Where in the World

Majestic Mt. Fuji

Posted on October 12, 2013 by crystalburney
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 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 →

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Tokyo DisneySea

Posted on September 9, 2013 by crystalburney


Spending a rainy day experiencing the magic of Disney at Tokyo DisneySea!

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Chaos to Calm- Hong Kong in 30 hours

Posted on August 20, 2013 by crystalburney
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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.

Continue reading →

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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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