Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

destinations

A Guide to Visiting Spain this Winter

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Spain is often seen as one of the best destinations for holiday-makers to rest their heads. With an extensive coastline and a history that has roots deep in the past, there is no wonder people turn to Spain when they are looking for their dose of sun and culture. Arguably the most loved part of Spain is its ability to attract year-round great weather. This means that dreams of beach holidays or sipping on sangria in the sunset can be achieved during the winter months. This makes for the perfect break from bleak British weather, but you should always make sure to follow some foolproof tips when it comes to planning your trip.

Make the most of the beaches

Visiting Spain without indulging in one of its many beaches is a mistake that should be avoided. With stretches of golden sand and the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, there is no wonder that Spain is known as a hub for beach holidays across the world. Though there are many beaches on the mainland, some of the best for winter getaways can be found on island archipelagos like the Canary Islands. To ensure you escape the crowds of winter sun-chasers, a trip to the smaller island of Fuerteventura is recommended. You can put the jewel in the crown of your trip by browsing villas in Fuerteventura, which can add luxury and a sense of privacy to your trip. Unwind in a villa, rather than an impersonal hotel room.

Visit iconic cities

Although beach retreats are an unmissable part of Spain, you should still take the time to explore some of its most famous cities. From the sightseeing capital of Madrid to the architectural haven of Barcelona, there is something here that everyone can enjoy. If you are hoping to see the true Spain, you should take a trip down to the south to Seville. Here, you can see ancient buildings and cobbled streets, where the weather is notably sunny for most months of the year.

Indulge in Spanish cuisine

In terms of culinary delights, Spain has an array of options for you to try on every day of your holiday. For example, if you order a drink in a traditional Spanish bar, you are likely to have a plate of tapas brought out for you to snack on. If you are hoping to fill your stomach at lunchtime, you should try the Valencian marvel of paella, which often includes tender chicken thighs and fresh seafood. At any time of the day, a glass of cool sangria is perfect when you are hoping to cool down, but there are also many vineyards dotted around the country that offer you the chance to try local wine.

Take a dip in nature

There are some people who hope to escape to Spain during winter to experience the landscape without the blazing summer heat. With unique spectacles like the pink lake at Torrevieja, to the towering volcano at Teide National Park, there is something here for every nature lover to enjoy. Ideally, you should still aim to bring sunscreen with you on your trip, as spending so much time outdoors means you may be at risk of sunburn, even in winter.

Enjoying a Safari in Uganda

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A safari is always an incredible adventure. There’s just something to special when you’re roaming around pristine and untouched nature, and observing the wonderful animals go about their day. Sometimes they look back, and sometimes they don’t, but they’re always fun to watch – and a safari is just as educational as it’s fun, especially when in Uganda.

Why Uganda

Routinely featured as National Geographic’s top destinations, Uganda is a gorgeous land with unbelievably beautiful sights, amazing animals, and pristine nature that’s impossible to forget about. Every single minute out in the Ugandan wilds is an adventure, and there’s no adventure like a Uganda adventure. With its many natural trails, beautiful Rwenzori Mountains, and even the jewel of Africa that’s the Nile River, it’s impossible to not have a wonderful time in Uganda, especially when on Safari.

What is the Ugandan Safari?

Due to its location in the heart of Africa, there’s an incomparable amount of gorgeous wildlife in Uganda. There’s always a fascinating animal to see, practically any way you look, and while there are no critically endangered species, there are some that are near threatened, or endangered. With many unique animals, like the gorgeous zebra, or the noble giraffe, and the roaming buffalos, there are hundreds of mammals found in the lands on Uganda. What’s also great is that you’ll be constantly surrounded with varied nature, like cultivated apple trees, coffee plantations, wide savannahs, and all around beautiful nature.

When to go on a safari in Uganda

The country of Uganda has arguably the best climate in the entire world. Because the equator runs through the heart of the country, the weather is constantly mild, warm, and it’s great even in the rain season. This means that going on a safari is a year-round affair, as it’s always possible to go on an adventure and roam in the wonderful Ugandan nature to observe its glorious wildlife. While the weather is always good, it’s not always perfect, especially in April and May, but that’s when the safari is most heavily discounted – this doesn’t mean that it’s not a great time to visit, but rather almost not as great as the rest of the year.

Things to do while on a Safari in Uganda

As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, there are numerous things to see and do in Uganda. Namely, Uganda is the spot where the river Nile starts flowing through Africa as it exits Lake Victoria, and water rafting on the Nile is one of the best things to for a little variety between safari expeditions. Lake Victoria also offers plenty of unique spots, as it’s the largest lake in Africa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places to see in all of Uganda.

A safari is always an incredible adventure. Uganda is definitely a place to visit all on its own, but couple with the thrill of a safari it definitely becomes something that everybody should do at least once in their lives, because it’s a completely unforgettable experience.

Top UK Destinations You Can’t Miss This Summer

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The UK is filled with many gems in terms of places to go and things to do. However, if you’re not open to going out and exploring, you wouldn’t know that these many places exist. Whether you’re looking for adventure, peace, and quiet, breathtaking picturesque views, or high-end luxury, you’re likely to find it somewhere. Seeing as summer is around once again, this is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the mentioned. If you’re looking to do something out of the box this year, then keep reading as this article will look at a few top UK destinations you shouldn’t miss this summer.

Chester

For all of the animal lovers, if you haven’t yet been to Chester Zoo, in Chester, you’re definitely missing out. It boasts of being one of the best places to visit in the UK as a result of its beautiful views and vast wildlife. Chester zoo has over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals. It is easily the most visited zoo in the UK and has breathtaking views which are perfect for pictures. Aside from visiting the zoo, there are other things to do in Chester which consist of visiting the Chester cathedral, sailing on the River Dee, and going to the open-air theatre. It is great if you want to find yourself lost in nature and would like to capture unforgettable views.

Cleethorpes Beach

If your idea of a perfect destination is sand and seas, then you should find yourself at Cleethorpes Beach this summer. This dreamy beach is likely one that you haven’t heard of, but that doesn’t take away from its magic. This British seaside resort has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful sunsets, clean waters, and attractive views. Some things you could experience at Cleethorpes beach include the Promenade and Pier Gardens, the Fiddler Pub for love music and the Burlington Hotel if you need somewhere to lodge. In case you’re eager to visit another beach, you should put ‘Nearest beach to me’ in your search engine and see if there are any ones nearby that you can visit.

Edinburgh

In case you want to experience culture and heritage, Edinburgh is a great UK destination to consider. As the capital city of Scotland, there is a lot to explore in terms of both old and new towns. You can experience museums and galleries, food made from fresh produce, the famous summer festivals of culture and winter festivals of music, light, and Ceilidhs if you decide to go during that period. Other things to do in Edinburgh include exploring the Queen’s Scottish home, taking a whiskey masterclass, going ghost hunting, and cycling around the city.

Sometimes you look far and wide for unforgettable destinations, but many of them are in places that you wouldn’t expect. In light of this, you should try exploring the places around you as you never know what you might find. Hopefully, after reading through these suggestions, you’re more excited about seeing all the UK has to offer this summer.

Top 9 Things You Must Eat in India

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India is a food lover’s paradise and if you are planning on going for online passport renewal to take a trip to India, then you can prepare your taste buds for some of the experiences of a lifetime. The food culture in India is great, with a plethora of varieties for you to sample from. Whether you want the authentic Indian delicacies or you need a blend from what the region has to offer, you will be literally spoilt for choice on what to eat and what to leave. If possible, you should just take time off to come to India specifically for a food tour, and we can guarantee that you will love and enjoy every bit of it. Here is a look at some of the top dishes worth trying when in India-:

Rogan Josh

In the beautiful and serene valleys of Kashmir, you will encounter one of the most famous dishes in India. Rogan Josh is a lamb cuisine believed to have originated from Persia but has now grown in popularity to become of the iconic dishes of the Indians. The name comes from a Persian word, rogan, which means oil and Josh which means a lot of heat. Therefore, the dish primarily features intensely cooked lamb. The spices and the garnishment are the real game changers in this meal and they include cloves, bay leaves, Hing, cumin, fennel and cardamom which all adds incredible flavor to the lamb. If you want to get the most of it, then be sure to have it with a bowl or rice.

Thali

One characteristic feature you will find with most of the servings of Indian dishes is that they not usually served singly. In other words, they will come as a combination of several dishes all on one platter and thali is one such combination you should never miss when you are in India. This sweet dish normally features two or more curries and lentils as well as steamed chapatti, rice or pickles, one raita, buttermilk, and one or more chutneys. You can always tell how you want your plate to look like, and irrespective of what you choose, you will not just have a lot of it, but it will be delicious to the very last bite.

Dam Aloo

 

Dam aloo is not necessarily the main meal, but one of the side dishes you will be happy to grace your dining table in India. It is a side dish prepared using baby also which are then simmered in a gravy made from a variety of spices, tomatoes, and onions. It is a side dish you will comfortably enjoy with nun bread or even rice and chapatti. If you want a quick but sweet solution to hunger while strolling the streets of India, then you can always order dam aloo from the many restaurants within the Indian cities.

Tunday Kebab

Kebabs are very popular all over the world and when you go for passport renewal to come to India, it is important to have a taste of how the Indian kebabs taste, and you will not find a better option than the Tunday kebabs. It is a sweet and a popular mutton dish that will always bring great delight to your mouth. The kebabs are prepared in such a manner that they are extremely soft and will literally dissolve in your upon with the first bite. You will be surprised to know that the kebab features over 150 spices, with the major ones being garlic, ginger, mint, and sandalwood. It is a delicious delicacy you must never fail to try in India.

Butter Chicken

 

Chicken dishes are everywhere, but the ones you find in India will literally leave your mouth watering. A good recommendation you must try is the famous butter chicken. It a proud cuisine from the Punjabi. The meal is mostly tomato based, and it features a chicken marinated in lots of butter and yogurt and then the curry is cooked slowly until the chicken is tender soft. It may not be very spicy, but it is rich in flavors and greatly satisfying.

Biryani

If you think you have had aromatic dishes in your life, then wait till you feel the smell of biryani being prepared. It is not just the aroma that makes this dish be recommended, but it is a signature Indian dish with lots of varieties and tastes. Almost every region of the country have a way of preparing their biryani and with this, you have assured of sampling different kinds of biryani in every region you travel to. The dish mainly features marinated chicken, beef, mutton and rice cooked in one pot. It is a colorful dish that will make you taste buds tingle on the first sight.

Chaat

 

Chaat features a variety of mount watering meals and it is mainly local to Mumbai, but you can be lucky to find it in other cities. It is a wonderful street snack you can always use as you wait for your main dish to get prepared.

Chole Batura

Chole batura is a versatile meal you can conveniently take for lunch, dinner or even breakfast. It is a very heavy meal with lots of varieties, and with its great taste, it can be taken at just any time of the day or night. It features a deep friend round bread made from white flour and it is mostly taken with chick peas.

Hilsa Fish Curry

Sampling Indian delicacies will never be complete without trying out some of the fish dishes, and Hilsa fish curry is one such you should never miss. It is one of the finest prime curries common in the Bengal region, and it is a dish mostly prepared natively for special occasions such as festivals and feasts. The meal feature salted hilsa fish that is then sliced and fried in soybean oil before it is slowly cooked in ginger paste, garlic slices, and onions. Chili powder and turmeric may also be added for extra flavor.

4 Awesome Things to Do in Matheran

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India is filled with breathtaking landscapes, incredible architecture, and a unique clash of cultures. Traveling within it is a fantastic experience for both local and foreign tourists. Matheran, a hill station in the Raigad District of the state of Maharashtra, captures the whole essence of India in one city. It is a perfect place to visit because of its scenic beauty, rich history, and fresh air and its vibrant people. Here are four awesome things to do on your next visit to Matheran.

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1. Participate in the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

Ganesh is known as the patron of science and the arts, the deva of wisdom and intellect, and the remover of challenges. People all over India honor him by celebrating his festival with great pomp and color every year.

These celebrations, which mostly fall in August or September, last for nine to ten days. During this time, the people of Matheran proudly install idols of Ganesh around town. The celebrations end with the immersion of Ganesh idols in the sea. But make sure to book Matheran hotels early if you’re thinking of going during the high season, prices tend to be much higher during the festival.

2. Take a Photo at Alexander Point

Alexander Point is a wonderful lookout area that you can access by following the Madhavji Road. You’ll have the chance to see breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful hills and valleys that surround it.

High points include Palasdari Lake, Chowk Point, and Garbut Point. You can also view Rambaug Point and Borgaon Village from this area. However, you’ll have to use binoculars if you want to see the Bhivpuri Power House Towers from this point.

3. Bird Watching at Charlotte Lake

Charlotte Lake is of great significance to the people of Matheran. More specifically, it is the chief source of their drinking water. It also serves nearby regions as well.

You’ll be amazed by its tranquility and the lush greenery that surrounds it. A perfect time to visit Charlotte Lake is during the monsoon season, which is from July to September. At this time, the waters are full, and the surrounding area is teeming with lush green vegetation. People love bird watching around Charlotte Lake since it attracts many species of birds due to its calm and uncharted environment.

4. Visit the Ambarnath Temple

The Ambarnath Temple lies close to the Vadavan River. More specifically, it lies at the Pune-Mumbai Railway Line at Akoli. The temple is said to have been built during the 11th century by King Mahamandaleshwar, who dedicated it to Lord Shiva.

The Ambarnath Temple is a classic example of the genius of Vesara architecture that was popular in India during the 11th century. In fact, it bares a striking resemblance to the Dilwara Temples on Mount Abu. This temple is a prominent attraction in Matheran because of its design and beautiful imagery. No visit to Matheran is truly complete before you see the Ambarnath Temple, so make sure you mark it down on your list.

As you can see, Matheran is a fantastic destination for everyone. Book Matheran hotels today so that you can experience this incredible destination. Bring your family members, friends, or colleagues with you so that they can enjoy the marvels of Matheran as well.