Imperial Palace, home to the world’s oldest continuous monarchy

Such interesting points and images that I just needed to post this to look at it ever so often.

The Amazing Travels

Thousands of years have gone by and a multitude of changes happened in the realm of existence.  We’ve seen the critical formative influences that defined cultures… and the forces that tried to re-define cultures. We’ve seen the rise and fall of empires… and monarchies.  We’ve seen ancient existence survived, progressed… and ultimately integrated with the modern world.

Over the centuries, Japan has remarkably evolved… from the simple life of growing rice, to forming small tribal communities or clans, to feudalism, to the shogunate period, to becoming a highly industrialized nation in modern times.  Spiritual, radical and revolutionary movements generated changes in its social structure… but there was one thing which remained unchanged – Japan’s imperial family was never overthrown! When the shoguns gained the absolute control to rule, the imperial family remained the symbol of the state and the emperor had the power to legitimize their rank as shoguns.

Japan…

View original post 513 more words

Exciting Castles to Explore…

I just love old castles. I can spend hours on end wandering through them, listening to the sounds, leaning against the walls and hear stories untold.

According to CNNGo, Dubrovnik is among the 10 best preserved medieval walled cities in the world. Here is one such beautiful example.

A feature of Dubrovnik is its walls that run almost 2 km (1.24 mi) around the city. The walls run from four to six meters (13.2 to 19.8 feet) thick on the landward side but are much thinner on the seaward side. The system of turrets and towers were intended to protect the vulnerable city. The walls of Dubrovnik have also been a popular filming site for the fictional city of King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Just look at that water – the bluest of blue. As mentioned above Dubrovnik has these amazingly thick walls. Can you imagine people building these walls with stones shaped by hand? Read more about Dubrovnik….

You must agree this is picture perfect. This is the Neuschwanstein Castle or translated the New Swanstone Castle. Why would they call it “swanstone”? This castle was commissioned by Ludwig 11 of Bavaria and intended as a personal refuge for this recluse king. I must say perfect setting.

Until next time when I share more fabulous and intriguing castles and old buildings

The Beauty Of Trogir

Simply divine:

Can you imagine basking in the sun, walking along the ocean like this?  Heaven has nothing on this small town of Trogir……

Anxiety About Traveling Overseas

If it’s your first time traveling internationally, it can be nerve racking.  For instancing, when I flied to Europe a few years ago, my very first time, even though I was very excited, I was also full of anxiety.  After all, I was spending the summer there.  What would happen if I lost my stuff?  How does transportation work?  Where would I get groceries?  Where would I live?

Going into it, I knew that I’d need to be flexible with my plans.  After all, things come up all the time.  Another thing that helped was that while I stayed on guard, I also enjoyed talking to the locals.  A few of them pointed me to some amazing hole-in-the-wall type of restaurants that I wish I could transport to in an INSTANT.

Living arrangements can depend on  your budget and also whether you are alone, traveling with a partner, or a whole family with children.  Europe, and especially Croatia, is just as advanced (or even better) with modern options.  You can stay at raggedy hotels, decent motels, 5 star resorts, or if you’re single, you can wing it at hostels (make sure to look up reviews online first for safety).

When it comes to Croatia resorts for families, the options were limitless.  Personally, I went through Croatia Resorts and did my due diligence.  That’s the key with any trip especially if you have a limited budget.  I start my research at least a couple of weeks ahead if I can help it.  The more prepared I am, the less anxious I feel.  No reason the same won’t apply to you.  The only way to travel internationally is to realize that you have to “go with the flow” no matter how cliche that sounds.

One last thing to consider is that while you want to converse with the locals, be careful.  Think of your safety and do not follow advice or strangers when you’re not comfortable.  These things may sound common sense but sometimes, we tell ourselves that we are being paranoid and bury our “6th sense”… don’t!

Happy Travels!

Castles!

Ever since I was young, I’ve had a fascination with castles.  And the history of Croatia does NOT disappoint.  I visited a few on my last visit and still have the pictures.  This is one activity that captures the hearts and minds of children and adults, alike.

Who Wouldn’t?

Trakoscan Castle, anyone:

Or how about a Croatian resorts honeymoon?  Can  you imagine having a wedding at such a beautiful location?  Me and a friend visited a couple of years ago and fell in love with the people and the architecture.  Love this:

More later when I have more time…