View of Akershus Fortress
Photo by: Pudelek, Creative Commons

A visit in Norway will not be complete without a tour of the Akershus Fortress, one of the country’s national symbols. It was built more than 700 years ago, a span of time that made the place a rich reservoir of Norwegian history. Its construction started in the late 13th century to protect Oslo, the capital, from outside invaders. In the early 17th century, the fortress was remodeled into a renaissance castle. Throughout most of its history, the fortress (or at least a section of it) was also used as a prison particularly during the time when it was occupied by the Germany army in World War II.

At present, the fortress remains the realm of the military, but it is accessible to the public from 6 am to 9 pm. Joint quarters of the Norwegian Defense Staff and Ministry of Defense are housed in the eastern section of the fortress. Among the places to visit in the area are the museum of the Norwegian Armed Forces and that of the country’s resistance movement during the Second World War. Likewise worth a look is the Royal Mausoleum where the remains of several Norwegian kings and queens, as well as other members of the royal family, have been interred. Today, the Norwegian government oftentimes holds important state functions and official occasions at the Akershus Fortress.

During the peak tourist season from mid-June to Mid-August, guided tours are available. Overlooking the harbor and within walking distance from many first-class hotels, the fortress is an ideal way to start a sight-seeing tour of Oslo. Tourists can enjoy al-fresco refreshments right at the Akershus grounds at two cafes. One has even a license to sell alcoholic drinks, in addition to hot meals and coffee, truly a great way to take in the sights at this Norway landmark.

Photo by: Nina Aldin Thune Creative Commons

A fairy-tale village setting is what travelers would be reminded of upon setting foot at Bryggen, where a parallel row of gabled-roof, multi-colored wooden buildings stands out facing the harbor front of the city of Bergen in Norway. These buildings are nearly 900 years old and count among those under the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

The structures were of Hanseatic origin. They were built at the height of the influence of an alliance of trading cities called the Hanseatic League which monopolized trade along the Northern European coast. The structures are in fact former commercial buildings and warehouses at the time when the Bergen harbor was a flourishing trading center.

At present, Bryggen is one of the tourist attractions at the city of Bergen. Fire razed some of parts of the city’s historic wharf district in 1995, but a museum has been constructed at that area to house the priceless artifacts that were saved. A hotel has also been constructed to complement the other tourist facilities already in place such as souvenir gift shops, pubs and restaurants. Painters, artisans and weavers have also established their presence in the area to provide tourists a sampling of original Norwegian craftsmanship. During summer, guider tours are available.

The wharf is just within walking distance from the central district of Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, and a tourist who may need to ask for directions will have to master only two Norwegian words. One of course is Bryggen and the other is Vaagen. In the Norwegian language, the port would be Vaagen, and by just saying it, a native could readily understand that one wants to be directed to the world-famous waterfront. There won’t be much difficulty either traveling to Bergen as the city has an international airport with direct flight connections to European, American and Asian cities.

Photo by: Überraschungsbilder Creative Commons

The Giant’s Causeway belongs to the many things that the Irish people are proud of. It is an extraordinary landscape that was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1986. Also a National Nature Reserve as per a 1987 proclamation of the Department of Northern Ireland, this tourist attraction consists of thousands of interlocking basalt columns in a headland facing the North Atlantic Ocean’s North Channel towards Scotland.

The sight of these columns is awe-inspiring as they appear from the sea, forming hexagonal stepping stones to the top of the cliffs. Geologists believe that these natural formations were the result of intense volcanic eruptions in the area around 50 to 60 million years ago. But it formed a unique natural formation, and an amazing legend has been woven around the origin of the Giant’s Causeway.

If old Irish folks are to be believed, these ancient rock formations were actually part of a bridge that their mythical warrior Finn McCool built to cross the sea to do battle against a much bigger Scottish archrival, Benandonner. But the expected confrontation of warriors did not happen as Finn’s wife disguised his husband as their baby son. Seeing that with such an infant so huge, Benandonner concluded that Finn, the father, must be a giant. The Scottish warrior fled but destroyed Finn’s bridge which then became the awesome natural wonder in the county of Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The modern-day tourists, unlike Finn and Benandonner, need no bridge to appreciate the natural splendor of Antrim. The easiest way to the area is by air through the Belfast International Airport which is within the county’s territorial jurisdiction. The airport, being UK’s fifth largest regional air cargo center, maintains regular flight services to and from Britain and points across Europe and North America. Visitors from the outside with the Antrim attraction as part of their itinerary can also avail of ferry boat services linking Northern Ireland with Scotland and England.

Public access to the Giant’s Causeway is free. Permission from the authorities is necessary for visitors bringing in their vehicles to the nature reserve itself. Vehicles parked outside are assessed parking fees. Charges are good for all-day parking and cost £6 each for cars, £20 for coaches and £7.50 for RVs. Visitors will need to walk about one kilometer from the parking area to the Causeway. Mini-bus shuttles are also available up and down the reserve for a return fare of £2 per adult and £1 per child passenger.

Changdeokgung Palace
Photo by: Daderot, Creative Commons

South Korea – a beautiful country in the Eastern part of Asia. Just like its neighboring countries, it too has its own colorful historical and political past. Luckily, for both locals and tourists, some traces of the old world still exist today, one of which is that Changdeokgung Palace.

Historical Significance:
The Changdeokgung Palace or the “Palace of Prospering Value” is one of the original five grand palaces that were built during the Joseon Dynasty. Since its construction, it has played home to several rulers and has undergone several extensions and renovations through time.

One major event that affected the Changdeokgung is the Japanese invasion in 1592. This palace along with the five others was torched by the Japanese soldiers in an attempt to gain control of South Korea. Being the center of politics and commerce in Seoul, Changdeokgung was promptly rebuilt by King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun. But that attack was just the first. It survived one more arson and revolt during that political era.

Despite several renovations and reconstructions, the Changdeokgung Palace remained true to its original design. To honor the architecture and the history behind the place, it has been proclaimed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites last 1997.

Tours:
Because of the size of the area, the arranged tours can last from one to one and half hours. You can get a guided tour from April to November at any day except for Mondays and Thursdays. If you do not speak the local language, you do not have to worry because an English guided tour can also be arranged.

Places to see:
1. Donhwamun Gate – the largest of all the palace gates that was built in 1412.
2. Injeongjeon Hall – the palace’s throne ball where major state affairs were held.
3. Huijeongdang Hall – originally, this was meant to be the king’s bedchamber, but later on converted to be his workplace where he conducted state affairs. The room now has a very modern, interior that is influenced by western countries.
4. Huwon Garden – a 78-acre garden that was originally made for the use of the royal family alone. This huge piece of land now houses over 26,000 or so specimens of flora and fauna. Some of the landscaped trees are even said to be approximately 3 centuries old.

Front View of Haeinsa Temple

Photo by: Caspian blue, Creative Commons

The Haeinsa Temple or “Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea” also belongs to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is one of the more important temples in Korea as it houses the historical Tripitaka Koreana – Buddhist scriptures that are carved into approximately 81,258 printing blocks. Those blocks have stayed in the Haeinsa Temple since 1398.

The construction of this temple has 2 legends. The first one mentions that Haeinsa was built in gratitude of Buddha’s mercy after two monks have successfully cured King Aejang’s wife.

The second legend by Choe Chi – Won accounts that the same monks have won the support of a wealthy dowager who converted her religion to Buddhism.

Just like other important structures in Korea, this temple has survived several political revolts and arsons. In fact, the structure that we see now is a result of no less than eight major reconstructions and renovations. This temple is located on the Gaya Mountain, south of the Gyeongsang Province.

Places to See:

1. Janggyeong Panjeon (also known as National Treasure Number 52)

This is the oldest part of the temple that holds one of Korea’s national treasures – the Tripitaka Koreana. Given the fact that this structure is mostly made of wood, it has miraculously survived fires and bombings during the Japanese and Korean Wars.

This storage facility is also one of the reasons why UNESCO included the temple in the list of World Heritage Sites. Its architects have found natural and ingenious ways to preserve the wooden blocks.

2. Daejeokkwangjeon (also known as the Hall of Great Silence)

This hall is special because it is mainly dedicated to Vairocana – the Buddha that is the embodiment of Dharmakaya who is one of the forming parts of the Trikaya doctrine.

Hourly tours are given to locals and foreigners who are interested to see the place. These can be arranged by contacting travel agencies that are locally based. Some of the guests are also given the option to stay overnight and appreciate the tranquility of the place at a meager rate. The stay is best recommended for people who wish to meditate and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city even for just one night.

Amiens Cathedral
Photo by: Pingu1963, Creative Commons

Amiens cathedral, also know as the cathedral of our lady of Amiens, is the tallest cathedral in France. Amiens Cathedral is the heart of Picardy which is a couple of hours north of Paris. The interior volume is estimated as 200,000 meters cube . It is listed as one of world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1981. It is the tallest gothic church in from the Gothic era. The height of the ceiling is about 43 meters and the width of the nave is about 14.7 meters. The interior ceiling is a modern 14-story building. This cathedral was built in the year 1152 and was influenced by the roman style.

The cathedral was burnt in the year 1218 due to a lightening strike. The reconstruction of the cathedral was started in the year 1220 and completed in 1245.

Front View of Kyongbok Palace
Photo by: Isageum, Creative Commons

The Kyongbok Palace or the Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces that were built during the Joseon Dynasty. In English, its name translates to “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.” This structure has been famous worldwide because of its sheer size and unique architecture.

Unfortunately, it is one of the historical sites that acquired much damage during the Japanese occupation. Up to this date, efforts are being done to somehow restore the palace’s old grandeur. Despite the ongoing reconstruction, this place remained to be one of the most visited places in South Korea.

Here is a list of some information about the Kyongbok Palace that you need to know.
• The main structure was constructed in 1934 by King Taejo – the founder of the famous Joseon Dynasty. Unfortunately, during the late 1500’s, a huge part of the palace was burnt down by the invading Japanese.
• After the Japanese invasion, Daewongun spearheaded the repair, reconstruction and expansion in 1867. At its completion, 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms made up the palace.
• Before the assassination of Empress Myeongseong, this palace was the home of the royalties of Korea. The trauma left by the assassination pushed the royal family to move into one of the other imperial palaces.
• The palace and the buildings are open to the public today. Visitors frequently visit it because it houses the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Korea until the displays were moved to Yongsan–gu last 2005.
• Apart from the museum, here are the other parts of the palace that you may want to visit.

Gangnyeongjeon Hall – The king’s main living and sleeping quarters, which used to have bedchambers that were laid out following a checkerboard pattern. While the king stayed in the middle chamber, he housed his attendants and bodyguards on each side for his convenience and added protection.
Geunjeongjeon Hall – This is the throne room where the king grants audience to his officials and advisers.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion – This pavilion has been the venue for important state dinners and other significant gatherings. This structure is constructed in the middle of a rectangular man–made lake and it is currently depicted in the 10,000 won Korean banknote.

The Scream from the National Gallery in Oslo

Art connoisseurs make it a point to visit Oslo primarily due to the National Gallery of Norway in the capital city. This art museum has a history that dates back to 1836 and houses the most extensive collections of major sculpture and paintings of famous Norwegian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. It underwent a four-year expansion from 1903 to 1907 to provide ample exhibit areas for an expanded art collection that are now considered as national treasures of Norway. The art repository was merged with two other Norwegian museums in 2003. The resulting merger, which underscored the importance of the various forms of art in Norway, is the National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design.

Most visual art disciples, however, would still prefer to briefly call it as the National Gallery. After all, paintings was what made the museum famous. Its collections not only include the works of Norwegian painters, but also those of French, Swedish and Danish artists. The gallery houses some representative French modern paintings like those rendered by the genius brushstrokes of Henri Matisse and Paul Cézanne. There are also Post- Impressionist works by the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, along with collections from Swedish and Danish painters.

The longer queue of gallery viewers, however, should easily form in front of one of the four versions of “The Scream”, the most famous (and most reproduced in posters) painting of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. Painted in 1893, this original was stolen in 1994 but was eventually recovered. Fifty-seven other works from Munch are displayed in the gallery including “Moonlight”, “Ashes”, and “The Dance of Life”, as well as several of Munch self-portraits.

All in all, the collections at the National Gallery of Norway may not be as extensive as those in other national museum. What sets these collections apart is that they are representative of all of European painters and their respective genre.

The peaceful Urnes Stave Church
Photo by: Sveter, Creative Commons

The amazing durability of its architecture coupled with the unseemly mix of Christianity and the Vikings in the structure are perhaps the main reasons why the Urnes Stave Church in Norway has been declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1989. This church, still standing on its original site Luster beside the Sognefjord, was built around the year 1150, and like other similar structures of its era was constructed with a post and beam design akin to timber framing. The timber used was as early as the years 1129-1130, indicating the long years that went into its construction as well as the intricacy of the decorations incorporated in the building.

The Urnes Stave Church is believed to be the oldest medieval wooden church and acknowledged as a merger of the architecture and art forms of the Viking era and Christian architecture. Outside of Norway, there is only one remaining medieval stave church which is located in Sweden and was built during the 14th century, approximately more than 100 years after the Norwegian wooden church was built.

Masses are still being occasionally celebrated at the church which was originally a private place of worship for a powerful family. Its ownership has been transferred to the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments.

Foreign tourists who wish to visit the church the can come in via Bergen, the largest city in Western Norway where Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, is located. Bergen has an international airport with connections to and from major world cities. The county to go to from Bergen is Sogn og Fjordane which could be reached by plane, by rail or via the Rallarvegen road or through fjord cruises, some of which have organized round-trip tours. Visitors bound for the Urnes Stave Church coming in from Oslo will need to travel 350 kilometers with a choice of plane, rail, car, bus, train or boat transport

North Korea is probably one of the remote destinations in the world that offer great natural parks and it is almost completely unexploited by tourism. The months of June to September offers break from the icy winters of North Korea with average temperatures between 23 and 29 degree Celsius. For people who are fond of snow, North Korea is a haven for ice-skating and other winter activities.

Today, Kaesong Old Quarter has about two hundred thousand residents but eight hundred years ago, its population was near to four times when it was still the capital of the Koryo Dynasty. Kaesong used to be an extravagant, wealthy and sophisticated metropolitan area that was filled with Buddhist nobles. However, it was neglected for centuries and three major wars left the metropolis in ruins. Nowadays, there are a few relics and museums in Kaesong Old Quarter that present various significant artifacts and depict the history of the city.

In 992, the Songgyungwan Neo-Confucian College was built and it was rebuilt after the invasion of Japan in 1592. The college is home for the Koryo Museum that holds Buddhist relics and pottery. In special occasions, Confucian ceremonies are reenacted in the Museum for visitors. Kaesong is now a modern city that has wide streets but it is of trivial interest compared to Keasong Old Quarter where houses with traditional roof tiles are in between the main road and the river. Furthermore, the town is where the Sonjuk Bridge is located, which was built in 1216 as well as the Songin Monument, built to honor Chong Mong-ju, a Neo-Confucian hero. The Tomb of King Kongmin, who reigned between the years of 1352 to 1374, is located just out of the Keasong Old Quarter. The King’s tomb is luxuriously adorned with traditional granite, making it one of the famous tourist attractions in the area.

Visiting North Korea can be quite a challenge so it is probably more appropriate for experienced travelers who are looking for a different kind of adventure. With its severe weather especially during winter, it is recommended to make your trip during the spring or the early fall or late summer. These seasons offer impressive and gorgeous skies as well as breathtaking blooming flowers and the magnificent colors of autumn.

Mt. Kumgang is located in the southeast part of North Korea that is well-known for its picturesque beauty. Today, the mountain is not accessible from the North because it has been launched as a Special Tourism Zone, which is under an absolute arrangement with the Hyundai company of South Korea. The said agreement started in November of 1998 and since then, almost two million visitors from South Korea and from other countries have visited Mt. Kumgang.

Mt. Kumgang has three major parts – the outer Kumgang or Oekumgang, the seashore or Haekumgang and inner Kumgang or Naekumgang. These areas offer different hiking and walking trails, historic sites and scenic spots. There are also a wide range of restaurants and accommodations where travelers can stay while on vacation. Visitors can relax in hot springs, enjoy incredible acrobatic shows and a nightly show that presents the North Korean Folk Music. Golfers will not be disappointes with an 18-hole golf course that was opened in the year 2007. Beach enthusiasts are also in for a treat as well as for travelers who love to shop. Other amenities include a bank, a food court and a well-stocked Family Mart.

Mt. Kumgang is an untouched spiritual retreat and its surrounding area highlights a renowned Zen monastery, wonderful nature beauty and challenging tracks for travelers who love hiking. You can also witness the nearby Kuryong Falls with its 242 feet of water plunging into a chain of lagoons beneath. There is a spectator area where tourists can have a good view of the falls while the mountain courses take the trekkers to more than five thousand feet up for a remarkable panoramic landscape of the white sand beaches and the surrounding valleys.

There are a variety of tour packages available that usually consist of three days-two nights but you can also have your choice for shorter and longer packages. Most of the time, tourists leave everyday on regular scheduled bus trips from two assigned pick-up spots in downtown Seoul at around 8:30 in the morning.

View of Mt Cook
Photo by: C.M. Lynch, Creative Commons

Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is New Zealand’s highest mountain standing 3,754 meters high. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting the country, especially for mountain climbers. The mountain can be found in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is included in the United National World Heritage Parks. The 700-sq kilometer park itself features more than 140 peaks and 72 named glaciers. The mountain’s base camp is Mount Cook Village, which also serves as the park’s tourist center.

Mt Cook is an ascent for the more experienced climbers. It is frequently visited by storms and takes steep ice and snow climbing to reach the peak. The mountain has three peaks – Low Peak, Middle Peak, and the High Peak – lying south and east of the main divide.

Aoraki means “Cloud Piercer” in a dialect Maori language. Abel Tasman, for whom the Tasman Glacier found east of the mountain was named, was the first European believed to have discovered the mountain in 1642. Mt Cook was then named after Captain James Cook, who was the first explorer to circumnavigated New Zealand in 1770. Cook did not see the mountain in the course of his exploration. The mountain’s official name was Aoraki/Mount Cook with respect to its historic Maori name.

The first climbing attempt at Mt Cook was made by Rev. William Green, Swiss hotelier Emil Boss, and Swiss mountain guide Ulrich Kaufmann in 1882 but it was later agreed that they were 50 meters short of the true summit. In December 1894, Tom Fyfe, James Clarke, and George Graham of New Zealand were the first climbers to successfully reach the summit. They made their way up via Hooker Valley and the north ridge.

Vast amounts of rainfall nurtures temperate rainforests in the coastal lowlands and keep the glaciers flowing. These glaciers include the Tasman and the Murchison glaciers to the east and the Hooker and the Mueller glaciers to the south.

Two Clown Nudibranchs in the waters of Poor Knight Islands
Photo by: Tarinth, Creative Commons

Poor Knight Islands definitely has something to offer to tourists all over the world. The islands are not easily accessible due to their steep cliff faces, rugged terrain and rocky inlets that prevent comfortable landings. However, these inconveniences do not keep the travelers from visiting the destination. The islands are considered as natural reserves so it may be quite a challenge to explore the islands.

The waters surrounding the islands are also secluded marine reserves but visitors are welcome to do water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing as long as they are with experienced tour guides. Diving at Poor Knight Islands is one of the most famous activities all over the world.

Poor Knight Islands is located twenty-four kilometers off the northeastern coastline of New Zealand. If you are interested to visit the famous destination, it is recommended to contact tour companies in Tutukaka, which is the harbour town that is known s the entrance to the islands. You can easily get into Tutukaka by car, which is a two hundred-kilometer drive north from Auckland. You can also access the town through bus or airplane from Auckland to Whangarei.

The Poor Knights Islands are becoming more and more popular because of their breathtaking and adventurous destinations. Underwater scenes are perfect for people who love diving while the forests on the islands offer great exploration for hikers and travelers. You can also explore the many caves in the islands that offer amazing experiences for everyone.

A wide range or shellfish, anemones, urchins and fish occupy gorgonian fields and sponge gardens. A lot of rare subtropical fish can be found in the islands, making the destination one of the most popular in New Zealand and in the world. Snorkeling and diving are the best activities where you can enjoy the spectacular underwater adventure of the islands. Poor Knights Islands can definitely offer challenging dives for experienced divers. Most dive operators provide equipment on board for non-divers to have their underwater experience.

Rotorua Museum of Art and History
Photo by: Sandy Austin, Creative Commons

Rotorua Geothermal Sites is located in the North Island of New Zealand, which is considered as one of the world’s most renowned geothermal areas. In the past, the tribe of Te Arawa started hosting guests in the 19th century when new settlers arrived to the country to visit the infamous Pink and White Terraces located at Lake Rotomahama. This visitor hosting tradition still lives on today.

The Rotorua region is situated on top of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, a geothermal hot spot. The city was actually built in the crater of a volcano and Lake Rotorua consists of collected rainwater called caldera. Though the destination has a distinctive scent of sulfur, tourists from all over the world still visit and enjoy the area’s breathtaking elements – silica terraces, lively geysers, boiling mud pools and hot springs.

Rotorua is home for the Maori, the indigenous culture of New Zealand and due to its cultural and geological amusements, Rotorua can be quite an expensive vacation. However, for wealthy travelers and for individuals who truly want to experience the wonders of nature, Rotorua can definitely deliver the best of New Zealand – the Maori culture, breathtaking nature and the great adventure.

Rotorua Geothermal Sites is home for Wai-O-Tapu, which is considered as the Thermal Wonderland as it contains steam vents, craters and colorful mineral pools. Visitors can easily explore the place with its well-marked walkway around the park. A typical trip to Wai-O-Tapu includes a tour at the Lady Knox Geyser. Another great way to enjoy the thermal treasures of the area is by unwinding in spas and mineral spring pools.

Rotorua offers a wide range of activities for travelers who love adventure. Activities include white water rafting, rap jumping, stunt flying, four-wheel drive safaris, volcano tours, mountain biking and horse riding treks. Golfers can also enjoy the geothermal golf course while anglers can have the opportunity to go trout fishing.

Sutherland Falls Gorgeous Scenery
Photo by: Andy king50, Creative Commons

Sutherland Falls is the most impressive waterfall in New Zealand and with its 580 meters in tree vertical leaps, it is considered as one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Travelers from the world over who make the extensive trek in the remote south island of New Zealand are rewarded with the breathtaking view of the Sutherland Falls. The indigenous people of New Zealand called the Maori call this magnificent falls the White Thread of Te Tautea. Once you walk to the base of the falls, you will feel the strong force of water. As the air fills with mist, visibility is reduced and the sound of the falls is quite loud that it seems like an airplane is just on top.

Sutherland Falls has a ‘tiered plunge’ because the water makes three various leaps on its decent. The water of the falls comes from Lake Quill, which is a rock basin that directly falls over the vertical cliff. The majestic falls was named after a great explorer, Donald Sutherland, who located it while discovering travel routes between Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound.

To be able to visit the falls, you should hike along the Milford Track, which is one of the exciting walking trails in New Zealand. Remember that this part of the track is one of the most challenging so travelers must be well equipped with appropriate clothing, gears and footwear.

In order to get a better view of the landscape or if you are interested in visiting the base of the falls, it is necessary to take a ninety-minute return tour from the trail. This tour starts from the Quinton Hut shelter and a lot of visitors who go to the falls usually leave their backpacks in the shelter in order to travel easily and experience the Sutherland Falls. Keep in mind that the weather in this part of New Zealand is unpredictable so it is important to bring not only your flashlights but also your wet weather gears and comfortable attires that can be suitable for both cold and hot weathers.

View of St Moritz
Photo by: Überraschungsbilder, Creative Commons

If you are fascinated with dark and damp tunnels with striking geological formations, you are definitely for a treat when you visit the Waitomo Caves. These are limestone caves that are considered one of the best tourist destinations of the North Island. Aside from its attractive biological formations, Waitomo Caves also offer adrenaline-pumping experience that will keep tourists coming back for more.

The Waitomo area has more than three hundred caves with three major caves – the Aranui, Ruakuri and the Glow-worm Cave. These magnificent caves have been luring visitors from all over the world for more than one hundred years. Waitomo Caves are the evidence to a period when certain parts of New Zealand lay beneath the sea.

Waitomo Caves are one of the best wonders of New Zealand and they celebrate the work of nature for over one hundred years. The explorers of this amazing beauty discovered hundreds of miles of glow-worms, labyrinthine caves, stalagmites, stalactites and various limestone formations.

Aside from the caves, you can extend your journey to Te Kuiti, located in the south of Waitomo, where you can enjoy horse-trekking, canoeing, fishing and jet boating. Furthermore, the Waikato region consists of rolling hills that are home for racehorse breeding, sheep and dairy farming and there are large areas of distant mountains in the region. Aside from its friendly environment, the region offers a wide variety of adventures and attractions.

Travelers have been lured to the fascinating beauty of the Waitomo Caves because of their magnificent network of limestone grottos and caves. The tour will take the tourists through the spectacular underground scenery.

The Aranui Cave offers spectacular high chambers and fantastic limestone formations as well as pink, pale brown and white shades of vast stalactites. The great adventure ends with a boat trip to the glistening glow-worms where the breathtaking display of light awaits the tourists.

View of Mt. Sorak
Photo by: Juliana Ng, Creative Commons

Mt. Sorak is the tallest mountain in the Taebaek Mountain range. It approximately takes a 15–minute drive from Seokcho City to reach the main entrance of the National Park. After the short drive, be ready to stretch your legs as they will become your main means of getting inside the facility.

Places to See
1. Yukdam and Biryeong Waterfalls located on the left side of the valley, these are two of the many breath taking sights that can be reached by walking approximately 40 minutes from the car park.

2. If you are up to more challenge, the view to look for next is the rock formation called “Ulsanbawi.” To see this, you have to climb 888 manmade steps up the mountain. The trek may feel like hell to your feet, but it may all be worth it. This is because on the way there, you will be able to pass interesting by two small temples and one more rock formation that the locals call Heundeulbawi. The Heundeulbawi is a 16–foot spherical rock that is mounted on another boulder.

3. Had enough? If you have not, there are two more things that you need to see: the Biseondae (a rock platform in a stream) and the Valley of a Thousand Buddhas. To reach both, you would have to walk a difficult trail towards the end of the Sorak Valley.

Best Time to Visit
According to locals, the best time to visit the place is during the autumn season. The view of the falling leaves and the colors that it brings with it is just absolutely stunning. The lack of rain during this season also guarantees a safer hike on the way to destinations.

What to Wear and Bring
Since you will be doing a lot of hiking and in turn sweating, it will be best for you to wear jogging pants, a light shirt and a jacket to serve as your protection from the sun, cold and insects. In terms of things to bring, you can put a change of shirt in your backpack, some energy bars and enough water supplies for hydration.

The Popchusa or Beopchusa Temple is one of the sights to visit in Korea as it is said to be the head temple of Jogye, the Order of Korean Buddhism. This temple is situated in the Boeun City in Chungcheongbuk do.

Built by the monk Uisin in the year 653, the structure was said to be dedicated to the Maitreya Buddhism a worship of a future Buddha who is awaited in the modern wall. During the Goryeo Dynasty, it played home to some 3,000 Buddhist monks. Its decline started in the Joseon dynasty when the rulers withdrew support from the religion.

Important sites to see:
1. Palsangjeon a wooden pagoda that was torched during the Imjin Invasion. To those who may not be familiar with it, Imjin is the collective term the locals use to refer to the Japanese invasion that lasted from 1592 to 1598.
Here is another cool trivia. Did you know that Bruce Lee originally chose the pagoda to be the location set of the movie “Game of Death”? He chose this because he wanted to use the five floors of the pagoda to represent the five types of martial arts. Unfortunately, he died before the film was even completed. Since the screenplay was changed after Bruce Lee’s death, the scene in the pagoda was edited out.

2. Another structure to visit is the Golden Maitreya statue that is approximately 33 meters tall. This is a recent addition as it was only completed last 1990. It was meant to replace an old and unsteady concrete structure.
The tall statue is originally made of bronze, but this was later on covered with gold leaf and powder.

3. The original 2.7 meter pot is another important sight to see. It was said that this same pot was used to cook approximately 80 sacks of rice that were enough to feed the 3,000 monks and some pilgrims.

4. The Daeungjeon Hall, this is known to house one of the largest Buddha Halls in the country. The statues found in this hall depict the three deities namely Vairocana, Sakyamuni, and Rochana.

Pulguksa Temple
Photo by: flowerguy, Creative Commons

One of the more important places of worship in Korea is the Pulguksa Temple (Bulguksa). This site is special because it houses seven of the following national treasures of South Korea:

1. Treasures Number 20 and 21
These are Dabotap and Seokgatap respectively. The Dabotap is said to be 10.4 meters tall and it was built during the year 751. This structure is special because the architecture of this stone pagoda is unlike any that is seen in any other Buddhist countries of its time.

Directly across the Dabotap is another pagoda called the Seokgatap. It is a structure that stands approximately 8.2 meters high. Compared to its counterpart, the Seokgatap is simpler and basic that emphasized the combination of three aesthetic elements namely: balance, stability and symmetry.

2. Treasure Number 22
The Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo are considered to be South Korea’s national treasure number 22. These two bridges rise into a 45–degree incline and lead to the Anyangmun (Peace Enhancing Gate) and Geuknakjeon (Hall of Pure Land) respectively.

3. Treasure Number 23
Like the previous treasure, number 23 is also a pair of bridges called Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, (Blue and White Cloud Bridge respectively). The steps of the two bridges combined are said to represent the 33 heavens of Buddhism.

4. Treasure Number 26
Number 26 is a seated Buddha statue that depicts Vairocana embodiment of the Buddhist concept of emptiness. This statue is 1.77 meters in height and is made of gilt–bronze material.

5. Treasure Number 27
Like number 26, the 27th national treasure is also another gilt–bronze Buddha, this time a depiction of the Amitabha Buddha.

6. Treasure Number 61
The sarira pagoda is known to be 61st treasure of South Korea. Situated on the front garden of Pulguksa, the sarira is often mistaken to be a stone lantern. This sarira is significant in the country’s history, as it is known to hold the remains of royalty and significant priests as well. Although it cannot be confirmed, rumor has it that the sarira displayed in Pulguksa, contains the remains of 8 queens and or priests.

Buddha inside of Sokkuram
Photo by: Richardfabi, Creative Commons

If you were someone who knows South Korea by heart, then you would know that there are hundreds of Buddhist temples that are scattered all around the country. But despite their huge number, only a few only manage to stand out, one of which is the Bulguksa.

The Bulguksa Temple is special because it houses seven of South Korea’s national treasures, one of which is the 24th treasure called the Sokkuram (sometimes spelled as Seokguram). UNESCO recognized both structures in 1962 by adding them to the List of World Heritage Sites.

Here are more interesting information that you may want to discover about Sokkuram.
• It has been said that the original Sokkuram was commissioned by King Gyeongdeok of the Unified Silla (the conglomeration three main Kingdoms of Korea) in 742. Rumors say that the design was greatly influenced by several religious structures in India.
• This grotto depicts the image of Buddha that is constructed to symbolize the spiritual journey towards the Buddhist heaven called Nirvana.
• The structure is situated at the foot of Mt. Tohamsan, which is a sacred mountain to the Silla. Back then, pilgrims and other monks from all sides of the world frequented it.
• The inside of the grotto is composed of an antechamber and a rotunda that represented earth and heaven respectively. In the middle of the structure is a Buddha sculpture whose identity is still debated.
• Several depictions of Indian gods and goddesses and a few more symbolical figurines surround the Buddha. These figurines were said to represent Buddhist principles and teachings.
• After several failed restorations, political and religious battles, President Park Chung Hee finally ordered the restoration of the historical site during the 1960’s. Today, the structure is again open to be admired and studied by the public. One of the more important additions during the recent restoration is the glass panel that protects the antechamber from the harsh elements of weather.

Given those facts and its significance in Korea’s culture, perhaps it is safe to say that the Sokkuram is indeed one of the most important religious destinations of South Korea.

The Outer Herbides consists of islands off the west coast of Scotland. The Outer Herbides is comprised of many major islands, namely: Lewis and Harris, Benbecula, North Uist, South Uist, and Barra. Colloquially, the island is referred to as ‘The Long Island’.

The Outer Herbides is a fascinating and interesting destination for many travelers. While in Herbides, you should enjoy the wildlife and the scenery. The landscapes are splendid and unforgettable, the climate is moderate, and lifestyle is carefree and easy. By the end of your visit to the Outer Herbides, you would sincerely want to live here.

You will never run out of things to do when at the Outer Herbides. You can tour around the islands, take family wild trips, ride boat cruises, do diving and bird watching. The Outer Herbides is a proud home to many endangered species like the golden eagle, whale, dolphin, basking shark, seals, buzzards, corncake and otter. For those who seek adventure, you can also try surfing, diving, climbing or power boating! Enjoy and learn a new hobby in the beautiful islands.

The best thing about this island is the ever-hospitable Hebridean Gaels, the inhabitants of the Outer Herbides. They are always ready to greet their visitors a friendly welcome. From the moment you get here, you will then have that sense of belonging and freedom.

One can get to the Outer Herbides by air, sea, train or car. You can get here from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness, where you can fly the Loganair to the Outer Hebrides. You can also get there by taking a ferry. These ferry boats go to the mainland and to the islands and vice versa all year round. In my opinion however, the train is the best means of transportation, for it provides you a very scenic route, with lush landscapes and amazing scenery of the country.

View of St Moritz
Photo by: Klaus with K, Creative Commons

The National Gallery of Scotland is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The National Gallery possesses the most magnificent galleries, special exhibitions and varied collections of national fine art. The gallery boasts of one of the best collections in the world. It is open everyday and offers free admission to the public.

The National Gallery has rare art pieces from the early Renaissance until today by some of the most important artists ever known to mankind. The National Gallery housed masterpieces from respectable artists like Bernini, Boticelli, Constable, El Greco, Gauguin, de Goya and the like. It also has a vast collection of portraits of the greatest Scots in history. Aside from this, you’ll find special exhibitions and galleries, activities, events, shops, restaurants, a theatre and cafes.

When you visit the National Gallery, stop by its top attraction of this year, entitled ‘Discovery of Spain’. This exhibit is the highlight of the 2009 Edinburgh Festival. It will be a spectacular celebration of Spanish culture and heritage, where it features its most famous artists like Goya and Picasso. Don’t forget to stop by and see this exhibit!

The National Gallery has a vast archive and study facility. It has the ‘Prints and Drawings Collection’, with over 30,000 collected works from the early Renaissance period up to the late 19th century. It has a research library which is open to the general public. This library has roughly about 50,000 volumes of books, journals, newspapers, photographs, slides and more.

The National Gallery of Scotland is located on Princes Street, right at the heart of Edinburgh. You can go here by bus, through the City Centre or Prince Street buses. You can also take the train and stop at the Waverly Station, which is only a short walking distance from the National Gallery. It is open everyday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Ruins of St. Karin in Visby
Photo by: Swedish National Heritage Board’s, Creative Commons

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby stakes its claim to be the best preserved medieval city in Scandinavia. Located in Gotland County in Sweden, this city dates back to the 12th century.

The most notable structure of the city is the stone wall called Ringmuren. Built during the 13th century, it was built around to protect the already flourishing city. Within this perfectly preserved wall are numerous other historical sites worth visiting. These are the Visby Sweden Cathedral, medieval trading houses, 17th and 18th century wooden buildings, the Historical Museum of Gotland, Dominican Monastery of St. Nicholas, and the Botanical Gardens. It is due to the beautiful Botanical Gardens that Visby got the nickname the “City of Roses”.

However, beyond the historical attractions, the numerous events that one can do in the city makes it memorable to its countless visitors. The tourist season peaks in August. It is during this month that the Medeltidsveckan or Medieval Week is held. People, both residents and visitors alike, dress in medieval costumes and take part in events such as a medieval market, jousting tournaments, watching jesters and others.

Shopping is also a favorite activity in the city. There are several shopping districts specializing in different goods. Clothes, shoes, furniture, food and many others are abundant. After a long day of shopping and exploring, one can just pop into any of the town’s cafes for coffee and baked delicacies. Eating out is a very serious past time here as evidenced by the fact that the city has the most restaurants per capita than any other town in Sweden.

All in all, Visby can be best described as a city with a modern heart dressed in medieval attire. This is best witnessed and experienced in the summer when partygoers and merrymakers fill the streets and the many restaurants that surround the city.

View of Swedish Museum of National Antiquities
Photo by: FriskoKry, Creative Commons

The Swedish Museum of National Antiquities in Stockholm is one of Sweden’s largest museum. It comprehensively traces more than ten thousand years of the country’s history from the Stone Age to Medieval times. It is best known for the Gold Room (Guldrummet) and its enthralling collection of things related to Vikings.

The exhibits in the Swedish Museum of National Antiquities are divided into Prehistories, Gold, Vikings, Gothic Hall, and the Textile Chamber.

Prehistories exhibits include archeological artifacts and prehistoric finds such as a cloak with a hound’s tooth pattern weave. It is believed to be 2,000 years old, making it Sweden’s oldest preserved garment.

The Gold Room houses silver and gold treasures, majority of which come from the period known as Scandinavia’s Gold Age. The star of the exhibit is a 1500 year-old gold collar from Ålleberg. The craftsmanship is so intricate and exquisite that present day goldsmiths have not figured out how it was made.

Everything you want to know about Vikings are in the Viking Exhibit. With four thousand objects dating from the Viking period, it tells how these warriors lived their daily lives thousands of years ago. Aside from weapons and warfare, everyday activities such as family life and religious beliefs are depicted. A model of Birka, one of Sweden’s first towns is also on display.

The Gothic Hall houses a fine collection of medieval ecclesiastical art. Religious objects such as altar pieces, missals, crosses, bread and wine receptacles, and other ecclesiastical treasures in gold and silver are displayed in a rural 12th-century church setting.

Many well-preserved tapestries and embroideries from the Middle Ages are displayed in the Textile Chamber. These textiles were once used in Swedish churches, both made in the country and from other parts of the world.

Other activities hosted by the museum include lectures, re-enactments, history workshops and school tours. There is a shop where you can buy copies of Viking jewelry and a café serving homemade bread. Admission to the Swedish Museum of National Antiquities is free.

One of the many views from Skye
Photo by: Cactus.man, Creative Commons

The Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, located on the northernmost part. The Isle of Skye is currently inhabited by about 9200 inhabitants. The island has been occupied since the Mesolithic period, until it was under Norse rule, which led to a long period of domination by the Leod and Donald clans. The main industries are agriculture, tourism, fishing and whiskey-distilling.

The Isle of Sky is an enchanted, stunning, peaceful, and even whimsical. It has a compelling past and an unwavering charm, which is why the isle is able to draw a fair amount of tourists in annually. One place worth going when you are in the Isle of Skye is the Faerie Glen. According to legend, the Faerie Glen is where the faeries hold their secret meetings. Other major destination while in the island is the Dunvegan Castle. This castle was built on huge rocks as an attempt to protect it from foreigh invaders. The castle is believed to have been guarded by magical faeries.

Don’t forget to the Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles, as well. The 20,000 acre estate was once owned by the Donald Clan. Here you can take nature trails and walks and look at their award-winning museum.

Of course, no visit to the Isle of Sky is complete without a visit to the magical Eilean Donan Castle. The most iconic image of Scotland, it is the most photographed castle in the country and has also made appearances in many major movies and films.

Another tourist attraction is the several boat trips available where you can cruise around the islands. Enjoy the countryside through horseback or maybe mingle with the inhabitants at the islands’ local pubs! Enjoy the local music scene, for they are thriving and pretty good.