Cultural

Many of us had wanted to visit Burma/ Myanmar at some stage but because of the political situation were deterred.  Following the released of pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Ky in 2009, her party is asking ethical tourists to visit. Burma is where it neighbour Thailand was before mass tourism - many areas are in their natural state waiting to be explored.

Venice is Italy’s most romantic city and one of the jewel of the Adriatic.  Its glorious mix of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture, gondola-lined canals and beautiful bridges has inspired poets and painters through the ages.  For centuries Venice was one of the grandest cities in the world. Modern day Venice still is impressive, packed with lavish palaces, ornate churches and great works of art, and it wonderful watery landscape hasn’t changed much in three hundred years.

Copper Canyon also called Barranca Del Cobre in Spanish is a lush canyon system in Chihuahua state northwest Mexico.  The Barranca Del Cobre canyon system is four times the size of neighbouring Arizona’s Grand Canyon and deeper in some areas. Apart from its natural beauty and breath taking views the Copper Canyon offers a train journey that travels from sea level to 7,500 feet in less than 150 miles; giving it the name “Train in the Sky”.

The ride on the Copper canyon railway is the main attraction of the region because from the train it’s like you are seeing the entire world.  The railway system took almost 100 years to build and is considered to be an engineering marvel.  The copper canyon rail excursion is voted the most exciting train journey in the world.

If you thought Thailand was just a beach holiday destination, then think again. With its incredible diversity, it’s hard not to love Thailand. From a vibrant metropolis to a hammock on a deserted island, bustling streets to a digital detox in the world of meditation – in Thailand there is something for everyone.

Depending on who you speak to Colombia is synonymous with Coffee, Cocaine and Football. That is because that is mostly what is printed in the news and shown on television but there is more to this South American, Spanish speaking country, than we hear in the news. Colombia is rich in history and culture and unlike the Caribbean islands to the north of it; it has manage the keep some of its indigenous people along with some of their historical sites.

Go back into history along Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Cities Kiva, Bokhara and Samonkand. Once part of the USSR Uzbekistan now stand as an independent country in the middle of central Asia.  Around it are Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Afganistan and Turkmenistan.  The capital Taskent’s still bear resemblance of its former association with Russia, through its architecture and the mix of people that you come across. There are the pale face Russians, who stayed after Uzbekistan gain its independence and the oval-faced, almond eyed individuals in brightly-coloured striped robes.

Before the Russian Uzbekistan played a significant role in the Silk and spice trade, that gave it wealth and defined the region.  A visit to the region especially Samarkand, Khiva, Bokhara and Taskent and you will find remnants of its rich history in trade, architecture and past rulers – Alexander the Great, Genghis Kan and Tamburlaine).
 

A visit to Stavanger will change your view of the Nordic region. Located on a peninsula in Southwest Norway; it is a thriving cosmopolitan city with a long history, vibrant cultural scene and close by are Norwegian’s famous fjords (voted most unspoilt destination).  One of the great things about Stavanger is most things are just minutes away from the city centre.  It has the region’s most breathtaking mountains, beautiful waters, and long sandy beaches and being on the Gulf Stream it has an unusually mild climate with pleasant summers.

Rich History and Vibrant Cultural Scene

The Boryeong mud festival was started in 1998 for the sole purpose of advertising the health benefit of Boryeong’s mud.  Fast forward to today and it has grown into one of the biggest festival on the summer festival calendar – in Asia. For one weekend in July the Daecheon Beach comes alive with revilers from all over the world to take part in this muddy but healthy festival.

If I did not say where I was writing about and ask you where in Eastern Europe you can sun bath all day and party in the night it would take you a few guesses before you mention Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Known for its natural coastline and beautiful sun shine, the Dalmatian Coast covers the entire Croatian coastline which includes towns like Split, Makarska and Dubrovnik and islands like Hvar, Korcula and Mljet.  The Dalmatian coast has become a European short break destination everyone wants to experience. With its excellent Mediterranean climate, rugged mountains and deep blue sea, it’s perfect for an outdoor holiday – whether sunbathing on pebble beaches, peddling along rural cycling trails, or touring archaeological sites.  But if you really want to taste Croatia’s magic, there’s no better way to explore the blissful islands of the Adriatic than by sailing boat.

Fuji Rock Festival Japan
The Fuji rock festival is held in Naba ski resort of Niigata it was founded by Masahiro Hidaka. It is now in its 14th year; Masahiro said it was inspired by a trip to Glastonbury. The festival is Japan’s largest outdoor festivals it attacks over 30,000 fans and is said to be the cleanest festival in the world, with round the clock recycling and round the clock cleaning (smash-uk.com/frf10).