Japan: summer festival in Aomori City

Aomori City in Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost prefectural capital city on Honshu, Japan's main island. This port town used to be the main departure point to Hokkaido via ferry; and, although it remains the main port for car ferries, the opening of the Seikan Undersea Railway Tunnel and the advent of cheap flights have reduced ridership and many travelers now bypass the city altogether. Today Aomori is best known for its spectacular Nebuta Matsuri summer festival.

In Aomori, you can see:

•    Nebuta Festival. Aug 2-7. Said to be Japan's biggest fire festival. This festival includes an abundance of street vendors. Each day culminates in a huge parade featuring lit up lantern floats and costumed dancers.  

•    Nebutanosato. This museum houses exhibits about the Nebuta if you're unable to make it during festival season.  

•    Aomori Bay Bridge. This bridge spans a short harbor inlet that could easily be walked around in five minutes, so it appears to be basically an excuse for public funding as a tourist attraction.  

•    Aspam Center. A large triangular building that can be easily spotted from the train station or the bridge, this is the tourism center for all of Aomori prefecture.

•    Asamushi Onsen. A hot springs resort on Mutsu bay with a rather large number of inns.  

•    Yotei-maru Ferry. The ferry which connected Hokkaido and Aomori prior to the building of the Seikan Submarine Tunnel, is now a somewhat run down museum, a short walk from the train station. The rear part of the deck of the ferry serves as a beer garden on summer nights.  

Nebuta Festival

 

Nebuta Festival

Nebutanosato

Aomori Bay Bridge

Aspam Center

Asamushi Onsen

Yotei-maru Ferry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guide info: www.japan-guide.com/e/e3750.html

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France: Strasbourg, popular tourist destination

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region of France and is most widely known for hosting a number of important European institutions. It is also famous for its beautiful historical centre

This city is one of the nine largest cities in France with nearly half a million inhabitants in a metropolitan area spanning across the river into the German city of Kehl, on the eastern bank of the Rhine.

The city itself is the seat of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Ombudsman, the Eurocorps, the European Audiovisual Observatory and, most famously, the European Parliament, which also holds sessions in Brussels.

strasbourg street

Strasbourg is a popular tourist destination primarily thanks to the beautifully preserved and pedestrian friendly city centre, which can be explored on foot or bicycle in a few days. Don't forget that Strasbourg's appeal now brings tourists to the city throughout the year, with large tour groups especially frequent during the summer months and during the annual winter market. Staying for a few days will allow you to see the city when it's calmest, first thing in the morning and during the evening.

strasbourg france

strasbourg france

strasbourg cathedral

strasbourg cathedral

strasbourg street

strasbourg france

strasbourg france

strasbourg france

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Scotland: Port town, Oban

Oban is a town in Argyll and Bute. It is known as the Seafood & Sea Kayaking Capital of Scotland and probably the whole of Europe It is also shopping and drinking capital of the west coast of Scotland, and home to the excellent whisky of that name. Ferries run from here to Mull, Colonsay, Kerrera, Lismore, Islay, Coll, Tiree and the Outer Hebrides. Hence the tag Gateway to the Isles.
When the sun sets dramatically over Oban Bay and the surprising landmark of the McCaig's Tower amphitheatre lights up on the hilltop above the town, it is easy to see why Oban is such a popular resort.

Until the Glasgow to Oban railway line opened in 1880, Oban was a fishing village but since then it has grown into the largest port in north-west Scotland. The sheltered harbour brims with fishing and pleasure boats and ferries off to the Outer Hebrides. If you're not rushing off on a ferry, be sure to sample some of the local seafood fresh off the boats. McCaig's Tower, which was built between 1888 and 1901, affords the visitor magnificent views across the bay to the islands of Kerrera and Mull. 

Dunollie Castle

Standing close to the shore is the ruined Dunollie Castle, stronghold of the MacDougall Clan. Two miles away is Dunstaffnage Castle which has belonged to the Campbells since 1470 and is open to the public all year round. There is also the Oban Distillery, built by Hugh Stevenson in 1794. Kids will love a visit to the Scottish Sea Life & Marine Sanctuary near to Oban on the shore of Loch Creran.






Other:

oban port town

oban

oban

sunset in oban

sunset in oban

night in oban

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Iceland: what are you waiting for?

Mývatn is a lake near Akureyri in North Iceland. The lake was formed during a massive eruption 2300 years ago. Today the area is best known for the huge numbers of birds that visit in the summer, and for the weird and inspiring volcanic features that surround the lake. The name "Mývatn" is derived from the vast numbers of midges that gather at the lake and are sure to leave an impression on all who visit! 



In general the area's weather is less severe than what is found elsewhere in Iceland. The average temperature in January is -0.2°C, and in July the average reaches 10.2°C. The area is also one of the sunniest in Iceland, and annual precipitation is only 0.4m.


The easiest and most flexible way to visit the lake is by automobile. There are also numerous buses from Akureyri, Husavik or Egilsstadir. For those looking for more of an adventure, visiting by bicycle entails a 90 kilometer pedal from Akureyri. 

There is not much of a public transport system. If you came to Myvatn by bus, walking, biking and hitchhiking are you best options but beware as it can get quite chilly in the winter. The road around the lake is approx. 36km. so biking is a good option. There are some local trips available at Skútustaðir, Vogar and Reykjahlíð

Myvatn

Myvatn

Seydirsfjordur is were the ferry comes from Europe. Many take there cars with them on the ferry and travel on there own. 

Seydirsfjordur

There is a weekly ferry run by Smyril line - to Denmark and the Faroe Islands. The schedule is complicated but it generally departs once per week at 8AM during the summer half the year (April-June and August-October) , and at 1PM during high season (June-August). Check website for details. Due to the limited market, and rough conditions, prices are very high. A return journey to Denmark for instance will set you back €280-590 with a car or €120-250 per passenger, depending on the season, excluding a supplement fare for a cabin or bed. 


By, bus,he nearest Airport in Egilsstaðir, about 30 minutes away, has regular flights to the capital, there is a daily bus to Seyðisfjörður connecting with the flights stopping in central Egilsstaðir on route. From central Egilsstaðir there are one or two additional departures per day during the summer, as well as the option to change to several bus lines connecting to other parts of Iceland. The buses are run by Ferðaþjónusta Austurlands which has no website, but the city administration website maintains a an updated schedule. 

Seydirsfjordur

Seydirsfjordur

Seydirsfjordur

Northern lights are only visible at the winter and only on a cold winter night will they expose them self’s. It savory to see such a beautiful lights dance in the sky.

Northern lights

Northern lights

Northern lights

for details: iceland-vacation-information.com

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