Found in the province of Andalusia, for a travel destination that is stereotypically ‘Spain’, this is it! The province is bordered by the Mediterranean, Straits of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz. The area is most famous for the Spanish flamencos, bullfights, hilltop villages and Moorish palaces, making it an extremely popular travel destination.
Granada is home to the Alhambra, one of the world’s best preserved Moorish palaces. The Palace and Watch Tower date back to the 9th century. Other historic sites of Granada include, the Albaicin, the hilltop Arab quarter with many crowded, winding streets and the gypsy quarter known as Sacromonte, is found on an adjacent hilltop.
Frommer’s Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia
The small rural community of Ohara is located about one hour north of Kyoto. It is a perfect travel destination to go on retreat if you want to escape the hustle of the bigger cities and experience traditional Japanese culture. Ohara has two hot spring ryokans (traditional inns) which pump mineral water to the surface from a depth of more than 1km. Angela Pearse stayed at Oharanosato, and gave the outdoor bath a go.
“Traditional bathing in Japan is different from what I’m used to. The washing part takes place inside at the taps so I won’t be wallowing in my own (and others) grime. It makes good sense but crouching naked on a low stool, while sluicing myself with warm water from a bucket, culturally goes against the grain. I keep one eye warily on the door in case anyone comes in and my hands poised, ready to cover myself faster than a samurai wheeling his sword.
Oharanosato Bath
Once I’m all clean I head outdoors to soak in the hot water, and I mean hot water. The Japanese generally consider anything below 45C for sissies. I’m worried about being boiled alive as I gingerly submerge my body into a pool of scalding mineral water, but the vista of brooding mountain range and darkened forest distracts from my tingling nerve ends. Overhead, tiny silver spheres sprinkle across a jet-black sky, while nearby bamboo rustles mysteriously with the cool night breeze and, to add to the atmosphere, a lone frog croaks from a rice-paddy. I’m in my element, though up until now I’ve never communed this closely with nature while having a bath”.
One great reason to visit this travel destination is to stay at Oharanosato where you can sleep Japanese style, eat traditional food and bathe in one of the outdoor mineral pools (men and women do have separate pools!).
Aghios Nikolas is located on the north-eastern coast of the Greek island of Crete and some 66km east of the capital, Iraklion. The town gains its name from reference to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and of all of Greece.
The quaint harbour is the main draw-card as a relaxing travel destination. However, it has not always been a harbour connected to the sea. During 1870 a channel was dug to connect Lake Voulismeni to the sea, creating a small harbour. Found in the town center, Lake Voulismeni is now surrounded by small boutique hotels, restaurants and cafes, catering well for the visitors. Dining tables are placed along the promenade where you can sit by the harbour, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set. A magical little place!
@FromTheIsland Hello you! Lovely to see you! Have you got a nice sea breeze where you are? I can't get over how warm it's been, so early! in reply to FromTheIsland#
@CarolineApts Been using it more than 4yrs for O/S friends. Not many using it here in Oz. I'm still trying to convert interstate friends! in reply to CarolineApts#
@endlessblush It was fun & great to meet those I hadn't met at a #twums! Hope you have nice weekend – sounds like you need one! 😉 in reply to endlessblush#
Out the door to do the school run & then getting stuck into client's work. #
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