How to Convert Currency

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The Opera House in Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Opera House . . . the symbol of the city of Sydney, Australia.  One of the most recognized buildings in the world.  And in 2007, it was formally recognized as one of the outstanding places on the earth with its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Visit the Sydney Opera House website and learn more.

Think about this . . .

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable.  It is designed to make its own people comfortable.      --  Clifton Fadiman

Hiroshima, Japan

Sights you won’t want to miss:

• See the famous Atomic Bomb Dome – the symbol of the Peace Park

• Peace Park and Museum  – you’ll want to spend some valuable time in the Museum

• Hiroshima Castle

• Shukkeien Park   – this garden/park sits right downtown Hiroshima and was beautifully reconstructed after the atomic bomb blast

Other Highlights:

• See the Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine  – the beautiful Red shrine pavillions

• Take a leisurely cruise on the Hiroshima River

• Visit the Mazda Museum

Movies to watch before you go:

• Lost in Translation

• White Light, Black Rain

• HBO Series – The Pacific

• The Last Samurai

• Shall We Dance (Foreign,  1996 Version)

Books to Read before you go:

• Hiroshima by John Hersey

Foods to enjoy in Japan:

Foods in Hiroshima are pretty much what you would find in all parts of Japan, including:

• Fresh fish

• Crisp vegetables, rice, bean curd – all enjoyed with a cup of tea

• Tempura, teppanyaki and sushi

• Have a cold Japanese beer  –  Kirin or Sapporo

• Sip chilled  Sake

Did you know?

• Hiroshima is home to Mazda Motor Corporation

• The professional baseball team in Hiroshima is call the Hiroshima “Carp”

Sources:

• Hiroshima, the City of Water Tourism
• Wiki-Travel – Hiroshima Travel Guide

The Mysterious Moai Statues of Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island . . . one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.  Home of the famous stone Moai statues.  How were they carved?  How were they moved?  What were they looking at?  This remote island has lots of questions and very few answers.  Visit the Sacred Sites website and learn more about Easter Island – Rapa Nui.  And once you know more, you’ll want to visit Easter Island and see these Moai statues for yourself.

Travel Saver Tip

      This could be a trip saver . . .

                      As you travel to your destination, keep all of your medications with you in your hand luggage  –  not in your checked suitcase.  Also, keep these medications in their original containers

The Water Town of Zhujiajiao, China

Have you already been to Shanghai and think that you don’t need to go back?  Let us suggest that you discover one of Shanghai’s hidden treasures, the old water town of Zhujiajiao.  This town dates back over 1,700 years and is considered one of the best preserved ancient towns of the area.  You’ll see old bridges, ancient streets paved with stones, water canals, and houses dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties.  You must take the ride on the wooden tour boats!  Plan to spend the day in this hidden gem!