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 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.

When you travel as often as I do, you start to become a bit bored of the traditional, cliche resorts and tourist locations. While it’s great to check out Cancun and Cabo San Lucas every so often, there is something truly magical about finding uncharted territory.

Just last winter, my wife and I both had a bit of time off from work. We wanted to get away from the harsh New York weather and head somewhere warm, but we were tired of those same Caribbean destinations that we’ve been to dozens of times already. We only had 3-5 days to work with, so going anywhere too far was out of the question.

This led to us doing some research. When we came across Tulum, we were both a bit ignorant. We had no idea where it was or what it had to offer — just that everyone who had gone there in the past seemed to love it. That was good enough for us. We packed our bags and headed out just a few weeks later.

Where is Tulum?

Well, for starters, it is located in the bottom tip of Mexico.

Because you’re in Mexico, you are all but guaranteed great weather without having to travel for 8+ hours on a plane. It has often been said that the absolute best time to visit Tulum is any time between October and December.

During this time, the weather reaches its absolute perfect temperature — sunny, but not too hot or too chilly. You may catch some rain if you go in June, September, or October, but that is to be expected when you travel anywhere tropical during hurricane months.

How to get to Tulum

Because Tulum has yet to be discovered by the main tourist population, it is still a bit of a hidden gem. Unfortunately, this makes getting there somewhat of a hassle, as there is no major airport in sight. You are going to have to inevitably grab a flight to Cancun and travel a solid 2+ hours via taxi from the airport.

Luckily, you can fly in Business Class using points to Tulum. A flight from JFK to CUN is just 30,000 Delta miles. If you are looking for ways to rack up those points, check this list of the best credit cards for travel.

I suggest grabbing an Uber from Cancun to Tulum. Yes, believe it or not, Cancun does have Uber. While they don’t offer black cars or SUVs, the prices are super affordable. A 2 hour trip from Cancun to Tulum will cost you about $40.

Reasons to check out Tulum

• You must check out Hartwood, one of the best restaurants in the world, operated without electricity
• Most food is farm to table, which means that it’s fresh, healthy and delicious.
• The beaches are still pristine. While many beaches in other tourist-heavy areas have been used and abused, the beaches in Tulum remind me a bit of a deserted island. They are untouched and in beautiful condition.
• Everything is affordable. Again, the fact that it isn’t riddled with tourists means that the ones that have found it get a bit of a treat. Hostels are as cheap as $25 per night. Food is equally cheap — 18 pesos is equal to $1 USD.
• It’s a beach town. There is no congestion, no traffic, no chaos. Everyone rides bikes, eats outside and enjoys the scenery. It is truly a serene spot to relax and unwind.

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It’s like a storybook village, lifted right out from medieval fables. Perched on a cliff above the River Lot, clusters of old-fashioned houses made from stone or wood with flat-tiled roofs lined labyrinthine cobbled alleys, surrounding the cliff with a few fortresses resting at its crown.

The ancient Saint-Cirq Lapopie is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and it’s not difficult to see why. Walking through the quaint village is like entering a time portal to the past, where terraced gardens bloom with flowers, cracks and creepers add character to its buildings and a warm and friendly atmosphere fills the village.

Dating to as far back as the 10^th century, the picturesque village of St Cirq in the Occitanie region belies a tumultuous past. Towards the end of the Middle Ages saw the village warring with religious fanatics and English invaders.  Between the 14^th and 15^th century, the hundred years war caused the village to land in the hands of various powers, and in the 16^th century, it was at the forefront of the French religious wars between the Roman Catholics and the Protestant Huguenots. The ravages of these conflicts left their marks, adding various characteristics to the village.

Today, the Saint-Cirq-Lapopie charms with its art galleries, homely restaurants and lush greenery. Modernity is almost non-existent here, evidenced only by tourists armed with cell phones and DSLR cameras. To maintain the old-world feel of the village, electricity cables and telephone wires are buried under eaves and cobbles, while television antennae are hidden in lofts. Here, you can’t find any signs of billboards, neon lights or satellite dishes. Parking lots are carefully planned such that vehicles can be diverted to areas that won’t clash with the aesthetics of the village.

The village is housed within fortified gates and has 13 historic buildings. One of the village’s highlights are the various chateaux that overflows with its rich history. There are three main fortresses that still stand proudly at the peak of the cliff, despite in various states of ruins. Walking through them still evokes a sense of deep history. The Chateau de Cénevières goes back to the 13^th century and is a Renaissance beauty. Listed as a historical site in 1957, its current owners warmly welcome visitors to explore the castle and to admire the sweeping view of the valley beneath from its terraces. You get a good sense of its past from touring the castle’s vast expanse of rooms- from the kitchens to the guardrooms, chapel, dungeon to its living quarters.

Did you know: if you’ve fallen in love with the place, there’s good news. You can rent the castle for events such as weddings, meetings or even christening.

The Châteaux des Anglais may be one of the most unique structures you’ll see. Instead of being on land, it’s actually carved out from the side of the cliff, embedding into the limestone walls of the Lot Valley cliffs. Its one-of-a-kind architecture was erected out of necessity, to provide the villagers with protection in times of attacks.

Built in the 10^th century, The Fort at Saint Cirq Lapopie, built on the highest part of the rock at the top of the cliff, you can only see the leftover ruins of a structure that once protected the village from many attacks. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top to soak in the breath-taking view it offers, while imagining its once violent past.

Just below the fortresses, you’ll find an imposing Roman Gothic style church from the 15^th century. While the church interior is nothing to shout about, it offers a panoramic view of the village below it.

The historic center of the Saint-Cirq Lapopie is village’s crown jewel. Craft shops lovingly display the nifty handiwork of its village people, cozy cafes offer wholesome meals and its villagers are welcoming.

Near the village, along the river is where you can find old mills and buildings that give you an inkling of what villagers from centuries ago used to do.

How to Get There

Quite off the beaten track, getting to the Saint-Cirq Lapopie may require a small effort. Because of its location deep in the valley, between the river and cliffs. Wherever you come from, you’ll still have to traverse some steep winding paths before you get to the village. The good news is, the journey there is filled with plenty of flowers and greenery, making it a delightful journey.

The nearest airport is Toulouse, where there direct flights from big cites. From there, you can rent a car and drive to the nearest assigned parking lots near the village. The journey should take just under two hours.

Tip: since it was named France’s most beautiful village in 2012, the Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has been overrun with tourists. If you wish to visit, avoid the summer months where you have to arm-wrestle with each other to take decent images.

Image sources: tourisme-lot.com, Photorendu.com, Les Sportifs, Chateaux de France, Americaine Girl

Easter Island is probably one of those places that you’ve heard of but knew absolutely nothing about.

It’s not a sunny island with giant eggs hidden amongst lush bushes. There are giant structures alright, but in the form of large stony sculptures, whose appearance are as mysterious as the origin of the island’s inhabitants. Enormous (around 13-feet or 4 meters tall) figures carved with huge faces and small torsos are dotted around the island, over 900 of them, as are the few inhabitants currently residing on this Polynesian Triangle, it is almost literally in the middle of nowhere, and that begs the question of why and how did its early settlers discover it?

Today, the island is a World Heritage site because of its untouched appearance and of course, those puzzling big rocks with faces on them. Before what it is now, the island had already undergone a whole life-cycle, from isolation to a thriving period followed by complete depletion of resources that led to an abandonment of the island.

The origin

Much has been studied about the early settlers of Easter Island. It wouldn’t much of a deal had it been other islands, but we’re talking about a remote speck of land in the middle of nowhere. These colonisers must have had great determination to sail so far out to explore new lands.

It was believed that the Polynesians are most likely the first settlers on the island, as far back as 700 to 850 A.D. A Chilean island in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean, the island has a geographical advantage, flourishing with trees and wildlife, complemented with rushing rivers and peaking mountains, a complete nature’s paradise.

Archaeological efforts reveal three different periods, although the first two were relatively peaceful. In fact, it would seemed the population was flourishing, with their attention turning to the creation of huge statues known as moai. The third period, post 1680, was the most eventful, with civil wars and much physical destruction. Many statues were toppled during this phase. Word has is that the two main ethnic groups, the Short- Ears and the Long-Ears, were at odds after years of co-existing peacefully, resulting in many deaths and destruction.

To make matters worse, overpopulation and deforestation led to depletion of the island’s natural resources. By the time Europeans arrive in 1722, they saw a very different Easter Island than when it was first discovered. By the late 1800s, the local population dwindled to the low 100s from an estimated 3000 one century ago.

The Name

To its native Polynesian inhabitants, it’s known as Rapa Nui, but to the rest of the world, it’s a cheery sounding Easter Island. The name was coined by the island’s first European visitor- Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen. He landed on Rapa Nui on Easter Sunday, 5 April, 1722. His discovery was accidental, he was actually in search of Davis or David’s island. He officially named the island Paasch-Eyland, the Dutch name for Easter Island.

The Statues

No one knows for sure what these giant statues represent (the biggest figure measures at a staggering 32 feet high). There’s no written record or inscriptions on any of these statues, leaving archaeologists as stumped as the rest of us on just why the Moai were created. More puzzling was the question of transportation of these Moai. Strewn throughout the island, they must have been moved from their original spot to their current positions but the more important question is- why?

What experts did find out was that between the first and the second (1050 to 1680) periods, there were evidence that large statues were destroyed and rebuilt to be even larger than they used to be.

The most popular theory is these large carvings were created to honor the ancestors, chieftains or important figures that led the population then. Sounds pretty legit.

Easter Island Now

Tourism is the biggest industry for Easter Island today. People from all over flock to the island to witness the statues they’re used to seeing on digital wallpapers. There are many Moai sites, but they all have the same rule- do not damage any of them. They are mostly placed in the middle of an expansive fields, allowing for gorgeous shots.

Water sports is one of the more popular activities to engage in, like snorkelling, scuba-diving and body-surfing. Easter Island has two stunning beaches. The more widely known Anakena lies on the island’s northern shore, where swaying palm trees line the white sandy beach. There’s also Moai found here. This shoreline is believed to be where the island’s first settlers landed.

Enveloped by plunging cliffs, the more secluded Ovahe beach has a breath-taking view. It’s not easy to get to. A precarious path leads down to the beach from the cliff, reached best by foot.

Land sports can be enjoyed on Easter Island as well. Due to the island’s topography, some parts cannot be assessed by vehicles, which means visitors will have to either hike, or go horseback riding.

If you’re the really adventurous sort (which you probably are if you go all the way out to this Island), visit some caves. There are plenty here, and some with openings so small you’ll have to crawl through. Some of them can get quite deep and farm out to an extensive cave networks. Always bring a torch and never venture them alone.

Culture is a vital part of the Rapa Nui folks. Soak in their way of life when you’re here. There’s a two-week Tapati Festival (the world’s largest Polynesian Festival) that occurs around end of January and stretches to February, celebrating local customs.

How to get There

It’s more convenient than you think. The island is part of Chile, so there are domestic flights from Santiago that serves the island. There are also flights in from Tahiti as well.

Tip: the best time to visit is during January to March, where the weather is a combination of wind and warmth, although in general the weather is pretty pleasant whole year round.

Sadly, the one thing that gives Easter Island an air of mystery is slowly disappearing. Weather beaten through years of exposure is slowly eroding the sculptures, converting them to large stony blocks. If you’ve got it on your bucket list, don’t wait too long to visit.

Picture Source: Wikipedia

Steep, jagged cliffs parted by plunging valleys and accented with cascading waterfalls flowing  down the edges into meandering rivers and calming pools. Surrounded by lush greenery that blanket the mountains, it creates one hell of a surrealistic picture.

Tucked away in Jiaozuo City in China’s Henan province is this little piece of heaven known as the Yuntaishan World Geopark – a hiker’s dream, a nature lover’s paradise and a photographer’s delight.

Be prepared to drink in breath-taking sights and embark on long periods of trekking at the Geopark. Yuntaishan’s landscape is unusually striking, with soaring cliffs juxtaposed with deep winding  valleys and complemented with mesmerizing waterscapes. There are in all, 36 mountains and 20 caves to explore, and plenty of waterscapes to admire.

Did you know: The Yuntaishan Geopark was named as a UNESCO World Geopark in 2004 and is a sister park with the Songshan World Geopark, Wudalianchi World Geopark, Wangwushan-Daimeishan World Geopark in China, Langkawi Geopark in Malaysia and Grand Canyon National Park in America.

Here are some key sights to see when you’re visiting the Yuntaishan Geopark.

1. Red Rock Valley

The Red Rock Valley  or the Hongshi Valley, named after the quartz sandstones  that create the valley, forms the centerpiece of the Yuntaishan World Geopark. The valley sports an unusual wave design, formed from centuries of weathering and crust movements, and is easily the most scenic spot in the Geopark. The natural but artfully formed landscape of the Red Rock Valley earns it the nickname of “God’s Bonsai Valley”, with over 11 scenic spots stretching over 1,500 meters long. You probably need around one and a half hours to explore the area, split into three parts (upper, middle and lower). Apart from the quarts sandstones, you can marvel at limestone formations from over one million years back and one of the most ancient rocks in the world.

When here, you have to visit the Bailong Pool (White Dragon Pool), divided into three layers and covering 60 meters. From above, the pool looks like a magnificent white flying dragon, hence its name.

2. Macaque Valley

The Geopark is home to an unusually high number of wild macaques, who thrive in the chilly weather and steep mountainous environment. The species here have adapted to their surroundings, developing lung fur, lithe bodies and are superbly agile. Visitors here can catch the free macaque shows that happen six times a day. Dedicate around one hour to explore the area.

3. Qinglong Valley

Known as the “Vastest valley of Mount Yuntai”, the Qinglong valley is one of the more scenic locations in the area, with clear springs, gushing waterfalls and winding streams contrasting with the cliffs and mountains. The Qinglong Peak, at a soaring 1323 meters (almost three of the height of the Empire State building, right up to its tip), is the highest point in the area.

4. Zhuyu Peak

The peak was named after a line in famous poet Wang Wei’s poetry works. At the top, you have a sweeping view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Do stop and appreciate the greenery here, the Zhuyu peak is home to rare ancient trees like Taxus and Acer mono, which are over a thousand years old.

5. Tanpu Valley( Pool Waterfall Valley)

If you love waterfalls, you’ll be thrilled with this valley, filled over a dozen waterfalls competing with one another for the most stunning title. Apart from that, there’re also springs and cliffs to admire while you explore the waterfalls in the area.

6. Quanbu Valley

Formed over half a million years ago, you’re treading on ancient grounds at the Quanbu Valley. A hike here will see you chancing upon bubbling springs from underground, trickling streams and rushing waterfalls. This is where you get to come up close to the highest waterfall in China- the Yuntai waterfall, rising to an impressive 314 meters (that’s almost the height of the Empire State Building). The waterfall hangs at the edge of the Quanpu valley, so you can expect a bit of a walk before you come across this beauty. To explore the valley, dedicate around two and a half hours.

7. Fenglin Valley

Like the rest of the valleys here, the Fenglin Valley has plunging gorges contrasted with staggering peaks, but what makes it special is its lake. The calming pool of water is positioned in such a way that it mirrors the picturesque landscape surrounding it, creating an enchanting image that’s any photographer’s dream.

8. Diecai Cave

When in the Yuntai World Geopark, you gotta visit a cave or two,  and the Diecai Cave makes a good cave adventure. It took a decade to construct the cave, stretching over 4,800 meters long. The cave could be a tricky climb; with every 100 meters, there’s a five-meter ascension. The cave reaches a height of over 900 meters. Luckily, it is possible to drive through the cave, and it takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how skillful the driver is with negotiating the many turns in it.

Tip: Depending on when you visit, the colors here shift greatly. Autumn brings with it strong earthy hues of red and browns. Summer breathes in a whole lotta bright greens.  In spring, temperatures hover around degrees Celsius, and you can admire the blooms. Summers are best to admire the forests and waterfalls. Autumn gives the Yuntai Waterfall a gorgeous coat of browns and reds, while in winter, it’s like you’ve entered an icy paradise.

To relish in the beauty of the Yuntai World Geopark, avoid the Labor Holiday in May and China’s National Holidays in October; these periods usually bring in floods of visitors.

Image credits: Absolute China Tours, Yuntaishan.net

One moment you are a wizard, the next a medieval knight. You can do all these and more at the Alnwick Castle, an 11^th century castle in the town of Alnwick in the Northumberland county, England.

The castle has been home to the Percy family for the past 700 years, and had seen many changes. It was once a humble motte and bailey castle, which was essentially a fortified wooden/ stone keep on a raised hill. Years of transformation turned it into the palatial residence you see today. A visit to the Alnwick Castle includes a tour of the lavish state rooms, the impressive  towers and the network of dungeons.

The real draw of the Alnwick Castle, however,  are the activities you can do here. The quintessential medieval look of the castle makes it a perfect location for film and TV productions and two of the most famous productions shot here are the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey

The castle was featured in both the 2014 and 2015 Downton Abbey Christmas Special- the series finale. Filming took place in the state rooms, the castle grounds and the Hulne Abbey, so you might find some familiar sights here at Alnwick if you’re a faithful Downton Abbey fan.

There’s another bonus for Downton Abbey enthusiasts. The castle just started a Downton Abbey exhibition, complete with photographs, costumes and props from the filming of the two episodes. If you visit in groups, there’s an exclusive Downton Abbey State Rooms tour that you can register for (call local line 01665 511 184 to book or register your interest).

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Aspiring wizards can visit Alnwick to practice their broomstick flying skills. The castle grounds was the filming location of the scene where Harry and friends took their first flying lesson. If you remember, poor Neville Longbottom was figuring out what was in his memory ball when Draco Malfoy decided to grab it from him and take it on a flying spree, prompting Harry to go after him. At the same spot in the movie, there are resident “wizarding professors” teaching the increasingly popular broomstick training sessions. Trainees get to mount the broomsticks and get into positions for their take-off, or rather, to create that realistic take-off pose for the camera for impressing friends on social media.

There are daily sessions for Broomstick training, but do check out the What’s On board when you arrive at the castle for the times, because they’re different every day. Don’t go looking for the charges though, because it’s absolutely free with your admission ticket. And don’t be embarrassed if you’re not a kid, there’s no age limit for broomstick training.

Tip: Broomstick training sessions are popular, so if you’re visiting on a weekend or during the school holiday, you will need to collect a time-slot ticket upon your arrival from the Knight’s Quest professor.  Otherwise, you might be heading home without this basic wizarding skill.

Knight’s Quest

You have seen this in a million movies, courageous knights in shining armor saving the day. Now, you can be one by taking part in Knight’s Quest, based on the late medieval English Nobleman Harry Hotspur, who was born in Alnwick Castle and was known as Harry Hotspur. The quest was set in 1389, and visitors can dress up in all medieval costumes to get into character. There are outfits for both adult and children. Don’t be shy about feeling dressing up, the outfits really help to hurtle you back to centuries past.  You can then wander the castle and mingle with other “knights” and “ladies” in the castle and experience the medieval life you’ve seen in movies so many times.

The little ones can learn to create medieval crafts, taught by costumes artisans in the castle. There are different crafts being shown each day, ranging from creating pots, medieval tiles to writing an illuminated manuscript.

Perhaps the most exciting of Knight’s Quest is the Dragon Quest. Dressed as a courageous knight, you have to enter the dragon’s lair and go through a series of challenges (both mental and physical) to come up close with Northumberland’s most terrifying dragon and show your bravery.

Tip: Again, there isn’t any additional charge for you to live out your Medieval Knight’s fantasy, but do visit early so you get to pick and choose the medieval finery you fancy.

Arts and Collections

The Alnwick castle isn’t just all activities or lavish state rooms. It is also home to one of the country’s best private collection of art, furniture and ceramics.  You can also find a sizeable collection of Italian Renaissance art, including paintings and sculptures.

When you tour the state rooms, do look closely at the furniture, most with ornate craftsmanship with unique designs. Also don’t forget to look up, the wooden ceilings were artfully crafted by Alnwick’s School of Carving, as are the doors and window shutters. Word is that just one panel of the shutter took one craftsman a year to complete. That’s painstaking work, and also to illustrate how much effort took into perfecting the design.

If pretty porcelain is your thing, then Alnwick will set your heart into palpitations. Featuring mostly European pieces, there are ceramics collection here dates back centuries ago, with extensive services from the Meissen, Chelsea, and Paris factories.

Exhibitions

There are more than a handful of exhibitions at Alnwick for different interests. There’s an exhibit on the first World War and how the castle played a part in it, an exhibit on Harry Hotspur that showcased the life of Alnwick’s most famous resident, a peek into the castle’s cellars, where the Keeper of the Lost Souls leads you on a journey down the mysterious cellars and more.

Safe to say, you need to spend at least half a day at Alnwick Castle to wander around and partake in the activities here. If there’s a castle you absolutely have to visit, Alnwick is a pretty good pick. Not only does the castle structure itself appeals, but the activities, exhibits and its usage as a filming location. Throughout the year, there are also different events and activities, You can join The Knight’s School, Catch the Goblin Queen and Dragon, Or enroll in Archery Class. It’s like visiting multiple attractions in one place.

Tip: Alnwick Castle typically closes for the winter, so make sure you check that it’s open before you visit.

Adult tickets to the castle costs 14.95 pounds, while senior citizens get in at 11.95 pounds. Child tickets are at 6.97 pounds and those under five enter for free.

Tip: if you book your tickets online at AlnwickCastle.com, you enjoy a 10 percent discount.

Picture Sources: Wikipedia, AlnwickCastle.com, Warner Brothers, Dailymail.co.uk

At the turn of the 20^th century, it was a rundown village in a state of ruins, thanks to the English invasion. Today, the commune of Belcastel in Aveyron, with its soaring medieval castle that overlooks the village is a beckoning rustic sight that ranks among one of France’s most beautiful villages.

Preserving its medieval character, the village is lined with cobbled streets and stone-tiled houses. Most of the village and the castle, known as  Château de Belcastel, are separated by the River Aveyron and joined by an ancient 15^th century stone bridge.

If you’re a fan of the reality show The Quest, you’d feel you wish to live here. There are aged churches and buildings, there is even a ruined fort around one kilometer west of the village, for the die-hard medieval/ fantasy devotees to explore. The highlight of Belcastel, however, is its medieval castle.

Château de Belcastel

Despite being embattled, the castle remained unbeaten. Years of war may ravaged it, but its basic structure remains sturdy and is still a formidable sight to behold, considering it was built in the 9^th century. Declared a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture in 1928, the castle was discovered in ruins years later in 1974. Famed French architect Fernand Pouillon took it upon himself to restore the fortress since its abandonment during the 17^th century. Done painstakingly by hand, with help from a dozen Algerian stonemasons, 10 stained-glass masters and practically all the villagers in Belcastel, Pouillon toiled for eight years. The castle’s precarious position and lack of machinery used in the process create a more compelling story behind the arduous undertaking.

Today, visitors can marvel at the beauty of the restored castle and study in detail its growing collection of medieval armour and travelling exhibits of sculptures and paintings.

The chateau today belongs to a young American couple who welcome visitors to the castle between April and November.

There are a couple of ways to visit the castle, both offering a different experience. You can explore the castle on your own, like how a resident of Belcastel would back in the day, via the drawbridge through the polygonal five-tower enclosure flanked by imposing walls. Or you can opt for a tour that will bring you to the secret parts of the castle and understand in detail, Pouillon’s restoration efforts.

Other things to do

Belcastel isn’t a big village, so once you’re done with the chateau, head on over to the Forge Museum, where you can learn about how crafts were done in olden days without machinery. Here, you get to see how Blacksmiths, fishermen, and clog-makers weld weapons the old school way, a process far more worthy of marveling than say, the invention of robots. That and it makes you appreciate all the modern comforts we take for granted every day.

Tip: If you’re in the mood for some good food, the Restaurant Du Vieux Pont at Hotel Du Vieux Pont, is recommended. It’s said to be a favorite of the locals. Also, if you want to truly absorb the spirit of Belcastel, visit during July or August; there’re night markets planned on every Friday in July and the whole of August.

Beyond visiting the Chateau, take your time to walk around the village and explore. There are no ugly antennas sticking out of rooftops, no obnoxious drivers refusing to give way or traffic lights that look completely out of place in this quaint, peaceful settings. All you have is an air thick with history and culture, and you’ll feel for a brief few moments, that you exist in the past.

“Well, if there’s a bright center to the universe, you’re on the planet that it’s farthest from” , described Luke Skywalker about Tatooine. It’s a fitting narrative. His homeland is a desert wasteland that stretches for miles from his underground dwelling till it disappears into the horizon.

I’ve always thought that scenes of Tatooine from the Star Wars: A New Hope was filmed in Tunisia’s Tataouine. I was sold by the name. In reality, most of Tatooine’s scenes were filmed in the village of Matmata in southern Tunisia. If you’re a Star Wars fan, coming to Matmata is like making a pilgrimage.

Known for its troglodyte dwellings- traditional underground structures created by digging a large pit in the ground, Matmata’s history goes beyond two centuries. Early Berbers settled in the village and practically dug a whole settlement into the stone environment, some as deep as 10 meters. The habitat is well structured, with a central yard surrounded by rooms, or rather, caves. The underground level is for living, while the upper level is reserved for food and vegetation. Entrance to the village is through a funnel-like tunnel that fans out when you approach the central yard that houses animals.

Matmata’s desolate surroundings and unique subterranean living conditions offer the perfect backdrop for the humble beginnings of a would-be Jedi warrior in a galaxy far, far away.

The Home of Uncle Owen

The Hotel Sidi Driss should be the first place for any Star Wars devotee to visit, being the location of Uncle Owen Lars’ homestead. Like the rest of the buildings in the village, the hotel is built into the ground with a series of tiny caves. Open all year round, it’s kept in almost the same condition as how it appeared in A New Hope back in 1977. Movie decorations were taken down after filming for A New Hope wrapped, but was rebuilt for Attack of the Clones. The hotel has five pits, of which four have rooms, and the fifth- the Star Wars pit, is actually the hotel’s restaurant. Before 1995, the room was used for storage, but a fan restored it to the original movie state. Today, you can actually dine here, totally reliving the scenes filmed here, and probably making it the closest you’ll get to be part of Star Wars.

If you’re hard core fan, book a room for an unusual overnight experience. For 20 USD, you get a room, dinner and even breakfast. Being underground means the rooms can get a little damp. And let’s not forget, Matmata is a simple village in the middle of the desert, so expect minimal amenities in the rooms. Each cave (or room) has a bed with basic Berber furnishings. You’ll also have to bear with communal toilet and shower facilities. But to wake up in the same place that Luke Skywalker once stayed, it might be worth your effort.

More than Star Wars
Beyond Star Wars, a visit to Matmata should include a quick lesson on Matmata’s history. There is a tiny museum behind Hotel Sidi Driss documenting the town’s history and gives visitors a peek into a typical villager’s daily life, with mocked up kitchens, bedrooms and dining rooms.

If you can, try visiting other cave dwellings without outdated futuristic props from the movie for a better representation of Berber living.

How Long Should You Visit?
There’s really no need to spend more than a night in Matmata. Make it part of your pit-stop on your holiday in the area. If you’re on a Star Wars pilgrimage, head over to Tatauoine to visit the well-preserved granary vaults featured in The Phantom Menace.

It’s easy to get to Matmata from Tunis, with daily bus service via Sfax and Sousse. You can also drive there, which takes around 45 minutes from Gabes.

Matmata may be a place of Star Wars discovery, but it is still  raw and untainted by commercialization resulting from tourism. Don’t visit expecting modern amenities and facilities. Be prepared to rough it out here. But for those who want to live and breathe Star Wars, a trip to Matmata awaits.

Have you visited Matmata before? Is it worth making the trip?

Trivia: Did you know that Matmata was used as a mission map in Call of Duty 2, as part of the North African campaign?

Pictures from Wikipedia and Pinterest.

The Romantic Road- a winding path of picturesque sights, enchanting towns and charming castles that ends off with a flourish at the Bavarian town of Fussen, set against the glorious backdrop of the Alps. Fussen is known for its castles, beautiful lakes and the ancient former abbey of St. Mang. Most importantly, the town is right next to the castle where fairy tales are spun from- the Neuschwanstein Castle. You only need to spend around two to three days in Fussen to soak in its wealth of sights.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Most visitors to Fussen have only one goal in mind- to visit the real Disney castle.  Peeking through the mountains like the mystical castle in The Neverending story, The Schloss Neuschwanstein is designed by Bavarian King Ludwig himself. With assistance from a stage designer in place of an architect, the collaboration resulted in a fairy-tale like castle that fleshed out the mad king’s whimsical state of mind.

Ludwig was fascinated with medieval knights and the romanticism of the Middle Ages, resulting in the idea of building a romantic medieval castle against a dreamy mountain setting.  Started in 1869, his grand plan was to use his masterpiece castle as a stage to bring to life the world of Germanic mythology recreated in operatic form by composer, theatre director Richard Wagner. The most lavish part of the castle is the Sängersaal or the Minstrels’ Hall, where wall frescos play out scenes from the opera Tannhäuser. Concerts are held in the hall every September.

The castle was sadly never finished and Lugwig himself, despite his ambitions for his castle, only spent 160 days here. Some completed parts of the castle include his themed bedroom, drowned by an enormous Gothic-styled bed capped with elaborate spire carvings, an artificial grotto, mosaic flooring with over two million stones and more.

Tip: when visiting the castle, don’t forget to glance out the windows. Almost every window in the huge castle lends view to haltingly beautiful sights.

At the end of your castle tour, you can watch a 20-minute film on the castle to peek into Ludwig’s quirky mind.

Tip: Always make advanced reservations, the peak season is from June to August, so take note when visiting. Tourists here during the peak season without reservations can easily wait up to a few hours.

When visiting Neuschwanstein, make time to walk the suspension footbridge behind it. Here you can take in the stunning view of Neuschwanstein, with the neigboring Schloss Hohenschwangau in the background.

Hohenschwangau Castle

There’s another popular castle in Fussen, rebuilt from12^th century ruins of Schwangau knights by Ludwig’s father, King Maximillian II, into the neo-Gothic styled Schloss Hohenschwangau. Definitely more understated than Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau is a more homely castle splashed with a romantic touch from the Gothic era. Set designer Domenik Quaglio painted the walls with legends from German history, especially of the Swan Knight, Lohengrin. A visit here gives visitors a better understanding of Ludwig’s fanciful castle idea- he was raised here, amongst a sea of medieval imagery.

A visit to the Hohenschwangau castle can be on its own or combined with the Neuschwanstein. It’s open all year round from 9am to 6pm from April to September and 10am to 4pm from October to March, except for Christmas.

St Mang’s Abbey

This century old church is a former Benedictine monastery. A visit here is a throwback to early 9^th century when it was built. Still beautifully maintained, the architecture withstood the test of time and still awes with its sturdy craftsmanship. The wall murals, gilded artwork and detailed statues are marvellous works of art and beautifully preserved. The church is known for its choir and Sunday masses. Visitors are welcome to join in on Sundays.

Tip: After visiting the abbey, so walk around it to the park and river for a relaxing scenic view of the quaint Fussen town.

Fussen’s shimmering lakes

Fussen is known for its lakes, which offer soothing sights and allow for activities.

Getting to Fussen

It’s easy to get to Fussen. You can get there from Munich via many connections, with direct trains departing every two hours. The cheapest tickets costs 22€ on a round trip. For an even more economical way to get to Fussen, take the bus tours from the Munich train station. Most bus operators will eve throw in a visit to Neuschwanstein.