For all his mesmerising, colourful pieces of art, who knew such a tortured soul hid behind all these masterpieces?

I knew little of Vincent van Gogh before his exhibition. I knew he died young and had mental issues, but the severity of it was news to me until I went to Van Gogh- The Immersive Experience.

I caught glimpses of the exhibition in the first season of Emily in Paris. Emily seated in the expansive room with Van Gogh projections at the end of one of the episodes was magical and unforgettable. So when the exhibition rolled around, I had to catch it.

Here’s a guide to Van Gogh- The Immersive Experience.

Location:

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience is located in several cities worldwide, including Paris, Amsterdam, London and New York. I missed the one in New York during my visit, but I managed to catch the current one in Singapore.

What to expect:

The exhibition features a combination of light, sound, and projection, creating an immersive and interactive experience that brings Van Gogh’s art to life. Visitors will be transported to some of Van Gogh’s most famous works, including Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Bedroom.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be surrounded by stunning visuals and music that capture the essence of Van Gogh’s art. The experience is designed to be educational and entertaining, making it perfect for art lovers of all ages.

Interactive elements:

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience is not a traditional art exhibition. Instead, visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibits in a variety of ways. This includes:

• Walking through a recreation of Van Gogh’s famous painting The Bedroom
• Standing under a starry night sky and feeling as though you are part of the painting
• Walking through a field of sunflowers, just like those that inspired Van Gogh’s famous paintings
• Listening to stories and letters from Van Gogh’s life, narrated by actors
• Creating your own digital artwork inspired by Van Gogh’s style

Insider tips:

• Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure you can visit at your desired time.
• Allow plenty of time to explore the exhibition – there are many interactive elements and it’s easy to lose track of time!
• Wear comfortable shoes – there is a lot of walking involved in the exhibition.
• Take advantage of the interactive elements and create your own artwork – it’s a fun and unique way to engage with Van Gogh’s style.

Even if you are not an ardent Van Gogh fan, this Immersive Experience is still an interesting insight into the world of art. For his fans, this is a must-visit, allowing you to dive deeper into the tortured mind of a tortured soul, showing you the anguish of VanGoh, beyond the artist. With its stunning visuals, immersive sound, and interactive elements, this exhibition is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

There is also a tidy little cafe beside the gift shop that serves up pretty pastries and much-needed coffee.

There’s something striking, in the neighborhood.

Discover the legendary Ghostbusters’ Firehouse, a New York City landmark located at 14 North Moore Street in the trendy neighborhood of Tribeca. This iconic building was erected as the headquarters for Hook and Ladder fire company 8, following the creation of the FDNY. It was one of the first firehouses built in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, designed by Alexander H. Stevens, the city superintendent of buildings. Initially featuring two vehicle doors, the building underwent a reduction in size in 1913 due to the widening of Varick Street.

The 1984 Ghostbusters film brought worldwide fame to the firehouse, as it was transformed into the fictional headquarters for a team of quirky paranormal investigators we grew to love. The movie and its sequel made this historic building an instant pop culture icon, drawing fans worldwide.

Remarkably, the building was in disrepair when the filmmakers discovered it, but they saw its potential and renovated it to its former glory. Today, the firehouse is not just a fire station but also a must-see destination for those who love Ghostbusters and historical architecture.

The brave firefighters of Hook & Ladder No. 8 were among the first to respond to the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, in 2011, the beloved firehouse faced the threat of closure due to city budget cuts. But thanks to a heartfelt public campaign supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio and actor and former New York City firefighter Steve Buscemi, the firehouse was saved and remains in service today. Recently, from 2016 to 2018, the firehouse underwent a much-needed renovation, costing $6 million, to ensure it can continue to serve the community for years to come.

While it’s unlikely that visitors can tour the firehouse due to its active status; you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the fire engines racing out on a call and get a peek inside.

I didn’t see the fire station in action on the day of my visit, but it still gives me the thrill to be up close to the fire station. Visit in the morning to capture unobstructed views of the station—crowds mushroom after 10:30 am. But most are pretty polite, taking turns to take pictures.

To take the station in its entirety, stand across the road and set your camera mode to a wide angle. Then cross over to the station and grab some closeups of the facade’s details and the floor graffiti.

It’s easy to get to the Ghostbusters HQ. The nearest subway station is Franklin Street Station, only 98 m from it. After you exit the station, take the route via Varick Street, which will take approximately 1 minute.

Did you know that the name of Furano city was derived from the word “Fura-nui”, which means stinky flame or foul-smelling place? It was so called by the indigenous people of Hokkaido due to its location – at the nearby Tokachi Peak are sulfuric fumaroles which lets off a heavy sulfur smell. The name is ironic, considering the abundance of floral beauty that Furano is most famous for, especially Lavender.

Spring and Summer are the best periods for visitors to experience the colorful floral splendor of Furana, Hokkaido. Here are 5 must-visit flower farms in Furano.

Farm Tomita

You can’t leave Furano without visiting Farm Tomita, the iconic flower farm known for its scenic beauty. It was in 1958 that the lavender cultivation began in the rolling fields of Farm Tomita. Since then, it has evolved into a flourishing flower garden and regarded as a national treasure of Furano.

Spanning 20 hectares with 12 flower gardens, the farm is a kaleidoscope of colors and a visual feast for the eyes. There is a Lavender Forest field here that stretches far and wide, completely covered in the soothing color of Lavander. Beyond just admiring the flowers, there are also Lavender goods like soap, essential oils and even Lavender ice cream and coffee!

One other highlight here is the colorful Irodori field, made for stunning social media shots. There are seven colors of flowers here, creating a delightful rainbow effect on a gentle rolling hill that will stand out in any photo opp. The best spot to take a photo? Right at the bottom lower corner of the field.

The best period to visit is from June to early August. If you come in late August, the lavender would have been harvested. If you wish to take photos in wild abandon, visit in the morning where the crowd has not descended upon the garden fields yet. Pick up a map when you arrived, so you can zero in on the flower fields of you fancy.

Accessibility: 7 minutes on foot from Lavender Batake Station
Address: 15 Kisenkita, Sorachi-gun, Nakafurano-cho 071-0704, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 8:30am – 6:00pm in summer

Saika No Sato (Saika Farm)

If sunflowers bring you to a happy place, then Saika No Sato, or Saila Farm, is the place for you. There are three main flowers spread across six hectares of floral splendor. Lavender, sunflowers and lupines roam the grounds of the flower farm.

Apart from the spectacular flower fields, you can also get a good glimpse of the majestic Mount Tokachidake and Mount Ashibetsudake here. The ideal visiting period is between June and October, and if you are obsessed with Sunflowers, they shine their brightest in September.

Don’t leave the farm without making a trip to the souvenir shops, with an extensive variety of lavender items on sale. Oh, and you can actually pick lavender here if you wish to.

Accessibility: A 15-20 minute walk and a-5 minute ride by car from JR Nakafurano Station
Address: 6-1 Okamachi, Sorachi-gun, Nakafurano-cho 071-0762, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 8:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Flower Land Kamifurano

This flower wonderland houses 15 hectares worth of flowers, located on a hillside, which from a distance, makes a visual wonder. When summer comes along, this hillside comes alive with vibrant blooms of varied hues.

The expansive flowerland even offers tractor bus rides around the key flower fields for those who are tired of walking through the fields. Most of the flowers are in season from May to September, but peaks between June and July for blooms like German Iris, Lupine and Lavender. Mid-July is the best period for lavender, which blooms at its most glorious.

The Kamifurano Flower Land even has craft-making and pillow-making sessions, should visitors wish to take a rest from the endless floral sights.

Accessibility: A-10 minute distance by car from JR Kamifurano Station
Address: Kita 27 Nishi 5, Sorachi-gun, Kamifurano-cho 071-0505, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Choei Lavender Farm Nakafurano

Lavender fans, this one’s for you. Also known as the Nakafurano Flower Park, the fun part about this flower farm is the chair lift that you can ride up and down the hill, not only over the lavender fields but also other rainbow-colored flower fields. Unlike the other farms, for once, you can soak in the picturesque sights without having to walk over stretches of flowers on end. It’s like flying over a large patchwork of floral carpet.

Accessibility: A-15 minute walk from JR Nakafurano Station
Address: 1-41 Miyamachi, Sorachi-gun, Nakafurano-cho 071-0714, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm from June to Mid August

Shikisai no Oka

If you are in the Biei area, this is the must-visit flower farm. Shikisai no Oka blossoms during its flowering season, which starts from April and ends in mid-October. The burst of colors during the summer season offers a magnificent panoramic view of the flower fields across the 7-hectare flower farm. Bicycles and buggies are for rent to wander around the gardens that stretch for rows and rows until the trees in the far beyond at a leisurely pace.

If you don’t feel like doing the “hard work”, hop on a tractor tour bus that gives you a good overview of the various flower fields showered with seasonal flowers such as lavender, dahlia, sunflower, salvia, Peony, Iceland Poppy, Campanula, Gayfeather and more.

Accessibility: 12 minutes car ride from JR Biei Station
Address: 3 Shinsei, Kamikawa-gun, Biei-cho 071-0473, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 8:30am to 6:00pm

Additional images from: Wikipedia Commons, Furano Tourism and Good! Hokkaido

It’s hard not to get a little wanderlust or adventure envy when beautiful photos of people enjoying themselves outdoor flashes through your Instagram feed as you scroll. And now that cameras on phones are getting higher and higher in quality, anyone can be a photographer; and a good one too, with just a few tricks. Below are a few tips on taking breathtaking adventure photos.

Remember the Rule of Thirds

When taking a photography class, one of the first things you learn about is the rule of thirds. To follow the rule of thirds, you make an imaginary grid of three even vertical and three even horizontal lines in your shot. The idea is to place what you want to be the focus of the photo on to the intersecting points of the grid.  Following this rule helps you take photos that are balanced and interesting

Use a Tripod

While photos can be taken just by hand, putting your camera (whether it’s a DSLR camera or built into a phone), helps take photos that are clear. This is especially true if you have a high tech device where the shutter speed can be changed, or while taking night photos.

Use HDR on Your Phone

HDR stands for High-Density Range, and helps your device take photos with high contrast lighting.  In HDR mode, your phone takes many photos quickly, and creates one image that isn’t distorted.

Keep Your Devices Powered

Sometimes the best adventure photo opportunities happen in a flash. But you won’t even have the chance to get the right shot if your devices aren’t powered and ready.  Having a portable power pack or a solar-powered USB charger to be able to charge your phone or camera on the go can make a world of a difference when timing matters to get the perfect photo.

Find a Focal Point

Finding a point to focus on can give the photo depth. Instead of taking a photo of a whole forest, try focusing on a tree, or a rock.

Avoid Using Flash

Using flash on your camera lowers the quality of the photo. If you can, find other ways to light your subject better, like changing settings on your phone or camera.

Don’t Be Afraid of Using Editing Apps

While actually having correct lighting or good focus is a big part of photography, most photos you see are retouched in some way. Don’t be afraid to use editing apps like Adobe Photoshop or other apps on a computer or phone to brighten or darken colors, heighten or lessen contrast, and fix less than ideal lighting.

Share Your Photos

Pictures are worth a thousand words, and seeing exciting photographs can inspire and motivate people to pursue their own goals, pursuits and adventures. Whether you’re carving down a majestic snowy mountain or climbing up big slabs of rock, capture exciting moments and share it with your friends and family in person, or through social media like Facebook and Instagram.

Surrounded by lush forestry and sitting atop a precipice overlooking the town of Eisenach in the Thuringia state in Germany, this well-preserved medieval castle with Romanesque architecture throws us way back to the Middle Ages.

The Wartburg Castle is the first German castle to be designated as a UNESCO Heritage site and the hilltop castle is a prime example of a fortress during the feudal period in Central Europe. With improvements and additions throughout the years, it serves as a window into over a thousand years of German history.

The Wartburg castle was said to be first constructed in 1067 and calls the Neuenburg in the Freyburg town as sister castle. What remains of the castle now are remnants from the 12^th to the 15^th century, and the19^{th C}entury, where it underwent reconstruction. During this period, the medieval architecture was restored and complemented with new additions.

Did you know: The great German professor of theology, composer, priest, and monk, Martin Luthor was exiled at the Wartburg Castle that he translated the New Testament into German.

Today, the fortress is a showcase of strength during its peak as a military stronghold. Visitors can also go on a guided tour of the castle’s vast number of rooms to take a peek into life back then, and the must-visit room in the castle is the 12^th century Palais (the great hall) that still bears traces of its former glory in Romanesque architecture.  The ceremonial hall in the main castle building now serves as the backdrop for the famous Wartburg concerts during summer, as well as other events organized here.

Art lovers can also take a detour to the castle museum, where fine arts are celebrated. There are famous paintings, glorious sculptures, exquisite tapestries and furniture of splendid workmanship. Its art collection was set up 200 years ago, at German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s recommendation, and spans eight centuries.

Did you know: During the festive December period, the castle comes alive with its historical Christmas market, reminiscent of its medieval days.

There’s no charge if you just wish to visit the castle grounds, but entry to the rooms within the castle comes with an admission charge, which varies depending on the season. Give yourself around two hours to explore the castle.

How to get there: You can get to the town of Eisenach, where the Wartburg Castle is located, in just three hours by train from Berlin, and less than two hours from Frankfurt and Leipzig.

Image credits: Wikipedia, Wartburg Castle, UNESCO

It’s like a scene straight out of a period drama. Old brick houses with vibrant blooms outside their windows lined the narrow cobblestoned, intricately designed ancient churches stand tall and proud and winding river parts the village in two. The only signs of modernization here are tarred roads and cars, and they look oddly out of place.

The picturesque Dean Village is tucked right in the center of busy Edinburgh, Scotland, offering a tiny spot of oasis with a picture-postcard view. The 800-year old heritage village, known once as “Water of Leith Village”, used to be the center of a prospering grain milling area. At its height, it had almost a dozen working mills, powered by the strong currents of the river that runs through the village.

Today, some of the mills that were used still stand, offering visitors a peek into the past. At the heart of the village is the Well Court. Built in the 1880s, the iconic structure was home to the mill workers. It gives visitors a sense of the architecture of that period and a look into the lives of the villagers then.

Another highlight is the Dean Bridge, which spans the Water of Leith, built on four arches and reaching to a height of 106 feet (32 meters). Designed by Thomas Telford, a noted road, bridge and canal builder and dubbed the “Colossus of Roads”, the Dean Bridge was his last major project, completed when he was 73.

If you’re looking to understand more about the village, there is a Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art with exhibitions depicting the lives of the villagers during its flourishing days.

How to Get There:

This tranquil village might look a little remote to get to but in reality, it’s only a 10-minute cab ride from the National Museum of Scotland.

Dedicated a couple of hours to explore the village poke your faces into every nook and cranny to find hidden architectural gems.

Tip: Don’t stay for too long, because the village is primarily a residential area, and lacks any restaurant or bathroom facilities.

It makes a surrealistic first impression- vast green bubbly moss-covered fields stretching to the distance before it meets the sky. What’s ironic is that this vision of other-worldly beauty was born out of one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit us in the 18^th century.

The Eldhraun Lava Field was formed after the eruption of the Laki Volcano (Lakagígar) in 1783 that almost wiped out the entire Iceland. Lava and poisonous gas blanket the nation, causing not just nationwide famine, but affected countries in Europe as well. For eight months between 1783 and 1784, lava flowed through Iceland, covering 600 square kilometres, and was recorded as the third largest flow of lava after the end of the Ice Age. Countries like Great Britain experienced a Sand Summer because of the ash, and during this period, the eruption blocked out much of the sunlight in Europe.

After the ash and lava settled, the Eldraun Lava Field emerged, a vast 218 square miles (565 sq kilometres) of land covered with nothing but asphalt and Woolly Fringe Moss on bumpy mounds.

Tip: If you’re visiting the alien-like field, be careful not to damage the moss, which takes decades to grow.

Did you know: The field doesn’t just look unusual, it actually has a unique texture as well. In fact, it was the training ground for the Apollo 11 crew to prepare for their moonwalk.

Where to see it:
The Eldhraun Lave Field and its over 200 caves are located north of the Lake Laufbalavatn, on the south coast of Iceland, right before you reach the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. You can self-drive there and head to the village to check out the exhibition Mosar (Moss) to learn about the birth of this unusual lava field.

It’s a vision of blue, with the hues’ vividness differing one shade or two depending on the amount of sun rays hitting the water. Also known as the Blue Pond, this water feature in Biei, Hokkaido came about as a result of works carried out on the nearby Biei River following the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi. To protect the Biei town from the overflowing of volcanic mudflows, a dam was erected on the Biei River, with the Blue Pond, one of many, forming as a by-product of the change in the river dynamics.

Its current shape and form have evolved since its accidental formation, and its gorgeous shades of colors are derived from natural sources. The waters of the Biei River are streamed down from the cliffs where the Shirahige Falls flow. The waters of the Shirogane Hot Springs from Mount Tokachi mix with the aluminum from the cliff to reach a bluish tint that only brightens or deepens depending on weather and seasons. Other elements like sulfur and lime play their part in the mesmerising hues of the pond. These substances make their way into the pond’s waters and whiten the rocks resting at its bottom, providing the blank canvas to the pond’s waters to shine.

What adds to the Biei Pond’s allure are also the partly submerged trees that envelop the pond. These trees are known as the Japanese Larch and Silver Birch trees, while some are a lush green, there’s a substantial number that has withered, which strangely add to the stunning sight of the Biei Pond.

When to visit:

It really depends on what shade of blue you prefer. For a bright cobalt blue, then the period between May to June, the turn of Spring to Summer, makes the perfect time to visit. The weather during this period makes it ideal for photography, with clear blue skies and lack of rain. On some days, the waters here may be so still that it offers a stunning reflection and a great photo op.

Otherwise, the pond changes into a dreamy emerald at the hint of Spring, when melting snow and rainwater infuse with the ponds waters. While the waters remain an intense shade of blue, autumn injects a pop of orange/red in its surrounding trees, creating a vibrant picture.

If you love yourself a frosty pale blue, year end is the best time to visit. The white withering, snow-covered trees and the pastel blue of the pond transport you to a dreamy, fairy-tale like landscape. It’s almost as though you’ve entered the frosty world of Narnia, when it was controlled by the white witch.

How to get there:

There are tour buses from Sapporo that visitors can take to visit the pond. Alternatively, you can always do a self-drive here while touring central Hokkaido.

It’s like a little slice of charm amidst old, grey buildings in Fairfax, Lose Angeles. Any visit to the City of Angels should include a trip to the Original Farmer’s Market and The Grove outdoor shopping mall adjacent to it.

The historic landmark of Farmer’s Market is one of my favorite places in the city. With its origin dated back to the 1880s, it has evolved through the decades to become a shopping and dining spot for both locals and tourists. What makes it appealing is how it fuses the old and new. While it retains its original charm of a farmer’s market with produce stalls offering fresh fruits, greens, cheeses and meats alongside grocers, it now features and extensive dining area with over 40 restaurants featuring cuisines from all corners of the globe.

Back in 1880, Arthur Fremont Gilmore and his partner from Illinois arrived in Los Angeles and bought two dairy farms, with Gilmore owning the current Farmer’s Market and his partner taking the plot that’s now called The Grove. They split after a decade’s partnership with Gilmore taking over the two plots of land, combining The Farmer’s Market and Grove. The area started to attract nearby farmers who sell their fresh produce to local residents, planting the roots of the market we know today. In 1934, farmers, grocers and restaurateurs moved into their permanent stalls and the new Farmer’s Market was established.

If you visit the Farmer’s Market today, you’ll spot a Gilmore Oil Station near its entrance, an oddity among grocers surrounding it. Back in early 1900s, oil was discovered beneath the land and the Gilmore Oil Company was established. No longer functioning, this oil station is now a popular photo opp for visitors.

Did You Know: The Farmer’s Market has close ties with Hollywood. Ave Gardner was known to pop by to try on summer hats, while Marilyn Monroe was on hand for the opening of one of the stalls back in the day- Michael’s Cheesecake. Frank Sinatra and even The Beatles dropped by to visit its food outlets.

The iconic Clock Tower at the Farmer’s Market is noticeable from a distance. Erected in 1948, it now sits atop Starbucks and is a nod to 20 original tenants who shaped the heart and soul of the market into what it is today.

There are really three main activities to engage in at this landmark- Dine, shop and relax. If you’re here to eat, never just settle on one place. Walk around to survey the options and pick a few to try out their food. There are pizza joints, hot dog stalls (selling gourmet hot dogs!), coffee havens and dessert paradise. Eat your way through the area before popping by The Grove for some shopping (and possibly more eating).

While the Farmer’s Market has shops selling interesting trinkets, handmade products and souvenirs, it’s The Grove that you’ll be spending most of your time at. The Grove is an outdoor shopping mall that’s designed with a garden concept in mind. Here, you have all the brands you’re familiar with- Gap, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Nordstrom and more. There’s even a cinema, Cheesecake Factory, and other small dining outlets.

What makes it different from other shopping malls despite its similar offerings is how the entire area is themed. With its center featuring an animated fountain, The Grove fans out into its numerous retail, dining and entertainment options with paths in all directions.

Its fountain features a water show themed to music that plays every hour. Linking the shopping strip from one end to another is an old-fashioned trolley that transports shoppers tired from all that walking.

With its outdoor concept, The Grove makes the perfect spot for a morning of relaxation and people-watching. There’s nothing better than to have a cup of coffee in your hand, and settling down on a bench in front of the fountain and soak in the bustling atmosphere. You might even find yourself being drafted to be an extra on the show “Extra” by E! Television. Hosted by Mario Lopez, The Grove is the filming spot of the program and shoppers often get invited to be part of the show.

They look like wizards’ pointed hats from far, jagged cone-shaped mounts blanketed with greenery, soaring as high as over 60 meters. These are the Duncansby Stacks of the most north-easterly part of the Scottish mainland.

You can admire these stacks from the adjacent Duncansby Head, where there’s a Highland Walk that you can take to soak in the picturesque seaside view. The cliffs around the area are a result of eroded red sandstone from the harsh environmental conditions, and its closeness to the sea. The Duncansby Stacks were once part of these cliffs, but the erosion shattered these sandstones and washed away parts of it, with the remaining stubborn structures now protruding from the sea as the Duncansby Stacks, looking as though they have risen from the sea.

Apart from the Great Duncansby Stacks, you’ll be able to come across (depending on what season), a wide range of sea birds like the Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Great Skuas, Fulmars and more at the Duncansby Head, which is near John o’ Groats, a popular village, because it’s at one end of the longest distance between two inhabited British points on the mainland, with Land’s End in Cornwall lying 876 miles (1,410 km) to the southwest. However, John o’ Groats isn’t exactly the northerly point on the island of Britain, nearby Dunnet Head, where Duncansby Head is, is further north. But few will make the visit to the extreme end, which is a mere few miles east from the village.

From John o’ Groats, you can easily drive to Duncansby Head (if you choose to walk, its three km per way), where the Dunnet Head lighthouse, built in 18231, is indicative of the start of the Highland Walk. There’s a map you can grab to indicate the different features you’ll encounter during you walk. The sea view is to your left, and you don’t have to walk for long before you encounter the Duncansby Stacks. People typically turn back here, but you can actually venture further, where you might meet more creatures, and definitely more sea.

Tip: wear durable shoes and prepare for funky weather with raincoats. Being so close to the sea means the weather can change almost instantly.