it’s a language of sharp, dynamic building blocks that can assemble quite jaggedly in translation.
Someone saying “Go here now!” or “Buy now!” is not necessarily being rude. Most likely they are literally translating each Chinese building block into English.
Personal observations and questions are not uncommon in Chinese culture, be that an observation on one’s weight, one’s single status or enquiries about where you are going today. As a general rule, the interlocutor does not intend insult. They are just being friendly.

4. Traffic rules are different in China

Traffic in China. Photo credit: Mike Lowell via Flickr.

Battery-powered scooters are a great way for the locals to get around China’s cities, and you’ll find them everywhere – even creeping up behind you, silent but deadly, on the sidewalk. The approach is typically inaudible and they can travel surprisingly fast, so it’s good to keep an eye open.
When crossing a road at a marked crossing, be aware that vehicles are often cleared green to turn across that crossing at the same time that pedestrians cross on their own green light. While most Chinese drivers will demonstrate some give and take, a pedestrian intersection is not the merry stroll it is in the West.

5. Chinese bathrooms can be vile

Public bathrooms, even in post-Olympics Beijing, let alone a rural area, can be actively distressing to the unprepared. Arguably the worst are the communal trenches, one for men and one for women, over which the locals squat sociably, engaged in conversation with each other or on their cells, although even in a luxury mall it is not unusual to find nasty surprises awaiting you in the squat.
Starbucks is prominent in China, and many Starbucks will have their own clean bathrooms, complete with Western-friendly thrones: Western-style hotels will also typically have a usable potty in the lobby area, while at a push, larger local restaurants will typically boast a clean squat.

6. The air quality in China will probably not kill you

Hazy sunset in China. Photo credit: Andrew Hitchcock via Flickr.

While the rich, soupy smog of a bad Beijing winter day can percolate down into the subway so densely that, but for the absence of heat, the place appears to be on fire, it’s worth noticing that the typical Beijinger lives longer than the typical New Yorker.
China’s poor air quality is famous, and for folk with allergies or a history of eye infections or lung problems, it is well worth bringing medications to China. Some of the locals also wear surgical masks, particularly in winter, though their efficacy has not been proven.
In general, it’s worth remembering that even an unsafe exposure is unlikely to shorten your life by much and trying to embrace the auroral glow that embraces the sun as it sinks below the smoggy horizon.

7. The Chinese love hot drinks

Various kinds of Chinese teas. Photo credit: Oli Lee via Flickr.

Want cold water in winter? You’ll need to specify it. Thanks to the principles of Chinese medicine – and good cold weather practice – the Chinese favor hot drinks in cold temperatures, which means hot water is the default outside summer, and a request for hot coffee may raise eyebrows in warm temperatures.
Most restaurants will offer a bewildering range of Chinese teas – the green teas favored in the south are harder to find in the north – so it’s worth finding out the Chinese name for the one you like.

8. Staring is acceptable

There are still parts of rural China where being a laowai (foreigner) is de facto unusual. Even in the bigger cities people of Afro-Caribbean heritage and redheads can expect to be stared at, while cute blonde children can expect to be reeled in for endless photos with smiling locals.
But in China, as in much of Asia, staring at people is not rude. It’s just a way of expressing curiosity. That means that you, in turn, can stare back as much as you would like.

9. Chinese food in China is different from Chinese food in the West

Food in China. Photo credit: sanfamedia.com via Flickr.

One of the great joys of any visit to China is experiencing China’s vast range of regional cuisines. But Chinese food is not necessarily the bland, accessible fare we enjoy in the West.
Expect surprises, from the ubiquitous delicacy that is chicken claw through to the range of insects sold on tourist thoroughfares to alarming-sounding dishes like “Rotten-Smelling Fish” or “Hejian Style Belt Leather Donkey Meat”.
Unless you have good Chinese phrasebook or a guide, it is well worth heading to a place that has a picture menu – or, of course, a street side cooking joint where you can pick your favorite ingredients by pointing and watch them transform in the wok. Alternatively, find a common dish you like – jiaozi (dumplings) or Gong Pao (Kung Po) chicken are easy options – and order that when in doubt.
Learn more in the Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Food

10. Taking the train in China is a bit like catching a plane

Trains in China span the gamut from bullet trains which can whizz you in business-class style comfort from Beijing to Shenzhen at a steady 200mph – and they used to be faster – to aging Communist-era rattletraps with dormitory-style sleepers.
Either way, you will need to buy tickets in advance, either from the station or from an agent in the city center, and arrive at the train station at least half an hour before your train goes. Why? You’ll need to clear security (put your bags through the scanner), find your “gate” (a waiting room), show your tickets, and be cleared for passage when the gates open to the platform.
Like planes, the trains in China usually run on time, which can be disconcerting.

11. Chinese medicine is the norm, not the exception

Chinese medicine. Photo credit: Victoria Reay via Flickr.

Ah, how wildly exotic bunches of dried mushrooms and herbs seem at home. In China, they’re the medical norm, and at a hospital you’ll be offered the choice of Chinese medicine, Western medicine or, in a uniquely new China blend, the best of both.
Looking for a cold medicine that’s not based on, for example, earthworms? Head for a Western brand pharmacy, like Watson’s.

12. China takes time

Give China time, and you might be surprised by how much you love it. Photo credit: Bernt Rostad via Flickr.

China can feel strange, vast, intimidating, with an unnerving blend of Western capitalism and the alien exotica of the Far East. Give China time, and you will learn to love her. Race around this vast nation in a week of frantic flights? You may never come back. And if you don’t, then – we promise — you are missing out.

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5 Best Photography Spots in Jodhpur, India

5 Best Photography Spots in Jodhpur, India

In Rajasthan, where colors rule and the sun shines golden, the odds are that you’ll return from your travels armed with stunning photographs of camels silhouetted against the sunset, rolling sand dunes, and turban-clad, mustachioed men – the usual suspects, so to speak.  Jodhpur , however, offers plenty of chances to get creative and add some cool back stories to your pictures.
Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan sits on the edge of the Thar Desert and promises visitors the opportunity to experience a city with a 500-year old history, to witness true royal opulence and to be overwhelmed by the magnificent architecture outlining the skyline.
Rather than documenting only the majesty of the Mehrangarh Fort or the luxury of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, here are five ways to take some fun photographs around the desert city:

Mehrangarh Fort: Rise like the Dark Knight

Mehrangarh fort. Photo courtesy of athomson via Flickr.

Rudyard Kipling called it the “work of giants” – built of red sandstone and rising a 122 meters above the city, the formidable Mehrangarh Fort defines Jodhpur’s skyline and is one of the best photography spots in Jodhpur.
The 15^th century fort houses within its ramparts mini-palaces like the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ and ‘Moti Mahal’, translating literally to the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ and the ‘Palace of Pears’. Yes, they are exactly what they sound like. Galleries within the fort showcase remnants of the 20^th century regal era – everything from weapons to palanquins are on display.
Mehrangarh is one of the best-maintained forts in all of Rajasthan and a true testament to the Rathore fortitude, but recently, it’s gone down in the books of cinema history for a rather unanticipated reason. Batman fiends might recollect that the forbidding landscape and the fort provided the backdrop to Christian Bale’s epic prison-escape scene in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.
Batman, after scaling walls and breaking bones, escapes a notorious underground prison to emerge in the arid countryside at the base of the Mehrangarh Fort. And now, you too can strike a nonchalant pose in the same setting. To truly replicate the scene though, remember to look effortlessly dismissive about the matter– wall-scaling and prison break-outs are just a regular day’s work after all.
How To:
Visit in the early hours of the day, before the unforgiving afternoon sun really starts beating down. Stop by for a quick bite at the breezy Café Mehran, a restaurant in hues of white and blue built in to a section of the fort. An informative audio tour is available at the gate and will offer bits of interesting information – like how the fort was never once taken in siege during battle. The fort is open 7 days a week, from 9AM to 5PM. Entry tickets cost Rs.300 and include an audio guide and a map of the fort. Go before May, when the summer really sets in.

The Blue City: Do it like a local

Jodhpur, The Blue City. Photo courtesy of eviltomthai via Flickr.

The oldest parts of Jodhpur stretch out at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort like an expansive carpet of stubby blue buildings melding into the horizon.
The blue houses of Jodhpur’s Brahmapuri area have earned the town the moniker ‘the Blue City’. The reason for the color isn’t definitive: some believe it had to do with upper caste Brahmins painting their houses blue, while others believe the paint cools the interiors and keeps mosquitoes away.
The Mehrangarh fort’s high parapets undoubtedly proffer the best views of the blue city, but a street tour of the indigo façade-lined narrow lanes offers a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani lifestyles.
In stark contrast to the parched hues of the Thar Desert, the blue frontages lining the by-lanes breathe fresh life into the city – and your photographs. While the bright houses and street life make great shots, this is a chance to show off the blues in your wardrobe and take some fun photos.
Blend in with the local architecture in your denims and best blues, but don’t be surprised if you find your path blocked by a clamoring child or a stubborn cow. That’s right, these are the mean streets of Jodhpur.
How To:
Take an autorickshaw from outside the fort gates once you’re done exploring Mehrangarh and ask your driver for a tour of this part of town. This shouldn’t cost you more than Rs.200 and you can get some great shots while maneuvering the alleyways. Go before the sun sets.

Umaid Bhawan: Hot wheels in the house

Umaid Bhawan Palace. Photo courtesy of amanderson2 via Flickr.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace – one of the largest private residences in the world – is home to Maharaja Gaj Singh II and the royal family of Jodhpur. Situated atop Chittar Hill at the highest point of the city, the opulent 347-room sandstone palace is divided into three sections: the royal residence, a museum, and the heritage Taj Hotel.
Built in a style inspired by 1930’s art deco, the construction of the palace began in 1929 and took fifteen years to complete. Of the palace’s three wings, only the museum is open to the public – the hotel is exclusive to guests and diners while the private residence is, naturally, private.
The museum houses a small collection of family heirlooms – black and white photographs, antique Victorian timepieces, and 19^th century weapons. If stuffed leopards, hunting trophies and model airplanes are your thing, this is the place to be.
An often missed feature is the outdoor display of gleaming vintage automobiles in their glass-fronted enclosures. The palace garage has slots for up to twenty cars and houses a fleet of brightly colored Rolls Royce models that occasionally make their way out to vintage car rallies. Occupying pride of place, however, is what is considered the most valuable car in the world – the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.
Opportunities to get photographed with rad wheels like these don’t come around too often.
How To:
The museum is mostly indoors, so it is possible to visit in the late morning or afternoon. The Umaid Bhawan Place is open 7 days a week, from 9AM to 5PM. Entry tickets cost Rs.50. Guided tours of the museum are available.

Clock Tower Market: Bargain, bargain, bargain

Jodhpur Market and Clock Tower. Photo courtesy of DSLEWIS via Flickr.

The burnished clock tower is the iconic centerpiece of Jodhpur’s old city, and spreading around it in arterial lanes is the chaotic Sadar Market.
It is in this neighborhood that you will find traditional havelis, or mansions, standing next to an army of street vendors selling leather, spices, fabrics and souvenirs. The market is a swarming mass of rickshaws, scooters, cattle and people. This is where all the action is at.
If the flavorful Rajasthani cuisine has begun to grow on you, this is the place to get your spice fix. Stock up on laal maas masala, tandoori masala and curry powders at M.V Spices or Maharani Spices. You’ll find leather shops selling satchels and cowboy hats, fabric shops selling local bandhej and bright tie-dye prints, jewelry stores and so much more on these lanes.
Jodhpurs are the region’s number one export to the field of fashion, and here’s where you’ll find these hard-to-wear-but-impossible-to-remove riding pants. If you do manage to try them on without losing all dignity, take a picture. It’s a feat worth remembering.
Street-shopping is never complete with a good haggle, and just like in every Indian street market, it’s important to bargain for your curio of choice in Sadar Market. Test your negotiating prowess against some of India’s most persuasive shop owners and document your haggles – it counts for major bragging rights back home.
How To:
Go in the evening when the sun isn’t blazing down on you. It’s hot and it’s crowded, so carry a water bottle, navigate the lanes carefully and keep these safety tips for India in mind.

Local Cuisine: Spice all around

Market in Jodhpur. Photo courtesy of santosh.wadghule via Flickr.

Eating a spice-laden explosion of a traditional meal while visiting Rajasthan is de rigueur. After all the shopping and exploration, replenish at a rooftop restaurant, or be adventurous and indulge in some street snacks.
The fiery specialty of the region, Laal Maas, is meat cooked in a curry of red chillis and yoghurt. Hot, spicy and delicious, the flaming red dish is best accompanied with a cooling green salad. On the Rocks – a lovely garden restaurant – is good for both Indian and Continental food, and particularly known for their Laal Maas.
Some traditional havelis in the Clock Tower area have now converted to hotels, and many of these house rooftop restaurants with amazing fort views. Indique – the in-house restaurant of the Pal Haveli Hotel – overlooks the Gulab Sagar Lake and the Mehrangarh fort, and is especially magical at night when the city is lit up.
Like much else in Rajasthan, the food is colorful, overwhelming and worth photographing. Don’t forget to sample fried street snacks like Mirchi Vada at the Clock Tower Market. Wash it down afterwards with a cooling Lassi, a drink made with blended yoghurt.  Whether its colorful curries or steaming street snacks you’re eating, you’ll want photographs of the food you eat in India to remember these flavors.

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How to Make the Most of Your Hong Kong Visit

How to Make the Most of Your Hong Kong Visit

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most vibrant and international cities, and you could easily spend a week or more shopping its mega-malls and night markets, visiting its temples and savoring the unique flavor of each individual neighborhood. If you’re only passing through Hong Kong and have limited time in the city, you can still experience the best of what Hong Kong has to offer with a little planning.

What to hit and what to miss

Hong Kong

To make the most of your time in Hong Kong, you’ll need to prioritize. In general, it’s better to skip the attractions that you could experience elsewhere, like Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park or the Hong Kong Zoo, and instead focus in on the sights and experiences unique to the city.
No matter your particular interests, you should set aside a few hours to appreciate the world famous skyline at its best — first from the Star Ferry that will carry you across Victoria Harbour with the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on either side, and next with a trip up the Victoria Peak Tram for a bird’s eye view of the city. If you get an early start, you could easily fit both into a half-day.
Travelers who come to Hong Kong for the excellent shopping have plenty of options. For uniquely Hong Kong retail, spend your time along the Golden Mile of Nathan Road with an evening exploring one of Kowloon’s many night markets (the Ladies’ and Temple Street markets are the best).
If you’re interested in museums, you’ll find many located within easy walking distance of each other near the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade in Kowloon. The Hong Kong Museum of History is considered the best in the country, with the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum and the Museum of Art all located nearby.

Getting around

View from Victoria Peak

Hong Kong has an excellent public transportation system, but if you want to make the most of your time, consider buying a pass for the Hong Kong Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus. These open-top, double-decker buses cover three routes with stops at 23 Hong Kong attractions, including the Star Ferry, Victoria Peak Tram, Temple Street Market and many of the city’s top museums. The cost of the ticket includes a one-way ride on the Star Ferry and a roundtrip journey on the funicular tram to and from Victoria Peak, making it a good value for travelers on a budget. You’ll have the option of either a 24- or 48-hour pass good for all three routes.
If you plan to visit sights not covered by the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, the subway will likely be your best transportation option, and you can purchase an Octopus card from the airport station that will allow you to ride the metro (as well as buses and taxis) without having to buy a ticket for every trip.
Book tickets for a Hong Kong Hop-on Hop-off tour

Where to stay

Hong Kong hotels are notoriously expensive and small, and while it may seem tempting to go for a hotel in the New Territories or the outskirts of the city to save money, you’ll save yourself a lot of time by finding accommodation in central Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, depending on where you plan to spend the majority of your time. Getting to central Hong Kong from the outskirts can take up to 45 minutes on the metro, and that adds up to 90 minutes each day you could be using to enjoy the city.

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Cultural tourism Philippine

Best Travel and Journey to Philippines

the Beauty and Unique of ancient of Philippines

manila mormon temple in philippines

philippines is an exotic tourist destination in Southeast Asia and offers some interesting sights in the world. State of Filipinos have a whole area 300,000 square kilomter, and consists of 7,107 islands (7108 at low tide) is stunning. The country is famous for its beautiful islands, beaches and stunning volcanoes, as well as wildlife and exotic dive sites. Luzon, Visayas and Midanao is the main island groups in the country.

The main island of Luzon is located north of the country’s most Filipinos, as well as the largest island in there. The island is adorned by a view of the mountains, lakes, caves, and islands and beautiful white sandy beaches. Manila, the capital of Filipinos country located on the east coast of Luzon island. Manila was established in 1571, on the ruins of Muslim settlements. In this city, there banyat very interesting sights, such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, Malacanang Palace, Fort Santiago, malate & Ermita, Japanese Garden, Museo Pambata, Bahay Tsinoy, Archdiocesan Museum of Manila, Palcio del Gobernator, as well as several attractions Other interesting.

Intramuros (Walled City) is the famous walled city which was built in the Spanish colonial period. In place of this tour, you’ll be treated with forts, churches, monasteries, homes, schools and other government buildings that are still stylish Spanish style. The oldest areas of the city is protected by a large wall that is still strong, despite the fighting in World War II never happened here. Here also there is San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral, located at 2072 square miles (800 square miles) from the port and the ruins of Fort Santiago. In the district of Binondo, outside Intramuros and Chinatown area, there are many shops and restaurants.

boracay beach in philippines

Rizal Park or Luneta also called, is a park dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal, national hero of Filipinos. There, tourists can enjoy the show impressive light and sounds that describe the execution of Filipinos by the Spanish hero. The park is also often used as concert venues and a variety of social, political and religious meetings, as well as children’s play area.

Malacanang palace is one of the most historic infrastructure Filipinos. This place is the official residence of the chief executive of the highest in the country since yahun 1863. Located next to the Pasig River, it was a summer lodgings for the governor of Spain during the early 1800s. Some parts of the palace is used as a museum and opened to the public.

Another famous tourist Filipinos are beaches. White Beach, Boracay Island is one of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world. Alona Beach in Panglao populerl famous for its exotic beaches. Cebu, Panglao, Balicasang and Pamilacan in Bohol is also famous as a popular diving and fascinating in philippines.

if you wanna see more about Asian tourism, here it is: Tourism attraction in malaysia, The Greatest Wall on Earth ever

or another Indonesian tourism are: Beautiful White Crater or Kawah Putih in Indonesia, Kelimutu National Park of Flores in Indonesia, Indonesia tourism, travel, Guide, great, Amazing, beautiful views ever on the world, Fresh of Wonosobo, Dieng Plateu, Jawa tengah

Or you rather chose europe? here it is: The Amazing France,United Kingdom Tourism, vacation, Great and Famous, And best destination on the world, Going To The best ancient ruins Tourism OF Italy, Italian tourism, vacation, holiday, Spain tourism and Guide, spanish traveling/travel and vacation, Spanish attractions,

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Japan

Japan as the Modern and cultural Tourism

Japan Attraction is the most Unique and Modern ever

When talk about culture and nation, the Japanese state listed as first in the world’s most unique cultures. How not, a country known for cherry blossoms has a series of beliefs and traditions which remain stable from generation to generation. Not infrequently, the Japanese culture is so global sports like Sumo, which is a religious ritual background.

Fujiyama mountain in Japan

A variety of Japanese culture was born from the imperial era which is also influenced by other cultures such as Europe, Asia and Central America. Japan is one country that has its own letter and shall be used by all citizens. Japanese culture many of the paintings with the theme of Japanese nature or the official characters or gods. Unique form of painting, the human objects with a unique shape. Drawing media also unique, different from the canvas in general, the Japanese media painting of a rectangle of paper without a frame.

In addition to painting, the Japanese state is also famous for writing calligraphy with kanji and Hiragana. Calligraphy in Japanese is called Shodo. In addition to calligraphy, Japanese has complicated letters, but must be learned by the people of Japan. This letter is written with a brush and used as a national letter either in books, papers and the Internet. Because it’s a keyboard in Japan has two types of letters of Latin script as well as Hiragana.

the famous and holy senso-ji temple

In addition, Japanese culture is famous architecture of the building. The wall of the paper, sliding doors, lanterns and arched roof that is same with Chinese architecture.Japanese architectural style is inspired by China, but modified in certain areas, especially in terms of the existence of these architectures to coexist with nature Japanese.

As with the landscape, Japan is a country filled with mountains and small islands. A variety of the best natural attractions in Japan include the famous mountain Fujiyama. This mountain has eternal snow on top. Most of the natural condition of the Japanese state in the form of mountains, forests and hills that have a variety of flora and fauna.

the famous and holy senso-ji temple

The travelers who visit Tokyo or Osaka may not know that about this, but if you are visiting the area located between Hokkaido and Okinawa, then you will find a variety of plants unique to Japan, volcanoes, hot springs, cliffs and valleys.

A variety of natural flora in Japan is famous pine tree, Momiji, Ume or Japanese plum flower and the most famous course is the cherry. Some Japanese cultural tradition that is still used today actually inspired from nature. An example is the tradition of Hanami or see cherry blossom and the tradition was carried tea slowly while admiring the beauty of nature.

and the most identic from japan is sakura flower.

the unique of sakura flower in japan

Flowering cherry trees between January and June, depending on each region in Japan, but most often this Japanese flower festival takes place between March and May.Currently, there are many festivals in different places in Japan, so you have every chance to find one of them if you decide to come to this extraordinary event.The most important festivals are: Yaedake festival in the town of Motobu (February 16 to January 7), the festival in the city of Matsuyama Matsuyama Shiroyama Koen (2-4 April), the festival Matsue in Matsue Jozan Koen (March 27-April 15), the festival Tsuyama Kakuzan Koen in Tsuyama (early April), Koshi Takato Koen festivals in Takato-machi Ina (April), the festival in the city of Joetsu Takada Koen (April 2 to 18), Tenshochi Kitakami in Kitakami festival (April 15 to May 5), Hirosaki Koen festival in Hirosaki (April-May) or the festival in Matsumae Matsumae Koen Park (April-May).

These festivals are celebrations of the largest to see cherry blossoms in Japan. From a few hundred to tens of thousands of trees cherry trees in Japan, of course there are still many other smaller festivals in every place where cherry blossoms grow.

Cherry blossoms are the main attraction of this event, and the Japanese people celebrate through a variety of other activities. Among the most beautiful thing that can not be missed is the traditional Japanese music and theater, tea ceremony or family gathering to eat under the trees. The celebration does not stop even after the day ends, the gardens here will be lit all night.

Cherry tree is one of the sacred symbol in Japanese culture. The festival of this kind is the perfect event to understand a part of Japanese culture and traditions of the country that remains unchanged to this day. In some of the biggest festivals, you can get around by train in the park or a boat on the river, while accompanied by glowing flowers of this beautiful Japanese.

If you want to come to one of the many festivals throughout Japan the cherry blossoms, you can go there through a lot of flights to the largest cities on the island. You do not need to worry because the distance is not a hindrance, because the transportation system is very modern Japanese state, the time you spend here will not be wasted in vain.

Even you can find the actual values ​​of this country, both culturally and technologically. If you want to do something really special and unique, it is time to start planning your trip at Sunrise this country. Cherry blossom festival will be waiting for you at every spring lasts.

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ndonesia, Yogyakarta

Perambanan Temple as Indonesia Cultural Tourism and Attraction

PERAMBANAN TEMPLE  (CANDI PERAMBANAN)

Prambanan Temple of Indonesia

thetact.wordpress.com try to review on tourism, travel, vacation, it’s all about how to make a good references for you only, specially in world tourism. this time we entered the territory of Asia, Indonesia. there are a variety of cultures and others. dalah post this time, I will discuss about the temple browsing. As we know that Indonesia is rich in culture, rich in faith, there are various religions in Indonesia, one of which is Hindu. and the temple of the Hindu relic of the past has been transformed into a cultural tourism. like as Borobudur temple, and also many temples in Bali, now let’s discuss about  Perambanan templel and Prambanan temple. Prambanan Hindu culturalheritage as the largest in Indonesia, Prambanan Temple does have a charm of its own beauty. Because besides the shape of the building and its layout is amazing, Prambanan temple also stores historical stories and legends that really attract tourists. No wonder when the temple is located on the edge of the highway 17 km from Yogyakarta to Solo is a mainstay attractions of both cities.

Temple complex built in the 9th century AD It has three main buildings beautiful architecture as high as 47 meters. The third building symbolizes the Trimurti, the doctrine of the three main deities of the temple of Shiva (God of fuser) in the middle,
Candi Brahma (God of Guardians) in the south, and Vishnu (God the Creator) in the north. Then in front of the main building there are three smaller temples as a symbol of vehicle (vehicle) of the Trimurti. The third temple is a temple Nandi (bull) which is the vehicle of Shiva, Brahma TempleGoose vehicle, and vehicle Garuda Vishnu Temple.

The tourists can also see and follow the story of the Ramayana story is carved reliefs on the walls in a clockwise direction the balustrade of the temple of Shiva and Brahma Temple continued. While on the balustrade of Vishnu carved reliefs Krisnayana story.

Entering the main temple (Shiva temple) from the north, tourists can also see a statue of a beautiful princess named Roro Jonggrang. According to legend, Roro Jonggrang is the daughter of King Boko who wish to marry by Bondowoso, a man mighty son of King Pengging. Roro Jonggrang who do not love London, trying to reject this proposal by stipulating that made a thousand temples in one night.

With supernatural powers, Bandung agreed terms and nearly managed to finish the job. Roro Jonggrang a panic, trying to thwart the success of this by mobilizing the village women to burn straw and pound rice so that the atmosphere changed as the morning.

beauty of ancient hindi

Thought the deadline had expired, all the supernatural powers that help Bandung running. No doubt, the work is almost finished finally abandoned. This failure certainly makes Bandung wrath. And because they could not control his anger, Bandung cursed Roro Jonggrang into a statue.

The complete story of the legend of tourists can be seen in the museum building is located within the premises of Prambanan Temple. Because in addition to having a play room Audio Visual film for 15 minutes about the history of the discovery of the Prambanan Temple until the renovation is complete and full Renovation, this museum is also exhibiting a collection of archaeological objects and jewelry Mataram kings of ancient relics found in Wonoboyo, Klaten.
Tourism Indonesia Heaven on Earth.
above is a brief description of the temple browsing, if you want to visit? please come to Indonesia, there is a wide range of travel agents when you browse the internet. thetact.wordpress.com just a reference reading which seeks to provide travel information to you. so, please start your own tour. Prambanan temple which I may describe your goal, you who like to tour with the culture, especially the Hindu religious culture.

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