Life is a patchwork of experiences
The shrines and temples of Nikko, one of Japan’s 21 UNESCO listed sites, are one of the many easy options for Tokyo day trips. You can do a Nikko day trip either as a tour from Tokyo, or you can go there independently. Either option has its pros and cons. Read my recommendations for a complete Nikko day trip experience.
Continue reading “A Nikko Day Trip From Tokyo – Taking a Tour Versus Independent Travel”
The centerpiece and most visited attraction of the Nikko UNESCO World Heritage site is the Toshogu shrine. This final resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu is like a peacock among the pigeons, an extravagant and elaborately colorful showpiece dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for almost 300 years.
Continue reading “Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan – A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Shapes”
The setting sun glows off the gold leaf on Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, aptly named the Golden Pavilion.
Continue reading “PhotoPOSTcard: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion – Kinkaku-Ji Temple”
The Island of Miyajima is best known for the large floating tori gate in its harbor and for the Itsikushima shrine which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the buildings that make up the Itsikushima compels is the Toyokuni Shrine which has the nick name “Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats” because of its large size.
Continue reading “Photo POSTcard: Toyokuni Shrine – The Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats”
“The best care killing scenery on the continent” is what naturalist John Muir wrote about Glacier National Park in the US and the adjoining Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. A visit to Waterton Lakes National Park is an easy day trip from the US side and provides a different perspective on the mountain scenery and lakes that straddle the border between the two countries. Continue reading “A Scenic Day In Waterton Lakes National Park – Where the Prairie Meets the Mountains”
On a recent visit to London, my husband and I took a whirlwind tour through time, experiencing 5000 years of British Isles history in one day as we went to Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor. Our tour took us to the prehistoric ruins of Stonehenge, the Roman baths in Bath, and the (relatively) modern royal residence of Windsor Castle. Continue reading “A Day with Royals, Romans and Ruins – Visiting Historic Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor”
One final view of Italy’s majestic Dolomite granite peaks before we move on. This view is in the Rosengarten/Cantinaccio region. The German name, Rosengarten, derives from a legend about the dwarf king Lauren who supposedly had a rose garden here, but because of a curse, it can only be seen at sunset. These peaks average around 9000 ft. and since they are west facing, beautifully capture the orange glow of sunset. As with other regions in these mountains, there are ample scenic hiking opportunities in the area.
Thanks for visiting
Rose
With over 6000 square miles to explore in Italy’s Dolomite mountain region, we decided to make our home base in the town of Castelrotto/Kastelruth near the area of the Alpe Di Suisi (in Italian, or Seiser Alm in German). This high alpine meadow claims to be the highest and one of the largest alpine meadows in Europe at an altitude of approximately one mile above sea level and covering an area of approximately 23 square miles. Continue reading “Photo Essay: Hiking in the Alpe Di Siusi High Alpine Meadow in Italy’s Dolomites”
The Dolomite mountain region is northern Italy’s outdoor playground with numerous options for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The 6000 square mile area is also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Driving through the area the views present granite peaks soaring over lush green meadows and picturesque towns with characteristic church steeples.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
I like hiking the Italian way. On a recent trip to Italy for a Dolomite trekking holiday with my husband and daughter, we discovered that in Italy, “la dolce vita” or “the sweet life”, applies equally to hiking as it does to all other things Italian. Continue reading “Hiking Like an Italian on My Dolomite Trekking Holiday”
