ISYS100 - Team BJMNR presents 'In Travel'

In Travel

Scrolling on social media you have probably come across GoPro videos of those who have travelled all over the world, documenting their amazing adventures. WELL... Seeing as we are all full time students, we don't really have the time for that. SOOOOO.... Here is our version of our "travels". ENJOY!

Each member, Bill, Jo, Raquel, Nancy and Miranda contributed equally, in regards to recording our day to day lives, and with editing the final video. 

Bonjour Vietnam!

Vietnam is and probably one of the most exciting places in the world to visit. A former French colony, it retains many remnants of the French architecture that makes it distinctively unique in South East Asia.

Vietnam has a large and growing population of 90 million¹, however due to the many wars in it’s rich and recent history, leaving most of the population still very much impoverished.

Tourism is one of the key economic resources of Vietnam on which it heavily relies upon. Aided by the fact that where ever you go, there is a picturesque background to take in or photograph.

Sweeping views of the rural valleys in Vietnam

Image Source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=vietnam+beautiful&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMInIbX_Ni8yAIVSBOUCh07QQm9&biw=1920&bih=993#imgrc=mtiNHAARyHLepM%3A

Inside the Hanoi Opera House: The delightful French architecture that still exists

Image Source: http://www.palomamotorbiketours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/hanoi-fabulous-food-sights-tour.jpg

Ha Long Bay: One of only two natural sites in Vietnam that is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage List (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/)

Image Source: http://tomargo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Halongbay.jpg

Sources:

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam

- By Jo T. P. Hoang

New York City: The Greatest City in the World

If you have ever wondered if there is a city that never sleeps, that city would be New York City. Located on three islands, namely Long Island, Manhattan Island and Staten Island, it is the most populous city of the United States¹.

Many people who haven’t been to New York City would tend to think it is simply a larger city like Sydney, Australia or London, United Kingdom, however, in reality there is nothing that compares to New York City in size and life in the Western World.

New York City is truly a city of lights that never sleeps: Times Square

Source: http://www.earthcam.com/cams/newyork/timessquare/images/nye2008_pano-night-big.jpg

There are people of all different backgrounds and ethnicities. Whether you are in the CBD, or Chinatown, Soho district, or North or South Bronx, or Queens, New York City is a truly remarkable and unique place.

Sports and Entertainment is just a few blocks away: Madison Square Gardens

Source: https://cbsdetroit.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/463126939.jpg

Something you’ll find common in NYC is that the streets are heavily crowded, and especially in Chinatown, NYC.

Source: http://macaulay.cuny.edu/eportfolios/napoli13/files/2013/02/chinatown_firecracker1.jpg

Statue of Liberty

Source: http://www.rciventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Statue-of-Liberty.jpg

-By Jo T.P. Hoang

Sources:

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay 

2 hours drive from Sydeny to south coast, Jervis Bay is a 102-square-kilometre oceanic bay that famous by the whitest sand in the world.More than that, top thing to do list include dolphin tour cruise, whale cruise and sea kayaking tours. 

(photo source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=jervis+bay+white+sand&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=919&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI8eiL79e5yAIVhSimCh2kbA6c#imgrc=AyOFIY9q0wfbbM%3A)

All year Dolphin eco tour

Dolphin cruise (Dolphin Eco Tour) is offered year round but may not see dolphin all the time. Within beautiful Jervis Bay you’ll encounter countless bottlenose dolphins, happy to play beside our boat and show off their swimming prowess. In  dolphin cruises trip, will get you up close to the dolphins in their natural habitat, while also showcasing the serene nature of the Jervis Bay Marine Park. Your 1.5 hour dolphin cruise takes you through sparkling, clear waters and past sandy white beaches.Bottlenose dolphins are an incredible species of dolphin, known for their constant “smile.” These dolphins generally travel in small groups, or pods, and it is a breathtaking site to catch a glimpse of these sleek and agile creatures as they dive, jump, and swim through the bay waters. On your dolphin cruise, you’ll see the graceful dolphins as they are happy to swim close to our boat, racing each other at speeds of up to 37 km/hr.when the cruise close to dolphins, the captain will park in the water allow tourists take photos and interact with dolphins.It is different experience with manmade zoo. 

May-Nov Whale cruise 

Humpback whales are famous for their extensive migrations- the longest of nearly any animal species. Because the baby whales require warmer waters to grow safely, the whales in the Southern Hemisphere move north in the winter time. During these months they pass both north and south, giving us the perfect chance to catch a glimpse of their lengthy journey on a whale watching cruise.Between May and November each year, superb whale watching is to be had on our Whale Eco Cruises. This 2 hour tour offers an unforgettable experience as you spot the majestic migration of humpback whales through Jervis Bay. The whale watching adventure takes you past glorious cliffs at Point Perpendicular and stops by a natural lagoon known as Honeymoon Bay. If you’re lucky enough to visit the area in October or November, your whale watching experience may include some unique sightings of female humpbacks nursing their young in the bay.

(photo source:https://www.google.com.au/searchq=jervis+bay+dolphin&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=919&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI1d3W7NW5yAIVgeOmCh1wqgTY#imgrc=kGPX7KYuSEOo4M%3A)

Sea Kayaking tours 

Sea Kayak is a fully accredited outdoor adventure tour that close to water with fun. Normally, one kayak can fit in 1-3 person in bay, sea and river and ect.al.. The Jervis Bay Marine Park, 2.5 hours south of Sydney, paddle experiences in crystal clear waters, white sands, protected coves and surf breaks hosting resident dolphins, migrating Humpbacks and abundant fish and birdlife; a world away from the city experience of Sydney.

(photo sourcing:https://www.google.com.au/search?q=jervis+bay+Kayaking+tours&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=919&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIsrn0n9e5yAIVYSOmCh3TkQF2#imgrc=q8hEZhqkZnaSfM%3A)

 Sea Kayak Jervis Bay offer a range of quality kayaking and stand-up-paddle tours, courses and activities. Enjoy a popular half day trip, a simple short paddle with the family, an overnight camp or go it alone with their modern fleet of Expedition Sea Kayaks on Jervis Bay and surrounding waterways.
By Miranda(Ming Sun）

The Pyramids of Giza

What are the Pyramids of Giza?

The Pyramids of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

About the Pyramids:

Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built as a tomb over a 10 to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. Initially at 146.5 metres (481 feet), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.

These Pyramids are a must see!

Photo; Bill Davis 

Mt Titlis, Switzerland

Based in the mountains of the Uri Alps, Mount Titlis is on the border between cantons of Obwalden and Berne, Switzerland. 

Weather you're in the mood for snow or just a casual hike through the lush forests, Titles offers it all.

The cable car ride to the heights provides a beautiful view of the lush green mountains and the cows grazing down below, offering a view of four european countries touching the swiss border. Once atop Titlis, train rides are on offer, with frequent stops providing a view of the glaciers at the top. 

Make sure to take a walk through the ice caves, The cave's 150-metre-long walkway branches out in several directions and descends 20 metres below the surface of the glacier. The hazy atmosphere is the result of tiny air pockets in the ice, and the blue colour is caused by the refraction of light.

Exploring the glacier cave is a cool experience. The temperature inside the cave remains a frosty -1.5˚C.m

Photo: Raquel Azoulay

Written by: Raquel Azoulay 

MANLY BEACH

Located among the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. From north to south, the three sections are Queens-cliff, North Steyne and south Steyne. Manly offers many sites to see and a great selections of shops, cafes and Restaurants to eat in or take away. It attracts thousands of people a day in the summer and is one of Sydneys most famous beaches. The beach was named by Capt. Arthur Phillip for the indigenous people living there. Phillip stated "the indigenous people's confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this Place.

Photo; Bill Davis

13 dynasties capital--Xi An(China)

If you havent been XiAn, you havent been China 

Xi’an is a large city and capital of Shanxi Province in central China. Once known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace), it marks the Silk Road’s eastern and-molded figures buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.In tourism season, terracotta warriors will full of crowd wait to take a look of the thousands years of royal memory.  

（photo sourcing:https://www.google.com.au/search?q=xian&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI4-uVqKewyAIV59qmCh190wDt#imgrc=duM_8ACFsIz4GM%3A）



 terracotta warriors

"China" began in Xi'an, when Emperor Qin (from whom China gets its name) united the warring states in 221 BC and made his capital in Xi’an. The entombed Terracotta Army stands as a monument to the power of Emperor Qin.

(photo sourcing: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=xian&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI4-uVqKewyAIV59qmCh190wDt#imgrc=OlHYIXtAu80j_M%3A)

Xi'an served as China’s capital for the most dynasties: ten dynasties spread intermittently over a 1,100 year period, most notably the Han Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty , golden ages in China's history. For locals, Tang opera is still popular in Xi'an night shows.

(tang opera photo: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Tang+opera&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=919&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIybq5rqqwyAIVYeCmCh2mlQLh&dpr=1#imgrc=CcsPi7agbxPe8M%3A)

Eat like a local 

Though Muslim Street is regarded as a tourist scenic spot by foreigners, it’s actually considered as a snack street by the locals, which is also an ideal place for the locals to kill time during a hot summer. As a matter of fact, Muslim Street is lined with various restaurants and stalls, some of which specialize in selling cakes, some in dried fruit and some in snacks. Most famous dishes of Xi’an are available on Muslim Street, including Marinated Meat in a Baked Bun　and Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup．Locals and tourisms go there even late mid night.        

(photo sourcing : https://www.google.com.au/search?q=xian&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI4-uVqKewyAIV59qmCh190wDt#tbm=isch&q=xian+food&imgrc=XuQ65OuZox8thM%3A)

By Miranda(Ming Sun)

Destinations You Must Visit Before You Die: #4 New Caledonia

New Caledonia, a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific. Its is a tropical paradise and has a mix of French and Melanesian culture. It consists of warm hospitality sitting beside European elegance, gourmet food beneath palm trees, sand, resorts, bungalows, concrete and bamboo. Nouméa is the capital city of New Caledonia, a territorial collectivity of France located 750 miles east of Australia in the southwest Pacific Ocean.  With being just over 7,100 square miles in size, New Caledonia has a population of approximately 256,000, a mix of Kanak people (the original inhabitants of New Caledonia), people of European descent, as well as those of Polynesian and Southeast Asian descent.

It is prized for its beaches which are backed by cafes and bars. Tourists like to enjoy themselves by renting out kayaks, going rock climbing, sailing. New Caledonia is also full of corals, canyons, caves and heritage shipwrecks. You can go whale watching or snorkelling, or relax on the warm sand of a deserted isle. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, New Caledonia’s vast coral reef offers some of the most spectacular diving in the world. Not only is it an important nesting site for green turtles, but it also supports an astonishing variety of tropical fish, seabirds, sharks and whales.

N.AU

destinations must go before you die: #Dubai--lonely planet

Dubai --Lonely planet

If u feel like have a view of rich and luxury city, Dubai is best option for experiencing luxury lifestyle holiday destination. Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On man-made islands just offshore is Atlantis, the Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.


Black Palace beach

(photo source: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Black+Palace+beach&espv=2&biw)

Black Palace Beach is one of the city’s secret gems, with a location that’s easy to miss but well worth the scouting mission: between the royal fortresses at Al Sufouh lies a tiny pathway that takes you to this land of pure relaxation. It looks like sailing boat parking on the beach. 

Palm tree Island 

(photo souce: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dubai+palm+island&espv=2&biw=1920&bih)

Palm Islands are two artificial islands, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali, on the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As of November 2014, only Palm Jumeirah has been completed. This island takes the form of a palm tree, topped by a crescent.

Burj Khalifa 

(photo source:https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Burj+Khalifa&espv=2&biw)

Burj Khalifa, known as Burj Dubai before its inauguration, is known as megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest artificial structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m.Burj Khalifa was desilude 30,000 homes, 9 hotels, 3 hectares of parkland, at least 19 residential towers, the Dubai mall, and the 12-hectare man-made Burj Khalifa Lake. The decision to build Burj Khalifa is reportedly based on the government's decision to diversify from an oil based economy to one that is service and tourism based.

Desert camel ride

photo source: (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dubai+camel+rides&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=971&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CFcQsARqFQoTCIb-oaLWrMgCFcaFpgodM2oLRg#imgrc=n7CCZEyCB0lXHM%3A)

On this half-day tour from Dubai you will experience riding a camel across the desert before spending an evening of entertainment at a traditional Bedouin desert camp. The camels will be ready to take you into the Arabian Desert to feel the rhythm and beauty of the vast landscape.Attracting people from all over the world, the entertainment in the desert camp includes a Tanoura dance show, henna painting, a shisha corner, and traditional costumes in which guest can take pictures.

Shopping Festival

photo source: (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dubai+shopping+festival+2016&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=919&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMItODe1NesyAIVhSOmCh3RzAiE#imgrc=sNGBP00zuH7FoM%3A)

For shopping lovers, Dubai gathered all sorts brands including prestige, luxury and so on. Kicking off every January, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a retail celebration that is a shoppers' paradise and renowned the world-over for its amazing deals and promotions.


By Miranda (Ming Sun)

What can hold 49,642 people and Serve 23,542 hotdogs on average a day?

Where else but Yankee Stadium!

This impressive icon is located in The Bronx, in New York City, where it is home to the famous New York Yankees of the Major League Baseball. If your visiting New York this historical icon is a must do whether watching a MLB game or just site seeing this place offers both.
The atmosphere is electric and the drinks are cold, the weather is warm and the breeze is fresh.
This stadium attracts hundreds or thousands of visitors every year to its games and to its history of the stadium and of the game of Baseball.

Photo; Bill Davis

Destinations must go before you die # Hayman Island

Destinations must go before you die # Hayman Island 
One & Only Hayman Island:

In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman island presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, indulgence and adventure.Hayman soon earned the reputation as Australia’s foremost leisure and honeymoon destination and attracted widespread international recognition.Within this private island resort, stylish elegance reflects the harmony of nature with beautifully appointed accommodation set against the backdrop of the Coral Sea.

(photo reference: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=hayman+island&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=919&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CEgQsARqFQoTCOzw7MCupsgCFYKclAodv2UD0g&dpr=1#imgrc=Id5NAUMeTaFjYM%3A)

 In nowadays, guests to the island arrive by Hayman's private fleet of luxury motor yachts, and private charter helicopter or air Whitsunday seaplane.

(photo reference: http://hayman.oneandonlyresorts.com/photogallery.aspx)

Island Paradise: 

One&Only Estates was born of a vision – the finest residences in the world, in the world’s most amazing setting.The ultimate private island set midst one of the seven natural wonders of the world invites a select few to enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle.
For a privileged few — owners of the residences at One&Only Estates on Hayman Island — that vision is about to be realized.They are among the few fortunate enough to own a residence in the fabled Whitsundays, with exclusive access to the luxury and personal service that are the trademarks of a One&Only resort. The few that can claim the majestic Great Barrier Reef as their playground. The few that can look upon this place, quite unlike anywhere else on Earth in its wild beauty, its untamed majesty, and call it their own.

(photo reference:http://hayman.oneandonlyresorts.com/ )

Wedding Beach venue:

Hayman island providing for a wide range of events – from weddings, renewals of vows and honeymoons to anniversaries, surprises and reunions – all amongst the idyllic setting of the Whitsunday Islands.

(Photo reference:http://hayman.oneandonlyresorts.com/photogallery.aspx) 

Under the star dining: 

Share a special moment in paradise with your loved one and indulge with your dream Under the Stars dining experience. white linen, crystal and champagne will be set as you wish and anywhere you desire. Dine by the sea, in the rainforest or on a remote spit of sand, before a beautiful Whitsunday sunset.

(photo reference: http://hayman.oneandonlyresorts.com/cuisine/underthestars.aspx)

BY Miranda( Sun Ming )

Orange County (O.C.), Southern California (SoCal), United States of America (USA) Pt. 2

Orange County doesn’t just include luscious beaches and a delicious and diverse array of exquisite culinary choices, the OC also includes places to have fun with family and endless places to go shopping.

Family friendly places

One of the go to places you’d definitely have to visit if you’re in the OC is head down to Anaheim and visit the original and world famous Disneyland.

Disneyland contains 8 themed lands¹ with each having their unique theme which covers a massive area of approximately 85 acres.¹

Image Source: http://www.goodwp.com/images/201104/goodwp.com_17434.jpg

More Food

Okay, I know I covered food already in Part 1, but holy smokes, I left out some awesome places to try out.

A Cardinal rule. You must go to In’N Out Burger.

Probably the closest place to enjoy In’N Out Burger in the OC would be In’N Out Burger on Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach. And make sure you try out their “not-so-secret” menu.

Image Source: http://whylaughlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/in-n-out-secret-menu.jpg

Image Source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7200/6800675694_ea07129d89.jpg

Another thing you got to try out in the O.C. is authentic Churros

Sure, you have tried a churro out around the world and you have been unknowingly deceived that what you just had was a churro. No it wasn’t. The best churros are the churros that are hand made at the Annual OC Fair and regular OC Swap Meets.

Image Source: http://s3-media2.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/exF3l87zkwsnUGTfsRAnow/o.jpg

Places to Shop

You will probably need stuff in life and there is no other place to buy stuff than buying stuff at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Orange County.

South Coast Plaza is listed is the biggest shopping mall on the west coast of the United States². Every fancy or not so fancy item can be purchased here at South Coast. You will find the most pretentious people on the West Coast of the United States (you have been warned).

Image Source: https://loveandco.ocnk.net/data/loveandco/image/20140228_9d438c.jpg

By Jo T.P. Hoang

Sources:

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disneyland

² https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Coast_Plaza