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Exploring Santa Monica, California

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It is one of the most popular destination for Americans and, thanks to its proximity to Hollywood, one of the frequent locations directors choose to shoot their movies. Santa Monica Pier Sitting beside the Pacific coast in Los Angeles with its wide sandy beaches and near all-year sun, Santa Monica is always busy. The location permits it to offer holiday makers a variety of leisure activities from water sports to cycle hire. The cycleway, which runs behind the beach south to Venice Beach and Playa Del Rey, carries not only cycles but runners and skaters too. On the pier, there is a fun fare complete with its famous Ferris wheel. The pier has a number of popular tourist restaurants and at the Albright, I had an excellent clam chowder. From here you can occasionally catch some exciting wildlife. I was able to see dolphins and a rare whale during my stay, the first time I had seen marine creatures of this type in the wild. Dolphin Pod from Santa Monica Across the main highway, which you wa...
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48 hours in Madison

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Strictly speaking this was a three night stay in Madison, Wisconsin but in reality on a full 48 hours was spent here, so what can you do? Wisconsin State Capitol First of all the city of 250,000 is the state capital of Wisconsin and the city is dominated by the Capitol building, a fine construction dating back to the early years of the twentieth century. The good news for visitors is that there are free tours throughout the week, including Sunday. The tours last around an hour and include the law courts as well as the legislature. Well worth an hour of anyone’s time. Head to the reception area for details. The tours are not available when the senate and law courts are in session. Check the line here for more information. http://tours.wisconsin.gov/pub/Content.aspx?p=Capitol%20Tour Natural light projects through the ceiling Entertainment. The purpose of my trip was to see a gig which took place at the  https://www.thesylvee.com/  – Great venue with large bar opposite the stage....
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Location: Madison, WI, USA
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Discovering Marrakech

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It was by chance I found myself sitting aboard an aircraft bound for Morocco. The previous week as I contemplated my next destination, the country was not in contention. It was November and many of the European destinations under consideration were experiencing poor weather. Then, as if by happenstance, I was offered a fare to Marrakech (Marrakesh) for just €26 (about $25US). Morocco is a country I had not really given any though to even though I had been there three decades earlier. Back then it was another winter excursion but as a package holiday with everything thrown in to Tangier. I had enjoyed it a great deal but my travel aspirations have evolved. These day, I am an independent traveller looking to explore places without the help of a guide. A Podcast accompanies this Blog: Click here - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/riYwnNOPhFb Marrakech seemed to offer me this possibility and more. While I avoid guides when I am visiting place, I need to research a little of th...
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Location: 7CQGWR4X+VP
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Mount Fuji - Travel Tips

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Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. It has a developed tourist economy and here are a few pointers to getting around and seeing the best of the mountain and the adjoining lakes. The setting. Japan's highest mountain is often depicted as beautiful snow capped perfect cone. It is all of this but not at the height of the summer. By then the snow has melted and it's natural rock and vegetation come to the fore. Attractions. In summer though the resorts around the mountain come to life. If your idea of fun is a theme park, then there are a number to choose from such as  FujiQ . Pleasure Boat.  One of the best ways to see Mount Fuji is from the lake and on Lake Kawaguchiko you can embark for a 30 minute trip on the  El Soleil . Prices and timetable on the link. Try and get on an early or late sailing because by the middle of the day coach parties arrive an...
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Video: If you missed this in the travel blog...

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Location: ４２-1 Nishinokyo Enmachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
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Getting Around Japan - Without Speaking Japanese

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For the western tourist the Japan there are any number of stories of visitors being left high and dry due to the signage being in Japanese script. Let me put you at ease. Getting around Japan, especially on public transport is relatively easy. You just need a little preparation, an understanding of English and a touch of patience. Japan and especially Tokyo is a crowded country which can be overwhelming at first sight but spend a few days in the country and you gradually get use to it. My top tip for anyone planning to get around by rail is get a JR rail pass in your home country before you travel. I paid extra for a 'green' ticket - first class to you and me because the price was not significantly higher than the standard price. There is small caveat to this. To travel in a green car you must have a reservation and this you can get from the JR ticket desks at all the main stations in Japan and also at Narita and Haneda airports. These are also where you transfer the vou...
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