Ayder Plateau (Rize)

It is located in the eastern part of Black Sea region. Administratively, it is located in Camlihemsin province. According to the naturalists and photographers, Ayder is the most beautiful one in Turkey. It is a good place for picnic and entertaining activities. In summer, Ayder is full of with people from coming both Rize and neighbour cities. If you go to Ayder one day, you'll also see Firtina River.

Uzungol Plateau (Trabzon)

It is located in Trabzon. Uzungol and Sumela Monastry are the most well-known places of Trabzon. Uzungol means “long lake”. There is a beautiful lake in this plateau to see. Uzungol attracts especially Turkish tourists and every year almost one million people go to Uzungol to see its beauty. There are hotels and camping regions there. You can participate in fishing and trekking activities while you are in Uzungol.

Bektas Plateau (Giresun)

It is located in Giresun, where it is always green. It is between Dereli and Bulancak towns and near Yoruk Hill. Whole plateau is covered with wildflowers. There is no water, electricity and telecommunication problem in Bektas Pleatau different from other ones. In winter, Bektas is covered with snow and melting continues to the onset of summer. Inhabitans of Bektas celebrate the coming of summer with a festival every year. Tourists can participate in climbing, skiing, walking and trekking activities.

Rikugien

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Rikugien is one of Tokyo's lovelies landscaped gardens, filled with gorgeous maple and cherry trees. Visit in autumn when the leaves turn into shades of red, amber and gold. Built in 1702 by feudal lord Yabagisawa Yoshiyasu, who is famous for his literary accomplishments, Rikugien means "six poems garden". It is said that 88 scenes from the famous poem were recreated along the path surrounding the pond. It will take about an hour to wander around the pond, forested areas and tea houses. In fact, you may quickly forget that you're in one of the world's largest bustling cities.

Showa Kinen Park

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Built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's reign, this huge park is filled with maple trees. Meander along the tree-lined paths or go cycling, boating or jogging here. Enjoy bird-watching in the bird sanctuary, splash water in the Water Playland or visit the Children's Forest, where the highlight is the "Foggy Woods" area covered in artificial fog. There is also a Flower Tree Garden that features gorgeous cherry trees.

Meiji Jingu

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One of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, Meiji Jingu was build in 1920 as a dedication to the souls of Emperor Meiji, the emperor of modern Japan, and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located in a wooded park area next to the popular Yoyogi Park, the shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.

Various events and festivals are help throughout the year. The Imperial family members, particularly the current Emperor and Empress, frequent the shrine during special occasions. The shrine is packed on holiday, such as January 1 and November 3 (Emperor Meiji's birthday). Many weddings are help here too, and it is common to see solemn processions led by a temple priest with traditional wear. Sometimes you will also see small children dressed in kimonos and accompanied by their parents to get blessings at the temple.

Tokyo Tower

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The Tokyo Tower has been the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower since its completion in 1958. The 333-metre tower is modeled after Paris' Eiffel Tower, only it's 13 metres taller. Today it efficiently serves as a TV and radio broadcast antenna.

From the main observatory, you will get a 360-degree bird's eye view of Tokyo. Grab a coffee there and pick a souvenir at the store before heading further up to the special observatory, where Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. In the evenings, the city's glittering neon lights are an amazing sight. You also can visit the Guinness World Records Museum on the ground floor as well.

Tsukiji

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Although the massive Tsukiji fish market is not the best place to bring children, families can certainly visit the outer market to browse through the small shops and have a sushi breakfast.

The market's inner section is where licensed wholesalers auction a plethora of fish and seafood as early as 5am, while the outer market sell kitchen tools, tableware, snacks, and all manner of dried, smoked and pickled seafood.

It is also a morning ritual for many to swing by one of the eateries flanking the market for hot noodles, tempura, and of course, sushi and sashimi. Tsukiji fish market is open daily except on Sundays and two Wednesdays per month.

Shinjuku

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This massive shopping, entertainment and business district has several major department stores. The Isetan and Takashimaya department store offer a good variety of clothes for men, women and children. Their basement food halls are highly recommended as there is so much great food to sample at reasonable prices. There, you can pick up some beautifully packed wagashi or Japanese confectionery to lug home.

The flagship Isetan store at Shinjuku has an amazing food hall that features plenty of fresh and ready-cooked food, plus exquisite French pastries by Pierre Herme and Jean-Paul Hevin.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon is the biggest and most probably the most beautiful canyon in the world. It is situated in Arizona State. Grand Canyon is also a national park.

Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon, or Barranca Del Cobre, is the name of a group of canyon in Chihuahua state in Mexico. Copper Canyon consists of 6 canyons in Sierra Tarahumara region.

Avon Gorge Canyon

A natural beauty in Bristol, England. Every year, millions of tourists come Avon Gorge to see both the beauty of canyon itself and Avon River.

Fish River Canyon

It is located in Namibia. It is one of the largest, most well-known and most beautiful canyons of the world. Fish River flows through canyon. It's marvellous nature attract millions of visitors every year.

Vikos Gorge Canyon

Vikos Gorge is a national park in Epirus, Greece. It is the natural habitat of many animals species and one of the marvels of nature. Vikos Gorge is the deepest canyon in the world.

One thing that can get lost in all of the glitzy and fun atmosphere of the state's more popular attractions is just how beautiful the natural scenery of California can be. If you're looking for a holiday retreat, but one that's still environment friendly, Laguna is a great destination.

A young woman enjoying sunflowers at a local florist.

While they are each separate cities, we are grouping together Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Woods into one (Las Lagunas - Spanish: The Lagoons - I like to call them).

Laguna Beach

The Laguna Shore

Laguna has always been one of the best beaches, in my mind. While it can be a little more rocky than other Orange County beaches, it is so beautiful and has many lovely nature reserves and spectacular view points.

Laguna Hills, Niguel, and Woods are mostly residential areas, so the Beach and its surroundings are the real hot spots. Don't forget to check out the amazing tide pool by Heisler Park.

Tour the area surrounding the main beach for a fun, local sort of feel. Those producers at MTV didn't choose this location for their hit show for nothing.

Get That Inspired Feeling: Your Great Escape

Crystal Cove State Park

Laguna Art Museum -

A beautiful way to spend an afternoon... exploring history, culture, and thought expressed visually. The permanent collection of the museum has over 3500 works of art, many a great portrayal of California itself. The museum is in Laguna Beach on Cliff Drive.

Crystal Cove State Park -

Take a hike! That's right, take a hike on one of the lovely wilderness trails in the Crystal Cove State Park. This is a beautiful, natural reserve where you can literally spend the entire day just enjoying the fresh air and outdoors. Pack a lunch and a blanket so you can stop along the trail to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Sea Lion Kayak Tours -

Feel great by getting out there and loosen up a bit while kayaking through lovely coves of Laguna Beach. For those of you that haven't been out in a kayak before, no worries, it's simple to learn and La Vida Laguna will provide lessons before each tour.

A Taste of Laguna

Lunch at Las Brisas

The Gourmet Cheese and Wine Shop -

An extension of Laguna's school for Culinary Arts, the cheese and wine shop is filled with "a fabulous selection of cheeses, delicacies, food-friendly wines and lunchtime fare. Their lunch menu contains a nice selection, and you can either sit in the cafe or take your food to go. My favorite is the traditional fondue, best to share amongst friends/family, although the sandwiches are very reasonably priced and taste wonderful. Map.

Laguna Canyon Winery -

Take a break in the middle of your day and enjoy a few sips of vino. The Laguna Canyon Winery offers wine tasting in their tasting room Tuesday-Sunday, 11a-6p. My pick from this local winery is their sultry Cabernet Sauvignon, although most of my friends love the raspberry sparkling wine. Map.

Las Brisas -

Not only is this place practically a landmark at the north end of the main beach, it is a favorite of my mother's.The Sunday Brunch is legendary and an absolute must if your timing allows for it. If not, try to get a seat on the patio and order the delicious mahi mahi tacos. You won't regret it!

Sweet Dreams: Where to Rest Your Head

Comfort Inn, Laguna Hills -

This is one of only a handful of Orange County hotels participating in the state's Green Lodging Program. The accommodations are quite reasonable for a "Choice Hotel" (not known to necessarily be the best quality of lodgings), and some great features include free wireless internet, well-designed bathrooms, and a comfortable place to relax.

Casa Laguna Inn & Spa -

My expensive taste never fails me when it comes to accommodations, but Casa Laguna does offer rooms at reasonable prices. For instances, they have the tasteful courtyard rooms, with cottage-like decor starting at $150 per night. I personally prefer the Laguna Suite, which was incidentally featured as a "Romantic Stay" in Sunset Magazine and nightly rates start off at a more steep $400 per night. Whichever room you choose, you still have a fabulous spa to go to for a replenishing massage, along with all the other normal resort features.

Getting Around

EV Rental Cars

Because Southern California is the capital of cars, driving, and freeways, you almost can't get around without one. EV Rental Cars are partners with Fox Rent-a-car. They have a selection of three hybrid vehicles: the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and the Toyota Highlander. I recommend renting the Highlander, since you may find yourself wandering into an area without fully-paved roads. Pick-up station is available at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana.

OCTA: Cruisin' on the Bus

The Orange County buses are not known to run late or often, but they do have routes that cover nearly every section of the county. For bus routes/maps/schedules, click here.

This picture was taken from a festival called Onam- Taken in Kerala

Some places in India are way too crowded, but of course, it is the second most populated country in the world. The first most populated place is China. China is one of the bordering countries of India, along with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Burma. Even though bit out of subject, China's border with India connects in the Himalayas, the famed mountain range. If we were to stay away from these dense areas of population such as Delhi, then we get to the paradise like land which anyone can enjoy. Nature follows with Greenery; you might see types of creatures that you might have little luck seeing elsewhere.

I have been to almost all of the states in India. The one that strikes me as one of the most attractive is Kerala. It is a state in the south- western part of the country. Some natives call it "Gods Own Country". This saying originated in New Zealand, but it is a fitting phrase to call this state. The climate is often a warm rain, or desirably hot and sunny. Some parts get very hot, but soon the native drinks such as the sweet coconut water and the contents inside that are later eaten.
Kerala has a great amount of biodiversity. The Zoos are just small parts of what you can see if you go out and explore the region yourself. If you have friends living in this area you can stay with you can have a blast! Here sports of interest are Cricket and "Football". Football is the Indian equivalent of Soccer. The Food is wonderful, it tingles almost all of the sensations on your tongue. Women here are taught to cook as they grow up so they can be better off when they are married. There are a lot of curries made here, like the chicken curry. One of my favorite combinations is the chicken/beef/ or even mutton curry with a type of bread made in Kerala called Porota (Po-ro-tta). This dish made me realize I had a bigger stomach than I imagined!! But my favorites might not suite your tastes, fear not! Kerala is filled with different types of dishes. Even the same named dishes can taste different from house to house. It tastes totally different from what is served in American restaurants.
Kerala has a wide array of festivals in which fun things happen. Kerala has a few religions, Hinduism is the leading religion. Christianity is another religion. Combined, both Kerala has a lot of festivals, like Christmas and Devali. Christianity in Kerala is also divided into different groups. Christians here have long sessions in church. Church services sometimes may go for as long as 7 hours sometimes. Thus, people living around a church are very devoted. Islam and other religions are also present in Kerala

All in all, the paradise of Kerala is almost too good. It is a great place to go vacation, or even if you're an animal watcher wanting to examine other species. The food is great and the people are friendly for the most part. There are a lot of middle class people living in Kerala who wants good for their children and want good for their community. Kerala is a great place with lots of impressive land.

New Zealand is made up of the North Island , South Island and Stewart Island . There is much diversity in this land between the inhabitants and the landscapes. You could find a place that gratifies your senses, a little something for everyone. There are the snowy mountains in the south to the sub tropical beaches in the north.

It is diversity that has helped this nation grow. Being an Island , almost every item is imported but from the harshness of economic reality has come an ingenuity of a people. They shine in many areas of global consciousness because they have to. From the sporting achievements of the All Blacks (in Rugby), Black Caps (Cricket), Silver Ferns (Netball) and many other sporting arena's to our Arts achievers in the film industry, Literary notables and Educational fields. The Environment Issues are of concern and our scientists have stepped up to the plate to leave their mark on the world too.

Being here is like being in a clean, green, playground. There are many things to do but with a laid back feel to it all. Much like the volcano activity, it all seems to be happening under the surface.