The Japanese Sakura Blooms In March

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Guides, Travel

Spring in Japan comes only when the ume-matsuri (plum tree) blooms. The sakura trees awaken next. The blossom has been spread throughout the country from mid-March to April-May. This year it is expected from March 13 to April 24.

The ume and sakura blossoms move from South to North, filling up all of Japan with color and fragrance. The ume blossoms first, despite the slight chill of early spring. This probably made her a symbol of courage and overcoming hardships. And the heat-loving and delicate sakura develops its potential only at a temperature of 18°C.

Yes, their lush presence is felt all over the island, but their beauty is almost elusive and lasts only 7-10 days. So when the magic happens, even the busiest Japanese run into the gardens. With friends and loved ones, they enjoy a picnic and philosophical conversations about the transience of life.

The Legend of the Sakura

The impermanence of this enchanting beauty is so deeply embedded in the subconscious of the Japanese, that they created the legend of the sakura:

One day the god Ninigi descended from the high heavens upon Japan. Two daughters of the mountains were offered to him as an offerings. The name of the younger one meant “blooming,” and the older one “high rock.” Ninigi chose the younger daughter as his wife, while he found the older one ugly and sent her back. The choice was fatal. The mountain god became furious and uttered a prophecy: if Ninigi had chosen his eldest daughter to be his wife, the life of his descendants would be as enduring and lasting as the rocks and mountains. And since the choice was made in favor of blooming beauty, his descendants would live a stormy and rich life, but one as short as a sakura blossom.

History

In addition to incredible legend and admired sayings, there is also a true story. The traditional admiration of the blossoms (hanami) comes from ancient times. In the 3rd century, during the Heian era, the Emperor’s servants liked to spend exquisite leisure time under the ume branches. They entertained themselves with games, drank delicious drinks, and composed poetry.

The ume was first imported from China. The Japanese regarded the ume as a symbol of China, because they revered China as the ancestor of high living standards. Buddhism, writing, tea, applied arts, and the precious ume came to Japan from there. Years later, along with the mountain plum, sakura and other flowering trees began to be revered. Thus the boundaries of tradition became even broader and more beautiful.

The philosophy of hanami

The Japanese have a very deep sense of life as they remind themselves every year of its characteristic of ending. The sakura, as an image of our temporary presence here, occupies a key position in Japanese culture. The strength and freshness with which the sakura enters spring end in a few days with the falling petals. But, falling beautifully. The sad fascination of things (mono no aware) is a Japanese aesthetic, the ability to look at somber things and see a special sad beauty in them.

In Sei Shonagon’s “Notes by the Headboard,” there is a very clear depiction of this perception:

“I like it if the house where a woman lives alone has a decrepit, abandoned appearance. Let the fence fall down. Let the water grasses drown out the pond, the garden overgrown with wormwood, and green stems treading through the sand on the paths….

How much sadness and how much beauty in it!

I hate the house where a lonely woman looks like an expert housewife to mend and mend everything, where the fence is solid and the gate is bolted.

The beauty of impermanence was even used in military propaganda during World War II. In the “Song of the Japanese Youth”, there is an appeal to warriors who are ready to die “like sakura blossoms”. Eternity stands relentlessly before the eyes of the Japanese. Even in such a low thing as propaganda, they have added deep meaning to the falling sakura blossoms.

Where to go for hanami

The earliest blooms can be caught in the South in mid-March. And, if you’re going to start in the North, you should go to Japan in early April. Many people only choose Tokyo, but there are plenty of inexpensive provinces in Japan where you can admire cherry trees:

  1. Kairakuen Garden (Mito).
  2. Atami Plum Orchard (Shizuoka)
  3. Murayama Park (Kyoto)
  4. Fort Goryukaku (Hokadate)
  5. Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Osaka)
  6. Nara Park (Nara)
  7. Hiroshima Peace Park (Hiroshima)
  8. Hizushiyama Park Shibazakura Hill (Chichibu)
  9. Takamatsu Park (Morioka)
  10. Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto)
  11. Hanamiyama Park (Fukushima)
  12. Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki)
  13. Osaka Castle (Osaka)
  14. Arashiyama, Tenryuji Shrine (Kyoto)
  15. Kaminoyama Castle and Yamadera Shrine (Tohoku)

What Is ESG-Tourism?

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Trends

ESG-tourism develops the economies of countries in a noble scenario where international dialogue is established, traditions, cultural heritage and ecology are preserved.

ESG-tourism motivates locals, private guides and tour companies to create humanistic and ecological offerings. To provide interesting experiences that will improve their economic condition and raise the level of development of villages, cities and countries.

The vast majority think that ESG-tourism is something about green tourism and ecology. Yes, ecology is one of the trio of Environmental, Social and Governance, but not the only one. 

ESG-tourism is not some idealistic concept, but a real and powerful tool that makes people wealthier and happier, and the environment cleaner. Like a sort of soft power, but in a more transparent way.

What is included in ESG-tourism?

  1. Support of the local economy and social sphere (local hotels, cafes, souvenirs, inclusion, solving social problems).
  2. Preservation of cultural heritage (crafts, language, art, architecture, cultural dialogue).
  3. Respect for the environment (saving resources, reducing human impact).
  4. Business management (social guarantees for employees, saving resources in the office).

Supporting the local economy and social sphere

Involvement of local residents

Many tourists already follow the ESG principle. They don’t choose all-inclusive hotels and prefer to stay in private hotels with locals. Share a meal with the hosts, buy products and souvenirs from them. They also prefer to visit the local farms instead of luxury restaurants. 

In this way tourists are immersed in the culture from the inside and increase the well-being of individual families, small businesses, and the area where they vacation.

For example, after such a tourist influx, mini-hotel or farm owners pay for their children’s education or expand their businesses and include into it anyone who is looking for work.

There is a unique Tablehurst Farm in Great Britain. It manifests the values and knowledge derived from Rudolf Steiner. He was Austrian doctor of philosophy, educator, lecturer, social reformer, and mystical explorer. Thanks to his research, the founders of the farm were able to successfully organize biodynamic farming, provide the village with products of the highest quality and involve people with disabilities in their work.  

Farm workers give tours, show the conditions of production, train and employ everyone who is interested. They are welcoming people who are interested in biodynamic initiatives. People who feel a connection with nature and are motivated to learn about farming based on the planet’s rhythms.

Tablehurst adheres to sustainable land use and treats animals with great responsibility and love. They provide a supportive environment for learning, teaching, personal and community development. The farms hold regular community events where they gladly welcome volunteers, give them an opportunity to get involved and learn farming techniques. 

Preserving Cultural Heritage 

Each area has its own workshops and studios where authentic art and everyday objects are made. You can watch how masterpieces are created or take part in a workshop. 

In Germany, for example, the rare craft of making fairy-tale cuckoo clocks still survives to this day. The first mention of such a clock dates back to 1629, when the nobleman Philip Heinhofer of Augsburg presented a cuckoo clock to August, Elector of Saxony. Nevertheless, the traditional cuckoo clock, with its recognizable dial and pinecone weights, originated in the German state of Schwarzwald. 

All watches here are made exclusively by hand, and the range of played melodies and design models is inexhaustible. The process of making intricate, exclusive pieces on average takes a month.

In the Museum of Clocks in Futwangen you can see the prototypes of the first clocks and see the magical process of making them. The same applies to tourists’ visits to traditional festivals and events where they can taste local food and buy souvenirs and participate in activities organized by non-profit foundations

ESG-tourism is a conscious tourism. When both the tourist and the entrepreneur understand what tangible and intangible profits can be gained in the process. In such travel a person comes into closer interaction with the soul of the country, its inner cuisine. A vacation in a hotel by the pool cannot provide this. People need traveling which really fills them up and helps them change themselves

Andrey Zaruev

an expert on corporate ESG standards

Respect for the environment

It is possible and necessary to control green areas. This is what was done in Tanzania with safari tours. The organizers specifically raised the price of tours, now safari visits a limited number of tourists. It gives nature time to rest at least a little. 

The use of green public transportation is another decisive step toward environmental protection. This includes trains, subways, and electric cars. More and more travel companies are switching to eco-driving.

Reducing the amount of plastic utensils in hotels and organizing plastic recycling is a perennial pain that can be solved by recycling and even conversion. For example, some hotels have blankets made from recycled plastic. 

Hotels that have a smorgasbord often throw out everything visitors don’t have time to eat. That’s why so important to switch to either recycling resources or selling leftover food to organizations for the poor.

Business management

Any travel business that manifests the principles of ESG of course must be guided by them from within.

It is necessary to save resources among employees. For example, to switch as much as possible to electronic document management, to save paper, to organize separate garbage collection in the office, to use water and electricity rationally.

A company with ESG convictions must take part in social and volunteer projects. Hire people from vulnerable groups: people with disabilities, women in difficult life situations, pensioners. Provide all employees with social guarantees. As a final result — choose contractors who also strive to preserve ecology, culture and development of humanistic values.

ESG-tourism will boost the economy of the whole world, if properly used locally. The main thing is to start small — villages and settlements. There you can create a thriving environment where people feel protected and full of inspiration.

Wildlife In Tanzania

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Guides, Travel

Tanzania is breathtaking. Another life rages in the embrace of incredible landscapes, according to its own rules and laws. The life of majestic animals and birds. They can be seen in all their splendor dwelling in their natural environment. Both tranquil and bloodthirsty.

Dreamy tourists with an Indiana Jones spirit will definitely fall in love with this place. Enjoying the flora and fauna, they are able to experience both contemplative insight and adrenaline.

The Great Migration

A special spectacle in Tanzania is the annual migration of gnu antelope and zebra. People from all over the world come here for this. In those months of their collective movement the earth aggressively comes alive. The entire savanna shakes mercilessly with the powerful movement and pandemonium. 

The migration occurs throughout the year, so it’s easy to find a suitable tour. It runs from January to March, April to May, June to July, August to November, and December. 

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania has 12 national parks with over a thousand of animals and birds. The most famous is the Serengeti. You can find the largest population of lions On its territory – 3,000 individuals . 

The Serengeti is a real arena for excitement for fans of regal animals. A picture of a lion or cheetah hunting unfolds before your eyes quite often. Chances are good that on your first safari you will see a predator attacking a zebra or an antelope. 

In addition to belligerent lions, leopards and cheetahs, the savanna is also home to equally dangerous buffalo, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, and rhinos. Rhinos are now treated very carefully, as there are not so many of them left. According to the rules of the reserve, the rangers do not interfere with the fight of the animals, but if a rhinoceros is attacked, the aggressor is killed.

If the animals are punished for attacking the rhinos, no mercy is shown to the people who harmed the animals. Especially if the giraffe is harmed. Of course, the poachers are punished not by death, but by life imprisonment. The fact is that the giraffe is traditionally considered a symbol of Tanzania and is treated with sacred reverence. And this is not surprising. Just look at the giraffes: they look like real aliens from a fantastic civilization.

Ngorongoro National Park

Ngorongoro is a national park inside a volcanic crater that is the largest on the planet. Inside the crater shines the alkaline pink Lake Magadi, a favorite place for flamingos. The amazing color is due to its millions of red microorganisms that feed on the lake’s salts. And flamingos got their romantic color thanks to this diet.

More than 60 species of animals and birds live in Ngorongoro: hippos, leopards, cheetahs, lions, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, rhinos, bison, cranes, ostriches, herons, and other amazing creatures.

The reserve is incredibly rich in lush vegetation and water sources, so local fauna lives here in abundance.

Lake Manyara National Park

Ernest Hemingway was once so impressed with this place that he called it “the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in Africa.”

The reserve stands out for its stunning beauty: Lake Manyara, dense forests, and mighty mountains. Within this amazing world resides an equally powerful wildlife force. Almost every animal species in East Africa is represented here: lions, blue monkeys, baboons, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffalo, hippos, zebras, and many others. 

The density of mammals in the reserve is the highest in the world. For example, you can easily find 6 elephants per square kilometer. And most of the lions in this park even rest in the trees, so that larger animals do not disturb their sleep. 

Lake Manyara is definitely the best place to spend your first safari.

Mahali Mountains National Park

Mahali-Mountains is a unique park that combines three climatic zones: tropical, savannah, and forest.

Mahali-Mountains is undeservedly less popular with tourists. However, its tropical zone is home to colobus and the largest population of chimpanzees in Tanzania. 

It was here that Jane Goodall, a world-renowned chimpanzee expert, conducted her research. Having studied chimpanzees all her life, she came to a conclusion that shocked the scientific community. She saw that chimpanzees can fight, but also love each other. Just like humans. Thanks to her many years of work, humanity began to care more about primates. People have realized that primates help them understand more clearly what it is to be human.

Other areas of the Mahali-Mountains have not yet done such heroic research, but they are no less exciting. There are lions, zebras, and giraffes in the savanna, and antelopes in the forest zone. The bird kingdom is characterized here by incredible specimens and has in its ranks extremely rare species, which are included in the red book as endangered.

It is also worth paying attention to such parks as: Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Katavi, Kitulo, Selous, Ruaha, Ujungwa, Mikumi, Mkomazi, Rubondo Island, Saadani and Meserani.

Portugal’s Secret Places

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Guides, Travel

Once the European and Arab waves collided in Portugal and formed a mystical and alluring pattern. As a result of this symbiosis, the level of Portugal’s education, economy and culture rose to unprecedented heights. Cities were filled with magnificent castles, mosques with stunning architecture, and exotic gardens. 

Since then, the glory of the empire has faded noticeably, but it gently glows with its former grandeur, filled with modern beauty. The new era goes side by side with the old, forming an amazing combination of opposites.

The country has a million historic sites, which are part of popular tours. However, if you want to see a more lively and special Portugal, you should start with the non-touristy, but extremely colorful locations.

Obidos Medieval Festival

Every year from late July to August, the ancient town of Obidos hosts a Medieval Festival. These days the place becomes a seething cauldron. The city swarms with medieval crowds, jousting tournaments, swinging swords, the smell of roast meat and fresh bread, and an endless stream of wine and beer.

A riotous feast unfolds in the old armory square. It once served as a training ground for knights and their squires. Now it’s transformed into a medieval village every year.

Here’s a tip: if you arrive early to the festival, you have a chance to rent clothes of a nobleman, and if you come later — a commoner.

Feira da Ladra flea market

If you want to find a retro bicycle or a grandma’s gramophone, you should go to the Feira da Ladra market. Old as the devil, this market has been running in Lisbon since the 13th century.

At the beginning of its heyday Feira da Ladra was famous for its “thieving” reputation. All rare and extraordinary goods got here in a very dubious way. However, no one was frightened by this fact, and customers actively shopped there and happily dragged their prey home. It is not a fact that all merchants today have become more honest, but if you are above these prejudices, shopping will bring you an exceptional delight.

Magical Slate Villages

Portugal’s Slate Villages are dreamy islands of serenity, where the days stretch out gently and long, allowing you to be alone with nature. 

They were built back in the Middle Ages under the leadership of knightly orders, churches and merchants. Until the 20th century, villages were teeming with life, and later residents began to migrate to the cities. 

These days the villages have at most 10-20 inhabitants, but they are all incredibly friendly and hospitable. This option will be a nice outlet for backwoods lovers, because there is barely any reception of the world network. The perfect place to detox from civilization.

Recently, the government has been seriously committed to the improvement, preservation and development of Slate Villages. It became obvious how great the potential of such places is for the successful development of ESG-tourism. 

Karmu Monastery

One of the most mystical places of Lisbon is the Carmo Monastery. Its feminine Gothic architecture captivates at first sight. All that is left of it are ruins, but with a special charm. The dilapidated but proud structure seems to radiate a heavenly and simultaneously cold beauty. Inside the monastery is an archaeological museum with artifacts from prehistoric times, the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. 

From time to time, the museum lends its grounds to concerts and performances that inhale a life of modernity into the ancient vaults. At these moments, the magic of architecture reveals itself with transcendent power.

Nightlife in Porto

Porto is the second city after Lisbon. And for many Portuguese, the first. In the evenings, club life is in full swing: the streets are crowded with people with glasses, live music and cigarette smoke. Porto combines both past and future: the city’s old buildings blend harmoniously with the extravagant night bars and clubs. 

Porto has four key areas where you can relax in the best Portuguese tradition: bright, lively and tasteful. Baixa, Ribeira, Foz do Douro, Matosinhos — the quartet worth remembering if you’re looking for a party time from night until morning.

Lady in Red Art Gallery

Lady in Red invites works by local and international artists into its lofts. Paintings by new contemporary artists come in a steady stream. If you need to take a break from the overflowing inspiration, you can digest impressions in the lounge bar with a glass of wine or coffee.

The Lady in Red Gallery has a special focus on young talent. It sponsors the Sovereign Art Foundation, which regularly organizes competitions for young artists, giving them a chance to show themselves to the world. And not only to show — the paintings are actively sold, and the proceeds are divided between all the children and the solidarity project, which chooses the foundation Sovereign Art.

Vieira Ceramics Factory

Vieira Ceramics Factory is managed by the 5th generation of craftsmen. Since 1862 they carefully observe all the technology by which the authentic Portuguese ceramics are made. Here you can see how ingenious craftsmen work and buy at a very affordable price beautiful soulful products.

Among the abundance of ceramics, the models of dolls stand out in particular. Their heads are covered with a massive ascent hood (Capote e capelo). Such a hood was part of the traditional clothing of Portuguese women from the Azores.

At the Vieira Ceramics Factory all the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. With each step you will be immersed in the finest art of Portugal.

Extreme Dubai

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Guides, Travel

Dubai is the city of dreams of every cosmopolitan person, where the most daring fantasies come true. Everything starts here with the adjectives “the most” and “the largest”: the largest skyscraper, the largest mall, the most luxurious hotel.

History

Dubai is growing bigger and more progressive by the day. Over 50 years ago Dubai was just a bare desert. Today it is a bustling oasis of prosperity and advanced technology.

How did it make the leap from nothing to plenty? It looks like a story of Cinderella. In the mid-19th century, Dubai’s trade was only pearl fishing. It was barely enough to support the locals and the meager local infrastructure. 

The situation worsened especially when Japan began to produce artificial pearls in 1950. Fakes quickly flooded the market, and the natural wealth of the Arabian Sea became less in demand. The economy was in dire straits. 16 years later workers suddenly discovered oil fields. Since then life in Dubai has skyrocketed toward its dream.

Some people say there is no soul in Dubai because there is no history. But the trick is that Dubai’s history is being written right now. At the highest speeds. When you come to Dubai, you become a part of a new page, watching an amazing pattern of its origins being drawn.

The main profit of Dubai now is not oil at all, but tourism. The city of the future attracts travelers from all over the world, presenting them the most sophisticated forms of recreation. You can even go snowboard in the ski complex. And it’s all of this on the territory of the former desert. 

The desert of Dubai has bloomed and become reminiscent of Los Angeles and Singapore, but out of the city it stretches to the west for hundreds of kilometers. Funny fact: this area is considered a kind of backcountry here. The trip to the sandy wilderness is a part of an extreme dune safari by car or on camelback, the old-school style. 

Camel Safari

Camel riding is a natural part of the ancient tradition of Arabia. With its enchanting rhythm, setting sun, and mystical spirit of travel – all in the best traditions of the East. 

The camel has been called the ship of the desert for centuries, which follows it with incredible endurance. It symbolizes the ability to find a way out of any impasse and hopeless situation. Safari on a camel gives the opportunity to plunge into the world of a fabulous dessert: to visit a Bedouin camp, try your hand at henna painting, and finally enjoy a hookah. 

Hummer and buggy safari

Hummer safari is a driver-driven format that will dash through the desert at high speeds. In a buggy ride, you drive on your own. However, if you do not have a car license, you can choose a chaperone to help you.

You can also try your hand at sandboarding by sliding over the soft barchans. It’s a part of this tour.

After the recharging drive, you will be brought to a cafe in the open air, comfortably seated near a fire, with tasty food, and entertained with a dance show.

Hot air ballooning

Even watching Dubai from the legendary Burj Khalifa cannot compare to the panorama that opens up in a hot-air balloon. When you are floating in the air you can see the whole city in dynamics: fantastic skyscrapers, green oases, silent dunes, a caravan of wandering camels, oryx, and gazelles. The whole picture of magical Arabia is before your eyes.

Skydiving

It is worth it to try skydiving if you are a fan of high adrenaline. You will be dash through the air like a bullet and captured by a crazy view of Jumeirah Island and the Arabian Desert. This tour includes not only accompaniment with knowledgeable instructors but also the work of videographers. You will have a high-class video of your triumphant flight. Such moments will be nice to share with loved ones when you return home.

Xline

XLine is another attraction for the most daring who like healing adrenalin. You will fly across the city at a distance of 170 meters and a speed of 80 km/h. Contemplate one of the most expensive and aesthetically pleasing areas of Dubai Marina and the skyscrapers growing out of it.

The instructor will put a helmet on you before the flight. Helmet with a camera so that you can watch the look of extreme surprise on your face and your own cries of joy on video after. 

Sea cruise

Dubai has a huge range of boat, yacht, and liner cruises to choose from. On the boat, you can fish: on board there is the necessary fishing equipment and you also can ask for help from the crew. You’ll enjoy the spectacular views, refreshments, and a swim.

On a yacht and liner there are more exceptional conditions. You can relax and savour local and international cuisine accompanied by Arabian, Indian, and English music. 

What other dynamic activities there are in Dubai:

  • Diving 
  • Jet skiing
  • Parasailing
  • Go-karting
  • Helicopter rides