Karuizava is one of the beautiful cities in Japan. Think about a perfect town out of the city reach covered in mountains. And jungle across a perfect place for shopping and dining. Beautiful weather and perfect atmosphere and pretty place indeed if you wish to talk to yourself just in case you do not have a girlfriend to walk you through. Karuizawa is a resort town in the mountains near Nagano, Japan. It’s known for mild summers conducive to outdoor recreation like golf. Forests in the surrounding area offer cycling and walking paths along with sites like Kumoba Pond and Shiraito Falls.

Karuizawa | Japan travel guide | Travelling | Travel Japan

When I got down from the train I found a tourist information center right at the corner of the station. Soon I had enough information to move forward and to explore the beautiful town. I walked through numerous stores out there which to me it made it a shopping district with quite a huge number of brands displayed at one place to pick and choose. And not just that there is a beautiful ground with green grass adjacent to it where I found a little pond with colorful fish adding to the beauty of it. 

Karuizawa | Japan travel guide | Travelling | Travel Japan

Skiing and hot springs are popular in the winter. Kyu-Karuizawa, the old town center, is the site of a pedestrian shopping strip.

Karuizawa | Japan travel guide | Travelling | Travel Japan

Soon I had a bus to catch to the main center in order to have some food and to walk through the forest down there. Pretty exciting isn’t it? I just walked through to the bus station where a minibus was already waiting. A lot of tourists could be seen moving in the same direction when I got to the center of the town. I did not have a tour guide yet I got acquainted with someone on the bus. And she could explain to me where I could eat and where I could start the journey. Thanks to her I tried some seafood and walked through the forest and took some amazing pictures.

Karuizawa | Japan travel guide | Travelling | Travel Japan

Copyright © 2019  Rana M  All rights reserved

My travel cloud as follows :

travel, travel zoo.travelocity. travel insurance. travel one. travelers. traveling, traveler. travel google. travel backpack. travel quotes. travel sites. travel blue. travel pillow. travelpro. travel guard. cities. beautiful cities, books on travel. cities skylines, cities near me. destinations. vacation, vacation to go. vacation rentals. vacation packages. vacation express. vacation home rentals. vacation homes. vacation spots. explore, explore learning. explore traveling.

Hits: 11

Hits: 53

Why Japan? – Well, of course, the best is that is why. Sometimes people have strange questions but to answer them gently. You must answer them in a productive and creative manner. These days writers are not appreciated the way they were used to be. Perhaps the ideology behind explaining beautiful destinations has gone more commercial. And people just pick things which seem beneficial to them. Why Japanese are the best? Why Japanese people.? There are are a million reasons to explore discover Japan. It is an amazing travel destination.

Feel the Vibe

Although the rapid growth in technology has eased things up for people. To know about a place before they plan to visit yet the actual flair is to be there. To enjoy and feel the atmosphere. I am sure no YouTube video or blog or a Vlog can take you there. Anyone can visualize it by seeing videos of the place but always remember. You cannot feel it if you cannot experience it yourself. You have to feel the vibe, run across the streets, wander into the gardens. Jump into the lake or perhaps ride a roller coaster to absorb the energy of that particular place. And feel the air into your veins to explore and enjoy the beautiful place God has designed for us.

Amazing Travel Destination

Why Japanese | Why Japanese people | Explore discover

The most exotic place on earth

I had been asked many times this question that do you believe Japan is the most exotic place on earth. Or why is it best to visit?. Well to answer that there are a million reasons why Japan is the most beautiful. And the most interesting place on earth. Here I explain quickly a few aspects for all those who are curious to know why Japan is the best. Why Japanese are the best? Why Japanese people.? There are are a million reasons to explore discover Japan. It is an amazing travel destination.

1- Cultural Vibe

2- Depth of creativity

3- Technology genius

4- Heaven of earth

5- Beautiful Scenery

6- Exceptional weather

7- Delicious Food ( out of the world)

8- Beauty in motion

9- Hospitable and generous people

10- Kind and loving nation

11- Depth of discipline

12- A place to explore

13- A place to learn

14- A place to love

15- The most beautiful landscape

16- The most interesting architecture

17- Stunning art

18- Deep roots of ancient traditions

19- Remedies and tales of developments

20- The most beautiful women on earth. ( Although it is almost impossible to get a girl of your dreams there yet they still are gorgeous)

I am sure most people have no interest in reading articles. And the curiosity to explore the adventure behind a post yet still for those who read and understand the beauty of it. Good things are for those who appreciate and for those who at least know the value of it. Some people travel so they can ride a train or go to a mountain. Or just they want to feel different from a place they normally live in. Well! I go places to read culture, to know traditions, to explore lifestyles. To learn recipes of their delicious foods or just to learn how great people are at that particular part of the world. Why Japanese are the best? Why Japanese people.? There are are a million reasons to explore discover Japan. It is an amazing travel destination.

Why Japanese | Why Japanese people | Explore discover

And so far apart from many experiences and cultural experiences. I would like to love the days I have spent in Japan. Each and every second was more precious than diamonds and rubies. A mesmerizing sweet atmosphere that takes your breath away. You actually feel lighter than air by the extreme display of beauty and compassion by nature into this piece of land. The more you explore the more you enjoy and learn from a vast and never-ending depth of cultural roots and traditions. The aspect of being unique is something that only a few on this earth possess. And those who understand it know the value and significant importance on civilization and cultural norms. The modern developments and technological growth is actually the result of extreme discipline and following the cultural depth and traditions.

Why Japanese | Why Japanese people | Explore discover

Copyright © 2019  Rana M  All rights reserved

Hits: 35

The Halcyon Days

The whole concept of spiritual attunement is being dazzled by an adequate life everyone hopes for. Some get it along with and some live in the past, as to them the perfect lining of silk roads of your dreams lies in there. The moment you look back you infiltrate into another world, full of memories, giggles, and laughs. Many people ought to have this phase differently in the passage of their lives but well! mine is “NPS- The School“. The Halcyon days that carried me through always. I miss the old school days, school fellows, school life, school time and most of all I miss my childhood. I miss the halcyon days.

Halcyon Days | School life | School fellows | Childhood | School days

12991033_10208051110210779_1970627824137096641_n

 From left to right Takassur Ahsan, Shahrukh Suleiman, Ms.Shakila, Me, Rana Zaheer & Yasser Ahsan.

The Ideology

People paint memories at various places, speaking of which some at the canvas, at songs as in music, at movies as in entertainment, at the Job as work, at home as in a family or at the beach as being alone. Above and beyond memories run in every piece of property we have in real life or each dream we create in the spiritual world. Few of us get lucky and get themselves involved in velvety luxurious happy and unending metaphor of a perfect life. A beautiful wife, kids, a big house, etc. The rest are those who have to live to breathe,survive and to see the others enjoying their lives. We complain stock exchanges to collapse or relationships to grow sour but one way or the other either we are making memories or living on the previous ones. Its either invention or repairs untutored. 

Memories as Assets

I am unable to explain what women may think of this but I am sure that people who take time from their lives and think about the best days of their lives they still find a way to cheer themselves by remembering the moments they had of laughter when they caught up in a bad situation. I must mention that at the present time people don’t live to live a life, they live in this world either to please others or compete with others. There is no such thing as “ideal”. The concept practically has lost its importance in the overwhelming increase of speed in technology and growing developments. People have become digital. Organic food is selective and more expansive than regular, sooner or later it is going to be obsolete. People are growing in development but have lost much which could have left in humanity ordeal.No matter how hard you bang your head through the wall, no one’s gonna care. No one does. The popular term today is “move on”. So let us move on talk about some recollections I had back in school. I call em my Halcyon Days. To be honest I miss the old school days, school fellows, school time, school life and most of all I miss my childhood. And as a matter of fact, I miss the halcyon days.

Halcyon Days | School life | School fellows | Childhood | School days

From left to right Me, Shahrukh Suleiman and the cute Irfan hameed.

The School – NPS

Think of an old town very traditional and rational people. Most people from a middle-class background and those rich were considered prominent in every aspect to aspire, withholding benefits with rural system not so hard to understand. The government school system was pretty ordinary and it was really hard for people who were rich for better schooling of their kids or those who always dreamed their kids could have a better future if there could have been a better school in town. And here you go there happened to be a charismatic old man pretty famous in the Education industry with phenomenal skills of creating schools, finding talent and making people famous. He came with a plan and started a school that town never could have imagined. We were to witness in the antecedent. A brand new school, gifted teachers, fabulous interior and most of all “A stunning uniform design” which at that particular moment no one had, not even in private schools which were a few at that time. Everything was fantastic. I used  to enter the school earlier than most and I still remember getting into the class to drop the backpack and rushing towards the ground for morning drill which included national anthem and a melodious poem   ( Urdu -Lab pe ati hay duaa ban ke tamanna meri) I used to sing along with two other choir girls Hina & Sonia. Yeah, folks I still remember their names and Hina for her smile and Sonia for her curly hair. Pardon me but at that moment the brains were clean and pure and no one ever thought anything to be dirty or absurd. It was heaven just heaven. The old school days, school fellows, school life, school time and most of all I miss my childhood. 

Halcyon Days | School life | School fellows | Childhood | School days

At the very right ” The great Sir Nazir Ahmed – The founder of many schools one of which I studied”

The Teachers

This is my preferred part of this distinct project I am writing as the first badge of teachers in the early stage of my life when I was just beginning to learn, was remarkable. I was a common guy and most plausibly most of all the students. Because the school was designed to teach the kids of all the wealthy people residing in that town.Especially judges, lawyers, Industrialists, politicians, and businessmen you name it. I had to go through an admission test/audition to qualify my capabilities to fit into a system designed for rich people only. I say this because I was the only one or the first one to be auditioned as such. And from the moment I entered the premises, I found those teachers supportive, loving and caring. I still remember Ms.Shehzadi (My first English teacher) sneaking through the window witnessing me being auditioned and analyzed. After I was done she came to me and asked my name and asked which class I would be joining into. I smiled and I told her your class indeed. I got the admission and believe you me straight to her class. Then I got great teachers, later on, I would write here all the names yet there are a few I love them from the heart and respect them more than anything in this world. Old school days, school fellows, school life, school time and most of all I miss my childhood

Halcyon Days | School life | School fellows | Childhood | School days

From Left to right Ms.Maliha,Ms.Jamila,Ms.Ejaz Fatima,Ms.Farhana,Ms.Zahida,Ms.Shakila,Ms.Shehzadi & Ms.Naila

GullRukh and Shahrukh Suleiman

gull rukh

From many things to remember GullRukh and Shahrukh Suleiman are among those classmates, I cannot forget. Brother and sister in the same class where Shahrukh Suleiman was naughty enough to read but GullRukh Suleiman was my competition. She was always ahead in the homework as she was so neat and clean. I used to stand first in class. We had always fought over Golden stars from the teachers. All the teachers supported her because she was a girl yet they loved me as well. I had the opportunity to meet their family and still remember them as one of the best people I have ever met. Shahrukh Suleiman is a Civil engineer now while GullRukh is married and is a housewife.

Shoaib Khokhar

shoaib khokhar

One of my best friends. Cool, calm and cute are the attributes he used to carry. He was our Junior in school yet used to be the best in friends. Always invited us to his home for lunch or dinner. One of the richest boy in town. Shy as he might seem he was one of the most decent lads at school. No doubts he’s a businessman now having cute kids and happy family. May God Bless him. Old school days, school fellows, school life, school time and most of all I miss my childhood

 

Yasser Ahsan

Halcyon Days | School life | School fellows | Childhood | School days

One of my best friends. Actually, he was one of the closest friends at school. I sometimes used to live for days at his home. Wonderful family, he’s got I always thought I was part of the family as the love and support they always provided. He was a good cricketer and a nice friend. Yasser Ahsan is a Software Engineer and living with his cute kids happily. In school, he was the one whose lunchbox I had shared the most hehe. We used to organize school plays and functions where he used to assist me where I was the Director of such events. It was fun all the way in school and I still remember every bit of it.

 

Missing the old school days, school fellows, school time, school life and most of all I miss my childhood. Missing the halcyon days.

Those folks from school who are missing in this blog I can add their details provided if I am able to reconnect with them and if they provide me some photos from their albums.

Copyright © 2019  Rana M  All rights reserved

Hits: 326

Numerous stories are full of natural beauty on this planet. Moreover, of various beautiful places, Srilanka is one of the most charming stories of its kind. An ancient place with much heritage. Inherent capacity to attract people from all around the world to visit. Besides all Sri Lanka facts and all is written for facts about Sri Lanka. budget travel is associated with this place. It is a beautiful place.

My Trips

My trips to Srilanka had been phenomenal. I have traveled more than seven times to Srilanka on various occasions. I had been to Colombo, Galle, Candy, and Negombo. Moreover, you don’t need a reason to visit Srilanka that often because it is filled with the natural beauty of forests, beaches, green meadows, ancient ruins & elephants, you name it.

Sri Lanka facts | Facts about Sri Lanka | Budget travel First Time in Srilanka

Srilanka is also one of those countries in Asia where people love to watch cricket as much as they love to play. It has also produced world-class players over the years in this regard. I still remember when I traveled the first time to Srilanka I had a flight from Singapore. I have had a couple of drinks in mid-air and was in bit fare mood. The landing was typical, and it was raining. I could imagine my eyelids had twitched on the window’s glass seeing the plane landing in heavy rain. Apart from rain and green plants, I could see a massive crowd of people as the small airport was surrounded by them all over. Pretty strange to me but could only be able to find out why, when you are out of the airport. The airport is pretty far from Colombo and very near to Negombo. Two different, totally different cities. The airport was small, well tiny and so as the duty-free. I realized that there were their Cricketers from their National team and I could see them shopping in the duty-free right next to the Immigration counters. Now I understood why there were people outside the airport, obviously to see them.

The Cricket Team

Well, you call it a sheer stroke of luck or whatever but I was about to see them in person for the first time in my life. There was a long queue of people on passport control. Moreover, luckily, I didn’t have to wait much to reach a counter. I got the entry, and there you go the whole of the Srilanka cricket team was in front of me. I requested the team manager that I am a fan and want to talk to them. He not only allowed me but also introduced me to them. I met Attapatu, who was captain at that time, Chaminda Vaas, Jayawardene, and Jayasuriya. Believe it or not, I went through the green channel at my way out from the airport along with their Cricket team. The green channel was especially for players only, but I was having a chit chat with them and didn’t notice that they allowed me to go with them. Budget travel is associated with this place. It is a beautiful place.


When we were out, I saw their buses, but an extraordinary thing I witnessed was Muralitharan ( a world-famous bowler) was standing on Bulldozer and waving the crowd. It was too noisy outside as people were screaming with joy watching their players passing by them. I enjoyed it.

Cities and Beaches

The sites in Srilanka are remarkable, yet I resided mostly in Negombo. Moreover, few times in Colombo. Negombo is a city famous for its beaches. Beautiful beaches at the cost decorated by hotels, shops, clubs, and pubs. Colombo, on the other hand, is the capital city. But as I saw at that time, it was not as developed as other major cities in the world. Crowded streets and much more. I loved Candy and Galle too, but I liked Negombo more and stayed there more often on my trips. Budget travel is associated with this place. It is a beautiful place.

People from around the world

It’s a fact that people from around the world travel to Srilanka. I was astonished when I saw the beaches there as a massive number of beautiful girls I could see; it was so amazing. People of Europe, Australia, and Newzealand, travel there a lot. There is plenty of entertainment. I mean imagine half-naked girls having a sunbath at tremendously beautiful beaches it sounds fun. I was not expecting this to see in Srilanka but was amazed. One more hilarious fact I found there was that I asked a fisherman who barely could speak English, drunk but stable. Besides all Sri Lanka facts and all is written for facts about Sri Lanka. budget travel is associated with this place. It is a beautiful place.


I asked him, ” Do you have a girlfriend” it was like I am mocking him or something and look what he answered me in surprise, he replied, “Yes! One is from France and one is from Newzealand”. I could not believe my ears and laughed at him saying, ” look at you, man? Are you serious? “. He laughed but said wait for a few minutes and watch so out curiosity I stayed, and I saw a beautiful girl not much different from a celebrity in her 20s came and french kissed this half-naked, stinking fisherman. I was shocked and fell on the ground, unconscious. I said to myself, ” What’s wrong with this world?”. Then later I realized that it’s not much strange in there. Moreover, I hated myself why I was single and could not have a couple of girlfriends like everyone else, but then the answer from my heart was ” I am not a bad guy.”
There are many pubs down there, and you actually can enjoy a lot, in some at night you have traditional dance performances and much more. There is a lot to discover and a lot to be expressed what you observe and watch there.

Food

There are a lot of fast-food chains operating in Srilanka. The traditional food is so spicy that only a few people can taste it. It is too much spicy. I tried one that they cook on a large pan, and they fry bread with chilies and gravy. I could barely have a few bites as it was extremely spicy. One more thing in their food is that they cook mostly in coconut oil. The taste is different.
Moreover, I noticed even the expansive restaurants used to cook in the same. After a few days, it was challenging to eat everything cooked in coconut oil. I used to travel from one part of the city to the other in search of restaurants to try something different and find out food cooked in oil other than coconut oil. Pretty hard to find such. Traditional fruits and vegetables are easy to find. Dry fruit also pretty famous and delicious. Besides all Sri Lanka facts and all is written for facts about Sri Lanka. budget travel is associated with this place. It is a beautiful place.

Copyright © 2019  Rana M  All rights reserved

Hits: 63

There are some places where you live in your memories — the things that always remind you of your past, old friends, activities, and much more. Kuala Lumpur is one of those cities where dreamers begin to dream and learn to live in those dreams. Kuala Lumpur was the first city I lived outside my home, and therefore I have a special affection and love for this place. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur can be interesting. If you are planning to visit Malaysia which is no doubt a dream city, you must read this blog.

Memorable

 Things to do in Kuala Lumpur | Visit Malaysia | Dream city

I was quite young when I boarded my first ever flight. I was nervous a bit. Curious and cautious to understand the behavior of people from around the world. Habits, language, and adopting a new environment were the primary concerns. I had a layover in Bangkok. I saw Thai girls for the first time in my life.  When I landed in Kuala Lumpur, I had to board a train to reach the main terminal. A quite formal interview by the Immigration officers and then I was in the main lobby.


Didn’t have any acquaintances but I as being a Student I had all the tools in my head to learn, explore, and get used to of a beautiful city I just landed. Went to the information desk and hired a Mercedes Benz as the Taxi to Kuala Lumpur city. Kuala Lumpur is a paradise for those who love pouring raindrops from the sky, green meadows and refreshing air to breath. I was amused by such tacky views outside the window where raindrops were gathering in rhythm for me to write a poem so beautiful that angels from heaven should fall and show me mesmerizing beauty of nature. Finally, I reached Kuala Lumpur. For a person who travels for the first time and reaches a city like Kuala Lumpur its a pretty different and unique feeling which cannot describe in words. You have to be there with open eyes to witness it and enjoy it. I dropped my bags at the Hotel and soon I was heading towards a restaurant. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur can be interesting. If you are planning to visit Malaysia which is no doubt a dream city, you must read this blog.

Food Things to do in Kuala Lumpur | Visit Malaysia | Dream city

The food there is fantastic. You will find numerous restaurants with plenty of dishes and choices. Many people who love food its a paradise. You will find all type of restaurants in there with almost everything you can imagine having at your lunch or dinner table. Tea and Milo ice are those drinks which are very common in Kuala Lumpur. My favorite breakfast was ” Roti Talor” ( A bread made with eggs -served with curry). Rice is the main ingredient in addition to any other dish you want to add. 

My other favorite was ” Nasi Kandar” and “Nasi Goreng” ( Friend Rice) especially when they are spicy. Other than the food, the most exciting thing about it is the nightlife. Very entertaining and colorful. Bangsar to Bukit Bintang, it is just amazing. There are so many attractions, parks, resorts, markets, malls and shopping areas where you can enjoy most of your time. Moreover, most of all, the magnificent KLCC Petronas Towers. Center Market, Mid Valley, Petaling Jaya, Ampang, KL central, Brickfields, Sunway, Cheras, and Dataran Merdeka are my favorite places.

City of Dreams

 Things to do in Kuala Lumpur | Visit Malaysia | Dream city

Kuala Lumpur is a city of dreams. I started studying there and took a course “Diploma in Business Administration (ABE program from the UK).” My college was just high. I wrote a poem on my college, and they published on their website and the notice board. I was also asked to write on the excellent “Mahathir Mohamad” when he was retiring by my college, but I was so unlucky that I got sick and could not complete the project. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur can be interesting. If you are planning to visit Malaysia which is no doubt a dream city, you must read this blog.


I feel unlucky that I missed the opportunity to write something on a great personality of all times. I later wrote a poem on Malaysia and was much appreciated by college friends. I got some every green and fabulous friends from Kuala Lumpur naming ” Asif ” and “Jalil.” Both are great friends and keen advisors. With Asif used to go to Bangsar mostly but there was a guy named Shahid Butt, an ultimate dance freak when he used to be in a club. We were mostly late at night after clubbing and partying, and the Hostel gates shut and we would always request the security to open the gate, but they would never do that, and we had to wait till sunrise to enter into the building. It was fun, however. Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough to have a girlfriend while in Kuala Lumpur yet all my friends did. So sad, hehe but I enjoyed my time there even without a girlfriend.

I did have a recent visit to the city last year, and I revisited Kuala Lumpur after more than ten years. I was pretty emotional this time and watched the city with my teary eyes, the tears of joy. I was happy to be so intrigued to have given the opportunity by nature to revisit the city. Moreover, capture the memories where I started dreaming once and which was the city of my dreams. There were many changes I observed since I was studying and now but one unchanged thing was my love for it, my devotion, and my affection for Kuala Lumpur. It is infinite and forever. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur can be interesting. If you are planning to visit Malaysia which is no doubt a dream city, you must read this blog.


Its a place where you want to be to create imaginations, to conquer your goals, to learn the innovative approach towards life and many more things. There are memories, and there are stories to be told, and they are so many. I wish I would have time in the near future to write and share with you guys. So visit Malaysia as soon as you can. 

Copyright © 2019  Rana M  All rights reserved

Hits: 131

Before writing this post I was wondering from where to begin. There might have been plenty of writers who have acknowledged and written the glorious Japan in their words praised it and explained beautifully the beauty it carries, though I am going to explain it my way, the way I felt and observed. If you are traveling to Japan for the first time then you must understand Japan culture, traditions and everything related to Japanese culture. If you want to know the facts about Japan, you must know facts about Japanese culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live.

Facts about Japan

Facts about Japan | Facts about Japanese culture | Beautiful places to live

I love to travel, and it’s my hobby. I believe it is very much related to poetry, art, or anything creative you can imagine doing. You take a break from the world for a while and plunge into the depth of an ocean. Alternatively, the beauty of a city and explore the richness of its culture and beauty. I certainly believe in the quote, “If traveling were free, you would never see me again.” The curiosity to know and witness nature in different parts of the world you need to prepare yourself to be amused by the ultimate glory and fabulous beauty of nature that has been designed centuries ago for us to explore and enjoy.

The most adorable place ,the most beautiful people

Traveling to Japan for the first time | Japan culture | Japanese culture

I study deeply into a place before I plan to travel, yet when I reached Japan, I said to myself, “there was so much more to read boy.” The explanation to an utmost fascinating and glorified place still needs a lot of definitions and descriptions beyond imaginations. I am just about to try and define the glorious beauty and deepest roots of the most vibrant culture of a nation which is as calm as nature itself, as peaceful as heaven and as fascinating as the Universe. The aspect of visiting a place is not always just about the place but about the people, their culture, food, atmosphere and their behavior. The moment I landed in Japan, I had never seen such hospitality and love of the people towards you anywhere else in the world. No matter what race you are, what are your religious beliefs, what dress you wear or what mentality you have, you find Japanese people to treat you equally with love and compassion, respect and honor. If you want to know the facts about Japan, you must know facts about Japanese culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live.

When I reached there, I clearly understood that I am going to witness heaven on earth.The facts abut Japan are easy to understand and explore. From the airport to the hotel, whomever I asked anything I felt like those people were waiting for me to ask for help and they were ready to guide me whatever I wanted to know. It was a fantastic feeling which you can only experience when you visit a lot many countries, and when you reach somewhere like Japan which was always your dream place to visit and an ideal culture to know. If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, then you must understand Japan culture, traditions, and everything related to Japanese culture.

 

Traveling to Japan for the first time | Japan culture | Japanese culture

Admirable

food in tokyo

As soon as I reached the hotel, I didn’t want to stay back even if I had a jet lag, and my body was insisting on taking some rest. I already was in love with the place, and the people and my heart were continually asking me to go out and meet as many people as I can because they were so lovely and charming. I quickly changed and came out in the street outside the hotel. There were numerous restaurants, supermarkets, and departmental stores nearby. Out of my curiosity when I looked up in the sky, it was about to rain. Oh dear Lord, what glory, in-store already. I love rain and love it more when it’s raining at a place you already in love. What a beautiful feeling. It cannot be explained in words. I went to a superstore nearby and bought Yogurt, water, bread, and some snacks. It was a late night. I came back to the hotel and decided to take some rest finally to get ready for my first day in Tokyo tomorrow. If you want to know the facts about Japan, you must know facts about Japanese culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live.

The Excitement

The next morning, I was so excited, I had my backpack ready with my camera, its lenses, and batteries, etc. I was walking down the street taking pictures, asking people to take my pictures; it was so amazing, it was one of the best mornings of my life ever. The place was Akasaka, and after walking for about five minutes, I reached a train station. Down in the subway pretty soon I was asking the Stationmaster about the routes to different places in the city from that place. Soon he got occupied by people, and it was not just enough to understand and plan my day from there. But then I asked a girl standing right at the corner of the ticketing machine lost into her phone, she quickly responded, and not only she explained how to collect the ticket from the machines but also helped me understand the train schedule, timings and places to visit. That’s the beauty of Japan; everyone is so helpful and hospitable that it’s incredible to watch. The first place I decided to visit was “The Meiji Shrine.” It was drizzling a bit, and it was a walk from the crowded streets filled with beautiful people to the tall trees with a lot of greenery. It was a walk through the light forest to the main shrine and lot of people were walking toward it, you don’t need to ask someone where you have to go because everyone is either walking towards that direction or coming back from it. Pretty soon I was at the gate of the main shrine and just before that I saw a pond of water with wooden artifacts, and I heard a woman explaining the “purifying” process before going towards the shrines. It was interesting to learn. And then it was amazing to read numerous wooden pieces hanging outside of the shrine with massages from people around the world who visited, and it was truly exciting and colorful. 

The way you show respect to the shrine was also great, you throw some coins in the wooden boundary outside, then you clap your hands twice and bow. It was amazing. However, the most interesting part to me was the place where charms on wood and paper are being sold for good luck, fortune, etc. It was written on the wooden bottle to shake it and then see your fortune. I did it immediately, and I saw a stick came out with a number “19” written on a small flag. I took that to the lady over there, and she gave me my fortune against the number I got and I couldn’t believe what I was about to read and it exactly reads like this “OMIKUJI – This poem was composed, in the traditional 31-syllable form, by either Emperor Meiji or the Empress Shoken. It says that the poem’s message has particular meaning for you.  (MEIJI JINGO- Tokyo).

I could not believe my eyes as I am a Poet, and it seemed like a fantastic message a deep and warm welcome especially designed for me, telling me that it is about me. What a glorious feeling that is, I am so much intrigued and happy. If you are want to know the facts about Japan, you must know facts about Japanese culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live.I was given a gift at my visit, and it was a poem and was about poetry. Wow, it cannot be explained in words.  I am genuinely in love with Japan already. After this, I walked back to the station and went to Sky tree- Tokyo. It is another beautiful place to visit. Day after another day, I happened to visit naturally gifted places like Nico, Karuizawa, Ueno, Takasaki, and Asakusa. The beauty is inexplicable, and the time that I had planned seemed not enough to explore and visit amazing places beyond imaginations. If you are traveling to Japan for the first time then you must understand Japan culture, traditions and everything related to Japanese culture.

The Fabulousbeautiful places to live

The dazzling street lights to blooming flowers, from mountains to great suburbs, from technology to innovation, from peace to harmony, gorgeous and fabulous, JAPAN is what a vast country with vigilant people and vibrant skies. I have never seen such beauty packed into one place with all the prettiest things one can hope for. If you are want to know the facts about Japan, you must know facts about Japanese culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live. If someone would ask me what I like the most in Japan, and my answer is “People.” Yes, the people are genuinely and undoubtedly amazing. I have not seen a single person there as angry, tired, or upset. They have calmness on their faces, priceless smiles, and peace. The most beautiful part of their culture, I must say is their Women. It is one of the reasons why Japan is one of the most amazing and prosperous countries in the world. This story is not over yet; there is a lot to write, a lot to explore and a lot more to explain.If you are want to know the facts about Japan, you must know facts about Japanese culture. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Copyright © 2019  Rana M  All rights reserved

Hits: 279