13) Tepic, Mexico

REGIONAL MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY

Built by Philip Linan and cave in the mid-seventeenth century. In the late nineteenth century stood here the German Consulate and in 1993, the State Government purchased the school property to install Fernando Montaño, who remained until 1948 and was subsequently used for various public offices.

In 19949 was opened as a museum, having then two galleries which were exhibited classical archeology and neoclassical period. In 1969, the entire building was devoted to museum and currently has eight showrooms where they display bones of prehistoric animals and atmospheres of our origins.

It exhibits a permanent collection of archaeological ceramics belonging to cultures that developed in western Mexico. These figurines are made of clay of different colors, into which vessels are fitomorfas representing pumpkins, cuajes, custard apples and other fruits of the region.

On the top floor of the building stands a large stuffed crocodile over four meters long, a species that lives in the marshes of San Blas, Nayarit.

The museum also has the ambience of a shaft tomb with characteristics similar to those found in other regions of western Mexico. In addition, a room of Cora and Huichol ethnography, and a room of religious paintings from the colonial era.

The facilities of the museum are often used for holding conferences and exhibitions of various artistic expressions. Attached to this building is the public library and an important historical archive.

HOUSE MUSEUM AMADO NERVO

Typical construction of mid-nineteenth century neoclassical style. This farm was born the famous poet Amado Nervo, who at 44 years of age was first acclaimed poet of America.

In 1967 by order of the State Government is instituted loved Nervo Museum.

The museum has exhibition halls that contain:

The poet's life and work through photographs, documents and period furnishings.

Paintings and sale of books.

Retablos with Nervo's poetry.

Amado Nervo nation in the city of Tepic on August 27, 1870. at 14 entered the school in Michoacan Jocona. He returned to Tepic later worked as a journalist in Mazatlan, Sinaloa. He was sent to Paris as a correspondent for the Examiner, where she meets Anna Cecilia Luisa Daillez his former wife. In 1905 comes to Mexico and returning to Europe achieves its great literary successes.

He died in Montevideo, Uruguay on May 24, 1919, four months later his remains were transferred to Mexico and deposited in the Rotunda of Illustrious Men. 

Santa Maria del Oro

Santa Maria del Oro, known among locals as "Samao", is an impressive lagoon set in a crater in the western Sierra Madre mountain range, situated 30 miles outside Tepic. Many locals from throughout the region take weekend trips to this beautiful site, swimming in the fresh lagoon waters, fishing, boating, admiring the plants and wildlife, or simply relaxing with the family. This lagoon has a magical and spiritual ambiance, thanks to its amazing and beautiful location. A rumor among the local people suggests that the deep lagoon waters are bottomless.

Surrounding the lagoon, there are many small restaurants where you can try traditional regional dishes, like fish chicharron and fried trout.

Cerro de la Cruz

Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) is an important landmark in Tepic. From the top, you can admire views of the city in all its glory. Atop the hill, there's a terrace with three crosses, similar to the Hill of Corcovado in Brazil, but set to a smaller scale. This particular hill is popular among locals as a great place to exercise, and it's often used for walking, jogging, mountain biking or simply enjoying the fresh air and taking in the landscapes offered in this amazing setting.

12) Perth, Australia

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is made up of over 400 hectares of parkland and gardens and is one of the city's most popular attractions for Perth locals and tourists alike. Located just outside the city centre, the park is set high on Mt Eliza with breathtaking views of the city and Swan River. 

A large portion of the park is made up of native bushland with hundreds of native plant species and around 80 species of birds. Kings Park also has a number of open parkland areas, lookout points, the State War Memorial and statues, and is a great destination for sight-seeing, picnics, walking, cycling and taking in the magnificent views of the city. During the summer months, the park also hosts a number of events including outdoor concerts, outdoor moonlight cinema, as well as the Kings Park Wildflower festival each spring. Location: Fraser Avenue, Perth

Perth Zoo

Only 5 minutes from the city centre, Perth Zoo offers the opportunity to see wildlife up close, in natural habitat settings. Perth Zoo exhibits include the Australian Walkabout which houses Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies, Dingoes, Reptiles, Wetland and Rainforest animals; The African Savanna; The Asian rainforest; as well as the Nocturnal House and World of Birds. Open from 9am to 5pm each day, there is a lot to see so pick up a map at the ticket counter when you enter, and allow yourself plenty of time. 

For lunch you can cook yourself a barbeque meal on the facilities available, have a picnic, or stop by at the Zoo Cafe for a meal or snack. Special events are also held over the summer months, such as evening concerts on the main lawn. Free parking for the zoo is available on the corner of Labouchere Road and Richardson Street. Location: Labouchere Rd, South Perth 

Perth Bell Tower

The Swan Bell Tower was opened in Perth in December 2000 and has since been a popular attraction for Perth visitors. It comprises a green glass spire surrounded by copper 'sails', and is home to 18 bells making this the largest change ringing instrument in the world. The bells came from the Parish of St Martin in the Field of London, and were given to the City of Perth as a gift to celebrate the Australian Bicentennial. Location: Barrack Square Perth 

11) Port Hedland, Australia

Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve

Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve is situated on a picturesque beach with pristine white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. The clear blue water is a spectacular welcome to the start of the famous Eighty Mile Beach. This well travelled stretch of beach is well placed on the tourist trail between Port Hedland and Broome.

Take one of several walk trails through the nature reserve to see a diversity of native flora and fauna that has made its home along this pristine coastline. Relax on the beach while the children collect shells as souvenirs to take home.

There is easy access for beach fishing, and even a few mud crabs around to tempt your taste buds. Camp overnight and catch the magnificent sunset over the ocean. Gaze at hundreds of stars lighting up the night sky in this secluded location.

With so much on offer in the reserve, allow at least one full day to explore the remote surroundings. Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve is a one and a half hour drive northeast of Port Hedland.

Dalgety House Museum

Dalgety House Museum provides an opportunity to gain an insight into the impact white settlement had on the Kariyarra Aboriginal people of the Pilbara. Explore the extensive collection of artefacts, photographs and documentation presented in the enlightening displays throughout the house. Listen to recordings of personal memoirs and view the informative and thought provoking audio visual displays.

Allow time to examine the architecture of this turn of the century house, both inside and out. The dwelling was initially built for employees of long standing international company Dalgety and Co. The English merchants set up a post in the town of Port Hedland in 1903 and Dalgety House remained the manager's residence until 1974.

Dalgety House Museum is located in the town centre of Port Hedland. The port town offers an array of attractions for visitors including historical buildings, a heritage trail and several museums. Port Hedland is a two hour flight from Perth. 

Don Rhodes Mining Museum

See the fully restored locomotives from the BHP Iron Ore railway at the Don Rhodes Mining Museum in Port Hedland. Be in awe of the ingenuity of the road, rail and transport technology which facilitated the significant industrial growth in the East Pilbara during the last century.

The Don Rhodes Mining and Transport Museum is an open air museum which pays tribute to the pastoral, railway, manganese and iron ore industries. Examine the historically significant displays as you read informative signs providing in depth information about the uses and development of the items on display.

Sit and rest on the provided seating under shade to reflect on the giant machines that opened up the Pilbara. Pack a picnic or make use of the barbeque facilities provided.

Port Hedland is a two or three day drive north of Perth, and is a popular stop off on the way to Broome. 

10) Daegu, South Korea

Gatbawi Buddha Daegu

Daegu, officially known as Daegu Metropolitan City, is one of the largest cities in South Korea, and it is the capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do province, though it is not legally part of that province. Daegu and its surrounding area provide an admirable variety of leisure, entertainment and sporting amenities within easy reach. Daily half-day or one day tour events including English speaking guides, such as visiting museums, Buddhist temples, kings' tomb, old castle, folk village, zoo, city tour etc., are offered during the Congress. One of the must- see destinations of Daegu is Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu. Traditionally Buddhism was very strong in Daegu, and Confucianism was also popular in Daegu, with a large academy based in the city.

Gatbawi Buddha, the Buddha of Medicine, situated at Gwanbong, the southern peak of Palgongsan mountain. Carved in the 9th century, the statue Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu has become one of the major tourist attractions of Daegu and definitely, it is possibly the hardest to reach. The height of the place, where Gatbawi Buddha is situated, is more than 800 meters and takes almost an hour to climb. "Gatbawi" means "hat rock".

Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu is famous for granting wishes, and it has attracted many visitors to Mt. Palgongsan from other regions of Korea. There is a proverb that Gatbawi helps people make only one wish come true. The original name of Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu is Gwanbong Buddha as it is located at the summit of the Gwanbong peak (850 meters) on Mt. Palgongsan. The name of Gatbawi Buddha is a more famous than Gwanbong Buddha all over the nation as the Buddha has a gat, a Korean hat, on top. 

The hat is a flat 15?-thick stone slab. Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu is also famous for its attractive tracking course. Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu is almost a 4m tall sitting stone Buddha, and Its official name is Gwanbong Seokjoyeoraejwasang (Gwanbong sitting stone Buddha). The stiff lips of his closed mouth and his stout body demonstrate the feeling of impressive mercy. Gatbawi Buddha, Daegu is a representative work of art from the Unified Silla Kingdom, and this statue is designated as the Treasure Number 431.

Daegu National Museum

Daegu National Museum was built to preserve and exhibit the unique cultural heritage of Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do province. It is a neat brick building with two basement floors. There are three exhibit halls, a special exhibit hall, experiment study room, audiovisual studio and library. At the Archeology Gallery you can see relics ranging from the Neolithic Era to the Three Kingdoms Period chronologically. At the Art History Gallery you can see and learn about the Buddhist culture of Gyeongsangbuk-do province. 

Here you can see Buddhist sculptures, Buddha statues and Buddhist crafts. The Goryeo celadon and Buncheong ware are also displayed here. At the Traditional Folk Life Gallery you can learn about the Seonbi culture and the beliefs and rituals of the Yeongnam area, and see traditional Korean houses. You can also enjoy the Outdoor Gallery where a five-storied stone pagoda stands. There are other facilities where visitors can participate in museum activities. 

You can try traditional dyeing, explore the traditional herbs and learn about agricultural plants. Do not miss going here because this is where you can learn about traditional herbs used for medicine, plants and grains. Resting in the natural surroundings at the wildflower and plant walkway or the Ecology Valley can be very relaxing. 

Donghwasa Temple

Donghwasa Temple (동화사) is located on the south side of Mt. Palgongsan Mountain, about 22km northeast of Daegu. It was built by monk Geuk-Dal in the 15th year of the Silla King SoJi’s reign (493). The original name of the temple was Yugasa, but Simjiwangsa rebuilt the temple under King HeungDeok (reign 826~836) and named it Donghwasa. It means even during the winter season, the paulownia tree still blooms, and the present temple was last rebuilt in 1732. 

When you turn the corner, the first thing that catches your eye is the Seolbeopjeon Building. To the left of Seolbeopjeon is Daeungjeon, the main temple, and to the right of the building leads to the Geumgang Stairs. If you turn left in the direction of Daeungjeon you will see Bongseoru, aptly named to signify a Bonghwang (phoenix) with its tail pointed downward. Past Bongseoru are stairs that are typical of the ones leading into Daeungjeon, called "Nugak Stairs". On either side of the stairs are railings in the shape of a dragon, and in the middle of the stairs, there is a round stone marble that resembles a Yeouiju, a ball often associated with dragons. 

Donghwasa’s Daeungjeon is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. It includes the statues of Seokgamonibul, Amitabul, and Yaksayeoraebul inside. If you come down the stone stairs beside Bongseoru and walk along the cement road for a while, you will come to the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. Created as a prayer for reunification, this large Buddha statue is 17m high. The stone tower, stone light, the lion statue, and the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size. Behind the statue are also stones arranged in a circular form resembling a beautiful scroll painting. These are world-class size stone artifacts. 

9) Seoul, South Korea

Namsan (South Mountain) and Seoul Tower 

In a city as huge as Seoul, finding your bearings can be a challenge. But on this week’s show we’ll take a look at a Seoul icon that helps city residents secure their sense of place. When King Taejo (태조왕) moved Korea’s capital to present-day Seoul in 1394, he protected it with 18 kilometers of fortress walls that connected four mountaintops. Namsan (남산), which means “South Mountain,” formed the city’s southern border.

Of course, long ago Seoul spilled beyond those original walls. So what was the city’s southern limit is now its heart. And from various points throughout the city, N Seoul Tower can be seen rising atop Nam Mountain. 

In 1984, Namsan Park (남산공원) was established. At nearly three million square meters, the park is one of Seoul City’s largest green spaces. And despite being smack dab in the center of one of the world’s biggest cities, the park is home to over 600 plant and animal species. 

Each year, 8.4 million people visit the park, which translates to some 30,000 a day in the high season. In addition to enjoying well-maintained jogging paths, the park includes a library, a botanical garden and a swimming pool. At the park’s northeast side there’s the Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을). Built to resemble a Korean folk village, free traditional wedding ceremonies and cultural performances can be enjoyed there in the summer and fall. 

No doubt, the park’s most popular attraction is N Seoul Tower. Built in 1969 and opened to the public 11 years later, the communication tower is about 237 meters tall, and tops out at a half-kilometer above sea level. To reach the tower, South Korea’s first cable car whisks people from the outskirts of the Myeongdong retail district to the mountaintop. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces. 

The premises were destroyed by fire at the time of Japanese occupation from 1592-1598. However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852~1919) . 

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art. 

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

Lotte World

This huge complex includes an amusement park, an ice-skating rink, a cinema multiplex, department store, folk museum, shopping mall, hotel, restaurants and more. Kids and adults alike love Lotte World, and couples can arrange to meet at Lotte’s own Trevi Fountain. Visit at the weekend to see a free traditional show at nearby Seoul Norimadang at 3pm. 

Lotte World Adventure & Magic Island is a mainly indoor Korean version of Disneyland, complete with ‘flying’ balloons, 3D films, laser and music shows, screen rides, fantasy parades and thrill rides that go down very fast or round and round and up and down very fast. The scarier the ride, the longer the queue on busy days. The outdoor Magic Island is in the middle of Seokchon Lake, and that part may close in bad weather. 

The carousel has been popular with dating couples since it starred in the TV drama series Stairway to Heaven. Theindoor ice-skating rink is in a fairyland setting, but watch out for tiny speedsters training to become future Winter Olympic champions. Nearby is a bowling alley next to a pool hall. Or why not don a flak jacket and steel helmet and fire off some rounds in the shooting range ? The Folk Museum uses imagin­ative techniques like dioramas, scale models and moving waxworks to bring scenes from Korean history to life. 

The price is included in the day-pass ticket for Lotte World Adventure & Magic Island. Outside is the Charlotte Theatre, which presents big musical shows such as Cats. There are the usual shops, fast-food outlets and restaurants including Pizza Hut, Marché and Sizzlers. The Lotte Department Store has upmarket fashions but reasonably priced food in its basement food court, most of it freshly made on the spot. Choose from nine real fruit juices, and then decide between the lobster, a-meal-in-a-pumpkin or asking an Indian chef to toss a savoury, paper-thin roti onto the hotplate.