Faraway Journeys
Blog
As of 12.8.2023 posts published every Saturday at 12:00 GMT
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The Caribbean Island of Holbox
The journey from Merida to the Caribbean island of Holbox took the whole day. Five hours by bus to Chiquila, a brief stop for lunch was long enough, and then a half hour ferry ride to reach Holbox.
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Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza has a great collection of ancient temples, palaces, platforms and statues which have been painstakingly restored.
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The UNESCO site of Monte Alban
The UNESCO site of Monte Alban is a short ride from Oaxaca. It was established 2500 years ago on a prominent hill by the people of the Oaxaca Valley, known as the “Zapotecs”.
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Xochicalco
Xochicalco was built in the 7th century, soon after the fall of Teotihuacan. It was founded by the Olmeca-Xicalancas from the faraway state of Campeche, which is closer to major Mayan sites.
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The Pyramids of Teotihuacan
The pyramids of Teotihuacan are among the largest in Mesoamerica. They are beautifully preserved and a sight to behold. Teotihuacan is only a couple of hours from Mexico City, and deserves at least a full day to explore it.
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Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital and largest city in Mexico. It is also the oldest capital city in the Americas. It lies at 2240 metres above sea level. The city’s name is derived from its founders, the Mexica, who are more commonly known as the Aztecs.
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Hakodate
The bullet train from Aomori took me under the sea and up to the city of Hakodate in the northern island of Hokkaido. The island is under snow during the winter and is popular for high quality skiing. It has a “Goldilocks” summer climate, mild and comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold. It’s a…
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The Three Sacred Mountains
Dewa Sanzan are The Three Sacred Mountains … an area of great spiritual importance for the Japanese and is a place of pilgrimage
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Kurobe Gorge
The Kurobe Gorge cuts through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Northern Japanese Alps. Its river flows out into the Toyama Bay in northern Japan.
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The Nakasendo Trail
The Nakasendo Trail was established during the Edo Period connecting Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). It was one of five national routes.
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Returning to Japan
My first journey to Japan was in 2014. It left such a strong impression that I decided to return the following summer….
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Gyeongju National Park
The Gyeongju National Park offers the opportunity to enjoy an abundant variety of trees and shrubs, stunning mountain views, glorious statues, and regenerative streams.
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Gyeongju
Gyeongju is steeped in ancient history, and its most recognisable sites are the tumuli or burial mounds of the kings and queens of the Silla Kingdom.
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Daegu
Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea. It is renowned for its medicine market which dates back to the 16th century.
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Seoul
Seoul is perhaps best recognised for its bright lights, modern architecture, and large-scale apartment complexes. Modern street art flourishes……
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South Korea
South Korea has a young, raucous, and raw feel to it. However, it also has its fair share of impressive historical palaces, monasteries…
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The Mountain Cool in Armenia
A stay in Dilijan was a very good excuse to escape the extreme summer heat and enjoy the mountain cool in Armenia.
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Tbilisi – Georgia
Tbilisi – Georgia – is the countries largest city with a history going back more than 1500 years and a population of 1.5 million. From the centre of the city most of the emblematic sights are close at hand. Tbilisi is a rich variety of modern and old, and it has a plentiful selection of…
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Georgia Greater Caucasus Mountains
Stepantsminda, known locally as Kazbegi, lies at 1750 metres above sea level and is in the heart of the Georgia Greater Caucasus Mountains.
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Entering Georgia
The driving in Georgia is hectic and hair-raising…… As a passenger, the best thing to do is to focus on the magnificent scenery in the distance!
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Azerbaijan Greater Caucasus Mountains
It only takes a couple of hours to reach the edge of the Azerbaijan Greater Caucasus Mountains from the desert plains of Baku.
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Baku – The Capital City of Azerbaijan
Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is in the envious situation of having many examples of beautifully restored historic buildings as well as an abundance of unusual and playful modern architecture.
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The Caucasus
The Silk Roads run through The Caucasus and have left an important imprint on the history of the area.
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Warsaw
Warsaw is a city with great variety and has a lot more old-world charm than I had expected. The modern city centre houses several gleaming glass and concrete structures that wouldn’t look out of place in the most advanced of cities. In contrast, the architecture of the New Town and Old Town have an air…
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The University Town of Tartu
The University Town of Tartu makes a good overnight stop. There are comfortable hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the emblematic Town Hall.
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Tallinn
One of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe is Tallinn; the capital city of Estonia. The old city is a UNESCO World heritage ….
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The Castle City of Cesis
Most people come to Cesis to explore its 13th century castle. It is considered to be the best preserved medieval castle in Latvia.
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Riga
Latvia’s capital city, Riga, has some very impressive sites and an active and colourful central market…..A delight is to wander along the cobbled streets ….
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Vilnius
Vilnius is…blessed with wonderful examples of opulent baroque architecture as well as one of the largest medieval quarters in Europe.
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Trakai Island Castle
Trakai Island Castle is set in the picturesque Galve Lake a short distance from Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius.
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Kaunas
Life … also seemed to be reaching out for normality. The summer sun was out and the people of Kaunas were once again enjoying their outdoor café society.
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The Baltic Countries
There are many good reasons to travel in the Baltic countries, not least of all: the beautiful countryside, attractive and clean cities, striking castles……
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The Silk Road City of Samarkand
The Silk Road city of Samarkand conjures up images of ancient caravans entering an exotic oasis abound with spices, silks, and imposing architecture.
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The Ancient City of Bukhara
The ancient city of Bukhara … is home to many impressive Mosques, Madrasahs, and The Ark which is the huge walled palace of the previous Khans of Bukhara.
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Ancient Khorezm Fortresses of Uzbekistan
The Republic of Karakalpakstan is an autonomous desert region in the far reaches of Uzbekistan. It is also home to the magical ancient Khorezm fortresses of Uzbekistan.
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The Old Walled City of Khiva
The Ichen Qala is the name given to the old walled city of Khiva. It is real treat to wander around somewhere so beautifully reconstructed and well maintained.
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Tashkent
Tashkent is a busy capital city that has undergone large investment in building and reconstruction since Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991. Most of the city is fairly modern.
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Uzbekistan
Its cities hold beautifully restored citadels, palaces, mosques, and madrasahs. In the far reaches of the country are the remains of once important citadels of the Khorezm….
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Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Kinosaki Onsen
I made a quick round trip to Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Kinosaki Onsen. I gave myself a week to get back to Kyoto for the main celebrations…
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Mount Fuji
Nearby, Oshino and The Sacred Eight Ponds made a wonderful place to unwind with direct views of Mount Fuji from my room.
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Kathmandu to Lhasa overland – Day 1
To go from Kathmandu to Lhasa, overland, you have to use a tour operator because travelling in Tibet is very tightly controlled. I found a five-day option.
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Kathmandu to Lhasa overland – Day 2
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland – Day 2 – crossing the border and carrying on through mountain rainforests to reach the mountain deserts surrounding Tingri.
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Japan at last!
Japan at last! There is a wealth of history, tradition and culture to explore and enjoy in Japan. These posts are from three trips.