Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Johannesburg: Wildlife Safari & Exotic Game Meat

The day began with excitement (JOHANNESBURG WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS & CAPE TOWN THE TRAVEL STEALER) as we headed to Sun City, where the plan was to spend our time at leisure, exploring as we wished. The main highlight was the Open Jeep Safari to Pilanesberg National Park, but the day promised plenty of other adventures in Sun City itself.

Nestled in South Africa's North West Province, about two hours' drive from Johannesburg, Sun City is a premier holiday destination known for its luxurious resorts and vibrant entertainment options. Often referred to as Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure, this sprawling complex offers attractions (JAIPUR TRAVEL MAGIC & CHENNAI AWAIT) like the renowned Valley of Waves water park, world-class golf courses, and a bustling casino.

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Johannesburg - Soul-Stirring Wildlife Encounters

From Cape Town (CAPE TOWN: THE MAGICAL MOMENTS) airport, it was a two-hour flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Jo'burg, as it's affectionately known, is the largest city in South Africa and a vibrant economic powerhouse. This city is a dynamic blend of modern urban life and deep-rooted heritage (SOUTH KOREA THROUGH MY EYES & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS) Johannesburg played a pivotal role in South Africa's fight against apartheid, with landmarks like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill serving as powerful reminders of the nation's journey toward equality.

After landing, we traveled for about 45 minutes to The Lion & Safari Park. Situated in the Cradle of Humankind area of Gauteng, this region is renowned for its archaeological and paleontological significance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's one of the world's most important centers of human evolution, with numerous ancient hominid fossils discovered in its limestone caves. Nestled amidst rolling grasslands and picturesque bushveld, the park offers a stunning backdrop for its wildlife. 

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa

Indian lady in jeans and t-shirt seated with hands on cheeks, with Cape Town mountains in the background.
Nature lovers, brace yourself. Cape Town will sweep you off your feet with its unspoiled landscapes. Whether it’s cycling in nature, hiking, a gentle walk, or just a drive along mountain slopes that open up to sea views and green hills, Cape Town has it all (CAPE TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE). You can easily spend a full day soaking in the natural beauty without rushing. Still, there are a few must-visit attractions in Cape Town you shouldn't miss.

Mouille Point to Muizenberg

A drive from Mouille Point to Muizenberg feels like an adventure on its own. The road winds through mountain slopes, with high-up views of the sea and even glimpses of the harbour. It’s the kind of drive where your eyes do all the work, looking around and appreciating what’s there (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Cape Town, South Africa Travel Guide

Indian lady tourist at Signal Hill, Cape Town, with Green Point World Cup Stadium in the background.
Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, colonial history, and the end of apartheid in 1994. Over the years, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world (HOKKAIDO, JAPAN SIGHTSEEING). When people think of South Africa, they often imagine wildlife, scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and local cuisine. Among all the places to explore, Cape Town stands out as one of the country’s most visited and vibrant cities.

Signal Hill

One of the must-visit Cape Town attractions, Signal Hill offers sweeping views of the city, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean. Located beside Lion’s Head, it’s a popular spot for watching sunsets, taking photos, or simply relaxing in nature. The historic noon gun still fires daily, a tradition from the colonial era used to signal ships in Table Bay. From here, you’ll also see the Sea Point suburb, Green Point Stadium, and the city skyline. Visitors often drive or hike up for the best views, especially in the late afternoon (MYANMAR -ACROSS CHIANG RAI).

Friday, February 14, 2020

Seoul, Korea: A Journey Through My Eyes

On the second last day in Korea, which was spent in Seoul (GANDWON-DO & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS) e skipped the usual hotel buffet breakfast and were taken to an eatery instead. Remember, I told you how it's difficult to figure out the names of eateries in Korea, as the signboards are all in Korean? By the time we walked in, it seemed it was almost the end of breakfast. The tables were a mess, created by previous tour groups who had already eaten and left. It felt like we were helping ourselves to the remnants of the dishes, and the staff seemed uninterested in serving us. Nevertheless, we helped ourselves to pumpkin porridge and spinach porridge, along with Kimchi soup and side dishes. Despite the initial chaos, it was a pleasant meal.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Gangwon-do, South Korea: From Mount Sorak to Pyeongchang

Mount Sorak, or Seoraksan, located in the northeastern part of South Korea, marked the start of our adventure-filled day (NAMI ISLAND & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS). This majestic mountain, part of the Taebaek range within Seoraksan National Park, spans the provinces of Gangwon-do, including Sokcho, Inje, and Yangyang. Renowned for its rugged peaks, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls, the park offered us a serene and picturesque setting.

Our group, moving like one happy family, enjoyed fun moments as we walked through the park, passing by towering red pine trees. Our first stop was the Bronze Jwabul Statue, also known as the Tongil Daebul, erected in 1997. Standing 14.6 meters tall, this statue symbolizes the hope for the reunification of North and South Korea and represents the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment. Nearby, we visited Sinheungsa Temple, one of Korea's oldest Zen Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. Joining in the prayers for a few minutes, I felt a profound sense of calm and zen spirituality (KYOTO ZENFUL SIGHTS & VARANASI SACRED GANGES).

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Nami Island & Petite France: A Korean-French Experience

Leaving Jeju Island behind (JEJU THROUGH MY LENS), we were off to Nami Island, located 63km northeast of Seoul. After breakfast and packing our bags, we headed to the airport and arrived in Seoul just in time for lunch. Seeing Korean steamboat yet again almost did me in - was it always steamboat or hotplate on these tours? I wondered. Fortunately, Korean side dishes and rice saved the day with their flavors.

Within the hour, we journeyed to Nami Island. This scenic oasis in the heart of South Korea's Bukhan River is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural charm. Shaped like a half-moon after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, Nami Island captivates visitors with its tree-lined pathways, lush landscapes, and serene lakeside views.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Jeju Island Through My Lens

Our day began with a different kind of start, skipping the usual hotel buffet breakfast for a meal across the harbor in a small restaurant. Ah! The challenge of figuring out the names of eateries in South Korea when everything is in Korean (SEOUL TO JEJU), including this one. Breakfast commenced with toast, butter, jam, and a soft-boiled egg, with the highlight being the abalone porridge. Or at least, it was supposed to be. Noticing the absence of abalone in the porridge and informing the guide, he got worked up as if I was pulling his leg, until the rest echoed. Soon enough, we were served additional bowls of porridge, this time with discernible pieces of abalone. The porridge paired with the soft-boiled egg was an appreciated start to the rainy day.

Indian Food Near Me: Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House

Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House, which opened its doors in April, is one of the newer additions to the growing list of eateries in the now-pop...