This new adventure, a cruise around the Great Lakes on Viking’s new expedition ship, starts in Toronto. And of course we wanted to become better acquainted with this sophisticated and very accessible city. … Read More Toronto, Canada
As our amazing Asian voyage draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on our trip–what we’ve learned and what we’ve enjoyed. It has been a wonderful adventure and we feel quite privileged to have the time and resources to see so many places and cultures.… Read More Farewell Riviera
Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city and we found it has plenty to offer. We decided not to take the longer bus ride into Tokyo and visit the sites we had already seen with our one port day, so instead we explored Yokohama. The Sankeien Gardens are more than a century-old. They were built by… Read More Yokohama, Japan
This seaport city is known for many things including its wonderful views of Mount Fuji when skies are clear. It was one of our last days of our remarkable journey and the weather gods smiled on us. We had stunningly clear views of this magnificent mountain.… Read More Shimizu, Japan
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city and, our guide told us, it has a much more relaxed and less conservative vibe than nearby Kyoto.… Read More Osaka and Kobe, Japan
Naha is the largest city of Okinawa, a prefecture of Japan that for hundreds of years was its own proud country. During the Ryukyuan era it developed its own rich culture and even its own language. During our visit we explored some of the history, enjoyed a serene garden and walked its busy shopping streets.… Read More Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Amami is part of a small archipelago that has been isolated for much of its history. With only 40,000 people, beautiful beaches, mountains, abundant plant and wildlife, some of which is unique to the island, Amami has created a laid-back and friendly culture all its own.… Read More Amami, Japan
The rural Prefecture, or district, of Kumamoto made a push to increase tourism when the country’s high speed train line was extended to them more than a decade ago. The result was the creation of this mascot, Kumamon. It’s a charming story of the little engine that could. The cute apple -cheeked bear vaulted over hundreds of other mascots from Japanese towns and cities to become an international sensation.… Read More Kumamon (Hitoyoshi), Japan
Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and its largest port. We had an opportunity to experience both the traditional culture and the modern economic powerhouse.… Read More Busan, Korea
Jeju is Korea’s largest island, located off the southern coast. Its sandy beaches, moderate climate and dramatic, volcanic landscape make it a very popular getaway for Koreans. Sunrise Peak, or Seongsan Ilchulbong is a tuff cone volcano with a steep trail to the top of the volcano crater. From there is a magnificent view of… Read More Jeju, Korea
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