asia
All Asia-bound travelers need some guidance before tackling the largest and most populous continent on Earth.
6 Must-See Imperial Sights in Beijing, China
As Beijing springs into the 21st century, the city’s grandiose ancient architecture could at times be easily forgotten. However, when it comes to its stunning historical panorama, few cities or even countries on this planet could even remotely compete with the Chinese capital.
By Stephanie M7 years ago in Wander
20 of the Most Quintessential Activities to See and Experience in Laos
A lot of countries seem to be renowned for their amazing mountainous viewpoints and archaeological discoveries that they transcend, taking the shape of something much more than a geographical location. In a way, they become a state of mind — almost like anything is possible for those who wish to seek more from their travels; to see and do everything possible in such a short stretch of time. Laos is one of those locations that commands attention from those caught in its gaze. Located in the southeast part of Asia, Laos can only be described as a hidden gem thanks to the infinite amount of things to see and do within the country itself.
By Uly Spitts7 years ago in Wander
Angkor Wat: The City of Temples
Instilled with the architecture of days lost in the barrows of time, Angkor Wat is as entrancing as it is a mystery for anyone not accustomed to temple-scapes (the image of what feels like a mirage). If this is you, don’t fret! There are firsts for everything and trust me in saying that everyone remembers the first time they lay eyes on Angkor Wat. In Khmer (Cambodia’s main form of dialect), the name Angkor Wat stands for "The City of Temples" which, as you'll come to realise, is very apropos, in what can only be described as a must see experience for anyone visiting the city of Siem Reap in hope of something new.
By Uly Spitts7 years ago in Wander
Have You Ever Had Your Fortune Told on Your Travels?. Top Story - August 2017.
The queue was long and disorderly which made me more anxious. The monk on the other side of the counter, dressed in his traditional orange robe, was solemnly taking the thin, pink pieces of paper given to him by the over-excited audience, carefully opening them, ratcheting up the suspense, then whisper something to his assistant who would translate it into English to the bearer of the message who would either beam with delight, look confused, or just staggered…
By best_of _Tara7 years ago in Wander
A Rose in Nara
I was breathless. Sitting next to Seini in the back seat of the Nakagawa family car, I saw Japan in a way my friends back home would never experience. We passed homes and businesses, bicyclists and walkers, business men and students. We were leaving Sakurai High School where our host sister Chinami attended. We were on our own, the rest of the group was on their way to their own host family.
By Jocelyn White7 years ago in Wander
A Brief Look Into Holi: India's Festival of Colour
Holi is one of those events that doesn't require an explanation, all that's needed is a brief image of thousands of people coated in colour to see that this is something unique and very much out of the ordinary. But then again, what is ordinary?
By Uly Spitts7 years ago in Wander
Japanese Wonders
Japan is either hot or cold with one comfortable day in between. That is what I've found in my experience of living in Japan so far. About a three-hour bullet train ride north of Tokyo sits the lovely mountain town of Yamagata City situated perfectly within Yamagata Prefecture. When July comes into season in Yamagata it is a time of vibrant activity within the town. July marks the season of the Sakuronbo Cherry and the Hanagasa Festival, which celebrates the harvest and the cherries. The cherries are ripe for the picking at this time and it's quite difficult to not eat them as they are exceedingly delicious. The region is famous for its rich abundance of fruits. The quaint town of Obanazawa lies just to the north and yields watermelons, which cannot be stored in any size refrigerator. Every town celebrates their signature fruits and this naturally creates weekly farmer's markets that celebrate cultural events rather than our American practice of simply providing a space for local vendors to sell their goods.
By Sound And The Messenger7 years ago in Wander
The Opening
I couldn't believe that I was in India. Looking over to my left was an alarm clock blinking 10:30 am. At this time the TV was still on, its introductory screen slowly coming in and out of actual sound in the room and my consciousness as well. I had flown into the dark, bustling city at 3 am just hours previously. It seemed that Chennai didn't need sleep, but I definitely did. Hundreds had lined up outside the airport to take guests to places around the city. I had found my connection somehow and then there was a taxi ride on a dirt road surrounded by rush hour traffic. It was dark all the while, although something in the air sensed the early day was beckoning itself in. The flight previously had been equivalent to about two days of flying. The experience was possibly close to being flushed down a toilet and arriving in another world. "Was it possible to be water logged by time?" I felt that right then. Outside people were now working in the blazing daylight. I was in the cool interior of a room. India was packed tightly around me, but there was no judgement. Everybody lived together, weaved in together, made sense together. This was apparent and it was new and unique. I was there to attend "The Oneness Partners Course" with Oneness University. It was a process that I had started four years prior. A deep Chennai sun blossomed slowly over the sky lighting up the world for millions of people as they began another day in their life. I just happened to be present as well in that part of the world. My life was weaving in with India I realized right then.
By Sound And The Messenger7 years ago in Wander