Quirky Traveller's Tales

It’s not every day that you can see the Eiffel Tower, pyramids of Giza and Great Wall of China before lunch. That is, unless you know where to go …

In the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, China is found a kitschy, (not so) little attraction known as ‘Window of the World’. This local tourist hotspot has recreated all of the great monuments of the world, except those of China, which are housed down the road at its very own theme park aptly named ‘Splendid China‘.  Travelling the world in one day may sound daunting but it does have its benefits. Think of all the money you just saved by not having to actually go anywhere!  At least that’s what I assume the developers were thinking of when they first built this theme park featuring 130 of the world’s greatest sights in Shenzhen’s affluent OCT neighbourhood.

Before you even enter the park you can lean up against Pei’s glass pyramid, usually to be seen outside the Louvre in Paris. Catch a glimpse of the 354-foot reproduction of the Eiffel Tower in the distance while you buy your tickets. Only the palm trees and oppressive heat will remind you that you didn’t just travel to France. As you enter through the gates you will be greeted by a number of ancient Roman columns; a few steps later and you will be  trying not to squash the temples of Thailand and castles of Japan.

A tiny emperor and his court sit helplessly in the imperial palace as you, the giant, saunter by. It’s true that you should not actually step on the scaled down model, but it sure is fun to think about re-enacting a scene from Godzilla.

The streets of Venice beckon you to duck through the narrow archways of the Doge’s Palace and explore Piazza San Marco. Try not to trip over the bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Grab a souvenir photo in traditional Thai costumes before ending your journey with the Roman Coliseum, unless of course you want to make a full day of it.

There are still the great continent of Africa and the Americas to explore. Who doesn’t want to see the Ivory Gate of Kenya at the same time as Disneyland, Mount Rushmore and the statues of Easter Island in Chile?  Go knock on the door of the Taj Mahal and hike through the jungles of India during your visit. Don’t forget to stop by Australia’s Uluru. It’s a lot harder to climb up than you might think.  And then there are those iconic pyramids to check out before you go.

You may not get to see all of the wonders the world has to offer in your lifetime, but at least now you know you can visit quite a few of them in a day thanks to the ‘Window of the World’.

Keryn Means is the founder of Walkingon Travels, a site that gives hope to today’s modern parent who doesn’t want to stop their lives; they simply bring their kids along for the ride. You can find Keryn dragging her 2 boys around Seattle most days and across the globe several times a year. Follow along on their adventures at @walkingontravel Twitter and on Facebook.

Inveterate traveller Tammy writes about some lesser known places in Cambodia that guarantee a more in-depth look at this fascinating country, in the next of our World Travel Blogger series

“You want a tuk tuk sir?” We have arrived in Phnom Penh and we will be asked this same question many times more during our 12 months stay here in Cambodia. I still don’t understand that, despite the fact that I am indeed a lady, I am always addressed as ‘sir’. I am not one to hold a grudge though and tuk tuks are still our favourite way to travel around in Cambodia. We use them whenever we can, even to destinations further a field. Most people do the usual sightseeing trips whilst in Phnom Penh, such as the Royal Palace, Killing Fields etc, but there are some hidden gems in and around Phnom Penh that not many tourists take advantage off:

• For about $20 you can charter your own 30-passenger boat for a sunset cruise down the Mekong. You can bring your own drinks and food, some friends and enjoy a ride into the sunset.
• Ta Prohm is a temple not to be mistaken for its famous sister at Angkor Wat. It is about 30km south of Phnom Penh and you re likely to be the only tourist there, so perfect for some exploring and finding your inner Indiana Jones.

• The Tonle Bati Lake is about 5 minutes away from the Ta Prohm temple and a perfect spot to relax in a hammock on one of the wooden huts on the water. Even though local kids use the lake for a refreshing swim I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the lake unless you have bowels of steel.

• The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary is about 15 minutes away from the Tonle Bati and Ta Prohm. The sanctuary is home to rescued animals such as gibbons, sunbears, elephants and tigers. They were all taken from poachers or abusive owners and are kept here for their safekeeping.

For most people visiting Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the main attraction, but Cambodia has got many more undiscovered destinations to offer, so it is really worth spending some more time in this beautiful country. Kratie is such a place. A a sleepy riverside town in the north of Cambodia, the main attraction here are the Irrawaddy River Dolphins. There are only an estimated 40 dolphins left in this river, so being able to spot them is very special.

Cambodia travel also offers miles of unspoilt coastline that can easily compete with Thailand’s beaches in terms of beauty. Most people go to Sihanoukville or Kep, but whilst there are a few quieter beaches there, the majority is overrun with drinking backpackers now, so we prefer heading out to the lesser known islands:

• Bamboo Island for example can be reached by boat from Sihanoukville and is the perfect spot to unwind from a stressful day of sightseeing. Nobody lives on this island and there are only a handful of huts available for rent, which you can only reach by trekking through the island jungle for about 30 minutes. It doesn’t get more secluded than this.

• Rabbit Island is off the coastal town of Kep and can also only be reached via boat. There are a few local families who live on this island who also rent out some beach huts. There is no electricity here at night, so the perfect place for a true Robinson Crusoe type experience.

About Tammy & Chris hail from Germany and England respectively and are therefore unable to talk about football or history. They are currently working on justice and human right issues in Cambodia. Whenever they get some time off, they travel around South East Asia or plan in which country they will live and work in next. Follow their journey on their blog, Tammy & Chris on the move, on Twitter @TammyOnTheMove, or on Facebook.

Read more top tips for places to visit in Siem Reap, site of Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat temple, and many more intriguing and interesting places of culture and tradition here.

In the second of our ‘World Travel Blogger’ series of articles, American Amanda Slavinsky, who writes the travel blog Farsickness, describes some of the delicious food in her adopted home, Korea.

My favorite way of jumping into another culture and discovering the quirky side of a new country, is by sampling the food. And by sampling I mean trying as many different things as possible. Before I moved to South Korea in 2011, I was completely clueless about Korean cuisine, which is often overshadowed by the food of its more popular east Asian neighbors, Japan and China. The past 18 months have taken me on an exciting food journey that has helped me learn not only about new flavors and ingredients, but about the interesting history and culture of Korea.  I will introduce some of the more popular Korean dishes and hope that if you someday venture to the Land of the Morning Calm, you’ll be slightly more ready than I was …

Samgyeopsal – photo by Amanda Slavinsky

Korea could be known as the land of the barbecue. Not the kind on your back deck, but one in the middle of your restaurant table. Meat restaurants are some of the most common in Korea. Samgyeopsal, which literally means three layered flesh, is a popular choice. These slices of pork belly look similar to bacon, though uncured, and are grilled until crispy. Another option is galbi, beef (or pork) ribs that have been marinated in a primarily soy, ginger, and garlic based sauce. The tender, juicy pieces melt in your mouth. Soju, a clear liquor made from rice, is considered the perfect accompaniment to a barbecue meal.

Galbi – photo by Amanda Slavinsky

One of Korea’s most famous non-meat based dishes is bibimbap. Meaning mixed rice, the name is a good description of the dish itself. Vegetables are piled on top of white rice and then mixed together with some gochujang (a spicy red pepper paste common in Korean food) and, often, a fried egg. Another version, called dolsot bibimbap, is served in a hot stone pot with a raw egg. The hot pot cooks then the egg and crisps the rice while you eat.

Bibimbap – photo by Amanda Slavinsky

A more casual Korean dish is ddeokbokki. Savory rice cakes, fish cakes, and green onions are tossed in a spicy gochujang (red pepper) sauce to make this dish that is most commonly served from street carts around the city.

Of course, no Korean meal is complete without banchan, or side dishes. At any Korean meal, the table will be covered with many small bowls. Kimchi is the most common side dish, and probably the most famous Korean food around the world. The most well known type of kimchi is the spicy fermented cabbage type, but there are many other types of kimchi including cucumber, radish, and white cabbage, which is not spicy.

Banchan – photo by Amanda Slavinsky

While this is no means a comprehensive list of Korean food, there are far too many to list here, it is a glimpse into the culinary traditions of this country. Food has a way of connecting, of opening doors into places where you don’t speak the language or understand the customs. Food has done that for me in Korea.

About the author: Amanda is an American currently living in Seoul, teaching writing to elementary ESL students, and planning her long term, post-teaching contract trip. She blogs about travel, food, elephants, a love of Italy, and life in Korea over at her blog, Farsickness. You can also find her on Twitter @farsickness and Facebook

As long-haul travel becomes more popular, an increasing number of adventurous Brits are considering trips to exotic Far Eastern countries such as China. The country’s unfamiliar customs and culture are ideal for any traveller looking to get away from the pressures of the Western world and explore a new way of being.

Most travellers are likely to consider heading to China in the hotter months so they can explore the country in the sun. However, visitors who start their adventure when it’s the colder season are able to experience a totally different perspective of the country.  This is because the colder seasons in China gives the country a clearness and freshness – and it is less crowded thanks to there being fewer tourists.  China is a great destination regardless of age.  However, for older travellers with medical conditions it’s extremely important to make sure you’re covered with travel insurance over 65.

If you are a fan of travelling off the beaten track, then it is a good idea to enjoy some of the nation’s lesser known wonders.  One example of stunning unspoiled beauty is Sanqingshan National Park, which is situated near the city of Shangrao in the Jiangxi province of China. Known for its overwhelming air of peace and tranquillity, the World Heritage Site is subject to seasonal mists, fogs and breath-taking sunsets. Granite pillars and outcrops are dotted in between natural springs and waterfalls.

Another must-see for tourists is the Silk Road, with tours on offer to showcase the 2,000-year-old route which measures some 7,000km – over half of which is in China. Travellers trekking along the Silk Road will see many main attractions along the way including the famous Terracotta Warriors, China’s largest Reclining Buddah of Zhangye, Yellow River and Bingling Thousand Buddah Caves of Lanzhou.

Fans of scenery should not pass up on a visit to Guilin, which sits by the banks of the Li River. Famed for its stunning scenery, including mountains covered in greenery, unique rockeries, crystal clear water and mysterious caves, the area has a colourful cultural heritage, being home to a number of ethnic minorities.  So take time to get off China’s beaten track this winter and discover some quirky treasures.

This article is sponsored by Staysure – the over 50s experts, specialising in travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. They also provide comprehensive health and life insurance, as well as car insurance, home insurance and funeral plans.  All of their products are for UK residents, however the same services are available for expats.

Many tourists book their holidays in Cambodia purely because of their desire to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat. The awe-inspiring temples were constructed in the 12^th century by the Khmer people and really have to be seen to be believed which explains why each year over a million tourists flock to Siem Reap.

Photo by Dave Perkes

Although Angkor Wat is an incredible and unforgettable experience, the nearby town of Siem Reap is also well worth a few days of your time. Here are a few of our recommendations for more unusual places to visit and things to do in this interesting city.

1 – Balloon Ride over Angkor Wat

If you have never experienced a hot air balloon ride than what better place to start than by silently gliding above these ancient temples. Not only will you escape the crowds of tourists and touts at the site but you will get a fascinating birds eye view which allows you to fully comprehend the size of the site. The views of Angkor Wat and the city beyond will stay with you for some time.

2 – Landmine Museum

From the times of the Khmer Rouge to the Vietnamese occupation – Cambodia has a war torn past. In fact, it wasn’t considered safe for tourists to visit until the 1990’s. The country is littered with millions of unexploded landmines and other objects that were left behind by the decades of conflict. As you explore Siem Reap you will be greeted by sights of injured landmine victims who are a testament to just how dangerous landmines are to this day.

The Landmine Museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rough and is staffed by victims and orphans of landmines. A wander around this fascinating museum will give you a sobering insight in to what life was like in Cambodia only a short time ago.

3 – Kampong Phluk

Photo by Ewen Bel

Just 13 miles from Siem Reap is Kampong Phluk, a fishing village constructed entirely on stilts in the swamps that surround Tonle Sap – the largest lake in Cambodia. This is still somewhat a hidden gem as the majority of tourists are distracted by the charms of Angkor Wat. This means that the village remains an authentic place to go to get a glimpse into Khmer life away from the influence of heavy tourism.

4 – Military Shooting Range

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you have ever wanted to fire a gun, this is the place to go. It will take you 40 minutes to get here from Siem Reap and you will be greeted by ex-soldiers who will talk you through the weapons and how to use them. You can fire AK47’s, throw hand grenades and if you have the money you can try out a Soviet made rocket launcher.

Photo by Matthew Hooper

Although Angkor Wat is undeniably the biggest attraction in Siem Reap, stay a few more days and discover some of its other, more unusual charms.

This article is brought to you by travel writer John Gainer, who’s has enjoyed travelling since he was a young boy when his parents first took him to visit family overseas. Since leaving home, John has tracked down family all over the world and regularly jets off to far away lands to experience new foods and cultures.

With so many iconic places to visit, holidays in Vietnam can be difficult to plan for. It is a country with deep history and interest; one with such natural beauty that every city and town has a huge amount to offer. However, no trip to Vietnam’s is complete without a visit to its capital city, Hanoi.

Hanoi City by David Conger

Located in the centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is an old city of great cultural importance, growing in popularity with tourists every year. It is one of the most captivating and atmospheric cities in Southeast Asia, with something to entertain and inspire all visitors. The weather is favourable throughout the year, though it is hottest between May and August so it’s best avoided then if you’re not a fan of humid weather. Flights fly directly into Hanoi Airport and it’s easily accessible by rail and road, meaning it’s the perfect gateway to the rest of your journey around Vietnam.

Explore Hanoi’s History

An absolute must-see is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a tribute and museum to the infamous Communist leader and for many, it’s an important place of pilgrimage to their former leader. The Mausoleum itself is an absolutely remarkable sight and in a similar style to the mausoleums of Lenin and Stalin. Here you’ll learn the history of Ho Chi Minh and can view his body on display in a glass case, a memorable experience in itself as you slowly file past the heavily guarded body.  There is, however, a strict dress and behaviour code so make yourself aware of these before you visit. It’s also worth taking a trip to the Presidential Palace, a stunning example of architecture built by the French colonialists, where Ho Chi Minh refused to stay during his trips to Hanoi. Another place many refused to stay in, though some had no choice, is the infamous Hanoi Hilton. It was here that the American POWs were brought during the Vietnam War and whilst it has been largely demolished, a section still exists and has been preserved as a museum.

Enjoy Hanoi’s Culture

Hanoi Pagoda by David Conger

If you want to kick back and relax, Hanoi also offers many opportunities to do so. There’s the tranquil and serene walks around the many lakes the city has to offer, exploring pagodas and taking in exquisitely built bridges. If you want to experience something far more modern, it’s off to the shops.  Hanoi has been named as one of the top 10 places in Asia for shopping and there’s much here to delight the shopaholic, though you may have to rein it in to ensure you’re still able to carry your backpack!  Hanoi also has a thriving nightlife, with many karaoke bars, theatres and cinemas across the city and also numerous festivals to experience throughout the year.

Hanoi at night by Flipnomad

Top 5 things to do in Hanoi

1) Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2) Take a trip to the Hanoi Hilton

3) Explore Colonial Hanoi

4) Visit an iconic pagoda

5) Go shopping!

Hanoi Market by Fahara

This article is brought to you by Natalie Likness.  She got her love of travel at an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.