posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 30
Relaxing in onsen (spa) is a popular way to spend holidays in Japan. There are a lot of onsen all over Japan, so you may wonder which onsen to go. I posted 3 of the most popular onsen destinations for you. 1: The most popular spa resort in Hokkaido. Jigokudani (a volcanic crater) is located nearby. Access: JR Chitose line from Shin-chitose Airport to Minami-chitose station. JR Muroran line to Noboribetsu station. 2:One of the largest hot springs in Japan. Access: JR Agatsuma line Naganohara Kusatsu station. Take a bus to Kusatsu onsen stop. 3:Yuzawa is a famous ski resort in Japan. Access: JR Niigata shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-yuzawa station.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 29
It’s time to wrap up the week now with our favourite links from around the web.
iloho has announced a new photo contest, asking you to upload unique pictures of landmarks around the world. Prizes include 1Gig USB sticks and portable iPod speakers.
Ethical Traveler is collecting photos of solidarity for the pro-democracy uprisings in Burma.
How good is your knowledge of European geography? Lingo24 has created an online game to test your skills.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 29
Sorry, we have not posted a great deal lately!
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 28
North Face Big Shot – Where business meets pleasure.
Backcountry.com: $89.00
The North Face Big Shot is a laptop backpack with plenty of room to spare. This fully adjustable backpack is perfect for weekend business trips or for just carrying your laptop to and from the office. Who says you need sophisticated looking, black leather computer case? Break the mold with The North Face Big Shot.
A nice feature is that even when its fully loaded, The North Face Big Shot still meets carry on requirements. The easy to access laptop sleeve makes it easy to get access to your laptop for security check points. Don’t be that guy who has to dig around in his bag to get his computer out. Instead, zip through security with ease by being prepared. Just another reason you don’t need that leather laptop case.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 28
“After spending all that time traveling half-way around the world, what have you learned?”
I lean back in my armchair and contemplate this important inquiry that I am so often confronted with since returning back home to the US after a long journey.
Trying to come up with a coherent response to this seemingly overwhelming and complex question, my head drifts back, eyes shut, and I think back to the past eight months on the road.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 28
I’m sure many of you know about the current uprisings in Burma.
Reports are now pouring in that the military regime has begun killing the peaceful protesters, much as they did in the previous protests almost 20 years ago.
Many of us have never experienced life under a brutal dictatorship, and hopefully none of us ever will. Therefore it is our moral obligation to support the Burmese people as they reach out to us, and force as many eyeballs as possible to watch what happens next.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 27
As some of you who are on holiday may already know, today is World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27th every year since 1980. It is held on this date because it marks one of the most important milestones in the tourist industry- the adoption of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) Statutes, on this very day in 1970.
In 2003, at the fifteenth session of the UNWTO General Assembly, it was decided that a host country be designated for the World Tourism Day annual celebrations. The order of host continents was eventually established like this: Europe in 2006, Asia in 2007, South America in 2008 and Africa in 2009.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 27
Everyone loves a vacation at the beach. It’s particularly appealing when our home territory takes on the drab, dismal and cold colors of winter. That’s exactly when you should head south to Navarre Beach, Florida on Santa Rosa Island off the Emerald Coast.
The inviting colors are sure to cheer you up. The clear aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico gently lap at sugar-white sand beaches decorated with burnished sea oats, all nestled peacefully under a sapphire sky. This barrier island boasts 12 miles of pristine shoreline and traditionally makes most of the top 10 beaches lists year after year.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 26
Several years ago I spent seven months living in France. The country of baguettes, berets and brie became my new home.
One day however, I was forced to return to the United States. I was happy to go home and see my family, drink Northwest microbrews and be with my friends again.
On my flight home however, something strange happened.
As we neared the Seattle airport, the sounds of the airplane went silent; for a moment I was left only with myself and the sensation of descending.
Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Charles H. Russo on Mar 25
“No charge,” said bike shop man in Mont St. Anne, Quebec. “You’re on a long trip, you need help, it’s no problem.”
“You’re sure?” I replied. “Thanks.”
And with a new tube in my rear tire, I pedaled off along the St. Lawrence in the general direction of Halifax.
Read the rest of this entry »