|In: Travel Adventures|Last Updated:
Japanese Travel Proverbs – 3 Proverbs

Words of wisdom from people of past eras can nourish the soul and guide us on our way. One way to absorb this type of collective wisdom is through the reading of proverbs. Proverbs are ancient or old-time sayings that speak wisdom to us, often on many different levels at once.

If you have an interest in all-things-Japan, in travel, or in both, you may enjoy learning some Japanese travel proverbs. A good proverb yields insights not only about the subject of the proverb itself, but also about both the speaker (the creator of the proverb) and the listener/reader.

Here are 3 Japanese travel proverbs for you to ponder, learn from and enjoy:

1. The Philosophical:

Here is one attributed to the famous Japanese poet, Basho:

“Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought.” ~ Matsuo Basho

The meaning of this one is pretty clear. In the literal sense, it could be taken to mean that there are many ways to the same destination. In a more philosophical sense, it speaks to the idea of not just imitating the appearance or specific steps of another person’s journey, but rather to let their journey inspire your own unique path.

2. The Romantic:

Here is a Japanese travel proverb that has a romantic undertone:

“Who travels for love finds a thousand miles not longer than one.” ~ Traditional Proverb

From a literal perspective, this proverb tells us that a love of the journey may be just as important as arriving. More figuratively, it tells us that anything that we set out to do with love and passion will be an infinitely easier task than something that lacks such passion.

3. On Being A Fish Out Of Water:

This one talks about human folly …

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Is a Big, Bad RV Motor Coach For You?

Big, bad RV motorhomes. These campers are the most expensive option out there, but for good reason. You can hop into a motorhome and tour the country, no popping up, no hitching up, and no towing (unless you’re towing another vehicle, which is another added option with a motorcoach).These bad boys aren’t for the feint of heart, though. These gas guzzling vehicles have created a sort of cult among retirees and adventurers alike. There’s clubs everywhere for these things. Motorhomes are often the most convenient option, but not always. Of course, if you are a very frequent traveler who makes long trips, the motorhome will probably win most times. Another plus with motorhomes is the ability to “roam” the area while traveling, You can relax on the couch, make a meal, or sleep on a bed while on the road. You can’t climb into a travel trailer or popup and do this. I suppose you probably could, but you would regret you did, not to mention legality issues.

I digress though. Motorhomes are obviously the most expensive option. Of course, there’s always exceptions to this. You can find used Class C’s (for example) for below 20, even 10, thousand. However, the cost of these is all over the charts. They have monstrosities that go into hundreds of thousands of dollars, more than the average house. These are the cat’s meow though, with more than most of us would ever need. Proper research is important while on the market of a motorhome, with varying options available and at all sorts of prices. Another plus about motorcoaches though is that it’s the easiest to find EXACTLY what you want. From plain options and the arrangement of amenities to engine size and style.

There are so many different ways to go on this …

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|In: Travel Inspirations|Last Updated:
India Exotic Tourism Destination

Seen as a country of snake charmers, magicians and naked fakirs India has for centuries intrigued the outsiders. Subject of much conquest, the Golden Bird has a torturous history, the invasions and occupation has left an indelible but colorful mark in the countries tapestry.

It is no more somebody’s cup of imagination the country is on road to fast progress and becoming an economic super power. But the exotic remains now mingled with ultra modern surprising the inquisitive visitors. Side by side luxury sedans and bullock carts roll in India’s busy streets. A jet flies overhead a cluster laid back villages still stuck to their past.

India is a land of delight and despair and both make the tourists exult in bewilderment. The diversity is mind boggling and so is harmony in existence. India changes every short distance people, landscape, dialect, ethnicity and color. The landmark culture is ancient going back to five thousand years. The subsequent development of fine arts, performing arts, rites and rituals and classical music is a testimony to the age of India.

The state rejoices in colorful festivities, rituals and ceremonies – religious and social. The colors have a profound effect upon the visitors and coupled with the sights and smells India appears an amazing pool of exotic. Indians have faith in spirituality an amalgamation of inner self with external World. Religion dominates in all colors of identity an expression of free belief and practice is evident in public life in this highly pluralistic society.

The jewels of India are Taj Mahal, Tiger and Temples the very hallmark essence of a bewildering cultural pot pouri. The mainstay of tourism in India is cultural tours but nevertheless wildlife is essential to traveling in India. Hence tiger tourism is one way of realizing this diverse country. Tiger …

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Early Time Travel Stories

The idea of traveling through time is one which is natural to our modern sensibilities. While there is some debate as to how possible such an exercise may be, most everyone at least acknowledges it as a popular concept in fictional literature.

However the idea of time travel as a plot possibility is one which is not found much in human culture throughout the ages. We have a few ancient stories that have a rough inclination towards traveling forward in time, but there are no recorded mentions of even a vague idea of backward time travel found in any written form until at least the 1700’s.

One of the earliest mentions we have of time travel at all comes from an ancient Hindu text called the Mahabharatha. This story dates back to around 700 BCE – 300 CE and involves King Revaita traveling to heaven to meet Brahma. Upon returning home he finds that several hundred years have passed.

In 720 CE we see the tale of Urashima Taro described in the Nihongi, which describes the adventure of a fisherman who travels to an undersea palace for three days. When he returns home he finds that 300 years have actually passed, and his house has collapsed and his family has all passed and everything he owned in life is gone. This is quite similar to Washington Irving’s story Rip Van Winkle.

A more modern version of the time travel story comes from Louis-Sebastien Mercien’s book “The Year 2440, A Dream If Ever There Were One”. This extremely popular book depicts the tale of a man who has a fight with a philosopher friend of his about the problems with Parisian society. He then falls asleep, and when he awakes he is in a Paris of the future. While the story …

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How to Avoid Food Poisoning When Travelling

One of the best parts of traveling is the chance to try a variety of different styles and tastes of food. It can also be the worst thing when your stomach rolls over and you are away from home at the mercy of a foreign bed or worst yet sleeping bag. There are some good advice and tips out there to allow you to enjoy foreign foods but do it with a minimal chance of getting sick.

Avoid Fruits that do not Have to be Peeled

While your first thought is to grab fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits, this tends to be the first way to get sick. Lettuce is extremely hard to clean well at restaurants unless it has been cooked first. Fruits also tend to not be cleaned as well as they should, so avoid ones that do not have to be peeled. Fruits such as oranges or bananas are good ones to pick up and eat however cooking any of them in some fashion is the best choice and is highly advisable. Also only drink from bottled products, these typically have a much higher standard than most other drinks from reputable companies.

Avoid Food that may be Holding for a Few Days

If you want to eat “street” food which is found at vendors around busy areas of high tourist areas, talk with locals and look for busy vendors. These tend to have a high turnover rate meaning their food comes in daily and you can be sure you’re not getting leftovers. Slower vendors may be holding food for a few days to help save money.

Bring some Stomach Settling Medication

If you are still worried about food poisoning, try and bring some stomach settling medication. But only use it as a last resort as …

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The Amazing Galapagos Island National Park

The Ecuadorian government declared the Galapagos Islands as a national park in 1959, which provides fantastic opportunities for tourists to see nature in its most original places. These small equatorial islands have become extraordinary because this is where Charles Darwin found evidence to prove his theory of Evolution. Some of the rarest, endangered and unique wildlife in the world today makes it home to him, these islands now play an important role in helping us understand how our planet develops.

Nature Lovers

The Galapagos Islands are excellent as extraordinary vacation destinations for nature lovers and naturalists, which allow you to come face to face with nature. The animals are not afraid of humans and in fact, are more curious to see their visitors who are often fascinated by these islands. Located about 1000 km from Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, this volcanic island chain consists of more than 123 islands and islands.

Galapagos Islands History

An interesting aspect of the Galapagos is that these islands were never part of the mainland, which formed more than four million years ago. Rather they were formed by marine volcanoes erupting and rising to the surface of the water. A relatively young archipelago in terms of how old the earth is, the Galapagos today sits apart as a distinct World Heritage Site.

The Galapagos was used as a prison colony for many years and officially claimed by Ecuador in 1832. However, by 1934 the importance of these islands was recognized and they have declared wildlife sanctuaries. The Charles Darwin Research Station was set up on Isla Santa Cruz after it was made a national park and began to extensively investigate and research the giant Galapagos Tortoises. The national park service began operating in 1968 and by 1986 the government gave the islands increased protection …

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Top 5 Places To Get a Meal On Anna Maria Island, Florida!

Anna Maria Island is now regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Found in Florida’s west coast, part of Florida’s Gulf Islands, Anna Maria encapsulates everything that makes an Island, paradise. Average temperatures of 86F/26C, beautiful beaches, clear blue skies and seas, a laid back attitude and an array of eateries and restaurants ? an eclectic mix of places to eat, with fine dining, home cooking, quirky settings and waterfront locations that will leave you breathless!

We have picked out our Top 5 Places to Eat on Anna Maria Island. Enjoy!

Your Own Anna Maria Rental Home!

Anna Maria Island is home to some of the most fantastic vacation rentals in Florida, and none are more spectacular than those on the beachfront or overlooking the waters of the many bays and canals. Anna Maria Island showcases some of the most beautiful and dramatic sunsets across the Gulf of Mexico, so a private and intimate dinner, with front row seats every night, has to be regarded as one of the best restaurant settings, if not for the views alone. But, the Island also has a selection of first-class private chefs and/or caterers that will come to your Anna Maria rental home and cook a menu of your choice for you to enjoy with any number of guests. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, the historic Anna Maria General Store, the only independent retailer on the Island, has everything you need to cater for yourself in your Anna Maria rental home. They also have the most delicious homemade cakes and cookies and will make deliveries if you just cannot tear yourself away from that view!

The Beach Bistro

The Beach Bistro first opened its doors in 1985 and since then has continued to receive heaps of …

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|In: Travel Adventures|Last Updated:
High Adventure At Three Camel Lodge

Who would have imagined that Mongolia would feature one of the world’s best eco-adventure lodges? Indeed, this is the case at Three Camel Lodge, where comfort and eco-tourism come together in one of the world’s top ten adventure lodges.

Set on the edge of the Gobi Desert in the Gobi Gurvansaickhan National Park, Three Camel Lodge is the ideal starting point for adventuring Mongolia’s diverse terrain. Nestled in the foothills of the Gobi-Attai Mountains, this 50 acre wilderness outpost serves as a perfect base for desert exploration. The vast and fascinating landscape of the Gobi Desert, with its red rock cliffs, lush valleys and towering sand dunes is best negotiated by foot, on horseback, camelback and kayak with superb expedition options on offer.

Desert wildlife – hares, hedgehogs and numerous species of birds traverse the camp’s grounds. Ancient petroglyphs depicting antelopes, sheep, ibex and wolves are a short walk away. Camel treks through sand dunes and forests to explore the Gobi’s diverse ecosystems are one among many adventures affording the opportunity to view local wildlife. Horseback riding through the vast desert plains of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where brown bears and numerous birds roam under an infinite blue sky, will lead to the legendary Gunjin Buddhist Temple.

Multi-activity expeditions include kayaking on Lake Hovsgol, then continuing along ancient tea trade routes on a double-humped back camel. Four-wheel drives, horse treks and mountain biking to remote canyons, mountain springs and verdant valleys are part and parcel of the myriad adventures on offer, while overnight tented expeditions are ideal for experiencing the Gobi’s unique wilderness. Closer to camp, the brilliant red rocks of the Flaming Cliffs hold the mysteries of ancient dinosaur fossils to be excavated. And for those wanting a taste of the Gobi, hands-on cooking classes are offered.

Built with …

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Family Adventure Travel Costa Rica – Top Five Destinations in the Caribbean for Adventure

Family Adventure Travel Costa Rica  – For adrenaline junkies, there are several destinations in the Caribbean that will be “must visit” destinations. Adventures range from zip lining through the rainforest canopy to caving through miles of underground tunnels and caverns to rock climbing on vertical rock faces surrounded by jungle. And if that’s not enough to keep you going, what about some of the most challenging hiking and mountain biking, white water rafting and river kayaking, and scuba diving in wrecks, through undersea caves, down vertical coral faces and amidst volcanic ruins and landscapes?

Costa Rica. A country that is covered almost entirely in rainforest with many zip line adventures, challenging caving with qualified guides and hiking on rugged mountains through virgin rainforest.

Dominica. A very mountainous rugged country comprised of several volcanoes, one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world, a boiling lake and hiking with qualified guides that will challenge even the fittest and most accomplished of hikers. Explore Morne Diablotins (4747 ft) on a multi-day hike not for the feint of heart. Scuba dive on volcanic landscapes in the Scotts Head Marine Park.

Jamaica. A well known and popular destination for beaches, but the island is also home to white water rafting expeditions, caving, hiking and mountain biking that will satisfy the cravings of even the most avid adventure tourist. Explore the mountains of Cockpit Country, mountain bike in the Blue Mountains, caving trips to the Deeside Roaring River Cave at certain times of the year only if you pass the physical requirements and restrictions, or explore the more accessible Peterkin Cave.

Guyana. An oft forgotten country when it comes to adventure, but Guyana is home to some of the largest and wildest rivers in the world. Multi and single day hiking and wildlife watching …

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|In: Travel Destinations|Last Updated:
Travel Destinations – Best in the World for Couples

travel destination in southeast asiaTo say you have visited this or that beautiful locale suggests, yes you have a reasonable quantity of disposable earnings and based on the location, lots of it. Then there are these who wait to travel in their later years following they have achieved success” in their various pursuits of life since they finally have time for it. Travel is then deemed a rite of passage and one thing you deserve following all that tough operate and little ones you’ve raised. You’ll probably see Koh Samui on very a few lists of “most affordable location wedding areas” as the exchange rate is 1 dollar to about 32 Thai Baht. The resorts and hotels are comparatively inexpensive, which opens you up to a variety of possibilities. You can pick family members-friendly resorts, boutique resorts or anything quirky in the three-, 4- and 5-star variety. Koh Samui also gives resorts with semi-private beaches, if privacy is essential for you. There are Koh Samui beach wedding packages that have every thing is taken care of for you , not such as airline costs to get there. It starts at roughly THB 50,000 Divide that by 30 and you’ll see why it is economical to have a wedding here.

According to most folks, the greatest skiing destinations and ski resorts lie in the Eastern element of France. This is not truly surprising because this portion of France has been chosen to host the initial Olympic Winter Games in 1924. Since then, this has grow to be the best draw for French Alps ski holidays. This element of France does not only offer you the best ski slopes and the ideal mountain getaway, but the best ski resorts that are more than equipped to meet the skiing requirements of skilled skiers, …

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