Ascension island, British dependency of St. Helena, in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between Africa and South America and 700 miles northwest of St. Helena. The small, volcanic island was sighted by the Portuguese in 1501, but it was uninhabited until the exile of Napoleon to St. Helena in 1815.
A city in perpetual forward motion, Abu Dhabi greets visitors with gleaming skyscrapers and opulent Islamic architecture. There is much to see here, from the recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi to the gigantic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its white marble splendor. Beach life and turquoise waters can be found on Saadiyat Island, Al Bateen and Corniche Beach.
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, set against the wooded slopes of the Margalla Hills in the north of the country. Planned as a purpose-built capital, the city is organized around broad avenues, landscaped sectors, parks, and green belts, giving it a different character from Pakistan’s older cities. The Faisal Mosque is its most recognizable landmark, with its tent-shaped design and prominent position beneath the hills.
Yuma is a city in southwestern Arizona near the Colorado River, close to the borders with California and Mexico. Its location in the lower Colorado River Valley has made it an important crossing point, agricultural center, and transportation hub in the desert Southwest. The surrounding landscape is characterized by low desert plains, irrigated farmland, sand dunes, and rugged mountains.
Photo Credit: Photo by Robby McCullough on Unsplash
Kanazawa, Japan, is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of historical charm and cultural richness. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, Kanazawa is a treasure trove of traditional Japanese experiences. The Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is a must-visit for any traveler. This beautiful landscape garden features serene ponds, lush greenery, and seasonal flowers, embodying classic Japanese aesthetics.
Another gem in Kanazawa is the Kanazawa Castle, which, though rebuilt, retains the grandeur of its original structure. The castle's impressive stone walls and historical exhibits provide a glimpse into the feudal past of the region. Explore the castle grounds and discover the rich history of the Maeda clan, the ruling samurai family of Kanazawa.
For those interested in traditional crafts, Kanazawa is renowned for its gold leaf production, which dates back to the 16th century. The city is home to several workshops where visitors can see artisans at work and even try their hand at creating their own gold leaf art. The Kanazawa Gold Leaf Museum offers a fascinating insight into this craft.
Fun Fact: Kanazawa is also known for its vibrant 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which stands out for its innovative architecture and diverse exhibitions. The museum's round shape and transparent walls make it an architectural marvel in its own right.
Other Popular Destinations in Japan
Tokyo
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
Kyoto
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights.