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Why is Japan Overrated?
The Land of the Rising Sun has long been seen as the ultimate clichéd fantasy destination of anime lovers and introverted dreamers alike. The praises for the land of samurai, sakura, and sushi are sung ad nauseam across social media and through the perspective of doe-eyed visitors alike. However, does the Japanese experience deserve such high praise? A surprising number of travellers find themselves feeling rather disappointed, while some might go as far as to say Japan as a whole is overrated! How could that be? What isn’t being talked about? It’s time to explore why some visitors might need to manage their expectations before touching down in Japan. The…
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The Complete Guide to Saint David’s Day
While Saint Patrick’s Day may be the most iconic patron celebration of all, the rest of the British Isles also have their own saintly celebrations. England Saint George’s Day, Scotland remembers Saint Andrew, while little old Wales celebrates Saint David’s Day. For Welsh communities across the world, it’s a day that stands out on the yearly calendar and is worthy of a celebration equal to that of our Irish brothers in arms across the narrow Irish Sea. In this guide, we will look at everything you need to know about Saint David’s Day – from the history and traditions to the festivities themselves. Let’s look at what makes this day…
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What is it Like Living in China?
China is one of the most misunderstood nations on Earth. Tales of mysticism and peculiar oriental traditions travelled far and wide along the Silk Road and beyond, creating a cultural mythology like no other. Foreign nationals are few and far between in the lands of China; thus, a perspective on life in the beating heart of Maoist communism is more exclusive than a list of potential Premier candidates. As one of the few wai guo ren who has lived and worked amongst the hallowed streets that were once considered forbidden, what was life like living in China? As a bright-eyed, clueless Brit, I was equally uninformed and completely naive to…
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Llanfair PG: The Story Behind Europe’s Longest-Town Name
As much as I hate to admit it, not much is commonly known about my beloved homeland of North Wales. Other regions of the UK certainly have their icons – Scotland has whiskey and kilts, London has Big Ben and big dreams, and even the Irish Isles have Guinness and a good old craic. However, little old Wales, particularly North Wales, is left without a talisman. However, there is one place that has managed to bury itself into the collective consciousness of the British public and map viewers alike. It’s a town with a big ol’ name and one that leaves everyone perplexed at the sight of the randomised alphabeti…
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How I Met a Student in War-torn Ukraine
In a post-COVID world where online workspaces have become the norm, I like many others took the unprecedented career move of becoming an online teacher. Doing so allowed me to interact with people from across the globe hailing from all manner of cultural and ideological backgrounds. From Iran and Beijing to Sao Paolo and Moscow, each pin on the map fascinated me more than the last. Back in April 2022, I received a lesson request from the unlikeliest of places, somewhere I didn’t expect there to be any demand for extracurricular classes – Kyiv. Ukraine had been fighting a war of attrition for over a year at this point, fighting…
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How To Stay Safe When You Travel
While some people venture into an unfamiliar nation with nothing more than an overfilled backpack and a smile, others are riddled with fear at the very idea of travelling abroad. Anything further than the comfort of the Spanish seaside resorts or hotel pools of Cancun sends a shiver up many people’s spines. The question of whether or not it’s safe to travel is one that comes up often when backpackers are questioned by their families or their high-school classmates who never left home. The unpredictability is too much to bear. Fear not, fellow wanderer! In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to travel safely! This article may…
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Isn’t London Just Like Your Hometown?
My introductions have become routine by now. It always begins with the long shot – “I’m from Wales.” When that inevitably fails, “I’m from the UK,” usually follows. If the person standing before me still has a puzzled look on their face, I let out a frustrated sigh and accept defeat…”London.” If someone’s French, they must be from Paris. If someone’s Japanese, “Oh wow, I’d love to go to Tokyo!” It’s a ridiculous assumption we all make and something that’s very laborious to correct. For us Brits, it’s even worse. Not only do most people wrongly assume which city you’re from, but they’ll name an entirely different country! Having made…
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Which is the Best Way To Travel: Plan or No Plan
While some people like to meticulously plan each and every step of their life years in advance, others travel through life with a more spontaneous, go with the flow attitude towards life. That’s also the case when it comes to travelling! Certain individuals take a trip already knowing every step, every city, every hotel and even every meal that they’ll be enjoying while on the road, while others simply buy the ticket and take the ride. But which way is best? In this article, we’ll look at both sides of the coin, and see what are some of the biggest benefits when it comes to planning or not! Plan Better…
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Backpacks vs Suitcases: Which is Best?
Whether you’re headed on a month-long adventure through the hotspots of South East Asia or a short weekend getaway on the sunny beaches of the Med or Florida, everyone must face the monotonous task that we all wish we could avoid, packing! But before you pick out your skimpiest bikinis or tasteless Hawaiian shirts, there’s an important decision you have to make, how are you going to carry all your luggage? This all-important choice usually boils down to two options; backpacks or suitcases, but which is best? A very important question, and a decision which can make or break a vacation! So in that case, let’s take a look at…
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Why You Shouldn’t Spend Vacations on the Beach
Many dream of spending their hard-earned vacations on white-sand beaches with a freshly made cocktail in hand under the soothing soundtrack of gentle waves slowly sweeping away the stress of their 9 to 5 lives. I myself on the other hand would call it a complete and utter waste of time. Personally, I’ve never understood the appeal of spending your time laying lifeless on gritty, orifice-invading sands whilst doing absolutely nothing apart from baking to a delicate hue of a newly boiled lobster. So before you book that one-way ticket to the shores of Ibiza or Bali, let me tell you why you should avoid spending that much time on…
