A while back, I had the chance to jump on a bus and take a tour of Stonehenge and the city of Bath. Honestly, I wasn’t as excited for Stonehenge because a ton of rocks, well, that’s just the most exhilarating thing I’ve ever heard of. As it was the first stop, I was more than ready to step off, take a quick glance, and move onto Bath. It’s probably one of the most photographed sites in the world and most visited sites in the UK, so it makes you feel like you’ve been there already, right? How many history textbooks have Stonehenge in it, or rather, how many don’t?
When our group actually got to the area, we learned that we had to take a shuttle to the Heritage site and then walk ourselves. The museum and tourist info site are where the shuttle bus is located; you can learn the history and take a quick break in there. The shuttle bus takes about ten minutes, plus or minus some, to actually get to the stones.
This is the distance from the stones.
From far away you can spot the stones and it’s actually amazing to see in person. I guess you could say I felt the magic from seeing one of the wonders of the world; it’s similar to saying I went to a castle compared to actually going into Neuschwanstein. Part of it, I think, is also the mystery surrounding how it was built. You can’t help wonder how and why, and also just savor the ancient beings in front of you.
Stonehenge was actually opened to the public with no boundaries but visitors were climbing on the stones and even scenarios of graffiti made the officials rope it off. When the solstices come by, I have heard there are large parties organized to see the sunrises, so plan accordingly! The walking path can get quite muddy, especially if you go after a rainy day.
My favorite picture from Stonehenge. Looks like we’ve traveled back in time.
The stones themselves range from one to a few stories high, depending which one you walk by. According to the experts, there used to be more standing, but just like how they were made, many people don’t know where or how they got there. Many helpful placards are spaced out on the walk and it helps explain the history and background of the site.
I went in February a few years back so I definitely needed a coat, but on the bright side, there weren’t as many tourists as I’ve been told. In the summer months it can be hard to walk down the path without bumping shoulders. I remember it was pretty windy but a peaceful walk. It does really make you wonder how they came to be and what happened while the stones were being constructed.
I would recommend going here if you’re exploring London, but I would combine it with another tour. It’s a good day trip if you go to Stonehenge along with a nearby site like Bath or the Cotswold. I gotta say, I had an amazing and hilarious tour guide, so that just amped up the experience for me as well. Go to Stonehenge to soak in the experience and history, not just to say you’ve been. The stones also are a good photographing subject; expect to get NatGeo quality pictures soon!
The Bamboo Forest is famous for its lush and towering poles of bamboo, perfect for nature photographers and family outings. One of the most visited sites in Japan, this place is known for cherry blossom viewing and monkeys on the mountaintop. I was luckily following a friend and didn’t have to plan much, though I do say getting there was a bit tricky.
We were leaving from Namba, so we had to take a train or bus to Umeda Station. You can think of Umeda as the main center for all trains and buses. From there, we took the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to Kami-Katsura Station, switching once from the Rapid Express to Local Line. We then walked from the station to the village next to Arashiyama. It sounds simple, but when we were there, it was a hurricane of people and stations.
The village/town surrounding the forest is small and walk-able. I first went to tackle the forest before my energy was drained. We wanted to get to Kameyama Park first before the tourists started flooding in for the day. This park is the one you always see when people mention Bamboo Forest. The long walkways are lined with bamboo, leaves stretching up to a light arch above your head. There were many groups there, from the young ones on field trips to elderly strolling to families on a trip. This short spot was definitely crowded, but as we walked further away, the crowds disappeared.
We walked past two observation decks (大河内山荘庭園 嵐峡展望台), and found a tea house, high on top of the mountains and enclosed by the forest that requires a small admission fee. When you go on this route, the fee includes a cup of soothing matcha tea and some sweets along with it. I definitely recommend this! Walking through this path, there’s many opportunities to take pictures, admire the scenery, and take in the healing effects of the forest.
We also encountered a few temples along the way, a hidden cafe, and a lake on the other side of the forest. I do recommend walking a bit further to explore the area because sometimes you’ll find something new! There are many signs that will point you in the right directions, along with the distance it will take you to get there. It’s hard to get lost, but if you do end up lost, just follow the pathways!
Something that I have forgotten and want to share is a cafe that houses a foot bath on the side. This cafe is located near Togetsukyo Bridge, facing the river. It may or may not still be there, but this cafe has plenty of sweets and iced desserts on the menu. For a small fee or a purchase of an item, you can get admission to the foot bath. They also include towels for a small fee. This was a great way to relax and unwind the muscles from walking up the mountain. If you can find this place, please let me know!
On the other side of the river is the Monkey Park Iwatayama. After climbing the staircase, the monkeys are visible on the mountain top. There’s an amazing view and panorama of the city. You can also go to the Ichitani Munakata Jinja Shrine along the way. Many people don’t know about the Monkey Park and I would definitely recommend going since Arashiyama is so far away from the city.
Who would I be if I didn’t mention restaurants or shops? I do admit I have forgotten a lot about the things I’ve eaten and what the shop names were, but not to worry! After walking for that long, I had stopped at a Soba Shopいわを, that is located on the main street. This was a choice I will never forget because it was the best soba I have ever eaten. I was tired and hot and sweaty and we had rounded the corner to see this soba shop. We went in and ordered, and I might have had a spiritual experience. A portion of cold and chewy noodles with the perfectly seasoned dipping sauce melted my exhaustion away. This shop has two levels and is located towards the end of the street. From the outside, it’s a simple shop, but don’t be fooled! A tip is that if this soba didn’t fill you up, just around the corner is a hidden collection of street food shops. Small eats and drinks can be found in that small alcove!
The main street is filled with restaurants and souvenir shops everywhere you look. I recommend getting an ice cream cone from one of the stands, especially Cremia! This brand is only found in Japan and tastes super creamy due to the higher milk fat compared to other ice creams. (I personally would go for the matcha and original Cremia and don’t tell my friend or I’ll get hit.)
Fruity dango, refreshing ade, small Japanese pastries are just something that made it to my stomach that day. There are many small shops that offer snacks and street foods that it’s easy to be full by just walking down one street! In the middle of the main street, there are two main food halls where you can find food. The local Arashiyama train line station houses the same shops as would any other train line, but it also public bathrooms for visitors. You can watch the local line chug its way down and sip on a seasonal drink on bench. This is also known as the Hannari Hokkori Square.
Directly across from this station is the Shoryuen Shopping Mall. A bigger and upper scale market, this place is two levels and houses things from food to souvenirs to handmade items. It’s a great stop for gifts and souvenirs. A picture-esqe open market, this mall has individual stores on both levels and easy to walk around. The first level also has many public benches so anyone can come and sit to relax.
My last stop before boarding the train back to Osaka was obviously dinner. We had walked by this restaurant once and came back since we were intrigued the first time. A vegetarian shop, Saga-Tofu Ine restaurant is known for tofu and their set menu. They make tofu in different styles and it is pleasing to the palette as well as the eyes! The highlight was the tofu skins in the bamboo container. We were seated on the second floor so we had a great birds eye view of the main street. You can get many great pictures of people in kimonos and people running rickshaws. They have various branches around Arashiyama, so keep an eye out!
This was one of the highlights of my trip and it was great to think about it again. As many people who go to Osaka or Kyoto already have this on their list to go to, I urge you to do the same! It may seem overrated or tourist dependent, but it is definitely worth the trip. The charm isn’t just in the Bamboo Grove, but the area surrounding it. The main street is a small picture of what it was like back in the day of Japan and the temples behind the Bamboo Forest get overlooked. Mingei Teika Folk Art store, Ogura Pond, Nison-in Temple, and Ogura Saten Shikian are just some of the hidden places to explore.
Who’s ready for a relaxing, steamy, sulfurous bath? The rotten egg smell really does wake you up. I was so excited to visit Bath and tour the Roman Baths. I’m not really sure why I was so hyped up for it, but thinking back, it may have been the small-town feel and the architecture.
Fairytale-like, isn’t it?
Located in Bath, Somerset, The Roman Baths are made up of several buildings like the Great Bath, temple, and many indoor baths. The whole building is set up like a museum so you can follow a path that will let you see just about everything. Starting with the Great Bath, this large outdoor bath was used in older times and still steams on a brisk February day. Surrounded by Roman statues, the bright green of the pool is an amazing sight to take in. The geothermal springs warm the pools and give it the slight sulfur smell as you walk through.
Gender separated pools and common/sitting areas are some of the rooms you can walk through in the tour. It’s very informative and you can even taste the water in the Pump Room. Fair warning though, it tastes a lot like liquid metal and does not leave a pleasant aftertaste. I haven’t seen so many teenagers scrunch up their faces in my life. While you can’t dip your toes into the Roman Baths (and you probably shouldn’t*), there are many spas located right around the corner of the museum that offer similar experiences.
Let’s talk about the small town itself. The Royal Crescent Houses are one of the popular sites to walk around because of the distinct architecture and apparently housing some of the wealthiest people in England. Bath is also known for the Sally Lunn buns, which is a large bun that used to be regularly eaten for breakfast in the past. They still make it the same and for a small price, you can purchase them at the shop itself. If you walk around city centre, there are quite a few glass stores. I was told that Bath was also known for their glassworks and I couldn’t resist buying some for myself.
Walking around, you’ll also notice the large parks and canals that make you think of Venice. It’s such picturesque place, I definitely recommend to visit. A random thing I learned that the smokestacks on the buildings were a symbol of wealth back in the day, though correct me if I’m wrong. There are so many little stacks on houses and it probably meant that there were more fireplaces or meals to heat up, which was only affordable if you had the money. I do distinctly remember being told that some of them don’t work (😉).
At the end of my trip, I went into a liquor store to collect some local spirits before I left. I bought a small bottle of botanical gin, a bottle of Bath’s whisky, and sampled mead. I do regret not getting the mead because it was deliciously sweet with no alcohol taste. All of the alcohol was made locally and it’s a good gift to take home (for yourself, of course).
I wholeheartedly miss Bath and recommend it to anyone who is willing to look for a day trip away from the city. Stonehenge (previous post) and the Cotswold are nearby, as well as Shakespeare’s birthplace—Stratford-upon-Avon. Bath is so charming and takes you back in time as you walk through the streets.
If you plan on going, or have been before, don’t forget to leave a comment!
*The last known person who went for a swim in the baths got meningitis and died, and the baths have been tested for pathogens, so don’t go wading in those waters!
Oh, quiero volver. Granada is a wonderful place to go, especially if you plan to do a southern Spain tour. The city can be seen within two days, or around 4 to 5 if you want to relax. Granada isn’t that big and I found that out the first day I was there. Many people have the Alhambra and Moorish Market down, as both are major tourist spots. The Alhambra is one of the most visited places in Spain; no wonder considering how much history and artifacts it holds.
Hall of Ambassadors
It’s recommended that you reserve a ticket online or ahead of time so that it guarantees you a time to go in as well as beating the crowds. The official website says to book at least a month before and I remember I booked the second to last ticket for the end of November. Autumn is usually shoulder season, but there were still many people who had already reserved. I wanted to attend the ‘Generalife at Night’ (castle visit at night!) and they were all sold out for the next two months. It’s amazing and crazy at the same time!
Court of the Lions
My ticket was for 9am and I had stood in line for the 8:30am entrance and I couldn’t get in! Apparently, you had to wait for your time slot which is basically a really long line with no signs. Good thing the sun was rising and I got some amazing shots! The main ticket gives entrance to several exhibits/castles and you can easily spend a whole day there. I had reserved my last full day in Granada because I wanted to have it fresh in my mind when I left.
The Alhambra has exquisite design and architecture that’s mirrored in other palaces around the area (Royal Alcazar de Seville, Alcazaba de Malaga). They show the enduring history of Moorish influence. I’m not one to give a history lesson, but I can say that walking through the palace halls is an unimaginable way to learn about the past. There’s also guided tours and audio tours available.
On the
walk over
to Generalife
The palace has multiple sections, but the one I want to point out today is the Generalife Palace. This is the farthest point from the the main Alhambra complex and it takes you around the castle, past lush gardens, to a beautiful villa that has a dark past. In later research, it was named after the people who were forced to build the structure and confined there. It was definitely interesting to learn and read more about.
Generalife
& Fountains
On the other hand, Generalife is any Disney princesses’ dream. Located on a hill overlooking the city, surrounded by nature and fragrant flowers, this building has long fountains and arching water fountains. There are many balconies/outlook points to take pictures and just take in the view. The main focus of the building would definitely be the long fountains at the beginning and end of the walk.
It is a marvelous view, isn’t it?
The paths are very easily identifiable and well walked so you’ll never get lost. I would recommend getting there either early or enough time before closure to beat the crowds as well as the sun (especially in the summer). Also, golden hour works well with the landscape!
It was quite chilly in November but not unbearable. I’d say around 40-50F/4-10C when I was there. Remember to bring suitable shoes for the day because there’s lots of walking! The palace is also handicap accessible and very accommodating. If your a cat lover, be on the lookout for some of the furry residents who wander around! I spotted maybe around 3-4 cats within the first few hours I was there.
For the complete address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain
entering through the Justice Gate: Calle Real de la Alhambra, 18, 18009 Granada, Spain
Hope this post was helpful or a good reminiscing for others especially with what’s going on now. If you’ve been or are planning to go, comment below! I’d love to hear details!
When I was in Japan, my friend brought me to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan for a day and it was amazing!! We had planned to stay in the area for the whole day so it was very laid back. The aquarium itself is located a bit far from city centre, but there’s a bus that takes you straight there. I had taken the 60 bus, but the Chuo (Green) line has a direct stop to the aquarium as well.
Whale Shark!
The aquarium boasts one of the biggest tanks in Asia! There are also many exhibits that represent different areas of the world like the Tasman Sea and Monterey Bay. The aquarium starts off with categorized exhibits, but you slowly realize that they’ve built it so that when you reach the main tank, you are circling it and get to see almost all of the sea creatures inside. It took me about three hours (+/- some) to walk through all of it, but as a science nerd, it definitely wasn’t enough.
The main focus of this post is that the aquarium is located in an area where it’s connected to other “villages,” you could say, that are similar. There’s a LegoLand, Marketplace, cruise ships, and more! The Marketplace has an old-school food alley that is designed like 1960s Osaka. It’s extremely fun to walk through, especially after the aquarium.
The marketplace is specifically called Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho. You can stop for lunch or dinner there; they have things ranging from ice cream to udon to ramen sets. My friend and I settled for sukiyaki for lunch then udon and tamago gohan (egg on rice) for dinner. The restaurants are pretty average for pricing and the food is filling, so I do recommend doing a circle around it. There is a big food modern food court right outside of it as well.
The other place that was a hidden gem to us was that there was a petting zoo right above this food alley/market! It was pretty cheap (3-5 USD) per person. The place didn’t seem too big from the outside, but there were three sections. Outside, there were turtles roaming around and some bunnies and guinea pigs outside. The amount of children and parents that were hanging around weren’t too much, but we did go on a week day.
The first section after entering the main door was Cat Heaven. Cats in hanging baskets, cats on pillows, cats zooming across the beams above us! There was a very comfortable pig lounging in the corner but there wasn’t any intense smells that would make you backtrack. There were also many small to medium dogs hanging out, looking for open arms to nestle in.
One final door and you would enter in to see the Boss. And who is that, you’d ask, is it the llama or the capybaras? This was probably the part that blew my mind because I didn’t think there would be these animals here. The llama was a definite troublemaker because he started munching on the curtains and messing with the tortoise’s tree branches. The capybaras had their own mini island on one side of the room that had a little waterway. I totally forgot there were five kangaroos bouncing around as well. Talk about stimulus overload!
kangaroo in the background!
capybara snacks also available
Overall, you can probably sense my excitement over having seen so many animals in one day. I still can’t get over it. I would definitely suggest it to families to are traveling with kids, or just about anyone looking for a chill day. It’s good to get out of the city and take a breather sometimes and this is a great option to have.
Ferris Wheel from the bus. Still miss it so much!
The address is : 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
Please comment if you’ve been or are planning to! I’d love to hear about it!
No, not Laputa, sadly. Instead, we will go high into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to see the white villages of La Alpujarra. This section of Andalusia is still a hidden gem and you’ll find that this is a destination you won’t want to share with others. The drive up gives you Spanish “Sound of Music” feels and there are handfuls of lookout points along the way.
Lanjarón: One of the lower villages before heading up to Pampaneira
Pampaneira was our first official stop, one we knew was the main tourist site. Most tour buses stop here because the town is a lot bigger than the others and most aesthetically pleasing. There were many cafes and restaurants, as well as the famous chocolate shop, Abuela ili. Expect to run into multiple cats sunbathing on the corner of buildings or quietly observing humans!
Our tour guide for the day!
The streams in the middle of walkways are one of the most photographed items in the village. They do make for a great photo op! It creates the feeling of the perfect quaint village and the water has been said to have healing properties. There are many local vendors, ranging from homemade jams and marmalade to throws and rugs.
Our next stop was the second highest village. This was the one that most people don’t really stop at but the quiet and stillness of this village gave you the sensation of actually being able to settle down there. (If my memory is correct, this is village Pitres.)
The church is a great pit stop for a break before venturing on!
The white houses are an alluring contrast to the dark mountains in the distance.
One last jump to the last village, Trevélez. Probably one of the more exciting villages in my opinion because if there is a landing strip for Laputa, it may as well be here. It was supposed to snow and lots of clouds were rolling in so it felt like we were in a cloud heaven. I don’t think I’ve been so close to actually touching a cloud.
I would definitely recommend this tour to get out of the city and see other faces of Spain. The whole tour spanned maybe 8 hours, including pick up and drop off. (I’ll add details below!) It wasn’t tiring at all and there was time for our own wandering in all of the villages. The tour included a lunch option which was nice because when could you ever have Iberian ham at the top of a snowing mountain?
Because of the small group, we were able to pick out what we wanted to do (photography and wander around) rather go to the tourist traps. La Alpujarra was most certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Spain. As a mountain person, it felt like I was at home for those 8 hours.
If you need any more persuading, this is definitely one of the trips that you can squeeze in when you’ve seen all of Granada. I was recommended Nerja and Frigiliana, the beach option to contrast with Alpujarra’s mountain option. Nerja and Frigiliana were booked through so I ended up with the mountains and not a second do I regret it. You can learn a lot of history from the tour guide and experience what it’s like to be a local. The villages are small and we were given a walk through for each one, even with our time restraint.
Let me finish off with some final pictures before the links for the tours!
One of the best smelling bakeries in the area
I went with the GetYourGuide website and here are the websites for the:
Baking Traveller 