Author Archives: crystalburney
Deoksugung Palace Changing of the Guard
Watching the changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, South Korea.
Categories: Asia, Video
Tags: Changing of the Guard, Deoksugung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
Leave a comment
Majestic Mt. Fuji
An iconic image of Japan, the majestic Mt. Fuji, can be seen for miles. Admiration for Japan’s highest and most famous peak dates back to the country’s earliest recorded literature. Today, the active volcano, which erupted most recently in 1708, continues to captivate both Japanese and international visitors. Its nearly perfectly-shaped peak is often only visible in the morning, before ducking behind the clouds. However, it’s been said that the mountain’s elusiveness is part of its charm. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons, when the beautiful peak is snow-capped. Continue reading
Categories: Asia, Blog
Tags: Japan, Kawaguchi, Mt Fuji, Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway, UNESCO
Leave a comment
Tokyo DisneySea
Spending a rainy day experiencing the magic of Disney at Tokyo DisneySea!
Chaos to Calm- Hong Kong in 30 hours
Before heading to Asia, friends gave me lists of things to do in Hong Kong and told me how much I’d love it. Well, I have to admit, Hong Kong and I got off on the wrong foot. Coming out of the subway into the sweltering heat and massive crowds, trying to find my way around, I felt like bursting into tears. I had just left my sister in Macau and was feeling a little teary-eyed to begin with. As I made my way along the sidewalk, squished like a sardine, I was completely overwhelmed by all the pushing and shoving just trying to get down the street. The Canadian in me found myself constantly apologizing as I was bumped from one person into the next. The smells, the crowds and the overall confusion of trying to make my way to my hostel had me hating Hong Kong before I really gave it a fair chance.
Categories: Asia, Blog
Tags: Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Park, HSBC Building, Star Ferry, The Peak Tram, Tsim Sha Tsui, Victoria Peak
Leave a comment
A fan of friendship
Today instead of sticking in my headphones or opening my book, I sat and talked to the girl beside me on my 3-hour train ride to Seoul. We talked about our countries (South Korea and Canada), relationships, jobs (the restrictions on flight attendants here means I likely wouldn’t have a job), fave tv shows, education, travel and more. She shared interesting facts about her county and the role of women in relationships. (Cooking is a good thing… So I’d be bad…) The conversation and laughter came easily and then she presented me with this gorgeous fan as a gift. Days like this are perfect examples of why I travel.
Kyoto’s Temples
Toji Temple and garden
The detail found in these buildings is simply breathtaking.
Nishi Hongwanji
Inside Nishi Hongwanji Temple
A dragon outside Higashi Hongan-ji
The bright orange entrance to the Yasaka Shrine in Gion
Beautiful lanterns at the Yasaka Shrine
Locals dressed in Kimonos outside the gates at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple- The famed Golden Pavillion
Nanzen-ji. The expansive grounds hold beautiful gardens and numerous sub-temples
A few of the gorgeous temples and shrines found in Kyoto, Japan
Tales of a Travel Addict 
Recent Comments