Amazing Lithuania

Before, I never heard about Lithuania, I just knew this country from a friend of mine who live in this country.  Because of him I was able to know the Secret of this place….Lithuania.

Lithuania

Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is located along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, and across the Baltic Sea to the west lie Sweden and Denmark. It shares borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and a Russian exclave (Kaliningrad Oblast ) to the southwest. Lithuania has an estimated population of 3.2 million as of 2011, and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Lithuania is famously known for the amount of churches and sacred sites. The country has strong Russian and German influences that can be appreciated in places.

Vilnius, The Capital City

Vilnius is the most enthralled place you should visit in Lithuania. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, the capital of Lithuania is one of the most visited cities in Eastern Europe. The Vilnius Old Town – a Baroque masterpiece as they say – was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Vilnius has long been called Little Rome, North Athens or North Jerusalem. Approximately 40 churches of various architectural styles stand here, and some authentic buildings with Gothic, Renaissance or Classical features have survived. Vilnius though it is the city, you can still find a lot of remarkable places to visit.

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second largest city and one of the top eastern European cities to visit, and it's just 90 minutes drive west of Vilnius drive. Kaunas is a great destination if you’re planning on doing a day trip from Vilnius, though the city is also an excellent place to base your vacation in Lithuania. Old City of Kaunas has many significant architecture and historical monuments. In the confluence of Nemunas and Neris stands Kaunas Castle. From City Hall to center of the city stretches Vilniaus street intended for pedestrians, whereby it is very comfortable to reach in all Lithuania famous Freedom Avenue (lith. Laisvės Alėja).

Trakai

Trakai happens to be one of the most stunning places in Lithuania; it’s on the edge of a vast lake that contains quite a number of small islands.  You see many sailing and motor boats, as well as all the cafes and restaurants you’d expect for a town that draws tourists in like a magnet.  Its showpiece however, is its Island Castle, dating to the 14^th Century. The castle is made of red brick and takes up almost the entirety of the island upon which it sits.  It’s really a very gorgeous site, no doubt largely due to the fact that it was rebuilt from rubble during the 20^th Century; however it does give a very good sign to how the castle initially looked.

Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit is a narrow strip (maximum width is 3,8 km) of sand stretching 97 kilometers along the Baltic Sea. The eastern shores of the Curonian Spit are washed by the Curonian Lagoon, while the Baltic Sea washes the western shores. Curonian Spit is also a great place for bird watchers, because migration routes run through the Curonian Spit.  They said that once you visit the Curonian Spit in spring and you’ll be amazed to see flocks of birds coming back to Lithuania.

There are still a lot of great places you can visit in Lithuania, too many to see and not too hard to find. All you have to do is to have someone with you who lives in the country or maybe find a tourist guide to guide you to all this magnificent places. Good for me, I have a friend who show me this wonderful place. Thanks to you Laurynas!

The Beauty Of South Korea

South Korea, the democratic country of Korea! South Korea came out of the war as a free nation unlike North Korea which is more on communism kind of government. Over the years North and South Korea have developed separately from each other. After years of difficulties for South Korea, they have finally emerged as a thriving nation. On the other hand, North Korea is sinking further and further into trouble, as they face mass starvation and economic problems. While South Korea has experienced economic success and Christianity, North Korea has been given starvation and their former leader to worship. The two countries face the most militarized border in the world. Given North Korea's refusal to join the international community who support religious freedom, but instead put their faith in militarism, they are unlikely to find peace.  One more thing is, South Korea celebrate Christmas unlike North Korea where people only rely to their government. But let’s stay behind the sad part but let me share you the good and overwhelming places of South Korea.

Jindo Island

Jindo Island, the most beautiful and extravagant beach in South Korea which is located South of Korean peninsula which is 6 hours away from Seoul. Jindo is the third largest island in South Korea. The island has many park reserves like the Dadohae National Marine Park, historical relics and sites; and you can find traditional artistic performances everywhere. With the Jindo Bridge construction completed, the island is connected to the mainland. Every year during the month of February on the Lunar Calendar, the sea parts, mimicking the parting of the sea by Moses. Many tourists come to watch this rare spectacle. There are mascots found around the island that symbolize the friendly image of the Jindo dog, which happens to be natural treasure no.53.

Gwangandaero Bridge, Busan

Busan is the 2^nd biggest city of Korea, located the opposite side of Korean peninsula in Gyungsang-do (Gyungsang province). It also serves as the country's main port for international cargo, as well as passenger ferries to Japan and Jeju Island. The city is well-known for its seafood and beaches, as well as the Hallyosudo Waterway with its charming islands. The Busan fish market has a huge selection of fresh seafood in the early morning. Although mainly known as a port, the city has many steep hills, creating a very unusual mix of mountains and ocean. The area remained relatively untounched during the Korean War, but the flood of refugees drastically shaped the city. Busan's close propinquity to the ocean gives it milder winters than other places in Korea, enabling people to enjoy the night life in more soothe than other areas. As a major port of call for international shipping, the harbor area has a thriving district that caters to the thousands of sailors and other visitors who pass through each year.

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Jeju Island

 And lastly, Jeju Island which is also known as the "Island of the Gods," the most admired and popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches. Tourism is one of the main industries of the island.  Many of the hotels and other tourist areas are run by mainland companies; so much of the income never gets put back into the local economy. Also, since the attractions are geared towards tourists, many of the entrance fees are very expensive (although the locally owned and operated ones tend to be cheaper). Similar to Gyeongju and some other areas, local residents can enter most places for free or for a steeply discounted price. 

Jeju Island  is also the island where most Korean dramas were shot that’s why I love the place and aiming to stay there for vacation. I only saw this island on one of the Korean drama that I watch and was curious about the place that’s why I search for it and check where does the island is located. I hope that someday I can visit the place and enjoy my vacation and pampered myself with its indulging beauty.  I would say that this island is the pride of South Korea.  Before, I only love Korean dramas , Korean songs and kimchi but now I would say  "I love South Korea".

Let me discuss North Korea....

I thought before that Korea is just one big country with a lot of beautiful places. I never thought that North Korea is different from South Korea. North Korea is somewhat a communist kind of government while South Korea is more on a democratic kind of government. Both of these countries though they are separated are both having beautiful places.

The Arch of Triumph (개선문)

Let me discuss and describe North Korea…..

The Juche Tower (주체사상탑)

North Korea has this status of being a pastoral countryside with no buildings in sight, and that’s simply not true!  A common characteristic of North Korean buildings is that they are often tied to nationalistic ideals. A lot of the buildings were built for propaganda purposes, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t architectural wonders in their own right. They have The Arch of Triumph (개선문) is a sixty meter high granite monument to Kim Il Sung’s  (김일성) efforts against Japanese colonization. The Grand People’s Study House (인민대학습당) is a large library built in the style of traditional Korean architecture. The Juche Tower (주체사상탑) is a 170 meter granite tower celebrating the Juche Ideology. Juche Ideology is based on economic autonomy, global isolationism, and emphasis on traditional Korean culture. The Rungrado May Day Stadium (릉라도 5월1일경기장) was built in honor of May Day, which is a day held important by Communists.

North Korea has also the most scenic location in Korea itself......

Amnok River (압록강) is not only beautiful, but useful as well. The river creates hydroelectric power and provides fish for consumption. Moran Hill (모란봉) is a hill located in the capital of North Korea. Some of the tallest trees reside in Moran Hill, and some of the shrubbery is the rarest and oldest in Korea. Baekdu Mountain (백두산), Baekdu means “white faced”, and was named because of its snowy peaks. Baekdu Mountain has everything. It has a waterfall, hot springs and an inactive volcano. Heaven Lake (천지) is actually a lake formed by a crater after a large eruption. The water from the Lake is formed from precipitation which is actually located in Baekdu Mountain. Kumgangsan (금강산) is a mountain covered by forests. Near the mountain is a resort where visitors can relax. Around the area are lagoons, waterfalls and hilltops for Buddhist monasteries. 

On my next blog, I’ll be discussing South Korea..

Stay tune….

I Love Australia

Australia is one of the most thrilling countries around the world. It is situated in the southern hemisphere, and it takes all the continent of Oceania’s, the smallest, but is one of the six bigger countries in the world. The capital is Canberra, but the cities that are best known are Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, these cities and others are the result of the 20.6 millions of population. It’s an overwhelming place… diversity of flora and fauna, history, culture and other make this country one of the most interesting place to visit.

Sydney is one of the best known cities of Australia and around the world this is also the capital of Australia, characterize by its famous architectural landmarks and multicultural diversity of this country. It has a lot of parks and beaches that are really fascinating, but it also counts with big mountains like blue mountains, and the national parks. Sydney is the most habited city in Australia, people concentrate in the same zones, that’s why they preserve the nature. Aussies are really conscientious with their environment and they are very dedicated in preserving their natural habitat, because they love their country and they always take care of it. Every weekend, they go fishing or surfing, these are the two well known activities and very popular in Australia. Most popular beach they like to visit are the Glenelg beach, Bondi beach , Coogee beach, Bronte beach and others. People use to go on weekends and spend their spare time at the beach. This is their way of relaxation that’s why surfing, snorkeling and other water activities are known for Aussies.

Australia is a country with a lot of liberty of cults, there isn’t a religion established, but the most practice religion is Catholic and Anglicanism. Finally Australia is one of the most beautiful countries, because of it diversity and the wonderful landscape of this continent, Australia is a place where you can go and escape for some time of all civilization and enjoy the nature.