There are two stops featured in this post. First, the agricultural terraces of Moray which are stunning to behold and give new meaning to the words “crop circles”. The second stop we hit was a little town called Chinchero which swirls with rumors both past and present.
Read MoreWhen we first entered Ollantaytambo, our gaze turned upwards to stare at the massive terraces towering towards the sky. There are plenty of Inca sites to visit around Cusco, and each one has their own historical significance or architectural marvel. The name of this site literally means “resting place of Ollantay”. Legend says that Ollantay was an Inca warrior who shared a forbidden love with an Inca princess.
Read MoreSalt has been collected in this area since before the Incas (although it is said that they are the ones that turned it into a more enterprising venture). We’ve seen salt pans before, carved along rocky sea shores, sea water evaporating into white crystals. However, we're in the middle of the Andes mountains, nowhere near an ocean. Where does the salt come from?
Read MoreHilo is one of the oldest ports and contains the second largest population in Hawaii. It's a city that peaked during the height of sugar cane, and has since settled into a place of peaceful parks and quiet neighborhoods with metal-roofed houses.
Read MoreOnto the Big Island (a.k.a. Hawaii) and charming little Kailua-Kona with the laid back island vibe. Indulge in locally grown Kona coffee while strolling around Kailua Village. Keep an eye out for signs that point to interesting sights, both historic and modern.
Read MoreMaui is the second largest Hawaiian island, but is not very densely populated leaving most of the island home to rain forests, beaches, and Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano. Maui's main city is called Lahaina situated on the western side of the island. It's a pretty little place, formerly the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom and often called "the jewel in the crown of Maui". With only one main street, it is completely walkable in an afternoon and full of boutique shopping and eateries.
Read MoreSituated on the southeast tip of O'ahu island, Honolulu carries a lot of reputation on its shore-hugging shoulders. Nicknamed "The Big Pineapple", Honolulu holds the titles of "capital city" and "largest city" in Hawaii. Make no mistake, this is no small, sleepy island town.
Read MoreKauai is the oldest and smallest of the Hawaiian islands. The Garden Island is full of stunning natural attractions such as canyons, cliff sides, and valleys. They say that no building can be taller than a coconut tree which might be why this island feels a little more wild and untamed.
Read MoreOsaka is the third largest city in Japan and is filled with covered shopping streets, multi-level mall complexes, and lots and lots of food. Its location in the Kansai region makes it perfect for day trips out to explore places such as Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji (all only an hour or two train ride away), but it's also worth setting aside some time to explore what else this lively city has to offer.
Read MoreA walk around the Dotonbori area in Osaka is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. The Japanese word "Kuidaore" is rumored to have originated from this Osaka district and means "to ruin oneself by extravagance in food". Not sure where start? Large, helpful billboards and 3D signs offer larger than life suggestions for that next meal or perhaps even the next ten meals.
Read MoreA two hour train ride from Osaka takes us to the city of Himeji, home to an exceptionally preserved World Cultural Heritage Site site well over 400 years old. Himeji castle is a prime example of Japanese architecture from the feudal period. Although, heavily fortified against enemy invaders, the sprawling white plaster walls have inspired images of a bird taking flight resulting in more peaceful nicknames such as "The White Heron Castle" or "The White Egret Castle".
Read MoreThere's a lot of good stuff packed into Universal Studios Japan. We arrived before the gates opened and stayed until well after dark. There are dinosaurs, terminators, zombies (especially released for Halloween) and much much more. However, this post focuses on where we spent most of our time which was lost in the two worlds of minions and wizards.
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