The Hidden City in Tuscany, Italy

San Gimignano



A small village in central Tuscany, Italy has become a very popular tourist destination over the years. The beautiful medieval towers which is the landmark of this village, makes a breath taking landscape. The architecture in this town was mainly influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There were 72 towers originally; however, some were destroyed due to war. At present there are 14 towers with various heights that has been preserved. You can also view frescos and artwork done during the 14th century and the 15th century in Sienese School and in Florentine School. Out of the many churches to visit, Colegiata and Sant’Agostino are the most popular ones with artwork done by Renaissance artists. What is nice about this town is, it offers history, old traditions, and Italian cuisines from the most original restaurants and the wine from this region.

To talk a little bit about the history of this village, San Gimignano’s dates back to 7th century. The village rose from an Etruscan settlement. It is said that this town was saved by the Holy Bishop of Modena, St Gimignano from barbarian hordes. The town soon gained popularity due to the “Francigena way”. Because of this route pilgrims to Rome and the Vatican used to pass by San Gimignano and also the town became the centre for business for surrounding villages. Therefore, San Gimignano started to flourish during the middle ages. As a result churches, monasteries and towers were built as wealth started to flow into the village. In 1199 San Gimignano became independent from the Bishop of Volterra. The city was divided due to the power struggle of two wealthy families known as Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and Salvucci family (Ghibellines). In 1300 Dante Alighieri became the Guelphs league Ambassador in Tuscany. However, a San Gimignano was faced with a Black Death plague where the town’s population reduced drastically. In 1353 San Gimignano came under the control of Florence and the town popularity and importance declined. Centuries after San Gimignano was rediscovered for its beauty and culture.

The heart of the town has for squares known as Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza Duomo where the Collegiata is located, Piazza Pecori, and Piazza delle Erbe. The main streets are Via San Matteo and Via San Giovanni, which cross the city from north to south. There is a mediaeval costume festival held each year on the third Saturday and Sunday of June in the streets and squares. It is very festive as you can see Knights of Santa Fina re-enact and old "Feriae Messium" tradition with jousts between mounted knights armed with lances (Giostra dei Bastoni). A large arts and craft market, food stalls with olive oil, saffron and the local wine known as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which is one of the most popular white wines in Italy, that could be tasted. There are musicians, street performers and archers entertaining the crowd. On Sunday afternoon there is a pageant with costumed horsemen and other characters. A chivalrous tournament is held in the Parco della Rocca, where the four quarters of San Gimignano compete. The winning quarter parades through the city and celebrations continue into the evening.

A place to visit and have a taste of true Tuscan culture. Just enjoy the beauty, tradition, and culture the place has to offer.

The Largest Wooden Temple

Todai-ji temple in Nara-Japan



It is definitely a very serene place. This is one of the most famous temples in Japan with the largest wooden building in the world. It also holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan which is made of bronze and copper. Located in Nara Park in Central Nara it is considered the landmark of Nara which dates back to 742. It was built by Emporor Shomu in faith of stopping an epidemic that spread during the time. In 798 the entire temple compound was completed.

Entrance to the temple is through the 13th century great southern gates called the Nandaimon with two massive guardian statues called the Nio kings guarding it. These statues are more than 8 meters tall and were erected in 1203 under the direction of Abbot Shunjobo Chogen. The beautifully carved details in these statues are very impressive. After entering through these gates proceed towards the main hall known as Daibutsuden where the big bronze Buddha statue is located. This hall was many times destroyed by earthquakes and fires. The present wooden building that stands was constructed in 1709 is only two thirds of the original size. The original building is said to have had two 100 meter high pagodas which was also destroyed by earthquakes. However, don’t be alarmed to see people trying to squeeze through one of the very small holes at the bottom of the rear pillars in the Daibatsuden. The locals believe if a person can squeeze through these pillars that there will be a place in haven for them. I, myself tried and failed!!! So, I believe I am not fortunate enough to go to haven.

The large Buddha statue known as the Daibatsu is in the Daibutsuden, has gone through much trauma over the years. The head was knocked down by an earthquake and the arms were melted by a fire. Only parts of the original Daibatsu that stands today. The present Daibatsu was re-constructed in 1692. This enormous seated Buddha statue is 15 meters tall (total height with the lotus 30mtrs) and the most prominent aspect being the 966 intricately placed bronze balls held as hair. This statue is considered to be one of the greatest creations in Japan for that era. The original statue was completed in 752 and was ceremoniously opened by an Indian monk, standing on a platform painting the Buddha’s eyes with a big paint brush with colorful strings flowing down so that the Emperor Shomu, his wife Empress Komyo and the reigning Empress Kogen along with other dignitaries were also able to participate in the opening ceremony by holding on to the strings. Hundreds of monks attended this ceremony. The gigantic brush is yet preserved to date. During this period this temple was so powerful politically that the capitol was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 to minimize the interferences in political affairs.

When you come out of the Daibutsuden at the bottom of the steps the Octagonal Lantern which is known to have inscriptions that dates back to the original temple can be sighted. Then to the west of the Daibutsuden is the Kaidanin which was constructed in 754. This was Japan’s first and principle ordination hall. Then there is the Hokke-do which is known to be the oldest structure at Tidaiji was believed to be built during 740 and 747.

A very well known ceremony in this temple is the the Shuni-e (Omizutori) ceremony. This ceremony is held in the Nigatsu-do hall. It is in March and it is a ceremony where people can repent their sins. However, when the Omzutori ceremony was first held in 752 it was to pray for good health and against epidemics and natural disasters. It is a very large event that is held in the temple. There are many ceremonies celebrated during the year. If you plan your visit accordingly you can be a part of one of these ceremonies. The festival of ten thousand lanterns being one of my favorites is held in mid August.

World's Biggest Carnival- Brazil

Carnival of Rio


Just a few days more for the world’s biggest carnival! It is officially scheduled to start on the 12th of February this year and go on for four days. Well, it is not just a carnival. It is based on history, culture, music, dance, fun, glamour and most of all you can dress up to be a different person of liking. Communities come together with all differences kept aside. The rich, the poor, the gay, all celebrating together, something of this magnitude of celebration is not seen anywhere else in the world. This is the time of year the poor in Brazil gets to celebrate without any reservations. The entire city is non-stop partying till the beginning of lent which is Ash Wednesday. The fever of celebration starts from early January. The dance movements, the music, the costumes, the floats are all well designed and the preparations are done throughout the year. It is an experience to look forward to with around 500000 tourists pouring in to the city ready to be indulged on the festivity of partying and just to be embraced by this magnificent celebration which is considered to be the biggest artistic events in the world. However, I have to warn you if you don’t like crowds and noise it is definitely not the place to be as most of Brazil is celebrating during this time of year.

The well-known carnivals take place in Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Olinda (North of Brazil) and in Salvador. However, out of all these the most popular one is the one at Rio de Janeiro. It starts with the crowning of the King Momo who is also known as the Fat king. He is given a giant silver and gold key by the City Mayor.

There are dance schools in every neighborhood in Rio. They play a big role in the carnival. Celebrations are well organized and are carried out by these dance schools. If you like to participate you need to sign up with a dance school. Each dance school has dance movements, costumes, floats, bands, songs with lyrics unique to them. They practice well in advance as it is a competition among the dance schools. Rio carnival concentrates mainly on Samba music and dance movements. The main parades are on Sunday and Monday. The parade is been judged by 40 judges in ten categories and the winner is announced on Tuesday. Therefore, you are expected to give your best to the dance school you are with. You find people dancing to Samba music on the streets from the beginning of the year. As much as it is fun for tourist it is a pride and joy for the Brazilians. It is a feeling that they can’t put into words when they participate in the parade. It is their passion and it comes free to them and anyone and everyone is welcome to participate.

It is no longer a street carnival as the parade is held now at a place called the Sambodrome stadium which is built for this purpose and can accommodate the people that visit each year. Whereas in other cities like Salvador, the parade is held in the streets and sometimes it goes on for weeks.

Costumes are big part of the parade. It glamorizes the entire parade along with the dance and music. A lot of money is spent on these unique costumes. They are beautifully tailored with beads, sequins, mirrors, feathers, diamantes, and anything that shows off. Every day the costumes differ and each school can have more than twenty or thirty different outfits. You have to choose a costume and order your costumes well in advance with the dance school you are planning to participate with if you wish to take part in the parade. The costume is the ticket to participate in the parade and you have to be at the school meeting point two hours before and find the others that are in similar outfits. The meeting point is announced before hand and can be checked with the president of the relevant group. You have to be there well in advance before the gates for your school parade closes. The entire parade around the stadium takes about 45 minutes. It is breathtaking experience and something you will not experience anywhere else. So many people dressed in different costumes that are gorgeous next to you dancing away having fun. Just smile, shake your body to the rhythm, sing and go with the flow with a lot of energy and most importantly just enjoy the atmosphere around you! If you are a spectator you are promised to be awed by the entire event. Be ready to enjoy and have fun!!

Sunny Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Dolphin Cove- Jamaica



Let’s visit a fun place now and take a break from history. If you are in love with sea creatures like dolphins, sharks and stingrays you better make a visit to this great fun loving place. It is an interesting day trip if you are in Ochi Rios or in Montego Bay areas. A place you must not forget your swimsuit, sun block and a big hat. This place allows you to play and swim with dolphins, stingrays and even pet sharks.
The place has a rustic atmosphere which is welcoming. There are a few attractions to choose to spend your day, dolphins being the main one. It is well worth the time and money as you can swim, pet, play and even kiss the dolphins. There are friendly instructors to guide you and help you. If you do not feel comfortable getting into the water with dolphins and not a great swimmer you can simply pet them from the shore and have a close view of these amazing creatures. The second attraction that really caught my attention was the stingrays. They are these unique sea creatures that you really feel afraid at the look of it but as you pet and snorkel with them you really start to admire them. There are many of them and I was told that they are been trained before they are been allowed to swim with people. The down side of this place is taking of photographs are prohibited and only photos taken by their own cameramen can be purchased at the end of the day. Another unique experience is the shark show. There are white sharks you can pet and hold for an attractive sum of money. Or if you are not a risk taker just watch the shark show from the deck. But watch out there are pirates on the deck!!
Other attractions include a jungle trail which is also entertaining for kids as you can pet snakes, iguanas and beautiful parakeets. Also large spiders and enormous cobwebs could be spotted on the way. Then comes the speed boat rides. It is a thrilling experience too. If speed boats are not your favorite water sport why not try out the kayaking. If you are exhausted with all these activities you have an option of lying down in the sun and just enjoying the beautiful weather or try out a nice Jamaican jerk chicken or steam fish with cocktails made with Jamaican rum to beat the burning sun.
Don’t forget those souvenirs which seem to crowd every part of Jamaica. Since Jamaica is a tourist destination you just cannot escape the souvenir shops. T-shirts, caps, slippers, towels, ornaments, jewelry, all have these funny slogans and the Jamaican flag colors. Oops! Also don’t forget the photos.

Dunn’s Fall- Jamaica



A few minutes away from Dolphin Cove is another popular attraction is the climbing of the Dunn’s river falls. With water icy cold and gushing down the rocks it definitely is a must. It is not a just the climb that is interesting. On the way to the top you can do these fun things like dive in backwards to a pool of water or slide down the fall with the speed of water or even stand under the gushing water for a shoulder massage. It is recommended to climb the falls with rubber sole water shoes but bare feet will do too. The water shoes can be either rented or purchased at the top of the water fall near the entrance. You make your way down to the beach by steps and start climbing back to the top of the fall. There are guides to take you and assist you to climb. The entire party holds hands and follows the guide. Mind you it is slippery and the force of the water might push you down. But it is fun and exciting!! So don’t miss out on this experience. Anyways, by the time you leave Jamaica you will be saying “no problem mon” or “everything is everything” with a happy smile.