SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - LUANG PRABANG

The images of SE Asia that wander through my head are filled with colour, history, culture and mysteries that I myself can not conceive, at least not yet. The more I learn of this corner of the globe the more I thrilled I become at the prospect of having my own two feet wander its ground. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, draws travelers into its midst with its French-Indochine buildings, morning markets selling foods for the day, a royal museum and a stunning temples. Mornings include monks in a procession to accept alms from locals and tourists alike. Found at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in northern Laos there is a striking beauty to the area filled with water and mountain. 

Buddhist Temple at The Royal Palace, Luang Prabang, Laos

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons - The Rambling Man

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - GOA

This week's 'hot spot' is none other than Goa, India. Despite being the smallest state in India, it is favoured by many for its beach life, blend of Indian and Portuguese history, pilgrims and lifestyle suited to expats from around the globe. Located on India's west coast, near the Arabian Sea, this tropical haven beckons. 



Aaahhh... the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Photo credit: Flickr - Aaron Geddes

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - FULL MOON PARTIES IN THAILAND

**Oops...maybe this post should be called "Monday's Magic Moment" - sorry for the delay**

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"Baby it's cold outside". Well it is officially December and a frosty winter season for Northern Hemisphere countries. Even moderately weathered Vancouver has been a bit chillier than normal. To help warm your souls I will be posting warmer destinations for the next several weeks. Enjoy! I know I will.
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I have, over the years, heard many things about Thailand. Mouthwatering food, pristine beaches, tropical weather, inexpensive traveling, and steeped in history it offers something for most anyone. Often included in the descriptions and lists of "what to do" of Thailand is the infamous Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. Although this is not a "spot", so to speak, it is something that is synonymous with this SE Asian locale.

What started out as a small party on the eve of the full moon in 1985 has turned into an enormous beach dance party (or rave) of over 10,000 - 20,000 fluorescent painted Western party-goers. World-class deejay's mix music over dozens of sound systems, food stalls line the beaches and cheap drinks are available everywhere. It is one big party from sunset to sunrise with plenty of fun to had and memories made. Information and guidelines can be found on several websites. I guess with a party of this scale it is prudent and always use common sense and overindulging is best kept at bay. Check out Rough Guides Survivor Guide and Full Moon website for info, tips and survival know-how.




It is not for everyone that is certain, however, it would be a sight to see. Would I attend? I can not say. Dancing on the beach would be fun but 10,000+ people may be too big of a crowd for my tastes. Perhaps if the opportunity presented itself I would decide then. I will just wait and see.

Photo credit: Flickr - Brendan007

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - GREAT WALL OF CHINA

One of the most well known man-made creations is the legendary Great Wall of China. Having a history that spans centuries, this fantastic wall runs 21,196km/13,171mi. The intention of the wall was to provide fortification from attacking invaders from the north. Today it not only retains a historical importance but an architectural one as well. 

This UNESCO Hertiage Site, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, owned by Severin Stadler

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SULAWESI, INDONESIA

Sulawesi is one of the larger islands that make up the country of Indonesia and is the eleventh largest in the world.  In south Sulawesi one may come across the traditional Tongkonan ancestral houses of the Toraja people.  

Traditional Tongkonan Houses of the Toraja people in south Sulawesi, Indonesia

These marvelous houses, built with up swept gables, are built north to south and maintain a significant cultural for the Toraja peoples.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, user 22Kartika

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - TIBET

I apologize for not posting a picture last Sunday. I was otherwise engaged and time got away from me. I do hope that this week's photo will make up for it.

Many a castle, palace and other remarkable architecture, especially those long-standing ones, I find to be of great visual interest. In the not-so-distant future, I will make a pilgrimage to many of those well-worn sites and observe them with my own eyes; admiring the colours, textures, lines and beauty they exude. For now, I hope, "a picture is worth a thousand words".

Potola Palace, found in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China sits majestically upon Marpo Ri ("The Red Hill").  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Potola Palace was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century until 1959, when the current Dalai Lama fled after an ineffective uprising.



Built strong and fortress-like, Potola Palace houses over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 thousand statues.  During the Cultural Revolution of China (1966 - 77) much of the palace was, sadly, vandalized and  looted by Chinese soldiers. Today, the Chinese government runs the palace as a museum and it is visited by numerous tourists yearly.

This photo is from Flickr. It was taken and is owned by Watchsmart.

The Appeal of...Part IV

Asia, the world's largest and most populous continent. It is a vast area to cover with much to see. So where in Asia am I drawn to? Where will I sojourn?

I am of the mind that there are certain places everyone should visit given the opportunity, whether there is an interest in it or not. These places I view as being like no other. Two of them are in Asia: India and Thailand. Now is this idea a valid one? Perhaps, perhaps not. There is only one way to confirm this in my mind. Yep, you know it - to go there and see for myself.






The Appeal Of:

India:

Oh where to begin? Descriptions that make their way to my ears conjure images like no other country does. Assorted religions, numerous languages, curious customs and life ripe with colours, smells and sounds both grab my attention and intimidate me simultaneously. Yet, amid this muddle of an image I have, I very much want to "get" India. 

Bhutan:

The allure of this destination is strong yet it is very unlikely that I will be able to visit during this RTW trip. I will get there, just perhaps not this time around. I am intrigued by this Himalayan country where "Gross National Happiness" is a mandate and modern technology is adopted slowly and warily.

Vietnam:
Everything. Pretty much everything I have heard or read about Vietnam incites me to hop on a plane and check it out. 

Cambodia:

Although I am not religious I do find much religious architecture beautiful and fascinating. The Hindu temple of Angkor Wat is no exception. It is the primary pull for me.

Indonesia:

An archipelago country of over 17,000 islands - you know you will have plenty to see and do. Jakarata, Borobudur Temple, the islands of Flores and Sulawesi, beaches and Komodo dragons (Komodo Island). I think I may just spend an obscene amount of time in this country.

Malaysia:

Truthfully, I aim to visit Malaysia for its food. It has been oft-repeated that food is the best in its country of origin. The Malay food I have tried in Vancouver is mouth-watering, savory and oh-so-heavenly. If it is better in Malaysia then chances are considerable that I may never return.

Thailand:

As I stated previously, Thailand is one of the places in the world that I think everyone should visit. And that is the only reason I will go. I may send shock waves to die hard Thai fans but I have no desire to visit Thailand. I do think it is a unique locale, however, I am just not feeling it. Though, that is the reason I will go. Perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised. Or not. I guess I will wait and see.

2 more continents left...onto Australia!!

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - TURKEY

In trying to decide on today's spot I encountered some difficulty. Not because I did not know which country to choose but which area of it to opt for! Turkey offers so much - it is permeated with history and culture yet maintains a modern flair with eco-tourism, adventure travel and pure beauty in a Mediterrean climate. I have yet to meet someone who has been to Turkey and has not liked it. I can't wait to visit!!




The Cappadocia region, found in central Turkey, is home to much history and natural volcanic rock vistas. Ancient "fairy chimneys" populate the view around Goreme. Due to the soft nature of these "chimneys", the locals created carved homes, churches, temples and other structures into them.

Photo copyright by Moyan Brenn

Sunday's Special Spot - TOKYO

KONICHIWA!!

Today we will be visiting Tokyo, the capital of Japan, the centre of Greater Tokyo Area and the world's largest metropolitan area. As far as big cities go, Tokyo impresses upon me as a world-class centre that is both modern yet filled with history and culture along with many springtime cherry blossoms.

Night view of city and Tokyo Tower

Opened in 1958, the Tokyo Tower rises up to 333m with over 150 million people visiting it since it opened. 


This photo is from Go Tokyo, The Official Tokyo Travel Guide. It is owned by them.