Krabi is a small, coastal fishing and market town situated on the west coast of Thailand and south of the capital Bangkok. It’s located at the mouth of the Krabi River and is the principal port for the outlying islands. A longtail boat or kayak can be hired to explore the Krabi River. Travelling through the mangroves, intriguing cave systems can be viewed. Many contain amazing crystalline formations, stalagmites and stalactites.
The area is most defined by the limestone cliffs, tall islands jutting from the pristine waters and beautiful beaches. Offshore is the well known Phi Phi islands and Koh Lanta. Whilst Krabi is the provincial capital, nearby Ao Nang Beach is the tourist capital.
Krabi has a number of temples open to visitors. Krabi is made up of both Muslims and Buddhists. The ‘Wat Tham Seua’, or Tiger Cave Temple is the most well known and set in a lush forest. The temple is in fact a famous meditation centre. Visiting any of the temples it is important to show your respect by acknowledging the dress and code of conduct.
Petra is an amazing Nabataean archaeological site located south of the capital Amman, in the area known as Wadi Musa. Petra was the capital of the Nabataean civilisation during the 6th century and was registered on the UNESCO world heritage list during 1985.
Petra is a truly amazing place. From my own experience and knowing little about it on arrival, it was my own ‘discovery’. I had no preconceived expectations. I was in awe at what lay before me after reaching the end of the narrow Siq (a narrow gorge, more than 1 kilometre in length and flanked on either side by soaring, 80 metres high red cliffs).
Diary extract – 23 May, 1989
“…started out at 7.30am for the walk from the hotel to Petra. The temperature at that hour was very pleasant. There were a number of horses and donkey’s for the tourists to ride on but we decided to walk to the site of Petra. Part of the way we walked with local girls heading off to school. They were all covered and very curious about our presence at that hour. We began the walk through the mile long Siq, past the most vivid of colours in the gorge walls. The first glimpse of the Treasury as you approached the final leg of the Siq was truly breathtaking. From the Treasury we went up to the Place of Sacrifice. This was a silent, peaceful spot with fabulous views across all of Petra. I could have sat there all day and just gazed at the beauty of the rock colours and distant temples…”
Petra became even more well known in 1989 when Steven Spielberg’s movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was released. The Treasury, together with many other archaeological delights that are carved into the red stone of the area and are very well preserved and warranted the archaeological site being chosen in July 2007 as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There are a number of walks throughout the archaeological park and it is advised, to see the park thoroughly, at least 2 days is recommended.
Meeru Island is located in the North Malé Atoll in the Maldives and is the largest of the islands at 70 acres. It has only the one Resort and is surrounded by stretches of white, sandy beaches and a beautiful lagoon.
Chalets Over The Water
It’s a favourite destination for honeymooners (and I can see why!). Meeru Island Resort caters for varying budgets and has a range of accommodation types from a standard rooms to a Jacuzzi Water Villas which are situated over the lagoon waters. The Resort is decked out with a swimming pool, tennis courts, golf driving range, fishing trips, and a fully equipped modern fitness centre.
One great reason to visit Meeru Island is for the peaceful lagoon with tranquil, turqoise waters that provide joy to the soul. It’s the best diving, reading, loving spot in the world.
Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan and is most well known for its ’88 Temple Pilgrimage’, associated with priest Kukai. Most henro (pilgrims) these days travel by bus, taxi etc, rather than choosing to walk it. The entire circuit taking in all 88 Temples, is 1,200km long and can take 30-60 days to visit all 88 Temples by foot.
True pilgrims are seen wearing white jackets with the characters reading ‘dogyo futari’ meaning “two travelling together”. Travelling in Shikoku is considered very safe, especially when robed in the traditional henro garments. It is estimated that 100,000 pilgrims visit annually.
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