Search Results for Category: Asia/Pacific

SENIORS TRAVEL TO CAMBODIA


Angkor Wat Attracts Seniors

Angkor Wat is a Hindu, then subsequently Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. It is a World Heritage Site and by now you know this senior’s penchant for those sites wherever they lie in the world.

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer (Cambodian) empire from the 9th to the 15th century, a period that is considered the classical era of Cambodian history.  Today Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia.

Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations, built between roughly A.D. 1113 and 1150, and encompassing an area of about 500 acres.  It is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed. Its name means simply “temple city.”

Seniors Visit the Seventh Wonder of the World

UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging program to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings. The temples of Angkor, built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, represent one of humankind’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. The site is called the “Seventh Wonder of the World”. Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled.

Seniors can take a Virtual Travel Tour of Angkor Wat and get a good conception of just how large the entire structure is. Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was converted into a Buddhist temple in the 14th century. It has remained a place of worship since its founding in the 12th century.

Thought to be a miniature replica of the universe, its composition of towers, moats and concentric walls reveals an architectural sophistication, and the bas-reliefs with their plump figures and triumphal battle scenes reflect a robust, healthy and wealthy period of history.

Angkor, in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the center of the Khmer Kingdom.

Bustling Ancient City Uncovered

With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization. Angkor, is located in modern-day Cambodia and was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. As old as it is, airborne laser technology has uncovered a network of roadways and canals, illustrating a bustling ancient city linking Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temples complex.

 Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. It is the centerpiece of any visit to the various temples of Angkor. jeb

SENIOR TRAVEL INCLUDES VIETNAM


Did You Say “Hanoi”?

Yes, Hanoi has become a hot spot for senior travelers. Most of us have the name Hanoi in our memories associated with war. But today Hanoi has evolved into a traveler’s delight.  It is presently undergoing a huge building boom and senior travelers  will find that it is a city largely unscathed from the decades of war.

Ha Noi as it is called, is the capital of Vietnam and is filled with French flair. In 2010 Hanoi turned 1,000 years old.   Hà Nội  = “Between Rivers” or “River Interior”),  remains the center of Vietnam culture, history and tourism and one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam and Indochina.

Given the political and historical importance of Hanoi and its burgeoning population of over three million, it’s a surprisingly low-key city with a more intimate appeal than brash, young Ho Chi Minh City. The capital is one of the most beautiful of the colonial Indochinese cities and is often the start or end point of a trip to Vietnam, and what a great welcome or farewell it will be for you.

Know before you go is always good advice and Hanoi is no exception. Lonely Planet invites senior visitors to “Imagine a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history.”

The Old Quarter Draws Senior Visitors

The Old Quarter is the primary reason Hanoi is a #1 tourist attraction, with its 36 streets and guilds. The Quarter is most popular for its history, architecture, and different products as well as the daily life of the locals that live there. The Old Quarter is a “cauldron of commerce” and the commercial heart since the 15th century.

Hanoi’s traffic is chaotic, with seemingly perpetual traffic jams, and a large number of almost suicidal motorcyclists and pedestrians and an intoxicating tangle of streets. One couple advises that you hire a Green Tourist electric car (US$7 for an hour) to drive around the Old Quarter.

Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter comprises narrow streets packed with shops selling all kinds of goods, each street named for its primary goods. Experienced visitors suggest the Water Puppet Theatre, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison Museum (“The Hanoi Hilton”). So take your pick.

For every glitzy mall in Hanoi there’s an incense-filled temple nearby and cultural influences of the past are still part of the modern-day fabric. Temples and pagodas…more than six hundred hail from the original, eleventh-century city.

 The UK Telegraph has good travel advice on Vietnam and Hanoi. This travel blog was a joy to write. I could have continued for three more blogs… Hanoi is that kind of city.  So put it on your “travel bucket list”. Should make for a great adventure. jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES


Seniors Search For “Pearls”  in Manila

The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is made up of over 7000 islands. Beaches, volcanoes and wildlife are among the attractions that tempt senior tourists to the country. The most visited places include the urban sprawl of Manila, islands with exotic beaches and sites of outstanding natural beauty.

Under Spanish rule, Manila was known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ as a result of its central location in the vital sea trade routes and the jewel of Spain’s empire in the Pacific. Early tourists, like the 19th-century traveller Fedor Jagor, described it as a splendid, fortified city of wide, cobbled streets and regal townhouses. Sadly, little remains of that splendid city today. While Manila is the capital (1.65 million), Quezon City is #1 with over one million more citizens (2.75 million).

 Call it “Gumbo”

The city’s cultural gumbo of Malay, Spanish, American, Chinese and Arabic influences is heady and rich, and often takes first timers by surprise. Senior travelers will discover a city with a rich past, a vibrant lifestyle, and warm, hospitable people. 

As in many developing-world cities, the traffic is stifling, the poverty pervasive, the urban sprawl daunting and pollution reigns. Mexico City is like that and your’s truly loves Mexico City. Embrace its beautiful chaos, even for just a day, and senior travelers will be rewarded.

Tourism in Manila is an important contributor to the growing economy. As of 2010, Manila and its region remain the most popular tourist destination in the country with overseas visitors numbering 1,480,871.

Introducing Manila To Senior Citizens,  A Global City

Senior travelers will not be lacking for sights to see and things to do in Manila. Lonely Planet starts us off with Rizal Park and Fort Santiago. Rizal Park is spread out over some 60 hectares of open lawns, ornamental gardens, paved walks and wooded areas, dotted with monuments to almost every Filipino hero you care to mention.

Manila is one of remarkably few cities in Asia that looks out to the west over the sea. Throw in one of the few plus sides of the Filipino capital’s pollution problem — the smoggy clouds send light and color bouncing all over the place — and you’ve got a recipe for utterly spectacular sunsets.

Listed as a global city, Manila has its strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport making it the historical, cultural, political, economic and educational center of the Philippines.

This newspaper enjoys Manila and lists 20 good reasons why world travelers should not miss this city. They list Corregidor Island as a highly sought after day trip from Manila. For American tourists it is still called “The Rock” because it served as the major bastion of Philippine’s Allies during World War II.

 So do some digging, explore the many places to visit and enjoy your visit to Manila. jeb

SENIORS RETURN TO CHINA


Seniors Visit Hainin

This time it is out to visit Hainin. I read many travel guides and journals and Hainin came up as another great spot to visit in mysterious China.  Senior citizens, have you been to China yet? It’s on my bucket list and my list is growing daily with all those travel magazines that I subscribe to.

Hainan literally “South of the Sea is the smallest province of the People’s Republic of China. The name “Hainan” also refers the main island of the province. Hainan, located in the South China Sea, lies to the south of mainland China. Let’s take a closer look to see what the big “draws” are for senior visitors.

The only tropical province in China, Hainan is blessed with a charming tropical island landscape and a pleasant climate, contributing to its unique folklore and culture. It is known as a Chinese all-season garden and a holiday resort for all Chinese.

When traveling  in Hainan, senior visitors have a unique opportunity to discover handicrafts of every kind. No matter whether it comes from the sea or mountain their handicrafts are unique products. Located far from the interior of mainland China, Hainan was called “the Edge of the Earth” in ancient times.

Seniors Enjoy World’s Most Beautiful Island

Hainan’s climate is tropical, characterized by hot and humid summers, with mild, pleasant winters. Temperatures usually range from 24-35°C in the summer, and 19-25°C in the winter. Today, it is undergoing heavy tourist-oriented development with various international hotel chains establishing resorts, especially in the Sanya area.

These days, many wealthy Chinese from the northern provinces own second homes in Hainan, where they move to in the winter to escape the bitter cold of much of northern China. Kind of like all the Snowbirds here in Arizona. You won’t have any trouble finding a quality hotel, the island has 1,477 of them. TripAdvisor adds their recommendations of museums, beaches and monuments for senior travelers to visit on Hainan.

Hainan is the sole tropical island in China, and is known around the world as “the world’s most beautiful island”.  It has other names, such as Coconut Island, Sunshine Island, Longevity Island, Health Island. It is one of only a few resort destinations perfect for for summer holidays, winter swimming and vacationing as well.

Now Hainan is making great strides towards the grand goal of building an international tourist island and invites you to put it on your itinerary and your visit to China.

Enjoy your visit to Hainan folks. It’s a one of a kind. jeb

 

 

SENIORS VISIT TAIWAN


Seniors Take in the Aboriginal Harvest Festival

One of Taiwan’s “must see” occasions is the Aboriginal Harvest Festival. There is no better time for seniors to experience these unique tribal cultures than at their festivals, when the tribes people, clad in colorful headdresses and costumes, perform their traditional dances and songs.

The most important traditional ceremony for the Amis people and the Ami’s Harvest Festival held annually at Hualien is to show the people’s thanks and appreciation to the gods and to pray for an even better harvest in the coming year. Senior travelers will find that this festival is held every July to September.

The Harvest Festival of the Rukai

It appears to me that there are several Festivals however the “official one” is the Rukai Harvest Festival. It’s a ceremony held after the annual harvest is completed, for the purpose of showing appreciation to the gods for a good harvest and to pray for prosperity and peace. In addition, war, hunting, wealth, and implements of farming, are all part of the ceremony. It can be seen as a ceremony encompassing the entire breadth of Rukai life.

Seniors Watch Mysterious Customs and Traditions Come to Life

The Indigenous Ceremonies and the mysterious customs and traditions of the indigenous tribes give an extra dimension to Taiwan’s culture. The China Post invites seniors visitors to “make it a cultural trip” where you can enjoy local customs and fun times. You’ll find a mouthful of unusual names and places once you arrive.

This major celebration is directed to the abundant crop harvest and gratitude to ancestors’ blessing over the past year. Held from July to the beginning of September, Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes that include Amis, Beinan, Kavalan, Rukkai and Paiwan all participate in the festival. The exact date and scale of the festival is different for each tribe.

Senior citizens can read more about this fun time in Taiwan in the July-August volume of the Smithsonian Magazine. jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO THE MALDIVES


Seniors Discover Maldives

Senior citizens, what do you know about The Maldives?  Anything?  Me neither, so let’s go exploring… I recently read that they were just waiting for our arrival for a great time.  An island, no. Islands yes. The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of a double chain of 26 atolls. The Dutch referred to the islands as the “Maldivische Eilanden” (Maldivian Islands) while the British anglicized the local name for the islands first to the “Maldive Islands” and later to the “Maldives”.

It’s counted as a country and The Maldives is the smallest Asian Country in both population and land area.  So there, now you know something about this spot that is attracting more and more senior visitors every year.  A common language (Dhivehi) and a religion (Islam) have been two blessings that unite the people into a cohesive and peaceful society.

I would not come close to matching Wikipedia for describing the Maldives so I’ll leave it up to that site that overflows with information of every nature. The area is called the “Sunny Side of Life” and rightfully so. Seniors will find a bit of everything that fits with the Indian Ocean… deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyllic living.

Clean Water Greets Seniors

And get this, 1,190 total islands of which 200 are inhabited. Due to its extraordinary underwater scenery and clean water, Maldives is ranked among the best recreational diving destinations of the world, so bring along your mask and fins.

If you count all the locals you would come up with just over 350,00 happy islanders. The major industries of course are tourism and fishing. With its scattering of islands now housing exclusive resorts, the Maldives has grown to be one of the world’s ultimate luxury destinations.

Maldives, is named after its capital. The word “Maldives” means “The islands (dives) of Malé”. Malé , the capital city of Maldives is one of the smallest capitals in the world and certainly as crowded since a third of the country’s population, about 75,000 live in Malé. With modern high-rise buildings housing the government offices, Male’ is the hub of trade and the central seat of the government. I found this URL extremely helpful with a description and facts about Maldives.

Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again having bounced back from a series of disasters in the past few years including the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami.

Indeed, so superior are its beaches, so cobalt blue its waters and so warm its welcome that the country has become a byword for paradise whether it be for honeymooners, divers or senior travelers. Is it Maldives or The Maldives, hmmm, still not sure. One thing is sure, I’d like to go there.  jeb

 

 

SENIORS VISIT CHINA


Seniors Enjoy Lovely Nanjing

Lying on the south bank of the Yangtze River, Nanjing is one of the most delightful senior destinations in China. Known as the capital city of six dynasties in ancient Chinese history, it has a brilliant cultural heritage. Nanjing’s majestic city walls are the longest of its kind in the world.

Presently an industrial city, Nanjing has mining, metallurgy, iron and steel, machinery, automobile making, synthetic fibers, a telecommunication hub with well-developed railway, water, highway, and air communication systems. One of China’s ten largest cities, Nanjing can be found 200 miles west of Shanghai, a distance that is now covered in just 1h 15min with the fastest High Speed Rails.

Nanjing, a city of 8 million, is famed for its rich culture, long history and beautiful landscape. Nanjing is one of the six famous ancient capitals of China. Except for Beijing and Xi’an no other city has had such an impact on Chinese history as Nanjing. The present city wall, 33.7 kilometers long and 12 meters high, was built between 1368 and 1398 during the reign of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Becoming capital for the first time in 229 CE, during the Three Kingdoms Period, Nanjing was later abandoned as a capital but was eventually returned to its former glory by the Emperor Hongwu, founder of the Ming dynasty.

Seniors Discover “A Cultural City”

In addition to historical sights, memorials and museums, cultural sights also attract thousands of senior visitors. The famous Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) is not only a memorial place for the great sage but has a surrounding area bustling with shops, restaurants and a snack street housed in traditional architectural buildings.

In the city center, Nanjing Museum is a must see for all senior visitors with a collection of more than 420 thousand pieces, including about 2,000 that are rare and valued. Senior visitors had better plan on a full week to sort out the 243 attractions offered by TripAdvisor.

Its very name, “Southern Capital”, stands as a direct foil to the “Northern Capital” of Beijing, and the city is still considered the rightful capital of China by many Overseas Chinese, particularly those from Taiwan.

Senior visitors will find it easy to fill your journal with notes on the many attractions that Nanjing has to offer. Enjoy every moment in China, especially in Nanjing. jeb

 

 

SENIORS VISIT PHILIPPINE ISLANDS


Seniors Head for Palawan and Boraclay

These two islands in the Philippines were selected #1 and #2 as the World’s Best Islands in a recent copy of Travel & Leisure. Senior travelers, have you heard of them? I was glad to see that Maui was ranked #3 in the world. We’re looking forward to enjoying Maui for our upcoming 50th wedding anniversary in September.

Palawan Island is the largest island of the Palawan Province. This island is very undeveloped and traditional. Abundant wildlife, jungle mountains, and white sandy beaches attract senior tourists.Palawan’s best assets include not only beaches but caves, lagoons, mangroves, the rain forest, coral reefs and clear blue waters. One has to visit all the islands of Palawan to understand how hard the local people and government have worked to preserve their islands.

National Geographic Traveler magazine rated Palawan the best island destination in East and SE Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having “incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. Palawan is one of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines. The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development”.

Seniors Visitors Get Lazy on Boraclay

Boracay Island is a great place for seniors to just laze around. Seven km (that’s 5.4 miles) long, it is only one km wide at its narrowest point. Boracay’s largest villages or barangays are Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-Manoc. A confusing network of paths and tracks connects them, and several smaller hamlets called sitios, so maps of Boracay can only serve as a general guide.

Slightly more than half the 5200 population lives in Manoc-Manoc. Boracay is small enough for senior visitors to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you—you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from. Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells. Reminds me of Sanibel Island in Florida that is famous for its numerous shell varieties.

Wikitravel loves White Beach on Boraclay as do throngs of senior visitors. This beach is where most hotels and resorts are located, and is also the biggest tourist attraction, offering all the Caribbean delights from lounging on a beach chair to diving and snorkeling.

Hotels along Bulabog Beach will get you closer to wind and kite-surfing. For all you senior night owls, the fun in Boracay doesn’t end when the sun sets. Boracay night-life pulsates with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until dawn. So enjoy the islands and why not do a little island-hopping and take in both. jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO AMERICAN SAMOA


American Samoa Beckons Senior Adventurers

Senior citizens who enjoy travel, especially to exotic places, will enjoy American Samoa. So “Talofa, Afio Mai, Welcome to Our Home” in Samoan. With unspoiled beaches and warm temperatures year-round, American Samoa is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and New Zealand, the five islands and two coral atolls that make up American Samoa are a collection of rainforests, pristine shorelines and amazing archaeological sites. Senior travelers can visit native villages, dive in with dolphins or marvel at more than 800 species of fish while snorkeling in the national parks.

 The Samoan archipelago has been inhabited for more than three millennia—but Europeans only discovered it in the 18th century. The main island is Tutuila, with the capital Pago Pago. This beautiful city has a magnificent harbor ringed by densely forested mountains. The outer islands are widely considered some of the most beautiful in the South Pacific.

About 64,000 people live in American Samoa. While there is a strong American influence in the islands, American Samoans retain local cultural heritage. It is a wonderful example of a culture and a people that, over the years have developed into a diverse structure; the traditional and the modern.

Seniors, Bring Your Flippers and Sunglasses

Why would seniors want to make the five-hour flight from Hawaii (or the half-hour flight from Samoa)? For one thing, the weather is sublime, with an average year-round temperature of 82 degrees and even warmer water. For another, the islands are remarkably undeveloped—90 per cent of the land remains tropical rainforest. My wife would love that.

The islands are frequently referred to as Samoa, which is the name of a separate island, and independent country, that used to be known as Western Samoa, which lies about 100 km west of American Samoa. Also the whole island group, including Samoa, is often identified as the Samoan Islands. The National Park of American Samoa—on Tutuila, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’ū—both preserves the environment and allows senior visitors ways to experience it.

I found it especially interesting that Samoans are deeply religious—Christian, to be precise and many villages have an evening prayer, during which time you should not be outside. Most businesses close on Sunday. Proper clothing is required everywhere, and the more your swimsuit covers when you’re at the beach, the better.

Wikitravel has entry requirements and other pertinent tourist information. It is warm, humid and rainy year-round, but there is a long, wet summer season from October- May and a slightly cooler and drier season, June – September.

The Territory of American Samoa has a total land area of 76 square miles made up of five volcanic islands. The Samoan culture is Polynesia’s oldest. It is believed that, the first people on the Samoan Islands came by sea from southwest Asia about 3,000 years ago.

Have a super trip to amazingly beautiful American Samoa. jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO CHINA


Seniors Look Into Chengdu

Chengdu is one of the most important economic, transportation, and communication centers in Western China. It’s big, even by Chinese standards. The urban area is home to 14,047,625 inhabitants. So why would seniors want to visit Chengdu? Chengdu was chosen as one of the top ten cities to invest in out of a total of 280 urban centers in China. In 2006, it was named China’s 4th-most livable city by China Daily newspaper and today is an important economic center. It’s very livable and inviting.

The Heavenly State Draws Senior Visitors

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, which is known as the “Heavenly State”. Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, this area is the natural habitat of giant pandas. Sichuan Province is reputed as “Tian Fu Zhi Guo”, literally a place richly endowed with natural resources.

Sampling the famous Sichuan cuisine is a must for any visit to Chengdu. Enjoying the food as well as the culture, shopping and having tea at a teahouse afford senior visitors a deeper understanding of this cultural city. With it’s long history of over 2,300 years, Chengdu was proclaimed one of the 24 cultural and historical cities by the State Council.

Wikipedia is always a great resource for checking out any site in the world.  They note that Chengdu is one of the main air hubs in China and ranked 4th in passenger volume… senior travelers won’t be wanting for a flight into the city. Care for some helpful travel tips?  Go to Wikipedia for all the information you want, including the best shopping locations, Sichuan cumin, and all about the giant pandas.

Parks, museums, the breeding station for those giant pandas, gardens, zoos… they are all in Chengdu. A Chengdu Concise Guide to the city notes that the food ranks among the very best in the entire world.  Sweet dishes, sour dishes, hearty dishes, light dishes, sinful dishes and conscious dishes. You’d better exchanges your currency in Bank of China, or the hotel you stay in. Don’t trust any peddler in the street who provides you the service, they may give you counterfeit currency.

Spend a little time on my Best Chinese Websites, it will be helpful on your journey and enjoy your visit to Chengdu.  jeb

 

 

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