Where in the World

A fan of friendship

Posted on August 10, 2013 by crystalburney

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. #adventuresinasia #Korea

 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.

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Kyoto’s Temples

Posted on July 25, 2013 by crystalburney
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

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South of the Border

Posted on May 16, 2013 by crystalburney

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Road tripping through South Carolina?  Then, South of the Border is a must stop.  Located just across the North Carolina/South Carolina border on Interstate 95 in Dillon, S.C., this self proclaimed “highway oasis & gateway to the southeast” is the perfect place to get out of the car and spend an hour or more wandering through Pedro’s land. Continue reading →

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Gorgeous St. Lucia

Posted on April 4, 2013 by crystalburney
The sun setting over the cove in St. Lucia
The bustling alleyways of the Castries Central Market, filled with everything from fruits to souvenirs
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s ornate interior filled with colourful biblical scenes
The Cathedral overlooking Derek Walcott Square, a quiet park in the middle of the city
Sailing towards The Pitons, the most photographed landmark on the island
The Diamond Waterfall, located in the Diamond Estate Botanical Gardens
With the colourful buildings & Pitons standing guard, Soufriere is thought to be the heart & soul of St. Lucia
Beautiful Marigot Bay, which was once said to have hidden the entire British fleet from the French
The shoreline in Soufriere, looking up at The Pitons
The end of another gorgeous day in St Lucia

Recently I spent a week at Smuggler’s Cove in St. Lucia where my best friend got married. After performing my maid of honour duties, I got a chance to see some of what this beautiful island has to offer. From sailing and snorkelling to shopping and sulphur spring mud baths- this island has something for everyone!

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A Day on the Island of Women

Posted on March 12, 2013 by crystalburney

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Looking for a change of pace from Cancun’s busy strip? Why not take a 20-minute ferry ride ($17 US return) across the Bahia de Mujeres to Isla Mujeres?

In Mayan times, the island was called Ekab and served as a sanctuary for the Mayan Goddess, Ixchel. In 1517, when the Spanish expedition landed on the island, they found many female idols representing Ixchel. These ‘women’ led to the island’s current name – Isla Mujeres or ‘Island of Women.’ Continue reading →

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Hidden Zagreb

Posted on January 18, 2013 by crystalburney

Croatia’s capital, Zagreb is a world of hidden treasures longing to be uncovered around every corner. Secret alleyways lead to sidewalk cafes where “When a Man Loves a Woman” plays on a slightly staticky radio behind photos of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Hidden staircases open into outdoor markets full of colourful fruit and vegetable stands and rows of souvenirs with bright red umbrellas protecting them from the hot mid-day sun. Behind arches and deep doorways, restaurants invite you in for a bite, and seemingly dead ends expose hidden churches and shops.

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Continue reading →

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NYC on September 11th

Posted on September 11, 2012 by crystalburney

On September 11, 2006, I found myself in NYC standing at ground zero on a grey, gloomy day, listening to memories of survivors and those who had lost loved ones. An emotion filled day I will never forget.

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Walking through the streets of beautiful Brno, Czech Republic

Posted on August 12, 2012 by crystalburney
Walking through the streets of beautiful Brno, Czech Republic
A fountain in the centre of the market depicting mythical creatures
The Mahen Theatre in Brno, Czech Republic
Sand Sculptures in one of Brno’s squares
Church of St James in Brno, Czech Republic
Wandering around Spilberk Castle in Brno, Czech Republic
The stunning Petrov in Brno, Czech Republic
Facade of the Holy Cross finding in Capuchin Square, Brno, Czech Republic
The Petrov peeking out from Capuchin Square
Old Town Hall Tower in Brno, Czech Republic
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The Baths of Budapest

Posted on August 4, 2012 by crystalburney

A trip to Budapest just wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Hungarian Parliament building or trying a bowl of goulash soup, and as this European city is known for its thermal waters, a trip to one of the baths is a definite ‘must-do.’  While a nice swim in a thermal pool may be the perfect way to relax aching muscles after a day of sight-seeing, in Budapest, bath houses are much more than a tourist attraction – they are a way of life.

The Gellert Hotel & Baths in Budapest, Hungary

Locals put a lot of faith in the water’s healing properties and for many of the city’s older residents, the baths remain as important today as they were to the Ottomans. Continue reading →

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An afternoon strolling through Olympic London

Posted on July 26, 2012 by crystalburney

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