Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for asia
Island Life Increases in Borneo
By Linda Tancs
Conservationist group WWF has reported the discovery of new species in Borneo, the world’s third largest island. The newest inhabitants include a lungless frog, a flying amphibian and a slug that shoots love darts. Cupid, you’ve met your match. In the past three years, 123 species of plant and animal have been discovered in this Southeast Asian island paradise about the size of Texas. In particular, there are 66 new plant species, 17 fish, 5 frogs, 3 snakes, 29 invertebrates, 2 lizards and a bird sharing space in what Charles Darwin described as “one great luxuriant hothouse made by nature for herself.” In an effort to prevent overcrowding, efforts are underway to protect 85,000 square miles of rainforest. You can bet at least one frog gives a flying leap about that.
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Harmony in Pudong
By Linda Tancs
China is celebrating harmony. Odd, you might think, for a world power not exactly known for its humanitarianism. Well, put those beliefs aside when you visit Shanghai’s World Expo 2010. The first world’s fair to take place in China, the exhibition welcomes 189 nations to a five-square-kilometer, $50 billion playground. Over 200,000 visitors poured in for the 1 May opener and fireworks extravaganza over the Huangpu River. Events include folk festivals and cultural feasts, perfect complements to the Austrian theme “Feel the Harmony” or Pakistan’s “Harmony in Diversity.” Over 70 million guests are expected before the event’s close on 31 October. Will you be one of them?
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A Golden Week in Japan
By Linda Tancs
May 1 is typically a public holiday in many parts of Europe, a time to celebrate the advent of spring and enjoy a bit of conviviality in the process. In Japan, however, they needn’t settle for a day of celebration. Golden Week, beginning on 29 April, marks the start of over a week of spirited activity and travel. In fact, many Japanese travel widely during the holiday as many businesses shut down. The festivities begin in April with Showa Day, marking the birthday of the emperor Showa. May 3 marks Constitution Day, so called for the new Constitution put into effect on that day in 1947. Nature is revered on May 4 during Greenery Day. The festival season concludes on May 5 with Children’s Day, a time when carp streamers decorate the thresholds of many homes to symbolize children’s success in life. If you want to be a part of the action, there’s plenty to see, like the 1300th anniversary celebration at Nara. This is prime time for cherry blossoms, too. Visit Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival. Maybe you’ll find a hanami (viewing party) to get happy with. Hana yori dango, as they say.
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Japan Celebrates 1300th Anniversary
By Linda Tancs
Lest you forget that Japan had a capital city long before Tokyo, Nara celebrates its status as the birthplace of Japan with a series of exhibits and events throughout Nara Prefecture this year. The anniversary celebration will include exhibitions of hidden treasures and rarely-viewed Buddhist statues. The main venue, Heijo Palace, will commemorate the restoration of the audience hall where state ceremonies were held before the emperor on 23 April. Later in the summer the palace grounds will be awash in light as night falls with a tremendous display of candles and LED technology. The party continues until 7 November.
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The Town of Boiled Beans
By Linda Tancs
One wouldn’t normally associate Bangalore, the tech haven of India, with boiled beans. That is, unless you consider the tale that the name of the subcontinent’s fifth largest city is derived from the term “bende kaalu ooru”–translated as the town of boiled beans. Not to be confused, of course, with “Beantown,” some 8000 miles away as the crow flies. Want to fly from Beantown (Boston) to Bangalore? You could try winning some free tickets with Emirates.
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Mighty Ice
By Linda Tancs
Unruly amounts of snow and ice pounding the northeastern U.S. this winter would be a most welcome visitor in northeastern China these days as Heilongjiang province celebrates its annual International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin. The arctic climate produces enough ice and snow to produce a slide that rivals that of Atlantis in the Bahamas, a palace to top the Taj and a sphinx to…well, you get the idea. That’s a lot of ice, baby. You can view this arctic architectural achievement until 28 February.
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Valentine’s Day is for Tigers
By Linda Tancs
Hearts, flowers and–dumplings? You bet. This year, Valentine’s Day ushers in the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Boiled dumplings are a tradition on New Year’s Eve and symbolize prosperity. So while all you food mavens are rolling those homemade chocolate truffles for your sweetie, why not try a dumpling recipe. May the new year be a happy and healthy one.
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A Room With a View in Seoul
By Linda Tancs
The W Hotel in Seoul may be the chain’s first property in Asia, but the view is likely the thing that visitors will remember most. Sure, as a luxe hotel it’s got all the trappings you would expect: soothing spa remedies, ambience, five-star dining experiences, a resort locale. But it’s the view atop Mount Acha’s gliding slopes that makes it hard to leave the room. On a clear day, as the song goes, you can see forever. That’s W for “wow.” What’s your favorite room with a view?
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The Soul of Seoul
By Linda Tancs
Seoul has been the capital of South Korea for 600 years, but this city is far from antiquated. In fact, among its many tributes to royalty and tradition lies a cultural renaissance in the making. Find out more at Travelrific® Radio.
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Food and Fast Cars in Macau
By Linda Tancs
The lure of good food and fast cars isn’t lost on the organizers of November’s events in Macau. Beginning on 13 November, Macau launches its international food festival at Sai Van Lake Square. Highlights include delicacies zones comprising Asian, European and local cuisines. On 19 November, sports enthusiasts will gather for The Windsor Arch 56th Macau Grand Prix, headlined by the official FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup. One of only a few locales authorized to carry the FIA World Championship title, many top drivers annually converge on Macau from around the world. The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, now in its 43rd year, is likewise considered one of the most challenging road races in the world.
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