Tag Archives: Nature

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Nature, Updated, at the Al Shaheed Park

Park in Kuwait City

Located on the edge of Kuwait City, the Al Shaheed Park is the largest urban park in Kuwait. For those looking to experience nature, history and culture, all in one place, make sure that you include a visit to the park while you are exploring Kuwait.

The History of the Park
The area that the Al Shaheed Park is in was originally created in 1964, with the aim of it being a formal Green Belt Park. As this grew into a garden, the area experienced quite a bit of renovation and development over the years, after which it was turned into the Al Shaheed Park, along with the aim of commemorating the country’s martyrs.

The Park’s Museums
The Al-Shaheed Park is home to two museums, both of which are worth touring if you are already going to be visiting the park anyway. The first is the Thekra Museum, which is a memorial museum that educates visitors on Kuwait’s history, including the battles that the country experienced, as well as the Gulf War. The second museum is the Habitat Museum, which is an environmental museum that aims to preserve and showcase the local environment and wildlife of Kuwait. This museum is quite a new one, as it was only inaugurated at the beginning of this year, but already has a wide array of geographical and environmental exhibits.

Historical Highlights of the Al Shaheed Park
There are a number of historical monuments dotted around Al Shaheed Park, which you will see as you make your way around the grounds. From the old city gates, which are in the exact same place that they were when they were first put up in the late 1800’s, to the Constitution Monument and the Martyrs Monument, you can learn so much about Kuwait’s history simply by taking a stroll around the Al Shaheed Park.

The Underground Tunnel
Lying beneath the Al Shaheed Park is a long underground tunnel, which was built in order to connect Kuwait’s green belt. This tunnel has now been completely renovated, and features a number of pieces of art, as well as three-dimensional Portuguese tiles that light up the passageway in vibrant shades of blue and green.

Other Facilities at the Park
In addition to the museums and historical monuments, there are plenty of other things to do at the Al Shaheed Park. The open-air amphitheater is where you can catch a number of live performances and special events, while the gift shop and book shop are always fun to explore, especially if you are looking for a unique souvenir to take home with you. Of course, be sure to stop off at one of the park’s restaurants or cafés if you are looking for a bite to eat, as they serve up tasty local food.

The Al Shaheed Park sprawls out for almost 20 hectares, and just about every area within it has been recently refurbished and updated. While the hustle and bustle of Kuwait City is always exciting, there will come a time when you need some tranquillity, making the Al Shaheed Park the perfect escape to head to.

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Sunflowers at the Buttonwood Farm, Connecticut

Sunflowers in a blooming field

A family-owned farm that has been running since 1975, Buttonwood Farm is not only known for their fresh ice cream, but also for their sunflowers. Each year, the farm plants around 14 acres of sunflowers, which creates over 300,000 blooms, and these are sold in order to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation of Connecticut, which is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children who are suffering from life-threatening conditions.

The History Behind the Sunflowers at Buttonwood Farm
Buttonwood Farm planted their first acre of sunflowers in 2003, and soon realized how attention-grabbing they were after visitors travelled from far and wide in order to see and photograph them. The next year, the farm expanded their sunflower fields to 10 acres, and soon increased this again to 14, introducing in the charity aspect rather than feeding the expired blooms to cattle.

Sunflowers for Wishes
Currently, Buttonwood Farm has raised over a million dollars for the Make a Wish Foundation over the past 13 seasons, all through their sunflowers. These flowers are available during the summer months, while supplies last, with bouquets of five sunflowers being sold in exchange for a donation to the Make a Wish organization. In order to maximize the amount of money raised, the farm does not allow visitors to pick their own and instead have a stand from which you can purchase your flowers.

Sunflower Photography Guidelines
With acre upon acre of bright yellow sunflowers, it comes as no surprise that the majority of visitors to the farm come complete with cameras, as the sight is a splendid one to see and photograph. However, in order to ensure that the fields and flowers are kept free from damage, the farm has put together some photography guidelines that visitors must follow, which can be found on their website. This includes always staying on designated paths, not using any props or lighting equipment, and not climbing on the historic stone walls, or on any farm machinery. For professional photographers who are taking pictures for monetary gain, a permit does need to be obtained and a small fee paid, but all of this money once again goes straight to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Visiting the Farm
Buttonwood Farm is open every day from 10am until dark, but the sunflower season tends to be around the end of July. While it may be too late in the year to view the sunflowers this year, this is an annual event, so you have plenty of time to plan your visit for next year. The flowers tend to have a two-week blooming period, but, as always, this depends on the whim of the weather, so do check out the farm’s Instagram page for the latest when it comes to their sunflower status.

For those visiting Connecticut during the summer months, Buttonwood Farm is a great place to spend the day. While you are there checking out the sunflowers, make sure to stop by at their ice cream shop for a taste of some of their famous farm fresh ice cream.

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Enjoy These Outdoor Venues in Taiwan

While Taiwan may be most famous for its bustling cities and historic landmarks, it is also home to some incredible outdoor venues. From the Yangmingshan National Park to the tea-growing area of Maokong, these spots each showcase a unique side to the country.

Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan

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Yangmingshan National Park
One of the most popular of Taiwan’s nine national parks, the Yangmingshan National Park can be found in between Taipei and New Taipei City, making it easy to access for those visiting the capital. The park is famous for its incredible natural beauty, as well as its rich biodiversity, and boasts everything from cherry blossoms to hot springs to hiking trails, and is even home to the Seven Star Mountain, which is the tallest dormant volcano in the country.

Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

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Sun Moon Lake
Located in the foothills of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country, and has also become quite the tourist attraction. The lake itself surrounds a small island called Lalu, with the east side of the lake resembling the sun, and the west side resembling the moon, which is how the lake acquired its name. There are several festivals held here throughout the year, and these always draw in the crowds, but, at other times, the lake is still worth visiting for its astounding natural beauty. The area around the lake is filled with criss-crossing hiking trails, making this the perfect spot for some outdoor adventure.

Tea and food overlooking Maokong hills

Maokong
Located near to the capital city, Maokong used to be the largest tea growing area in Taipei, and is a great place to go to learn more about the country’s tea culture. The area still produces tea, although not to the extent that it used to, and is famous for its tieguanyin tea, which can be sampled at one of the many local restaurants that you will find here. The area also features many intertwining footpaths and hiking trails, which visitors can use to explore the scenery, and, if you are visiting on a clear day, you will also be able to enjoy a stunning view of the entire city of Taipei.

Yehliu Geopark in Taiwan

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Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu is another area that can easily be visited from Taipei, and its geopark is an experience that should not be missed. The landscape here was created completely naturally, through a combination of wind and waves, as well as from the unique layer of the earth’s crust that rises up from beneath the ocean. With honeycomb formations, rocks that look like miniature volcanoes, and wave-cut platforms that jut out over the water, the landscape that you will see here is unlike anything that you will see elsewhere on the planet. There is only one trail to follow within the geopark, and this stretches out for 1.7 kilometres, but, since it is the only one here, it can get quite crowded, so try to plan your visit out of peak hours.

Many visitors to Taiwan do not realize just how rich the country is in nature and unique geological features. From the rock formations of the Yehliu Geopark to the hiking trails that surround the Sun Moon Lake, these outdoor venues are guaranteed to impress.

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Mountains with Great Scenic Views in the Philippines

Mt Batulao, Philippines

With over 7000 mountainous islands within the Philippine archipelago, the actual number of mountains in the country can only be vaguely guessed at. Nevertheless, for those who want to experience some of the most stunning views in the Philippines, these are the mountains that you need to climb.

Mt. Batulao
Located just an hour from Manila, Mt. Batulao rises 811 meters above sea level, and is a great mountain for beginner climbers to tackle. As you start your climb, you will be able to see the coastal towns of Nasugbu and Tagaytay, with the perspective changing as you ascend. It takes between two to three hours to reach the summit, and, once you do, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Balayan Bay, as well as its twelve surrounding peaks.

Mt. Mariveles
In addition to being the battlefield site at which American and Filipino soldiers fought Japanese invaders in the 1940’s, Mt. Mariveles also boasts incredibly scenic views from its summit. This is quite a challenging climb, and takes between two to three hours, but the effort is most definitely worth it, and there is a river halfway up where you can cool off. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to see everything from the South China Sea to the Corregidor Islands and Mt. Pico de Loro to the beaches of Bataan, but be sure to wrap up warm as it can be quite windy up here.

Mt. Tibig
Mt. Tibig only rises 563 meters above sea level, and is actually a sub-mountain of Mt. Banoi. Nevertheless, this is still quite a challenging climb, but the two hour hike to the summit is more than worth it, for its views of the Verde Island Passage, Batangas, and the green mountains that surround the region. For those who want to spend the night at the summit and watch the views transform with the changing light of day, there is a campsite at the top which is large enough for ten tents.

Mt. Pico de Loro
Mt. Pico de Loro was named the Parrot’s Beak by Spanish colonizers in the 1500’s, due to its fascinating rock formations. While it takes five hours to reach the summit, which is 664 meters above sea level, the climb itself is not too challenging, and is one that is suitable for beginners to attempt. There is a monolith situated at the top of the mountain, which you can climb with ropes, and, once you reach the top of this, you will be able to enjoy a diverse bird’s eye view that features everything from forests and volcanoes to beaches and lakes.

The Philippines is home to so much natural beauty, and one of the best ways to take this in is by hiking to the top of some of the country’s most gorgeous mountains. From the coastal views of Mt. Batulao to the mountainous surroundings of Mt. Tibig, the scenery that you will see from these mountains will be some of the most inspiring that you have ever seen.

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What You’ll Find at the Long Island Aquarium

Father and son at aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium opened on Long Island in 2000 and is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis. With its fascinating mixture of science and nature, this is an educational yet entertaining attraction that is suitable for just about every age group.

Indoor Exhibits
The Long Island Aquarium boasts a range of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as special interactive displays. The indoor exhibits are always fun to explore, with the American Alligators, which are native to the southeastern United States, being one of the highlights. Archerfish, which actually spit at their prey, are another creature that you will see, as are the Discus Fish, which is one of the newest exhibits in the aquarium. Another must-see display is the Coral Reef, which is actually one of the largest all-living closed-system coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere.

Feeding penguins

Outdoor Exhibits
The outdoor exhibits at the Long Island Aquarium are where you will find a few of the aquarium’s larger creatures. The Penguin Pavilion is open year-round, and is home to African penguins, while the Sea Lion Coliseum is where you can go to watch majestic sea lions play together. The Otter Falls is home to two North American river otters, while the Koi Pond contains multiple species of koi, which are the national fish of Japan. For those who did not get enough of the alligators in the indoor exhibits, there are more to see outdoors at the Gator Invasion exhibit. This is open from June to September, as these are the months when the huge American alligators crawl up onto the banks of the Peconic River. From July to Labor Day, there are talks held at this exhibit to teach visitors more about these incredible reptiles.

Interactive Experiences
While watching the creatures of the Long Island Aquarium is definitely an educational experience, there is often so much more to be learned from being able to have the opportunity to directly interact with these animals, which is where the aquarium’s interactive experiences come in. The Penguin Encounter has guests meeting the African penguins up-close while learning how the aquarium keepers care for them, while the Pirate Snorkel Adventure will see you finding treasures below the water while swimming with a wide range of tropical fish. For those who are seeking more of an adrenaline rush, the Shark Dive might be just the activity for you, as this puts you nose-to-nose with some of the largest predators to be found in the ocean. If you are visiting the aquarium on a hot day, then do pay a visit to the Interactive Salt Marsh, which you will be able to walk through while being taught about the many inhabitants that reside here, from the horseshoe crabs to the whelks.

The Long Island Aquarium has frequently been voted as one of the best in the country, thanks to the way in which it emphasizes the importance of marine life, as well as environmental preservation. For those who are interested in marine life and the environment, this is a New York attraction that you will definitely not want to miss.

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Visiting Sydney’s Hyde Park Area

Hyde Park

The oldest public parkland in Australia, Hyde Park can be found in Sydney’s central business district, and stretches out for just over 40 acres. Whether you are seeking some history and culture, or simply want a breath of fresh air away from the bustle of the city, here are some of the highlights of Sydney’s Hyde Park and its surrounding area.

Archibald Fountain and War Memorials
The Archibald Fountain is most definitely the centerpiece of Hyde Park, with wide fig tree-lined pathways leading up to it, which in itself is quite the spectacle. The fountain commemorates the collaboration between Australia and France during World War I, with the Greek mythology creatures surrounding the fountain emphasizing this. The park is also home to a few war memorials, such as the Anzac War Memorial, which is Art Deco in style, and features a photographic exhibition on World War I, as a tribute to the Anzac soldiers who died at this time. On the western side of the park is the 22-meter tall Obelisk, which was erected in 1857 and is decorated with delicate Egyptian features. Another interesting monument can be found at the south of the park, and is titled Yinimadyemi – Thou Didst Let Fall. This public artwork piece is an acknowledgment to the services provided by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Defence Force.

A Game of Chess
Located at the St. James Station side of the park, the giant chess set has always been popular, and is a throwback to the park’s original sporting days. This life-sized board, along with its life-sized pieces, are perfect for a quick and social game of chess, whether you bring your own partner along, or challenge one of the other players already there.

Fountain

The Australian Museum
Just off of the east side of Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is the oldest museum in the country, and has quite the international reputation when it comes to anthropology and natural history. The museum’s permanent collection is vast, with some of the exhibit highlights including Indigenous Australia, More Than Dinosaurs, Mineral Collections and Insects. There are also always rotating temporary exhibitions held here, meaning that there will always be something new to see each time you visit.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Originally designed by a convict architect in 1818, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that teaches the public about Australia’s convict past. Many of the exhibitions here are interactive, and there are several designed specially for children, such as the Unlocking Heritage program, which allows them to wear convict clothing and sleep in the hammocks in the barrack, to help them really experience what life was like at this time.

At one point in time, the land on which Hyde Park sits was a racecourse and sporting ground, filled with action and noise throughout the year. While its sporting days may be long over, the park still holds a place in the heart of locals, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city.

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Take a Trip to Chocolate Town

Home to the Hershey Chocolate Company and dubbed the Sweetest Place on Earth, the town of Hershey in Pennsylvania has so much to offer. In addition to all of the chocolate-related attractions available, Hershey also boasts plenty of other family-friendly activities, as well as a rich sense of history and heritage.

Chocolate World

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Chocolate World
Chocolate World is a must when visiting Hershey, as this will teach you so much about the famous chocolate. Begin with the Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour Ride, where you will ride through an imaginary factory and learn about how the chocolate is made, as well as why Milton Hershey chose this location for his chocolate empire. Other experiences that you can take part in here include creating a custom Hershey bar, chocolate tasting sessions, solving mysteries at the 4D theatre, and creating a chocolate dessert of your own.

The Hershey Story
From Chocolate World, there is a shuttle bus that will take you downtown to visit the Hershey Story Museum, which is a huge interactive exhibit hall that stretches out for over 10,000 square feet. There are plenty of hands-on activities to get involved with here, from candy making classes to cocoa sampling, guaranteeing to entertain the whole family.

Hershey Gardens
Hershey is filled with plenty of colorful attractions, but if you are seeking some of the natural variety, then Hershey Gardens is the place to go. The garden features 23 acres of botanical beauty, with everything from rare trees to vibrant assortments of flowers to the tropical Butterfly Atrium and Children’s Garden, and, with the town of Hershey featuring as a backdrop, this is a truly picturesque setting in which to spend a few hours.

Hershey World store

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Hersheypark
The most popular of Hershey’s attractions, Hersheypark was originally built in 1907 by Milton Hershey, who intended it to be a bonus perk for his employees. The park opened to the public in the 1970’s, and is now most famous for its 12 innovative rollercoasters that will definitely have your adrenaline flowing. There are over 70 rides to be found here, including a five acre seasonal waterpark where you could easily spend the whole day.

ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica is an 11 acre preserve within Hersheypark, and admission to the zoo is included in Hersheypark tickets, making this a worthwhile stop off point for an hour while you are at the park. North American animals are the focus here, with everything from black bears to bald eagles, and there are also plenty of events and activities geared towards children.

Hershey Trolley Works
For those who want to learn more about the history of Milton Hershey himself, then the Hershey Trolley Works sightseeing tour is the best way to do this. The tour will take you to see everything from Milton Hershey’s school and former home to the original factory, with chocolate available for sampling the whole time.

While Hershey makes for the perfect family-friendly destination, it is suited to visitors of all types, from solo travelers to couples. Whether you spend your days making the most of the thrills at Hersheypark, or choose to indulge in all of the chocolate-related activities that you can find, a trip to Chocolate Town will definitely be an unforgettable one.

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Best Places to Whale Watch

From November to May, the waters of Hawaii are abundant with humpback whales, making the islands a whale-watchers paradise. While these humpbacks can be seen from all of the Hawaiian islands, these are some of the best places to whale watch if you want a truly unforgettable sighting.

Whale in Kauai
Kauai
One of the best spots on Kauai for whale watching is the Kilauea Lighthouse on the north side of the island, because this area has actually been designated a humpback whale marine sanctuary by the Federal government. Shipwreck Beach is also an idyllic spot where you are likely to be able to see multiple whales from shore, whilst being surrounded by soft white sand and incredible scenery.

Oahu
The south-eastern part of Oahu is the best area on the island for whale watching, from Hanauma Bay to the overlooks near Diamond Head. Makapuu Point has also always been a popular spot, with the winding Makapuu Point Trail to take you there. In addition to the whales, you will be able to have unobstructed views out across the island’s nearby shore islets, which are sanctuaries for many species of native seabirds.

Maui whale sighting

Maui
Maui is considered to be one of the best of the Hawaiian islands for whale watching, and they can be seen from just about anywhere that provides a view of the water. However, if you want to watch them breach and play in ways that you have never seen before, then you need to head to the stretch of Highway 30 that runs between Ma’alaea and Lahaina. As breathtaking a viewing spot as this may be, this is also the windiest stretch of the road, making for quite dangerous driving during the winter months, which is when whale watching season is at its peak, so be sure to pull over at a safe spot in order to really be able to concentrate on the whales.

Whale Watching Tours
While it is relatively easy to watch the whales from shore, there is nothing quite like being able to view them out in the water. There are several whale watching tours available that you can choose from for this, with companies ranging from Hawaii Nautical to Star of Honolulu. These excursions are usually well worth your time, as you will also be able to see everything from Hawaiian Spinner dolphins to rare turtles.

Whale watching is a highly anticipated annual phenomenon in Hawaii, and has been an important part of local culture since the islands’ very early days. If you are viewing whales from the shore, or even from a boat, it can often be tempting to edge nearer, to enjoy a closer view, but keep in mind that the laws state that you cannot get closer than 100 feet to whales in the water, so as not to disturb them, so be sure to keep a safe distance. However, if the whales decide to come nearer to you, which, in local terms, is described as “being mugged”, then be sure to enjoy this rare experience.

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Touring the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is legendary, and refers to the vast and arid interior of the country. Many would argue that the true Outback lies well beyond the outskirts of any city, but, if you happen to be visiting Sydney and want to experience a small taste of the Outback, these are a few areas that you can tour.

Broken Hill
Broken Hill
While it may take a lengthy train ride to get you there, Broken Hill, in the far west outback of New South Wales, is an isolated mining town surrounded by semi-desert. While there is only one mine still functioning today, it mines for zinc, lead and silver, which is why the town acquired the nickname Silver City. Being a mining community, there are many mining museums to visit, as well as quite a thriving art scene with a sprinkling of small galleries. Broken Hill is known for its spectacular sunsets, and there are many areas of the Outback that provide great vantage points, from the Mutawintji National Park to the Kinchega National Park, both of which are also worth touring in more depth.

Mudgee
Mudgee is a hillside town that features a range of Outback attractions, especially when it comes to walks through the bush. The Castle Rocks Walk is an iconic one, as the views along the way, as well as at the end of it, are quintessentially Australian. From sandstone pagoda features to eucalypt and pine bushland to native bird life, this is a walk that simply has to be taken. The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is also worth a visit, as being the second oldest nature reserve in the country, it is steeped in Aboriginal history. For those that want the opportunity to view more of the Outback’s native wildlife, take a tour around the Goulburn River National Park, which is not only perfect for swimming and fishing, but is also home to a variety of wildlife species, from the turquoise parrot to the eastern grey kangaroo to the red-necked wallaby. To inject a dose of history into your trip, stop off at the Gulgong Pioneer Museum, which is home to one of the best Australiana collections in the country.

Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park
A part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, the Mungo National Park consists of over 120,000 hectares of remote Outback landscape, with everything from looming sand dunes to ancient dried up lakebeds. When it comes to touring the park, there are a couple of options available. If you would prefer a self-guided tour, there is a 65 km drive that can be followed, which stops off at 15 points of interest along the way, enabling you to explore the park at your own pace. Alternatively, you have the option of joining an escorted tour in 4WD vehicles. These are led by local rangers from the three tribal groups of the Willandra Lakes Region, giving you the opportunity to learn so much about the area’s history and culture.

Every Australian state contains a small amount of the Outback, and while this may take a fair bit of traveling from the major cities, this is a journey well worth taking. From the remoteness of Broken Hill to the native bushland all around Mudgee, these are some great places to visit when touring the Australian Outback.

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Cuexcomate – An Unusual Landmark

Located in Mexico’s Puebla City, Cuexcomate is the smallest volcano in the world, making it quite the unusual landmark. Measuring 43 feet high, and with a base diameter of just 75 feet, Cuexcomate may be an extinct volcano, but it is well worth taking the time to visit.

Popocatepetl volcano
The Birth of Cuexcomate
It is believed that Cuexcomate dates all the way back to the year 1064, when the nearby Popocatepetl volcano, which lies between Mexico City and Puebla, erupted. Popocatepetl is frequently erupting, but this eruption was exceptionally violent, resulting in the creation of a secondary crater, otherwise known as Cuexcomate.

A Dark Past
Cuexcomate has experienced a dark past, as it used to be the site at which human sacrifices were carried out. Priests at the time were hoping to appease the Gods and convince them to stop the volcanoes in the area from erupting, as they were slowly destroying the city. They decided that human sacrifices were the way forward, and would throw young individuals into the fiery mountain, but, of course, this did not stop the eruptions, and the priests soon realized that their methods were not making a difference. In following years, the volcano was also used as a depository for those who committed suicide in nearby areas, once again contributing to the dark past that surrounds Cuexcomate.

Inside the Crater
In addition to standing out for being the smallest volcano in the world, Cuexcomate is also unique due to the fact that it boasts a metal spiral staircase that enables visitors to climb all the way down into the volcano’s crater. Once visitors reach the platform at the bottom, they are rewarded with views of the interior of a volcano that many will never have the opportunity to experience. From the pool of water below to the stalactites that hang off the rocks to the eight meter stretch of lava, the view from within is definitely surreal, especially with the addition of the waterfall that ebbs and flows based on the volcanic activity of Popocatepetl. While geographers claim that the volcano is unlikely to suddenly burst into activity, the increased eruptions that Popocatepetl has been experiencing leads some to believe that, if there were to be another violent eruption, the subterranean link between the two volcanoes might become active again, which would put a swift end to Cuexcomate.

Health Benefits
Many claim that, due to its unique features, visiting Cuexcomate brings about some interesting health benefits. With the magnetism that it attracts from nearby volcano Popocatepetl, as well as the sound of the water outside, visiting the volcano is said to be able to relieve stress and tension, while promoting overall good health.

Since Cuexcomate is situated in the residential neighborhood of La Libertad, the best way for tourists to pay it a visit is by arranging for a taxi to take you there and back. With this landmark being open every day of the week, it is easy to plan a visit, and will definitely leave you with a memorable experience.