Category: Destinations
The Ghibli Museum: What to Expect & How to Get Tickets
A visit to the Ghibli Museum was a must for my trip to Japan. I grew up watching Studio Ghibli and even took a class in college that covered some Ghibli films. My friend studied abroad in Japan a while back and got tickets several months ahead for the Ghibli Museum, which introduced me to the museum and the fact that it’s super exclusive (details at the end of this post). I went with my brother and a pair of friends to Mitaka and didn’t know what to expect. So, here’s a post to let you know what visiting … Continue reading
Posted on Monday, February 18, 2019 in DestinationsTags: asia, japan, tokyo
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A Visit to Himeji Castle, One of Japan’s Iconic Landmarks
Himeji Castle is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan and the most popular Japanese castle. Himeji is one of the best (if not the best) examples of of Japanese castle architecture and it survived the bombing of Himeji during World War II, even though the entire city was bombed. It’s a popular day trip from Kyoto and since it’s been named one of the best sites in Japan, if not the world, I absolutely had to go.
A Brief History of Himeji Castle
The castle dates to the mid-14th century, but was heavily renovated two centuries later, … Continue reading
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 in DestinationsTags: asia, himeji, japan
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The Norman City of Rouen – Things to Do & Travel Guide
Rouen is such a charming city in Normandy with a fantastic history, and it makes an excellent day trip from Paris. It’s definitely worth seeing if you have time to spend in France. I’ve been twice and have enjoyed both trips to this lovely Norman city.
The History of Rouen
Rouen has a very long and impressive history. The city of Rouen dates back to the Roman days and became a Viking city in 841. It was actually so important that it served as the capital of Normandy until about 1060, when William the Conquerer moved the capital to Caen … Continue reading
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2018 in DestinationsTags: europe, france, normandy, rouen
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The Awe-Inspiring Town of Nikko – Things to Do & Travel Guide
Even though Nikko’s listed as a common day trip from Tokyo, it’s a little off the beaten path. This town, which revolves around its several temples and shrines, was founded in the 8th century, but its popularity grew in the Edo period as it became the burial spot for the Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the famous Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Brief History of Nikko
Nikko was always a town of shrines. The town was established when a monk named Shodo established Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple at the site, which you can still visit… Continue reading Posted on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in DestinationsTags: asia, japan, nikko, tochigi
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Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) in Japan: The Cutest Place on Earth!
Have you ever seen those videos on YouTube of people being covered in rabbits? Most likely, they’re on the island of Okunoshima, nicknamed Rabbit Island. Since rabbits are one of my favourite animals, it was something I absolutely needed to do and it’s one of the most unique and fun things to do in Japan (and the world).
Warning: Tonnes of cute bunny pics ahead!
What’s with the Rabbits on Rabbit Island?
Okunoshima has a fascinating backstory. It was used in the 20s-40s as a chemical weapon base and was actually kept in secrecy so other countries wouldn’t know of … Continue reading
Posted on Thursday, November 8, 2018 in DestinationsTags: asia, bunny island, japan, okunoshima
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Following Witches in Salem, MA – Things to Do & Travel Guide
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved witches. Hocus Pocus and Scooby Doo and the Witch’s Ghost were definitely up on my list of favourite movies. Today, I’m still incredibly into the history of witches, witchcraft, and modern Wicca, even though I don’t participate in the religion. With a huge hunger for spells, nature, and history, I went to Salem for the first time since I was 11 to see what may be considered the spookiest town in the USA, and it was pretty exciting being in a town that celebrates its occult and non-occult past.
The History of Salem’s
… Continue reading Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 in DestinationsTags: massachusetts, north america, salem, united states
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The Opulent Newport Mansions: Visiting The Breakers & Marble House
Newport, Rhode Island is filled with mansions, and the first two I visited were The Breakers and Marble House. Unfortunately the COVID pandemic shut a lot of the mansions down for a long time, but I hope to visit and write about them all one day.A lot of times I wish I could live an extravagant lifestyle with endless money. Don’t you? I have a huge wishlist of material items and among them would be my beautiful dream home, completely at my design and taste. That’s why, for me, it was super exciting to go to Newport, Rhode Island … Continue reading
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2018 in DestinationsTags: newport, north america, rhode island, united states
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A Day Trip to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte
If you’ve any interest in French history, you may have heard of the castles Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Both are located not in the Loire Valley but the Île-de-France region and have a lot of history behind them, Fontainebleau in particular. On my return to Paris, the urge to see such monuments brought me on a day trip.
Fontainebleau
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontainebleau has a history that goes back almost one thousand years. A keep (castle tower) was built there in 1137 and a monastery hospital was built there a century later. King Philip IV of France (1268-1314) … Continue reading
Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in DestinationsTags: europe, france
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Day Trip to the Swiss Rhine: Schaffhausen & Stein am Rhine
On my way to Stein am Rhine, I got to see Schaffhausen as well. I love Swiss and German style architecture so when I went to Switzerland, I knew I had to spend some time near the German border to see the Rhine river and the towns that lived next to it. For that, I chose to go to Stein am Rhein and ended up seeing two towns instead.
Schaffhausen
I had to go through the town of Schaffhausen to get to my destination, so I decided to make a trip out of it when I got there, and I’m … Continue reading
Posted on Friday, August 10, 2018 in DestinationsTags: europe, rhine, schauffhausen, stein am rhein, switzerland
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3 Chateaux of the Loire Valley: Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord
When my mom came to visit me in France, I thought a great way to spend the day would be to take a day trip to the Loire Valley, known for its Renaissance castles. We booked a tour as my mother prefers planned tours and then we set off to three castles: Chenonceau, Cheverny and Chambord.
Chateau de Chenonceau
Chenonceau Castle is one of the most famous in the Loire Valley, and France, because of its location atop a small river. There’s no need to tell you that the architecture is absolutely stunning and definitely worthy of a visit. However … Continue reading
Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2018 in DestinationsTags: europe, france, loire valley
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