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Giulianova in Abruzzo, Italy - the Ideal City?
The inhabitants of the small region of Abruzzo in Italy share a passion for their region and their home town and none more so than my guides in Giulianova in the province of Teramo. I met my first guide, Francesca, in front of the cathedral, Duomo di San Flaviano on the edge of the old medieval…
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Vytautas Mineral Spa – My Favourite Hotel in the Spa Town of Birštonas in Lithuania
From the outside the Vytautas Mineral Spa resembles a long-armed space ship that has carefully set itself down on earth beside a lake surrounded by luscious green parkland. It was hard to believe that I was within five minutes' walk of the centre of Birštonas a pretty spa town in Lithuania ...
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Water and Whales in Birštonas, a Spa Town in Lithuania
The pretty spa town of Birštonas in Lithuania nestles in a loop of the River Nemunas. it owes its prosperity to the mineral waters that flow beneath it. It guards these precious waters through the belief that they are protected by a mythical whale ...
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A Day Trip to Sandoy One of the Faroe Islands
Sandoy, one of the Faroe Islands, is relatively flat and very green. It was named after its large beach and sandy soil. It is the only island with dunes - black basalt sand dunes. Birds congregate in large numbers on the cliff face of its headland and tourists seeking an adrenalin rush can…
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Hotel Føroyar – A Special Hotel in Tórshavn, Capital of the Faroe Islands
When I arrived at the Hotel Føroyar I was delighted to see that it had a traditional turf roof. But I could not help wondering if this was genuine. The turf roof comprises a covering of birch bark topped by tiles of turf has been popular since prehistoric times. Today they continue to triumph…
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Four Highlights of Streymoy one of the Faroe Islands
Streymoy is one of the Faroe Islands, a group of eighteen islands isolated in the middle of the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland. They are part of Denmark but self-governing. The islands are connected by under-sea road tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges. The biggest of these islands…
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Tórshavn, the Captivating Capital of the Faroe Islands
On arrival in Tórshavn Faroe Islands I caught a tantalising glance of the red and white tower of a lighthouse on a promontory at the far end of the harbour. I decided this should be my starting point and set off to investigate. At first I did not appreciate that the steps I was climbing were…
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A New Travel Journal
The Experienced Traveller's journal has evolved from a pile of diaries recording travel experiences over more than twenty years of exploring the world. Travelling with groups or travelling alone visiting new destinations is always a joy. Of course, it does not always go smoothly, planes are…
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Haeinsa Temple - A Buddhist Jewel in South Korea
A visit to Haeinsa Temple in South Korea is both a walk in a park and a cultural experience. The mountains and valleys of Gayasan National Park make a splendid back drop for the temple. Mount Gaya has long been considered a sacred site of Buddhism ...
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Entering the Dragons’ Den at Tongdosa Temple in South Korea
My visit to Tongdosa Temple coincided with the preparations for the birthday of Buddha. Celebrations for this event not only encompass Buddhist temples but the whole country and it is a holiday for everyone, whatever their religion. I approached the first gate at the entrance to the temple under…