International flights into Switzerland usually arrive at either Geneva or Zurich airports. Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland. It is also a global city, a financial center, and a worldwide center for diplomacy. As I looked around I could pick out people from Japan, China, India, Italy, France, Germany and many other countries. Listening to them speak was a real treat … a melody of languages. Both of these airports are very convenient to traveling to Zermatt, Switzerland, a gateway to the Matterhorn. But don’t miss taking a little time to visit the azure blue lakes; Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne with their castles. Then it’s on to the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain of 14,692 feet; the mountain that movies have been made about. It is located in the Penninie Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy. In German “matte” means “meadow” and “horn” means “peak.” It is the tenth highest peak in Switzerland.
There were seven of us, four adults with three children, in our Honda Odyssey making our way towards the Swiss Alps. The morning was sunny with a few white billowy cumulus clouds making their way lazily across the wide expanse of blue. The road was very straight most of the time with a few curves intermingled. Looking out the window, we saw green fields dotted here and there with acres of yellow flowers that looked like sunflowers. The beauty took my breath away. It was so picturesque, just like in the travel magazines I had seen.
Off in the distance, I could see mountains rising up from the green plains we had been traveling through. At last I could see them … the Swiss Alps. This was the home of Heidi, my favorite childhood novel. I can still remember some of her adventures. Her grandfather lived here and cared for her in these wondrous mountains. The Heidi book is among the best known works of Swiss literature and well worth reading to your children.
As we drove into Zermatt, a beautiful, little tourist town at the foot of the Alps, we parked our car on the outskirts and walked from there. No cars or big tour buses allowed in the village. The train stops here and goes no further. This is one of the great ski and climbing centers in the world. This deep valley is nestled between two steep, sculptured mountains. The air is crisp and clean with an Alpine flavor. Summer flowers drape themselves from each building along the way. Its cobblestone streets and pathways take you back in time to a simpler way of life. It is beautiful. It is exhilarating. It is special to be here; to see this great mountain and walk the cobblestone streets of Zermatt.
The Matterhorn is truly a magnificent mountain. A dream comes true, just to be here.
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Japan
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Considered as the land of the rising sun, Japan is found in the east of Asia. It is an archipelago that is comprised of four large islands namely Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. This country is one of the world’s largest exporters and importers. Japan has a good economy. It is a modern and interesting country that has long been a popular tourist destination. Japan is a very expensive place to live in but still, if you are on a budget you still can afford a good vacation to this country. There are a lot of tourist spots. Historical and cultural treasures, modern and futuristic sights, wonderful forests, mountains and sea coasts, you name it and you can find it, because they have it all.
Like any of the other cuisines, Japanese food is a result of its own culture. Japan’s distinct cuisine is considered as one of its greatest attractions. Japanese cuisine has gained more appreciation from all over the world in the recent years . It possesses a wide range of exotic dishes. Its cuisine is characterized by different factors such as taste, techniques in cooking, and the seasonal ingredients used in preparing its dishes. Japanese foods are also very healthy. But aside from being delicious and healthy, Japanese cuisine is also recognized for its beautiful presentation. Japanese people are very particular. In different seasons they incorporate seasonal ingredients into Japanese foods as to illustrate the changes in season. Sushi, tempura, sukiyaki, shabushabu, yakitori, okonomiyaki, are some of Japan’s most popular dishes.
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, and Kyoto, are common in the itineraries of most people who go to visit this country. The famous Mt Fuji, is a beautiful mountain and is a must see while there. Hokkaido is another place you must visit. It is located at Japan’s northern part and the people there celebrate different festivals throughout the seasons. If you are interested in beautiful architecture of temples and shrines then, you shouldn’t miss this adventure or Tochigi-Nikko. Kanagawa-Hakone is a place if you are after a holiday resort vacation. If you are more interested in historical sites and excellent architectures, a trip to Gifu-Takayama and Nara would work for you. Nagasaki and Okinawa are perfect places for those who are looking for a wonderful beach experience.
Politeness is one of the best qualities of Japanese people. They are excited to welcome new guests to their country. And they are also willing to offer help to foreigners who don’t know how to get around to certain places. Foreigners can rarely be seen in the other parts of Japan though and outside of the major cities, one will likely encounter moments with people who aren’t sure if they want to welcome you. But this shouldn’t be taken negatively. Japanese people who don’t know how to speak English just don’t know how to handle situations with foreigners. Most of the people in the major cities really want to practice their English on you and love to try and talk with you.
You will love Japan, the people, the culture and all of the beautiful cities and places. Please take me along when you go. Before you go you may want to learn a few phrases by listening to one of our Japanese language courses.