Author: amojamoja

Researcher by choice Wanderer by chance.

Prelude To Sapporo Snow Festival

Considered as one of the largest and most distinctive winter event, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually for a week in February (usually during the 1st to 2nd week). There are 3 main sites of the festival: Odori Park where the large snow sculptures are displayed, Susukino with the ice sculptures and Tsudome with the giant snow slides.

A Tinge Of Setsubun

Japanese celebrate Setsubun by throwing soybeans either out the door or at a person wearing an Oni (demon or ogre) mask. This is done to ward off evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health. This custom known as mamemaki was originally introduced by the Chinese during the 8th century.

Hokkaido’s Penchant For Taxidermy

Either you are at a university or a museum, a park or a resting area, a restaurant or a souvenir shop located in Hokkaido, you will definitely notice at least one taxidermied animal. Their fondness to taxidermy is very obvious, with the basic reason of showcasing the animals native to Hokkaido.

Birds Of Perth

Australia is famous for exotic animals. So when I was in Perth for less than a week, I was fascinated with the different birds I saw flying freely around the city. It was nice to see birds other than crows.

100th Year of Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling is a gin-based cocktail developed in 1915 by a Hainanese bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar located inside the Raffles Hotel. Widely regarded as the national drink of Singapore, the Singapore Sling was celebrating its 100th year in 2015.

Great Wall Of China

The majority of the existing walls at the Great Wall of China now was made during the Ming Dynasty. However, some of the walls have been built as early as 7th century BCE. The most famous of which are the walls built by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The walls served as protection of the Chinese empire from raids and invasions by nomadic group, and as a border control. The entirety of the Great Wall is measuring about 21,196 km.

The Frozen Shirahige Waterfalls

The word shirahige means white beard and the name was coined as the water flowing alongside the rocks resembled white beard. The beautiful splash of cobalt blue is created by the water spring beneath the rocks and the impact of the water plunging to the rocks below. The waterfalls which stands more than 30 meters tall can be best viewed from the helix bridge.

Mihama American Village In Okinawa

Located near the American military bases is an an entertainment complex called Mihama American Village. The entertainment complex resembles a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and a movie theater. There are shops selling American brand clothing, second-hand American decorations and toys, as well as military-themed clothes and accessories. The most recognizable feature of the American Village is the large Ferris Wheel.

Throwback Trips: Ooyaji Temple

The Oyaji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect that was built in a hollowed cave at the foot of a rocky cliff. It was established in the year 810 by the Japanese Buddhist monk, Kobo-Daishi (also known as Kuukai).

Foodtrip In Philly

Philadelphia is famous for its Philly Cheese Steak, but it was not the only one we enjoyed during our stay in Philly. For 3 nights, we had different tastes of gastronomic fun. I think we had our dinner at 3 of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.

Okinawa Theme Parks

During my trip in Okinawa, I have visited 3 theme parks: the Ocean Expo Park, the Okinawa World and the Nago Pineapple Park. I went twice at the Ocean Expo Park, the second time as part of my second Okinawa Bus tour destinations at the same time with Nago Pineapple Park. My first Okinawa Bus tour includes the Okinawa World.

The Wonders Of Ifugao Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved by hand by the indigenous people living in the mountains if Ifugao. Terraces were constructed as a practical solution to the problem of growing rice on mountanous land like Banaue. Because of its scenic beauty, it was called by the Filipinos the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.