Archive for August, 2007

• Vacation in Beijing

  Date: 2007.08.08 | Category: Asia | Response: 0

  Few places in this world have such a rich history, exciting present and promising future as China. For thousands of years China has been shrouded in mystery (to the western world at least) and considered to embody the idea of the “exotic” orient. Traders and travelers have had their sights on this ancient and exciting destination for centuries. Now, with the 2008 Olympics in Beijing coming up fast you to can Vacation in Beijing and enjoy what modern China has to offer.

  There has never been a better time for a family vacation or casual travel to China. Especially now with the Olympics coming, Beijing especially is bound to be transformed into a tourist’s dream. So if you’ve ever considered a vacation to China but weren’t quite sure if it was for you, there’s no time like the present! (or rather 2008)

• Adventure Travel

  Date: 2007.08.06 | Category: Asia | Response: 0

  Looking for more than just a vacation? Are you looking for an adventure? Two things rarely go together as well as adventure and travel, it’s a perfect match for the action-seeking traveler. Many people opt to hike or even rock climb (if they know how) but few think of dirt bikes.

  I know it’s not the first thing that pops into people’s heads when they want to combine sight seeing and outdoor sports, but it’s a perfect solution. A dirt bike (or even a 4 wheeler) can let you really get around and take in the scenery. It’s a great way to explore and lets face it, you can go way farther (and faster) and see things that you would have missed out on if you had gone hiking!

  Consider an off road adventure on your next vacation, you’ll thank me for it!

• Uji Matcha

  Date: 2007.08.04 | Category: Asia | Response: 0

  We all know what green tea is, but what about Matcha? Well matcha is ground green tea, used in Japanese tea ceremony as well as dying foods such as noodles. One of the most famous Matcha-producing regions is Uji in Kyoto (tea from this region is called “Ujicha”), and Uji Matcha is highly regarded for its quality.

  The production of quality matcha is a very involved process and requires great knowledge and skill. Preparing matcha for harvest is a process that starts well before harvesting time by covering the tea bushes to prevent direct sunlight (this slows growth, darkens the leaves and produces amino acids that result in a sweeter tea). The drying process is also important and different techniques are used to produce the different kinds of matcha (eg. Gyokuro or tencha).

  Sure sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?