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Showing posts with the label Travel guides

Easy Days in Sydney: Coastal Paths and Harbour Sunsets

It feels wonderful to travel without planning every minute. I set off for Sydney with simple intentions: stay somewhere central, catch up with good friends, take slow morning walks, and let each day unfold naturally. I was with my godmother, Sonia, who have been a traveler herself and agreed to join me in my escapade. Circular Quay was the perfect base for our trip. It is full of life, right by the water, and close to Sydney's top landmarks. Although there were rainy days at the start of the trip, from this central hub, we easily explored another side of New South Wales —from the sparkling waves and coastal charm of Bondi and Kiama to the lush green valleys of the Blue Mountains . Evening Arrival:  The Glow of the Circular Quay Our trip officially began in the soft glow of dusk. There’s something unforgettable about stepping out into Circular Quay for the first time at night. There's a drizzle of rain but the air was crisp, and the warm lights of the Sydney Opera House reflec...

Lovely Sapporo, in between spring and summer

I f you don't want the overcrowded tourist places to interfere with your pleasant vacation, schedule your visit to Japan after the Golden Week .  The Golden Week is observed at the end of April and start of May, when the locals celebrate a series of four holidays in that week. So, aside from the influx of foreign tourists because of the sakura blooming, the local tourists will also join the swarm. The downside of this time is that you will not be able to catch the famous Cherry blossom at their grandest.  I would say that my visit was just a perfect timing for an introvert traveling solo.  Not much of a crowd, and there was no more snow.  The snow activities are definitely much more fun to enjoy with a group, in my opinion, especially here in Sapporo. The sun was trying hard to shine. I would say the temperature was just perfect for a traveler coming from a tropical country. Not super cold, and not warm, but a jacket that should just cover you from cold wind pro...

Marvelous Melbourne loop: Garden and river walks

Travelling to Australia was my first adventure outside Asia - an 8 hour flight from Manila and landed in the  vibrant city of Sydney. While I have a separate story to share on my lovely time there, the transition to Melbourne has a journey on its own.  The best time to visit Australia is between October and February.  During these months, winter has faded,  leaving behind a cool breeze and occasional light rain showers. The sun begins to shine in full force, balancing the left over cold from winter. Although, Sydney and Melbourne are about 900 kms apart, the weather feels worlds away.  Melbourne is located further south, making the temperature much cooler than you might expect. They say you can experience the "four seasons in one day" there, and it truly lives up to that reputation.  Things to know: Melbourne Train stations.   There is an extensive train networks connecting the CBD to the suburbs and regions of Australia.  The heart of the city i...

Taiwan's Scenic Heart: The Solo Traveler's Comprehensive Slow-Paced Guide

A chill trip for the not-so-young solo traveler! So this is not just for a first-time traveler in Taiwan , but if you are somewhere in Asia, and would like to explore outside your country without a visa, then this is it.  This geographically small country has always been underrated, and unpopular among the other countries in Asia.  However, it boasts a lot of natural tourist spots, from mountains to the sea, and its authentic culture. And  apart from its origin, it has a lot of places that are atypical.  Taipei 101 Taiwan is so accessible because it has a national train rail that takes you around the island.  It also has a central transportation hub in Taipei, where all public transport are available to take you to your destination anywhere in Taiwan.  It has two main cities with international airports- first is Taipei, which is located in the north of the island, and Kaohsiung in the south.  The two cities are only 1.5 to 2 hours away by commuting us...