Tokyo’s Top 5 Cultural Sights
Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic cutting edge city is regularly associated with the latest technological trends and the most advanced hi-tech gadgets and products. It’s prefecture houses around 13 million people, which makes it the highest populated city in the world and the largest prefecture within Japan. Despite being one of the pioneers in technological development, Tokyo’s bustling streets are an intricate and compelling mixture of old and new. The city is an ideal representation of how age-old customs and traditions can successfully continue to exist and adapt to the ever increasing pace of a globalising world. Travellers are often spoiled for choice when finding themselves amidst the booming metropolis of Japan’s impeccable capital, and one could find themselves lost in a sea of possible activities to do or with the countless amount of sites to see. To make it easier for any potential travellers wishing to visit Tokyo, here is a short list of some great places to check out that are sure to bring out the more traditional and authentic aspects of the city.
1. Tsukiji Market
If you aren’t too keen on the idea of waking up at dawn, smelling like fish, or going to a place packed with people, then the Tsukiji Fish Market is probably not the best place to visit. However, if you do enjoy exploring the more cultural and unique sites as a traveller, and if you are willing to try out the freshest and most authentic sushi in existence, then it can’t get much better than witnessing the Tuna auctions at the largest fresh fish and seafood market in the world. Tours usually operate during the very early hours of the day, meaning that arriving sometime before 5 am should be able to secure yourself a spot to witness the famous auction in action. Apart from the auction, you can explore the outer area of the market where hundreds of local food stalls and tiny restaurants offer some of the best Japanese delicacies, some of which are still alive! This is the place to witness how precise the Japanese are when it comes to providing the freshest delicacies from the rivers and oceans. Groups in large numbers and people with travelling with children are prohibited from entering the inner area of the market. It would be advisable to check beforehand the best times to arrive at the market and for the best eateries to visit.
2. Meiji Shrine
The grand Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine constructed in honour of the late Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken. The Shrine is another great way to explore the more cultural aspects of Tokyo and has a uniquely tranquil ambience that provides visitors with an idea of how Japan was during the height of its Imperial past. The Shrine was dedicated to the emperor who is credited for increasing the process of Japan’s modernisation between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite suffering destruction during the bombings of the Second World War, the reconstruction of the Shrine has been highly successful in retaining the authentic feel of the original shrine. While the Shrine is obviously the highlight of the visit, the surrounding Yo-yogi park and the beautiful Iris garden, designed by the Emperor himself, is definitely another great place to visit in Tokyo. The huge garden contains more than 245 different species of exotic trees and plant species from across the world. So if you appreciate the discipline and devotion of Japan’s customs, a trip to the great shrine is a great way to have an authentic and cultural experience.
3. Imperial Palace
If you prefer to visit a popular tourist attraction that exemplifies Japan’s historic past but at the same time isn’t swamped with tourists, then a visit to the Imperial Palace is just the thing you’re looking for. The lack of large tourist crowds is down to the policy of limiting the number of people that are permitted to visit the Palace grounds, and therefore, booking tickets well in advance is the best way of successfully getting in. The Palace is currently the main residence for Japan’s Emperor and Empress and is rebuilt on what used to be the former Edo Castle of the old Shogunate. The Palace is just a 10 minute walk away from Tokyo station and the tour takes you around the magnificent surrounding grounds and beautiful traditional gardens, along with the two iconic landmarks in the form of the Niju-bashi and Megane-bashi bridges. Since the Palace is still the main residence of the Imperial family, it makes sense that visitors aren’t permitted to enter any of the buildings. While the entire tour is in Japanese, audio guides and pamphlets in English are provided. The palace has undergone several phases of reconstruction and most recently during the bombings of the Second World War. It was once regarded as being the largest stone fortress in the world. Visiting the Palace is quite an experience for travellers that have a fascination with history, and in particular, with Japan’s feudal past and the legacy of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
4. Ryogoku Kokugikan
For people visiting Tokyo (particularly during January, May, or September) attending a Sumo tournament at the Ryogoku Sumo hall should be high on the agenda if authenticity and culture is what you are looking for. Sumo Wrestling in Japan dates back to the third century and has long played a significant part in their heritage and the legends of Japanese folklore. Visiting the Kokugikan in Tokyo will give you the opportunity to witness some of the most prominent and powerful Sumo wrestling champions, as well as having a chance to spot some of the up and coming proteges for the future of the sport. Apart from the Sumo tournament itself, you can also witness other entertaining aspects like traditional parades in ceremonial robes, as well as demonstrations by former Yokozunas (champions). Additionally, a trip to the Sumo museum (located in the first hall of the arena) either between or before wrestling bouts is also highly recommended for those wishing to obtain a better understanding on the history of the sport, and in appreciating the memorabilia and achievements of former Sumo champions. Tickets usually vary depending on the seating arrangements and it is recommended that travellers buy tickets in advance to secure the best possible seats. However, arriving early at the Kokugikan on the day of the tournament should be enough to get you a ticket as well.
5. Harajuku
The Harajuku Station area of Tokyo is where Japan’s youth display the most extreme forms of teenage fashion and culture. Here, particularly on a Sunday, you can witness crowds of young locals dressed in cosplay type attire that is highly creative, imaginative, and often radical in comparison to the more conservative nature of Japan’s older generations. Takeshita Dori within Harajuku is the 400 meter long narrow street that encompasses the home of youth fashion trends. Due to the growth in Harajuku fashion popularity across the globe, Takeshi Street is typically bustling with busy crowds and swarms of tourists on weekends. Travellers aren’t limited to witnessing this uniquely Japanese sub-culture, but can also do some shopping around the countless department stores and boutique shops spread across the area. You can find some of the most famous international designer brands, cafe’s, restaurants, as well as smaller and more traditional local shops. For instance, the nearby Oriental Bazaar serves as the city’s biggest souvenir shop and is extremely popular with tourists looking for all authentic Japanese goods. Another convenient thing is that the surrounding area is in close proximity to other tourist attractions and traditional sites like the famous Meiji Shrine, Yo-yogi Park, and the Nezu Museum.
Be it the waters of the Pacific on its West Coast, or the Atlantic to its East, South America boasts some of the most pristine beaches found throughout the World. From the congested party beaches of Cancun, to some more placid and undiscovered paradises, the allure of these sublime getaways continues to attract millions of people year round. Nearly every country in Latin America is home to unbelievably breathtaking beaches that are sure to satisfy all worshippers of white sands and crystal clear waters. Here is a short list of some of the most breathtaking and relaxing holiday beach destinations that you should definitely visit on your next trip to Latin America.
1. Baia do Sancho — Brazil
In a Continent that hosts an immense array of awesome beaches, it would only be fitting to start the list with the place that most travellers regard as the best of the best in the World, let alone in Brazil. This year, TripAdvisor produced a list of the highest rated beaches in the World based on a years’ worth of reviews, and Baia do Sancho in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago was voted as the cream of the crop. Baia do Sancho’s prestigious new status is justified by its vast yellow sands that perfectly complement its crystal clear emerald waters, untouched marine life, exquisite coral reefs, and tropical forests that cover its beautiful mountains. The waters are also ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling and are home to schools of Dolphins as well as other unique aquatic lifeforms. Basically, this picture perfect destination is pretty much everything you can imagine when thinking about the absolute perfect beach vacation. But perhaps the main attraction for this paradise is in the unbelievable solitude and tranquillity it offers visitors. Being nearly 340 km off Brazil’s mainland and accessible by a limited amount of flights that are only from certain locations (Recife and Natal) make this location feel close to isolated and the complete opposite from the overwhelming and alcohol infused crowds of Cancun. In addition, actually getting to the beach is quite a rigorous adventure as travellers have to trek through a dirt trail, climb down a rock wall, and down an old ladder to finally reach this beach utopia. On top of all that, visitors are required to pay a daily environmental tax as the area is highly protected and regulated due to its untamed natural beauty and incredible marine biodiversity. At the end, all of these regulations and challenges seem a bargain compared to the peace and beauty that awaits you once you’ve arrived at the beach.
While you’re there, there are a number of other beautiful and more easily accessible beaches throughout the Fernando de Noronha archipelago that are all pretty empty of large tourist crowds. However, Baia do Sancho, despite the difficulties in getting there is definitely its most stand-out attraction.
2. San Blas Islands — Panama
Most probably the best holiday beach destination in Panama, the beautiful San Blas Islands is another place that is relatively difficult to reach, but one with the promise of solitude and peacefulness once you’ve arrived. As an autonomous region from Panama’s mainland, the San Blas Islands are governed by the native Kuna people, who have successfully managed to preserve their lands from waves of tourists, keeping the environment clean and maintaining its natural beauty. Taking a sailing boat to hop around the 300 beautiful islands like Yandup, Coco Blanco, Kagantupu, and Achutup to name a few, will take you across pristine waters and towards the many beautiful beaches that call the islands home. The waters surrounding the islands are hotspots for some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the World as the area is surrounded by incredibly clear blue and emerald coloured waters that entertain amazing coral reefs and copious amounts of unique and colourful marine wildlife. As all the islands’ tourism is controlled by the indigenous Kuna Indians, accommodation and food is all modest and extremely eco-friendly. There isn’t too much going on in these islands and that is exactly the reason it is rated so highly by travellers. It is the ideal place to escape the chaos of bustling cities and to just do absolutely nothing but relax, enjoy the sun, swim in the cool waters, and take in the unbelievable scenery.
3. Cayo de Agua — Venezuela
Much like Baia do Sancho and the San Blas Islands, Cayo de Agua in the Los Roques National Park of Venezuela makes the list for its exceptional beauty and its scarcely crowded beaches. The beautiful cool blue sea water looks even more exotic in contrast with the vast dunes of white sand that are spread across the beach, making it an ideally romantic and picturesque spot. Much like the rest of the beaches in the Los Roques area, the waters in Cayo de Agua are ideal for doing a bit of swimming amidst the glaring heat of the Sun, and to enjoy a bit of snorkelling, fishing, and boating around the pristine coral reefs that surround the beach. . The islands of the archipelago have an atoll formation with inner lagoons of freshwater that make it an incredibly gorgeous and diverse ecosystem. While Los Roques National Park is routinely busy with tourists, Cayo de Agua offers an escape from the large tourist crowds where you can enjoy all the essentials of a perfect beach getaway whilst enjoying the luxury of isolation and quietness.
4. Anakena Beach — Chile
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is known throughout the world for its famously mysterious stone statues or ‘Maoi’s’ that attracts countless crowds of tourists throughout the year. While most tourists come to behold these ancient phenomena, not many know of the incredibly beautiful beaches that also call Easter Island home. Anakena Beach with its distinctly unique white coral sands, sapphire-blue waters and endless acres of coconut tree forests is one of these amazing beach destinations that you can enjoy. Although the beach isn’t the ideal place to go if it’s a bunch of adventurous activities you’re looking for, it’s a great place to find some peace and quiet and enjoy the absolutely stunning views of the beautiful waters and white sands. Only a short walk away from the tranquility of the beach, lie the ancient Ahu Nau Nau Moai statues for which this island is famous. The beach is also symbolic of the landing of the first people and the legend of Hatu Matua, who disembarked from his long voyage here and is known as the ancestor of the native Rapa Nui peoples. It is this combination of natural beauty, serenity, solitude, spirituality and the existence of awe-inspiring archaeological sites that make Anakena Beach a must see attraction for sun and sea lovers travelling to South America.
5. San Andres — Columbia
In keeping up with the theme of quiet and serene beach destinations, San Andres in Columbia is another one of the many peaceful and relaxing getaways in the continent. I am not singling out a specific beach here because the entire island offers a coastline of several beaches that are all equally breathtaking and definitely worth exploring. The tiny little coral island was awarded the title of the ‘Leading Beach Destination South America’ at last year’s World Travel Awards, so it’s little surprise that it has been included on this list. Thanks to its incredibly immense abundance of marine wildlife and coral reefs, it is a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and regularly attracts both rookie and veteran scuba divers from across the globe. This tropical paradise is a haven that hosts an array of blue lagoons, coconut forests, clear blue waters, and a vast coastline of clean white sand. Apart from the world class snorkelling and scuba diving, you can enjoy a bit of canoeing, fishing, and kayaking as well as a beautiful little sunset cruise, if you’re keen on the idea. You can also enjoy a stroll around the town in El Centro where you can witness the diverse cultural backgrounds with people speaking English, Spanish and Creole which make up the community of the island. In case you get tired of the beach (as if that was actually possible), you can always opt to get a tour of Captain Henry Morgan’s Cave, where his treasure is still rumoured to be buried.
A perfect marriage of old and new, Montreal combines the modernity of North America with all the old-world charms of Europe. From hipster cafes to gothic churches, this city has a lot to offer anyone who visits it. Known as the culture capital of Canada, Montreal’s fabric is woven together by its diverse people and their diverse histories. With a French heritage, this city is now home to a multitude of other cultures including (but not limited to) Italian, Irish, Scottish Chinese and Vietnamese. Montreal consist of 19 boroughs, while it was incorporated as a city in 1832, many of these boroughs were independent cities until they merged Montreal in 2002 following the 2002 Municipal Reorganization of Montreal. Here is a short list of a few of Montreal’s notable boroughs.
Ville-Marie
Montreal’s most well known neighbourhood consists of the city’s most visited districts including Old Montreal, Chinatown, the Latin Quarter and the Gay Village. Ville-Marie perfectly paints a picture of the inclusive nature of Montreal as well as its resulting diversity. In Old Montreal (dubbed Old Town by guidebooks, not locals), you will be transported back to the 17th century as you walk down the preserved cobblestone streets and admire beautiful stone warehouses and residences alongside the historic churches and chapels that inspired the French settlement. On summer days, you can stroll along the busy streets of Montreal’s 18-block Chinatown sampling Asian food fare (a result of the Asian migration from the 1800s) to your heart’s content. Relive your student days by visiting the Latin Quarter, the hub of students and ex-students alike; this district is well known for housing the city’s hipster-est restaurants and trendiest nightspots. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Gay Village of Montreal was established after the expulsion of many gay businesses from surrounding neighbourhoods. Now the heart of the LGBT community of Montreal, the city has realised the social importance of this district.
Le-Plateau-Mont-Royal
Said to be a window to the “real” Montreal, here you will find a diverse francophone (French speaking) community consisting of a mix of young, working families alongside eager students and struggling artists. The vibes of this neighbourhood is far removed from that of the touristy, fast paced Ville-Marie; this is because there are no important museums, notable sights or tourist attractions. When visiting the Plateau, do as the locals do and people-watch at one of the many cafes in the area, taking in the movements of Francophone life. In this neighbourhood lies the district known as Mile End. What was once the heart of Montreal’s Jewish and Italian communities, is now hipster-central with cafes and specialty shops abound. Because of the influences of its Italian and Jewish heritage alongside an emerging hipster revolution, Mile End is home to a multitude of restaurants (one of which is Anthony Bourdain’s favourite Montreal eateries), catering to a multitude of tastes. The best way to take in this foodie paradise is by going on a food tour, tasting your way through Mile End.
Saint Henri
Being dubbed by some as “the new Plateau”, this up-and-coming neighbourhood is seeing its fair share of gentrification. Having been established when one Jean Mouchère decided to open a tannery in 1685, St. Henri has been through a roller coaster ride of ups and downs; from the initial opening of the Lachine Canal in 1825, bringing with it a spike in its economy, to the Great Depression and subsequent opening of the South Shore Canal, that saw a decimation of trade on the canal. In 2002, the Lachine Canal was reopened to smaller boats and with this grand reopening, came a revitalisation of the neighbourhood and its people. St. Henri’s story of industrialization is now coming full circle, with more and more people setting up shop here. With the presence of the Atwater Market and multiple notable cafes, St Henri is slowly making its way onto many foodie travelers’ bucket lists.
Montreal is an ever-changing tapestry with a rich history and a bright future. They say you never step into the same river twice. With its quick and constant changing, its safe to say the same goes for Montreal.
When you think about an adventure that involves Wildlife, few places pop up in your mind other than the continent of Africa. Whether it is the vastness of the Serengeti’s plains, the predator infested lands of the Maasai Mara, or the prospect of peering into the eyes of a giant Silverback Gorilla, Africa’s untamed wilderness and numerous Safari reserves have it all. Here is a short list of some of the most thrilling and well-known Safari adventures that are sure to take travellers right into the heart of Africa’s wild side.
Serengeti, Tanzania
The word Safari and the Serengeti seem to always go hand in hand. From the countless documentaries that have aired on TV about the wilderness of the Serengeti, it is more than likely to be one of the most well known nature reserves in Africa. Located in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, this feral natural hotspot is abundant with all the great animals you would typically see on the National Geographic Channel. As one of the largest game reserves in the World, the Serengeti National Park is home to the great Lion prides, legions of Wildebeests, Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Hyenas, and much more. The natural habitat is as diverse as the different types of animals that reside here, with endless grasslands, forests, swamps, woodlands and kopjes providing a haven for the ecosystem to flourish.
Despite the copious amount of different flora and fauna inhabiting these plains, the stand-out attraction that generates the most interest is in the infamous annual migration of the estimated 1.5 million Wildebeests. The hordes of migrating Wildebeests are deemed the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world and is one of the most breath-taking and unique natural cycles anyone can experience. Planning well in advance to witness this epic phenomenon is highly recommended, given the fact that the migration takes place between two countries in Kenya and Tanzania. Furthermore, weather conditions at the time will also determine if your experience will be successful. So organising your full safari package well in advance, including accommodation and determining where and when to visit certain areas of the reserve with your local tour operator is a must to get the best out of the trip.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Another prime Safari attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater is an astonishing natural amphitheatre sprawling with amazing Wildlife. The Crater Is considered as the largest inactive volcanic caldera in the world, and is famous for its high density of animals with over 30,000 mammals inhabiting the surrounding area. What is unique about the crater is that you are almost guaranteed to get up close to Africa’s ‘Big 5’ mammals, which consist of the Black Rhino, the Cape Buffalo, African Lion, Elephant, and the African Leopard. The high walls of the crater means that most of the animals will remain there without patterns of mass migration, resulting in the high concentration of these majestic creatures. The unrivalled abundance of game species are not limited to ‘Big 5’, as there is also a number of Wildebeests, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Zebras, and over 400 species of African Birds. Not only is exploring the length of the crater a great experience, but the view from atop is equally breathtaking. Visiting this thriving ecosystem at any time of the year is fine as the land provides enough for every living species to remain consistently stable, and there is no need for the animals to venture in search of food and shelter. However, as a top attraction drawing huge crowds, planning with a local tour guide in advance and working out a time when the roads are least crowded would be the best time to visit.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
North of the great Serengeti plains lies the equally impressive Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya. A perfect place to continue your safari adventure from the Serengeti plains, the Maasai Mara is where the millions of Wildebeest, some 400,000 Gazelle and 300,000 Zebras end their epic migration during the months of July through to October. This huge concentration of animals is equally matched by the huge number of predators, particularly big cats that roam the plains of the Maasai Mara just as they do in the lower Serengeti. For big-cat lovers, a trip to the Maasai Mara during the period of the migration is one of the most enthralling and captivating experiences you will ever encounter. The Safari tours on offer take you up close and personal with Kenya’s famous Lion prides that dominate the food chain, and one can get a chance to witness these magnificent creatures hunting for food in their natural habitat. It truly lives up to the reputation of being one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth. Driving around the huge reserve during the migration period will almost guarantee you a chance to witness all the action. From Lion prides on the hunt, grazing Rhino’s, a family of Elephants, and perhaps even a chance to watch the Wildebeest struggle to cross the Mara River while Crocodiles begin their feast. Stay long enough and you’ll get the chance to see the migrators begin their journey back to the Serengeti plains, and relive the beauty and brutality of nature all over again.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
If you’re looking for a change of scenery from the driving tours of the Savannah, and would like a more physically challenging adventure, then trekking in the Virunga mountains in search of Gorillas might be the perfect thing. Nestled between Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, these mountains are home to some of the last Mountain Gorillas in the World, with a dwindling population of around 480. The trek to see the ten different Mountain Gorilla groups is within the Volcanoes National Park, the Rwandan side of the Virunga Mountains. This provides animal lovers with a chance to see an animal that is biologically one of the closest to human beings other than Chimpanzees, in the wild and in their natural habitat. They are usually found in groups and families, and while most are gentle giants, it is always intimidating and quite nerve racking to be within a few feet of an imposing 230 kg Gorilla that stares at you dead in the eyes. While Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, the months between December and February and June to September is probably the best time to witness some action. As they are highly endangered and are susceptible to the same diseases that harm Human beings, it is absolutely essential that you plan with the tour guides and authorities well in advance in order to obtain the necessary permits and abide by the etiquettes of Gorilla trekking. There are many tour guides that operate in Rwanda, Uganda and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, so chose something that you trust will give you the best possible adventure into the heart of the Virunga mountains, and the legendary Gorillas that inhabit them.
When one thinks of Brazil, it’s very likely that Rio de Janeiro will be one of the first cities that comes to mind. With it being the state capital, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere and host to the upcoming 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games, it is no wonder the world’s eyes are always on this big, shiny city. But outside the glitz and glamour of carnivals and football games, Brazil has so much more on offer. Here’s a list of a few cities of Brazil that often miss out on the spotlight.
Salvador da Bahia
Founded in 1549, the legacy of the slave trade is very much evident in this city’s population and culture. With the sounds of African music radiating through the air and the smells of delicious African delicacies permeating through the streets, it is no wonder that Salvador is considered the country’s Afro-Brazilian jewel. Steeping in history, the Old Town of Salvador has been listed as a World Heritage site. As you walk through the Old Town, also known as Pelourinho, you will take in the city’s oldest architecture, including beautiful pastel coloured colonial buildings and magnificent churches. Take a stroll through Terreiro de Jesus, a historic site of religious celebrations, to get your true blue tourist experience, you’ll find a vast amount of vendors alongside capoeiristas in this square named for the cross in its center.
Campos do Jordão
Escape from the typical coastal Brazilian holiday to this mountain getaway. Located in the Serra da Mantiqueira, one of the tallest mountain ranges in the country, Campos do Jordão is the highest city in Brazil. With outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, treetop cable swings (arborismo), horseback riding, ATV and motorbike riding, it’s the perfect place for outdoor buffs. What makes this city so different from its coastal counterparts is its colder climes and German architecture. With quaint inns, chalets and an almost Swedish-style atmosphere, this small town is starting to gain recognition as a romantic getaway for couples. Starting in July, this town experiences a sharp spike in vacation-goers, both local and international. It is in this period where a renowned winter classical-music festival is held.
Porto de Galinhas
Just twenty or so years ago, this seaside town, which got its name from the practice of illegal slave trading back in the day, was a small fishing village with just a few holiday homes scattered through it. Nowadays, it has become a bustling beach destination with many resorts built along its miles and miles of white, sandy beaches. Because of its fishing-village heritage, you can’t really go to Porto de Galinhas without having a taste of the sweet, fresh seafood. Delicacies to try include Beijupirá (a giant mackerel-looking fish) and Peixe na Telha (seafood by the seaside. You can literally go from a day at the beach to dinner on the beach). With the beaches of this town being voted the best beaches of Brazil, over ten times by Voyage & Tourism Brazil, you have to do yourself a favour and go and experience the beauty of their natural pools.
Ouro Prêto
Thought to be the jewel of the crown of colonial towns in Brazil, this city is historically significant due to its gold mining past. It is was once known as the center of government, and was also the stage for Brazil’s first independence movement. This city is a history-lover’s paradise. Founded in the 17th century, this now World Heritage listed city’s center is made up of well-preserved Portuguese buildings. In its heyday, art and philosophy flourished leaving behind traces of the “baroque revival”, illustrated in its architecture. Although home to many museums and history-related activities, this city doesn’t miss out on the Carnaval scene, hosting its own event between February and March where the streets are filled with thousands of costume clad, carnival goers.
Once you see past the stereotypical view of Brazil, you will find so much to discover; an immense amount of art, history and culture. Digging just a little deeper, you will see just how diverse this beautiful nation really is (I know I did).