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TRAVEL QUOTE FAMILYtravelexplore.com — …Or as in my case, I have begun this little blog. The reason for writing about travel is the same for me now as it was for Gilles in the 15th century.

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We did it! 90 Day RV Road Trip Around the USA — We did it! 90 Day RV Road Trip Around the USA

Looking at that map, I can’t believe we actually did it and in 90 days no less. Links to diary entries, answers to 21 RV FAQ’s, a downloadable 90-Day itinerary with excursions, a list of the places where we stayed plus cost and fun stats. Read all about it here

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One week in Portugal, just chilling, eating, and c

One week in Portugal, just chilling, eating, and chilling some more. Best way to soak up the Algarve sun.

#Portugal
#portugal🇵🇹
#algarveportugal #alvor #Familytravelexplore #eastersun #familieswhotravel #familytravel #portugaltravel

From Cape Town to George, we stopped at Cape Agulh

From Cape Town to George, we stopped at Cape Agulhas to visit our cousin and also see the southernmost point of Africa .

#southermostpointofafrica #capeagulhas #Familytravelexplore
#southafrica #visitsouthafrica

From Udolpho in Parys we drove 1300km to Cape Town

From Udolpho in Parys we drove 1300km to Cape Town to visit family. We broke up the long drive with an overnight stay at En Route, Beaufort West, which we can recommend for any family of 5.

In Cape Town, our family, Vaughan and Vanessa, treated us to an early Christmas picnic lunch under the trees at Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl, which was just wonderful.

#laboriewineestate
#Familytravelexplore
#laboriepicnic
#familypicnic
#unforgettablemoments
#southafrica
#southafricanholiday

#Familytravelexplore

This gravel road led us to a few relaxing days wit

This gravel road led us to a few relaxing days with family at Udolpho Rivierplaas in Parys, Free State. Food for the soul. Fishing in the Vaal river, swimming, braais, and playing cards with Oupa James and Aunty Sandra from Australia. Highly recommend a stay at Udolpho. Comfortable chalets and even ox wagons (ossewa) to camp in if you want to.

#udolphorivierplaas @udolpho.rivierplaas #udolpho #beautifulsouthafrica #parysvrystaat #vaalriverfishing #vaalrivier #sunrise

#Familytravelexplore

Two nights at Sun City Resort and Casino. Valley o

Two nights at Sun City Resort and Casino. Valley of the Waves fun. Scrumptious breakfast buffet. Mall with everything you might need and all our favourite restaurants. We played a difficult Escape Game and smashed the Lost City maze in a few minutes. There is so much to do for families! We stayed in the Sun International hotel with the casino, but we'll be back to stay in The Palace! Unforgettable visit.

#suncity #thelostcity #southafrica #unfortgettablemoments #valleyofwavessuncity
#valleyofthewaves #suninternational

#Familytravelexplore

Had some of our best sightings the morning we left

Had some of our best sightings the morning we left the park. Drove from Lower Sabie at 4am to Crocodile Bridge Gate. We found a very relaxed juvenile leopard sitting on the road. It was curious and walked right up to the window of that car! Saw many hippos and crocodiles at Sunset Dam at 4am, but I couldn't get good photos in the dark. And then two cheetahs on a hill not bothered by a huge elephant stomping past them.

It was very hot and humid this time of year in December. The air-conditioned motorhome, cool restaurants, and swimming pools saved us. Also, very important as there is risk of malaria in this part of the world, we used mosquito repellent throughout the day and wore mosquito repellent wristbands, which we bought off Amazon.

#Krugernationalpark #krugerwildtuin #krugernationalparksouthafrica #lowersabierestcamp #safari #unfortgettablemoments #visitsouthafrica #leopard #luiperd
#Familytravelexplore #samsunggalaxy #crocodilebridge #wildlifephotography

Last 2 nights at Lower Sabie Rest Camp. Found a le

Last 2 nights at Lower Sabie Rest Camp. Found a leopard under a tree next to the road. Looked like it was injured. Saw more waterbuck and bushpigs down south than anywhere else we'd been. The restaurant deck and views are just amazing and the perfect place to unwind after a long day of driving. Found beautiful lookout hides going south towards Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge.

#krugernationalparksouthafrica #Krugernationalpark #krugerwildtuin #lowersabierestcamp #lowersabie #safari #wildlifephotography #wildlifesightings #gamedrivesafari #southafrica #welovesouthafrica #waterbuck #bushpig #vlakvark #luiperd
#leopard #giraffe #kameelperd

#Familytravelexplore

On a guided Sunset Drive at Satara Rest Camp looki

On a guided Sunset Drive at Satara Rest Camp looking for big cats. We didn't see any leopard or lions, but still had impressive sightings, fun bundubashing, and an awesome moonrise.

#safari #wildlife #gamedrive #wildlifesightings #krugerwildtuin #krugernationalparksouthafrica #Krugernationalpark #satararestcamp
#sunsetgamedrive

#Familytravelexplore

Exploring the Kruger National Park continues. So m

Exploring the Kruger National Park continues. So many great elephant sitings and allthough you see the same animals often we couldn't stop taking photos and video. This really is an incredible place. Camping at Satara Rest Camp with a motorhome

#krugernationalparksouthafrica #krugerwildtuin #Familytravelexplore #elephantofkruger #elephant #naturelovers #naturephotography #satara #satararestcamp

Just another typical day in the Kruger National Pa

Just another typical day in the Kruger National Park with unforgettable wildlife sightings, amazing food and a little junior ranger education to keep the littles going. If you're looking for the best damn chicken pie in South Africa, we found it at Tshokwane picnic site! All the food is seriously good and very affordable. Highly recommend a pitstop there.

From our wonderful 6 week trip to South Africa in December 2022. We were in the Kruger National Park for the first week with a rented 6 berth motorhome. We entered in southern Malelane gate, stayed 1 night at Berg-en-Dal, 2 nights Skukuza, 2 nights Satara, 2 nights Lower Sabie and left through Crocodile Bridge gate. More to follow.

#krugerwildtuin #Krugernationalpark #krugerexplorer #krugernationalparksouthafrica #krugernationalparkbestplaceonearth #Familytravelexplore #familytravel #naturephotography #giraffe #rvroadtrip #motorhomeadventure #bobocampers #kudu #hyena #tshokwanepicnicsite

The Sunrise Drive at Skukuza Rest Camp had us up a

The Sunrise Drive at Skukuza Rest Camp had us up and out of bed by 3am to hit the road at 4h30. It paid off because just as we exited the camp gate, our guide spotted a leopard in a bush right next to the road! We don't have dslr's with super long lenses, just our iPhones and my Samsung, but we got the shot. It was amazing to see our first big cat. We ended off the 3 hour drive with a great breakfast at Cattle Baron restaurant overlooking the river.

If you go on a sunrise safari, remember to dress warm or take a warm coat. Even if the weather forecast is 40deg for the day, you will be freezing on the back of an open top vehicle at 5am.

#safari
#krugerwildtuin
#Krugernationalpark
#sunrisedrive
#knp
#Familytravelexplore
#skukuzarestcamp

First full day of our week-long self-drive RV holi

First full day of our week-long self-drive RV holiday in #Krugernationalpark. From Malelane Gate to Berg-en-Dal to Skukuza with a pit stop at Afsaal Picnic area we saw plenty of amazing wildlife. Most impressive was the pack of African Wild Dogs. An endangered species, there are 300 in KNP and only 6000 across Africa.

#motorhomeadventure
#bobocampers
#Skukuza
#krugerwildtuin
#Familytravelexplore

Explored London's bustling #westend with the child

Explored London's bustling #westend with the children. And it was heaving! So busy at all hours of the day. Saw Mary Poppins and Lion King, both amazing! I'm not sure if they really loved it or not, I think Lion King was their favourite, but I love that I could share another first with them and it's something I utterly enjoy myself.

Trapsed around China Town, and discovered Bubblewrap waffles and Bubble tea. Stayed in the center of it all at The Grand at Trafalgar Square so could easily walk to most places or take uber/taxi or short tube ride if needed.

Had great hot chocolate on the stairs of Trafalgar Sqr and enjoyed the Christmas lights of Regent street and all over the area. Had a great time with them at Madame Tussauds. Actually saw the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace for the first time ever and took them for ice cream and a play in St James's Park.
All in all, a lovely little break-away.

#familytravelexplore
#unforgettablemoments
#thegrandattrafalgar
#lyceumtheatre
#lionkingmusical
#princeedwardtheatre
#marypoppinsthemusical
#trafalgarsquare
#bubblewrapwaffle
#bubbletea
#chinatownlondon

Just a bit of fun at #madametussauds in London. To

Just a bit of fun at #madametussauds in London. Told them we were going to a wax museum with decorated candles 🤣 They were NOT looking forward to it at all! But they absolutely loved it.
#familytravelexplore #visitlondon

Camping in the Mendip Hills with friends at Mendip

Camping in the Mendip Hills with friends at Mendip Basecamp

Finally a sunny, and more importantly, a wind and rain free camping experience in England. Only fourth time lucky this year!

Very family-friendly campsite with more adventure activities and beauty spots nearby than you can cram into a few weeks! Highly recommend it and we hope to go back for active Archery, snowboarding and bushcraft next time!

#familytravelexplore #mendiphills #mendipbasecamp #campinguk #closertonature

We attempted a hike from Hungerford to Marlborough

We attempted a hike from Hungerford to Marlborough with Matt & Megs this weekend! Milly stayed with friends so we got to spend much needed quality time with the older two.
Thanks Lisa & Rob @lisagreenaej 😘

Well, we got halfway to Marlborough, about 8miles, and then opted for more hiking and playing around beautiful #savernakeforest the rest of the afternoon. Not bad for our first time, but the great thing is that we've decided to do it more often!

In South England we're surrounded by some of the best scenic hiking trails and forests in the country and there are so many places to see on foot, even with kids. We just have to get out there! ⛰Ben Nevis, we're coming for you!

Had lovely cake and coffee at Wendy's cafe in #GreatBedwyn for lunch.

Overnight at the The Castle & Ball hotel in #Marlborough. Enjoyed a good dinner after a long day out, and had a hearty english breakfast before heading out to explore more of Savernake forest. It's huge! You could get lost there. The kids really enjoyed the forest. We'll be back to take the bikes on the many mtb trails out there.

@greeneking_official
#castleandballmarlborough
#hiking #hikingtrails #hikingtrip #familytravelexplore #explorelocal #keepitwild

#Roadtrip Portugal continues from Nazeré, a coast

#Roadtrip Portugal continues from Nazeré, a coastal hotspot and surfers paradise to Obidos, a beautifully preserved castle village and voted one of the prettiest towns in Portugal.

#nazaré #obidos #portugal #visitportugal #safetravels #responsibletravel #obidoscastle #loveportugal❤️ #instatravel #familytravelexplore

#Roadtrip from Pedrogao Grande to Peniche started

#Roadtrip from Pedrogao Grande to Peniche started with a good breakfast on our balcony @hoteldamontanha, then a detour to Figueiro Dos Vinhos and the beautiful nearby waterfall Fragas de São Simão.

Next stop was the start of our coastal journey south from Figueira Da Foz along the Atlantic road via beautiful beachfront villages such as Pedrogao Beach and Pedro de Moel.

#figueirodosvinhos #saosimao #fragasdesãosimão #hoteldamontanha #pedrogaopequeno #pedrogaogrande #figueiradafoz #pedrogaobeach #atlanticocean #estradaatlantica

From sunrise to sunset in Pedrogao Grande #portuga

From sunrise to sunset in Pedrogao Grande #portugal🇵🇹

#hoteldamontanha @hoteldamontanha #pedrogaopequeno #pedrogaogrande #centralportugal #mountainsandrivers #riverzezere #visitportugal🇵🇹 #instatravel #familytravelexplore #sunrise #sunset #sunrise_and_sunsets #naturephotography #instalandscapes

Driving from Lisbon through Santarem and Tomar to

Driving from Lisbon through Santarem and Tomar to @hoteldamontanha in Pedrogao Pequeno in central Portugal.

Had an amazing lunch at Taberna do Quinzena in Santarem. First meal in #Portugal and was really impressive. So affordable, great service and good sumptuous food.

We didn't know the food are served tapas style and that you can order 1 plate to share between two, so we ordered two plates! But it wasn't a problem. The food was so good we cleared the plates. 👌

#santarém @taberna_do_quinzena #tabernadoquinzena #portugal🇵🇹 #portuguesefood #visitportugal #instatravel #roadtripportugal #roadtrip

Hello Portugal! 👋 Excited to explore a small p

Hello Portugal! 👋 Excited to explore a small part of the central mountainous area and northern coastline this week.
#lisbonportugal #travelhighlights #visitportugal🇵🇹 #familytravelexplore

On June 8 we celebrate World Ocean Day. Let every

On June 8 we celebrate World Ocean Day.
Let every action conserve and protect our oceans for future generations
#worldoceansday #worldoceanday2020 #environmentaleducation

Hope everyone is safe and sound indoors. Sharing

Hope everyone is safe and sound indoors. Sharing images of our #Fairytaleplace hometown, thankful that we can still get out for walks and exercise.
I realise how blessed we are to be in a comfortable house, in a safe and peaceful environment where all our needs are met. Deeply thankful that we are all healthy.
Thinking of those who are unable to get out or who are isolating in difficult conditions from which they cannot escape. Please be kind and look after each other. Look after the women and children in your home. This will pass. We will get through this.
#hemelvaartsdag #genadeonbeskryflikgroot
#notforgranted #instalandscapes #hometownpride #stayhome #stayhomesavelives #fightdomesticabuse #kindnessmatters #covi̇d19 #covidlockdown #blessedbeyondmeasure

Morning out with my Mom to nearby Donnington Castl

Morning out with my Mom to nearby Donnington Castle in Newbury. If only those walls could speak! Built in the 14th century, it's impressive that so much if it still stands in tact.
What did they use to hold the rock walls together for so long? Do you know?
You can't enter the structure, but it's free to have a look around and to enjoy the popular walking routes around the area.
This little visit soon had us reading up all about Sir Richard Adderbury, builder of Donnington, and more interestingly, about the Black Prince, who he was associated with.
#beautifulbritain #donningtoncastle #donningtonwalk #getoutside #britishhistory #loveengland🇬🇧 #familytravelexplore #morningwithmom #blueskies #castleruins #exploreandlearn

"It is important to travel to make more memories.

"It is important to travel to make more memories. Countries have politics and war, but us people, we can be friends. That is why I open my house to foreign visitors, to show this and to make friends from all over the world." YuTaka Ueno - retired mechanical engineer & founder of Taka Homecoing Japanese culture experience in Tokyo.

I'm so glad that of all the Japanese cultural experiences to choose from in Tokyo, I chose Taka Homecoming. It was a privilege and an honour to be welcomed to the home of Taka and Keiko. They graciously and patiently taught and demonstrated true Japanese culture to me, one-to-one for over 5 hrs.
I learnt how to make udon noodles, sushi and tempura from scratch. How to make a meal of it and how to eat slowly and correctly, enjoying every moment. I was also taught how to fold an origami crane, a symbol of love and piece and how to write our names in calligraphy.
I left with a bag full of keepsakes, gifts for my family and two new friends. I am proud to part of Team Taka and that my photo is now on their wall of visitors. As their first South African guest, they were excited to put a pin onto that part of their world map for the first time.
It's a family-friendly experience. They love kids, so don't be shy to take the family to meet Taka and Keiko.
It was an unforgettable experience im Tokyo and I think everyone should make this one of the first things they do in Tokyo. 👉His website is called homecoming-taka dot com. Tell him Lindsy from familytravelexplore (or the South African) sent you.
#thingstodointokyo #takahomecoming #thetakaway #thejapaneseway #takahomecomingexperience #japaneseculture #lovejapan
#travelhighlights #unforgettablemoments #learnaboutculture #howtomakesushi #learntomakesushiwithjapanesemaster #learncalligraphy #howtomakeudon #learnorigami #origamicrane #familytravelexplore #familytravel #travelblog #traveltribe

Tonight's entertainment in Kenda,Tokyo: Patchinko

Tonight's entertainment in Kenda,Tokyo: Patchinko and Karaoke
Patchinko originated in Japan and is similar to western slot machines. Gambling is illegal in Japan but the people are obsessed with gaming, so Patchinko fills that gap. It's loud, it's bright and you don't know what's happening most of the time, but when one of the little silver balls fall into the right hole and the weels spin, it's fun.
Karaoke here is a bit different to what we're used to. Your group is assigned a private room where you sing, eat and drink to your hearts content. Less people around so it's less embarrassing for me this way 😊. I can't sing to save my life, but it was fun and the others did great!
In Japan, people smoke inside restaurants and public places, while it's illegal to smoke in the streets, unless you're in an outside designated smoking area. As non-smokers, we're surprised everytime someone lights up next to us at dinner. We had to request a non-smoking karaoke booth at Big Echo. Strange, isn't it?
#japaneseculture #japanholiday #japanesekaraoke #bigecho🎤 #bigechokanda #kandatokyo #patchinko #japaneseentertainment #funinjapan #familytravelexplore

Traditional Japanese Rickshaw tour of Asakusa dist

Traditional Japanese Rickshaw tour of Asakusa district in Tokyo was the most fun I've had so far.. Highly recommended! Our guide, Hiro, was fabulous. Asakusa is full of traditional market stalls, shopping areas and iconic buildings. Very touristy and busy area.
Hiro showed us the Asakusa Japanese stand-up comedy theatre and explained the culture behind it. During the 45 minute tour, we were mostly in stitches because naturally he demonstrated it throughout the journey.
The Geisha district and central headquarters plus an explanation about the culture and history was interesting. To be a Geisha girls must train for 5 years. It's a highly respected occupation where girls become educated talented and artistic entertainers, working long hours.
Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and leads to the Nakamise shopping street where you get traditional Japanese gifts and street food.
There's so much to see and do here it's quite overwhelming, but Asakusa is a place you can't skip if you're in Tokyo.
@ebisuya_rickshaw
#japaneseculture #asakusatempletokyo #sensojitemple #nakamisestreet #tokyostreets #visitjapan #ebisuyaasakusa #ebisuyarickshaw #familytravelexplore

Day 4 Tokyo. 90 minute walking tour. Start 10am wi

Day 4 Tokyo.
90 minute walking tour. Start 10am with local guide, Sena. She met us at the Hachiko memorial statue. You remember the movie with Richard Gere about the famously loyal Akito dog who waited for his master, Ueno, every day at Shibuya station, even 10 years after his death 1925. The statue is a famous meeting point in Tokyo.
Highlights of Harajuku & Shibuya. Sena answered all my questions about everything Japanese and even sent me links to places I asked about afterwards.
The trip included so much but I just want to share a few like the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian in the world, the Meiji shrine and panoramic views fom the Hikarie 11th floor
Famous Izakaya, called a drunker's alley with teeny tiny bars that have about 6 seats each where locals party.
The quant small but tall shops that are built that way because floor space cost an astronomical amount to rent in the area.
Harajuku's famous Takeshita street. Popular with youngsters, comparable to Camden in London. It also has the animal cafe's. For about ¥900 you can have a drink and sit with a small pot belly pig, owl, dog, ferret, etc.
Harajuku train station is the oldest train station in Tokyo. They're building a new station for the Olympics and plan to tear down the old one, which I think is a real shame. It's beautiful.
#shibuyacrossing #scramblecrossing #hachikostatue #tokyowalkingtour #withlocalstokyo @withlocals #takeshitastreet #meijishrine #meijishrinetokyo #familytravelexplore #tokyotours #tokyojapan🇯🇵 #travelhighlights #traveljapan #tripsofalifetime #keepoldharajukustation #harajukustation

Look closely. You'll see them just starting to blo

Look closely. You'll see them just starting to blossom. The first cherry blossoms in winter seen in Tokyo only because our rickshaw guide took us there. In one month the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom.
Going in Feb, I had no expectations to see any blossoms. But we did, thanks to Hiro, our young, hilariously funny and super fit rickshaw driver of Ebisuya Asakusa Rickshaws. More on this tour later.
@ebisuya_rickshaw
#isawcherryblossoms
#asakusa #ebisuyarickshaw #ebisuyaasakusa #tokyotours #tourguidesarethebest #tokyoasakusa #asakusatempletokyo #traveltokyo #tokyocherryblossom #familytravelexplore #instatravel #culturetrip

Tokyo Day 3: We were in luck. It's was a public ho

Tokyo Day 3: We were in luck. It's was a public holiday in Japan, which meant B had the day off and the weather was perfect for a day trip to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
People can't go onto the mountain in winter, but I got to touch the tippie top😜. The tour is designed as near as possible around it featuring the way the nation worship the revered Mt Fuji as a god. Every stop on this tour offered different views of it.
At the old little village of Oshino Hakkai whith all the hot springs, we filled up our water bottles with water from Mt Fuji! All the water in that village comes directly from the melting snow on the mountain. It filters down and over 80 yrs it becomes crystal clear ground water.
You learn so much more on a guided tour than when you wander on your own. We often skip tours and research what we can ourselves, especially when the kids are with us, but sometimes tours just have to be done.
Do you like to go on guided tours in new and exotic destinations? Or do you prefer to do your own thing?
We joined a classic full day bus tour to Mt Fuji with a guide wich included the following ● Discover the Unesco World Heritage listed Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and most iconic sight
● Visit Lake Kawaguchiko for spectacular views ● Explore the village of Oshino Hakkai renowned for its many hot springs with views of Mt Fuji
● See Arakura Sengen Park and Shrine ● Shop at the popular Gotemba Premium Outlets

Just have to mention the silky smooth ice cream in Japan. Move over Italian gelato! Man, it's good! Had the blueberry and vanilla at Lake Kawaguchiko and it is divine. While the coffee there is grossly overpriced, the view and the icecream is worth every penny.
Highly recommend this awesome value for money tour. Let me know if you need help and I can book it for you.
#travel #mountfuji🗻
#mountfujijapan #lakekawaguchiko #sengenshrinefujisanmikoshi #arakurayamasengenpark #sengenshrine #gotembapremiumoutlet #gotembajapan #oshinohakkai #oshinohakkaivillage #epictravel #bucketlisttravel #familytravelexplore #instatravel #travelblog #traveltribe

Arakurayama Sengen Shrine at the foot of Mt Fuji.

Arakurayama Sengen Shrine at the foot of Mt Fuji. It's worth climbing over 300 steps to get that view!
#arakurayamasengenpark #sengenshrine #mountfujijapan #mountfuji🗻 #japanholiday #travelhighlights #japaneseculture #familytravelexplore

Never thought we'd be here! #mountfujijapan #drea

Never thought we'd be here!
#mountfujijapan #dreamscometrue #tripsofalifetime #traveltribe #familytravelexplore

Queen in the park - sony musical steps in Ginza. M

Queen in the park - sony musical steps in Ginza. My friend steps on the yellow lines in tune to start the clapping and stomping and hope Queen will sing for us. We will rock you!

#ginzamusicalsteps #tokyomusicalsteps #queeninthepark #wewillrockyoumusicalsteps #awesomememories #tripsofalifetime #traveljapan

Shrines in Tokyo #tokyoshrines #tokyoshrineginza

Shrines in Tokyo
#tokyoshrines #tokyoshrineginza #familytravelexplore #traveljapann

Tokyo Day 2- Explored Ginza area today on foot 👣 with my friend, Lek.
The Imperial Palace Gardens is closed on Mondays, but we got a glimpse from the outside. It's only a five-minute walk from our airbnb, so I'll wander there again in the week.

Hibiya Park. An identical liberty bell to the one that rang out America's independence in Philadelphia was given to Japan as a sign of freedom for all mankind. Standing in front of it reminds you that you are a free person in a free country.
Yurakucho Gado-shita. Had an amazing spicy noodles and cocktail lunch in one of the restaurants built into the arches under an elevated train track. You'd think it's as noisy inside as it is on the outside when the trains go over, but we couldn't hear it at all!
Tsukiji fish market is an interesting place and the only area where we saw many other tourists today. Apparently, this is where you go if you want the freshest sushi in Tokyo, but go early. They start bringing fish in early morning and run out by lunchtime. I tried a Japanese sweet treat, but it didn't go down at all! Need courage to try another. Lots of tasty street food.
#travel #japan #ginza #yurakuchogadoshita #tsukijifishmarket #familytravelexplore #culturetrip #japanholiday #traveltojapan

Arrived in Tokyo today and explored on foot the am

Arrived in Tokyo today and explored on foot the amazing streets around our apartment.
Interesting how some restaurants have a glass box display of menu items on the street. It's actually nice to see what the food looks like and to gauge portion size. Got good warm coffee in a tin from vending machines that are literally on every street corner.
We have everything we need here in the Chiyoda area. Close to stations, markets, hundreds of restaurants and the Imperial Palace and gardens, which I'm off to see tomorrow.
Got my train pass for the week. Looked up guided tours to take. Got to grips with the local grocery store and all the buttons and sprayers on the toilets! Exciting times 🤗

Such a fascinating story behind Michaelangelo's Da

Such a fascinating story behind Michaelangelo's David! Standing over 5 meters tall and made from a piece of marble that was tossed aside for it's imperfections by other artists, Michaelangelo was 26 when he started his work of art in 1501.
He completed it in 1504. It is an absolutely remarkable statue for the proportions and detail in a piece of that size made over such a long time by a brilliant young man who was already the best and well paid artist in Florence at age 26!
What a privilege to see it and hear the story in the place it all happened so long ago.
The statue portrays David, a young shepherd, at his most vulnerable, relaxed, but focused, clothed with only his faith in God, moments before he goes on to slay a giant.
Die klippies in sy hand en slingervel is daar, maar skaars sigbaar op fotos, want Michaelangelo wou wys dat die wapen wat die oorwinning gegee het, sy geloof in God was.
Florence is full of art and sculptures. It must be one of the top #bucketlist destinations for artlovers and art students.
#accademiagallery #michaelangelosdavid
#artandculture
#thedavidstatue
#italytravel
#familytravelexplore
#travelhighlights #bestsculptureintheworld
#culturetrip

Florence Duomo dates back to the 14th century and

Florence Duomo dates back to the 14th century and is described as one of the greatest gothic cathedrals in the world. It was amazing to see the paintings and architectural details of the marble exterior up close.
We arrived at 9am, which I thought was early, but 2000 other visitors had the same idea. We skipped entrance to the Duomo and paid for fast track tickets to see Michaelangelo's David, the original, instead.
Maybe we'll go inside another time to see the renowned interior, to view the remains of a 12th century crypt and to climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome.
Have you been to see the Duomo and The David in Florence?
Which would you pick if you can do only one?
#travel #florence #duomofirenze #firenze🇮🇹 #florencecathedral #familytravelexplore #culturetrip #raisingculturedkids #tripsofalifetime #bucketlisttravel #FlashbackFridayz #travelmemories

The most spectacular sunset hour in Manarola, Le C

The most spectacular sunset hour in Manarola, Le Cinque Terre
#familytravelexplore #happyholidays #instatravel #cinqueterre #travel #loveitaly

There's a meter difference in height on either sid

There's a meter difference in height on either side of the Leaning Tower of Pisa! How is it still standing?! I read mixed reviews about this iconic Italian landmark, but we were happy that we went and saw it for ourselves. It's amazing to see up close, just how much it actually leans over and the tower itself is beautiful! It really is a miracle that it hasn't collapsed.
We can recommend sightseeing in December. While the weather is cold early morning and late evening, the winter sun is bright and warm mid-day and so far, we've had no rain. There are still many visitors around the main tourist attractions, but queues are much shorter than in the high and shoulder season and everywhere else is relatively quiet.
Breakfast at the little cafe on the corner was pricy, but with that view, it was a treat. The bus from Pisa Centrale cost €10 for the 5 of us and a taxi back cost €9. We left our bags at the Baggage drop at the trainstation at €5 per bag. You'll find the bag-drop-off at the end of platform 1 of Pisa Central station.
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