The City of Lights… Paris!

 

Search the web no more because we are bringing you the three best things about the most romantic city in the world…Paris!

Its height and unique silhouette floating above the Paris landscape quickly made the Eiffel Tower one of the most popular attractions in Paris. The Tower's destiny is closely linked to that of the city of Paris, the capital of France and the Eiffel Tower's owner.

A must-see for everyone who visits Paris, a little over 6 million people climb the Eiffel Tower every year. The Eiffel Tower is open every day, and even at night, from 9:30 am to 11:45 pm, and in summer from 9:00 am to 12:45 am. 

1. The Love Locks. The 'lock bridge' is a sort of tradition or ritual that is practiced on the bridges of the Seine River in Paris. Couples inscribe their names on padlocks, lock it on the bridge and throw the keys into the river. The ritual symbolizes love locked forever. Now, isn’t that romance at its best?

Pont des Arts is right near the Louvre which makes it a very convenient destination for lovers to visit during their trip. While the tradition was not born in Paris, it is definitely the most famous love lock destination.

3. The Culinary Delights. Paris is a food lover’s dream come true, but you can’t rush this city. If you can’t spend a few weeks (or months) eating your way through Paris, I recommend taking it in chunks and not stressing about cramming it all into one trip.

Don’t miss there flavorsome foods! You must try Paris’ best baguettes, eclairs, macarons, croissants and eclairs!

Already feeling butterflies in your stomach? Then book your next flight to the city of Lights and Love and enjoy the charm of the French capital- Paris!

 

Cheers

Arjuna "Arj" Samarakoon

Few facts about Singapore

 

1. Singapore is TINY. Singapore is a tiny country that is smaller than many major cities around the world, but this city state has managed to make its mark on the world with some top notch accolades despite its diminutive size and relatively young age.

It ranks 15th smallest country in the world and is 30 times larger than the smallest - Tuvalu and Nauru, but because it has great infrastructure, if you take a couple of wrong turns, you may find yourself at the border. 

2. Singapore is not part of any country. Singapore is an independent country, which is not part of China, or Japan, or any other country, although approximately 75% of people in Singapore are Chinese ethnic. It used to be the colony of Britain, and it got independence in 1963 as a part of Malaysia.

3. Singapore is a small city-state. It means there is only one city which occupies the whole country. Do not be troubled:

Country: Singapore

Province: Singapore

City: Singapore

 

Yes, it is all the same here. There are only a couple of other countries which are considered city-states and that is Monaco and The Vatican.

 

4. Singapore is where all religions and traditions are celebrated.

One of the aspects that make Singapore unique from anywhere else is the ability for many religions and cultures to live in harmony, respecting and celebrating each other. 

 

As a result, most people are surprised about this Singapore fact the most: there is no such thing as a “typical Singaporean” because citizens can come from very different backgrounds and ethnicities. Singapore has freedom of worship and all traditions and religions are respected.  Everyone is welcome to join in and this gives people a great opportunity to understand and respect each other. 

 

5. Singapore has a low crime rate.

It's well known that Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The main reason why crime rates in Singapore are generally very low is due to the severe penalties that are handed out for crimes that may seem petty to people from other parts of the world.

 

Cheers,

Arjuna Samarakoon

Sources:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore ,

https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-singapore/living/safety-law-and-crime-in-singapore

Five best cultural experiences in Tokyo

 

•Watch Wrestling Practice at a Sumo Stable

Every sumo wrestler belongs to a heya. While the word literally means “room,” it is normally translated into English as stable. A heya isn't just a designation either. It's an actual physical place where wrestlers live, eat, sleep and train.

You can’t fully understand the intensity of the sumo wrestling sport unless you are up close and personal at an intense morning practice session to witness the panting, grunting and dripping sweat. The practices at the sumo wrestling stable are not attractions created for tourists—the athletes are not putting on a show for you—they are in serious training and need to be shown respect while you are there. 

•Stroll through Yoyogi Park

Taking a walk through Yoyogi Park is a grand experience all on its own. You’ll be setting foot on the ground which represents the ancient facets of Japan, as it was once a site of military barracks, and even served as an Olympics Gymnasium in 1964. The park is divided in two parts by a wide road, one side of which is a dense forest area where people usually take their strolls and enjoy the natural beauty of the place, have picnics and barbecues. The latter has a stadium and an outdoor stage that hold exclusive events and food festivals.

•Visit the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is the place of residence of Japan’s Imperial family. It has a beautiful park area surrounded by grand stone walls and moats in the center of Tokyo. The main Palace area is open only on the New Year’s Greeting Event on January 2nd and the Emperor’s Birthday on the 23rd of December, but the palace exterior grounds are open for public throughout the year. There are two bridges that can be viewed right from the Kokyo Gaien plaza that’s right out from the the palace and the Imperial Palace East Gardens are amongst the best places for a stroll.

•Participate in a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Japanese tea ceremony (known as sadō/chadō,"The Way of Tea") is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea, the art of which is called (o)temae. Beyond just serving and receiving tea, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinct from the fast pace of everyday life.

Today, the tea ceremony is practiced as a hobby, and there are places where tourists can experience it, as well. Tea ceremonies of varying degrees of formality and authenticity are offered by many organizations across Japan, including at some traditional gardens, culture centers and hotels. Kyoto and Uji are among the best destinations in the country to enjoy Japan's tea culture.

•Sleep in a Ryokan

A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner. More than just a place to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine, making them popular with both Japanese and foreign tourists alike.

After you’ve gone once in Tokyo, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back, again and again, and there will always be more to see. 

Cheers

Arj Samarakoon

 

Sources:

https://www.wordnik.com/ ,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryokan

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/09/18/sumo

Three most visited places in Manila

 

The capital of the Philippines doesn’t always make the news for good reasons, but believe me, hidden here are gems of history waiting to be discovered. Make your expectations high as Manila is ready to match your assumptions.

Manila — to some, it’s that Asian country where they eat weird things like balut or fertilised duck eggs. To others, it’s a crowded city populated by some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. But to those like myself who call it home, Manila is an ever-changing cityscape that surprises even us locals. Manila is a buzzing metropolis with lots to offer. When visiting the country’s capital, expect to find beautiful historic spots, amazing sunset views, bang-for-your-buck shopping, and to-die-for culinary experiences!

1. Intramuros

Ask any local for tips on what to do in Manila, and usually you’ll get the same answer: Visit Intramuros. The historic ‘Walled City’ dates back to the Spanish occupation when Intramuros was the colony’s centre, and walls were built to protect it from foreign invasions. Back in the day, only the wealthiest and most influential citizens resided here. Today, you can still revel in its old-world charm. Intramuros’ streets are lined with old Spanish houses that have been restored and turned into museums, beautiful churches and parks.

 

There’s so much to see, but in particular, you’ll have to visit historical sites like Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church (which proudly stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), San Agustin Museum, and Casa Manila. Also, if you’re on the adventurous side, you can even opt to join a ghost tour!

2. Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown

Binondo is Manila’s Chinatown, where you’ll find picturesque, affordable eateries at almost every corner. Here, you’ll get your fix of dim sum and roast duck, as well as your fill of Filipino-Chinese favorites like lumpiang Shanghai (egg rolls with meat, fish, and vegetables), mami (noodle soup), and hopia (bean-filled pastry).

 

On the tour, you won’t just be exploring Binondo’s food scene, you’ll also get to learn about the town’s historical spots.

3. Manila Bay sunset

There’s nothing quite like a golden hour at Manila Bay. When the sun starts to set, make sure to stop and take in this world-renowned view while going on a leisurely stroll along the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard. This is also a pleasant little area, with live music street performers and food vendors.

Whether you’re in Manila for the first time or for your nth visit back, I’m sure Manila will surprise you, too!

Cheers

Arjuna Samarakoon