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25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life!

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travel tips

By John Gentry Travel Channel to travel the world

Travel Tips that could save your life is an ongoing project that will grow over time, and we hope everyone is able to enjoy themselves better while traveling since they will be better prepared. Enjoy these simple but easy-to-understand tips and make your next trip an adventure of a lifetime.

1. Never pass up a good toilet because the next one may be a squat only.


2. Always get cash after customs at your destination airport. Euros and USD may be an exception. Don’t risk breaking local customs regulations.

3. Always carry diarrhea medicine.

Mysterious Chinese herbs in the traditional medicine shops of Hong Kong

4. Always look up three words before you travel; thank you, yes, and no.

5. Always have tissue packages on hand for the bathroom and eating use.

6. Certain medicine needs to be considered. Tylenol, Panadol, and any needed prescription drugs.

7. Learn and study body language. Most expressions are international.

8. Use modern technology like Twitter to keep you updated on certain travel areas. US Department of State and the CDC have an alert service.

9. Water usage should be increased to offset times when good clean water is not available.

10. Learn some basics in English, German, Mandarin, and Russian, these languages can sometimes be used in emergencies.



11. Study the basic history of a region before going there.

12. Learn the taboos of the area you are traveling to. Remember it is their country, not yours.

13. Don’t assume the water is clean to drink just because locals drink it. They have built up immunities you don’t have.


Travel Tips International Travel


14. Traveling causes the body to lose sleep. This will lower your immune system so make sure to schedule recovery time.

15. Make sure to schedule a time to re-stock your travel pharmacy on the road.

16. Ziplock bags can solve a lot of problems so take several.

17. Understand and get certified in basic life-saving first aid.



18. Use large backpacks to travel that way you can never have to check in your bag. This will ensure you always have what you need when you need it.



19. Don’t take basic hygiene for granted ensure you have it planned for and have what you need to stay healthy.

20. When traveling in crowded unorganized cities try to memorize key locations or landmarks. These can be used to find your way later when needed.

21. Always look and find locals who have language skills that you can use to help gather the information that is key to your trip. Young people know some English and older people could know other languages. People and questions are your best resource for information.

22. Don’t assume your cellphone will work. Print out what you need ahead of time.

23. Carry old fashion maps.



24. Get a cellphone app that can translate languages. Make sure it can work without wifi or cellphone service.

25. Buy digital offline mapping software for your mobile phone or other devices.

26. Consider GPS

27. You are only as good as your weakest link. So consider others in your travel party and ensure they stay healthy or you could pay the price later on. We hope you enjoyed these 25 Travel Tips That Can Save Your Life! Happy Travels, ExploreTraveler.com

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Persimmons Drying In Xinpu Township

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Persimmons Drying In Xinpu Township

Persimmons, a fruit rich in anti-oxidants, are drying in the hot sun of Taiwan. Xinpu Township is an urban township in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. It is the home of many large persimmon orchards. Weiweijia Persimmon Orchard is one of the major orchards in the township. What a delight it is to savor the fragrant persimmon orchards. What a delight a day at the orchard is!

Persimmon season has finished throughout much of the world. But in Taiwan, September to October is the peak drying season. It is then that the Northerly winds blow, acting like a giant food dryer. What a blessing the wind is! For those who have the foresight to dry some of this amazing fruit, here is a Korean recipe for punch or tea. It is delicious! It is packed full of potassium and other minerals. Persimmons have an abundance of vitamins.  Enjoy some of the best tea, and savor your vitamins. Persimmon tea is healthy! It is exquisite!  For those who choose not dry Persimmons while in season, you can find dried Persimmons at most Asian Markets year around. Perhaps you will find persimmons from Weweijia Persimmon Orchard. They are some of the best in Taiwan!

Sujeonggwa (Korean Persimmon Punch)

Serves 4

8 cups water
1/2 cup peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
8 cinnamon sticks, rinsed
1 cup sugar or honey
4 dried persimmons, stems removed
Pine nuts for garnish

Place water, ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover pot, lower heat, and simmer for 1 hour. Discard ginger and cinnamon sticks.

Add sugar, stir to dissolve, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain liquid into a pitcher or bowl and add the persimmons. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least two hours and up to a couple of days.

To serve, pour into cups or bowls and garnish with pine nuts. The softened persimmons may also be added whole or sliced.
(Taken from the website: thekitchen.com)

Another fun adventure is Persimmon folklore. Many feel that you can predict the winter weather by what  a cracked open Persimmon seed is shaped like. Believers in this world-wide folklore say that if the seed is shaped like a knife, then you are in for a bitter cold winter. If it is shaped like a nice spoon, get the snow shovel out! Snow, is on the way! And finally, if it is shaped like a fork, prepare for a nice mild winter. Enjoy!

Another favorite way to use fruit is to make Drinking Vinegar. Following  is a basic recipe and also some guidelines on what can be mixed.

BASIC RECIPE FOR DRINKING VINEGAR

2 cups fresh or frozen Persimmons, whole berries or other fruit (You can also used dried fruit that has been soaked)
2 cups vinegar (we like using Champagne or apple cider vinegar, though distilled white vinegar may be substituted in a pinch)
1 1/2 cups of Organic sugar

Combine the fruit and vinegar in a large jar, tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Let infuse for one week at room temperature, shaking daily. Strain the juice through a double layer of cheesecloth and funnel into a clean glass bottle. Add sugar and shake to combine. Refrigerate for one week before using, shaking daily until sugar has fully dissolved.

NOTE:  To dilute in a drink, add one ounce (or more, depending on taste) to five ounces of soda water. Serve over ice. Following the method outlined above, you can experiment with these other flavor combinations:

SOME OTHER POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS

Blackberry + fresh thyme
Cucumber + mint + honey
Cherry + vanilla bean + maple syrup
Ginger + Demerara sugar
Apple + agave
Strawberry + basil
Persimmons are also extremely good in puddings and cakes. I like to take a basic vanilla pudding recipe and add Persimmons! Now that is mouth-watering good! They are such a versatile fruit, that you can take almost any favorite recipe and adapt it for persimmons. Cakes, breads, and syrups are amazingly good. So step out of your comfort zone. Grab your apron and head for the kitchen! This is the adventure of cooking with Persimmons! Your combinations are endless!  So explore your options and enjoy your Persimmons from Taiwan. They are some of the world’s best! See you in the kitchen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Taiwanese Favorite

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              Those Humble Sweet Potatoes

Glazed sweet potatoes are a favorite on the island! Fresh sweet potatoes have long been a Taiwanese favorite. Perhaps it started during the Japanese Occupation or even before. For centuries these humble potatoes have graced the homes in Japan, Korea, and elsewhere in Asia. Sweet potatoes grow well in Taiwan. The nutrition behind them is amazing! So what makes Glazed sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are not just something to sweeten your taste buds! Yes, they are good! They are delicious! These little gems are also good for your cardiovascular health! They are a key to good nutrition. This underground tuber was initially cultivated in  Central American. Now it is cultivated the world over. Would you like some sweet potatoes?

Sweet potato are a  starchy sweet flesh. Depending on the pigment concentration, they range from white to  yellow,and from orange to purple. Sweet potatoes of all colors are used to make Glazed Sweet Potatoes. There are actually many different recipes for sweet potatoes. The tuber contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. It  is a rich source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Glazed Sweet Potatoes

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.
MAKES: 8 servings

Ingredients

Two pounds sweet potatoes or two large cans sweet potatoes drained

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup Maple Syrup

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. If using fresh sweet potatoes, place in a large saucepan or Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 25-40 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly and peel. Cut into chunks.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°. Place sweet potatoes in a 2-qt. baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine butter, syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour over potatoes.
  3. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 8 servings.Recipe for Glazed sweet potatoes taken from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/glazed-sweet-potatoes

Cooking With Sweet Potato Greens

Sweet potato leaves are also edible. Dig the potatoes and cut the stems and leaves. All parts of this plant are eaten. While Glazed Sweet Potatoes are awesome, so are the cooked leaves. Not only are they good, but they are good for you.  Sweet potato greens are fabulous. They are tasty and nutritious. In fact, the greens contain more nutrients and dietary fiber than most of the popular green. Braised greens (leaves and stems) with some onion and garlic are fantastic. They are good served with a dash of vinegar. Like spinach, sweet potato greens cook down a lot. You can actually use them in any recipe that uses spinach. Here is a recipe that pairs the greens with Coconut Cream. When doing a holiday dinner, they are a good side dish. They compliment Glazed Sweet Potatoes on the holiday table. They add color to the table! They are nutritious! They are delicious!

Sweet Potato Greens in Coconut Cream

Yield: 4 side servings

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large bunch sweet potato greens
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root (from a 1/2-inch piece)
2 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric root, or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 red thai chili, finely sliced
2-inch lemon grass stalk, trimmed and finely sliced
1 to 2 teaspoons soy sauce, or to taste
1 cup coconut cream plus 1 cup water (or substitute 2 cups light or regular coconut milk)
2 to 3 teaspoons raw or brown sugar, or to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Trim off any thick stems from greens. Add to boiling water and blanch for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer greens to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking. Drain.

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili, and lemongrass and stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce.

Add coconut cream and water (or coconut milk) and bring to a simmer. Add blanched greens and return to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Add sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into bowls and serve with rice.

Read more at http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2012/09/sweet-potato-greens-in-coconut-cream.html

The Sweet Potato culture

Sweet potatoes are widely eaten in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Though eaten in many countries, they are a household favorite in Asia. In Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, they have many different ways to cook the potatoes and the greens. Glazed Sweet Potatoes are only one of the favorite recipes. Wherever you live, sweet potatoes belong on every table.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on May 28, 2017 at:

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Mysterious Taiwanese Jungle

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Mysterious Taiwanese Jungle

Mysterious Taiwanese Jungle, a unique land, that is found deep in the Aboriginal Mountains. Sprinkled throughout the mountains are small Aboriginal Villages, waiting to share the many secrets of the Taiwanese jungle. Secrets of good health and nutrition flourish in the mysterious Taiwanese Jungle. Here you find herbal  cures for many of the diseases the world over.  Eating your greens takes on a new meaning,  as the Taiwanese jungle has over 850 varieties of edible ferns alone. These ferns make excellent greens for many native dishes and salads. The mysterious Taiwanese Jungle comes alive on the dinner plate. What can we learn?

The Wilds Of The Mountains

It is a narrow strip between the mountains and the sea. Here we find the jungles with villages sprinkled throughout. This has become the haven of of the Eco Tourist. Would you fly half way around the world for peace? Here you will find charming villages and leisure farms. All willing to immerse your being in their world. Relax, shut off the phone and just be. You will find truly authentic indigenous villages ready to share their life. These leisure farms are deep in the mysterious Taiwanese Jungle. Prepare for cultural shock. ….prepare to become a part of what was and yet what is.

Rural Getaways For City Guests

Many of these villages take you away from the Pacific and up narrow roads into the mountains. Here you find groups of cabins with manicured lawns in front. Civilization is still in sight! Beautiful artwork grace the lawn. That is until you look out the back door. There you are in the midst of the deep jungle! See the many animals that live in this forest. Listen to the singing of the birds. The vegetation is amazing! So many plants! Some are used for medicine. Most are used for food. It is like a kitchen garden out the back door. Welcome to the mysterious Taiwanese Jungle.

The Sun Has Set

The sun  has gone behind the hills. It is night time in the jungle. The sun has left the scene, but there is no escaping the real Taiwan. Can you imagine getting this close to the jungle in relative safety? That does not mean you will not wake up in the night and see a small lizard! A grasshopper may be sharing the room with you. They are everywhere in this tropical climate. They are not visitors. They share the cabins in peace. They are harmless. They are beautiful. They are yet another piece to the puzzle of the mysterious Taiwanese Jungle.

Accommodations In The Jungle

For an unparalleled Taiwan  experience explore the Leader Hotel Taroko. Stay in the luxury rooms of the hotel or the cabins on the edge of the rain-forest. This is the real Taiwan! The jungle is alive with life! It never sleeps! It provides both food and medicine. The jungle plants are beautiful. No need for technology, the birds provide the music. Discover Taiwan as few tourists have. Spend a few days immersed in the mysterious Taiwanese Jungle.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler May 25, 2017 at:

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Onions: Are They Really Good For You?

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Bountiful fruit and vegetable gardens, loving springtime in Taiwan!

Onions: Are They Really Good For You?

Onions, a rather humble vegetable, are known worldwide. Taiwanese cooking uses a lot of vegetables and the onion is used in large amounts. Why do Asians like onions? What makes onions so special? Raw onions can be hot! Who needs them, anyway? The answer is, you do! Onions can significantly lower your risk of certain types of cancer. Some cancers seem to require more than others. A good rule is to eat an onion a day.  The Asians have this habit down pat. In Taiwan, almost every dish had an onion in it. It is not hard to eat an onion a day if you put it in everything.

Many cultures know the value of onion, but in Taiwanese cuisine, it is such a natural part of everything. Onions are very high in flavonoids. They are in the top ten common vegetables for quercetin content. A one-half onion will give you half of the daily amount of quercetin eaten by moderate vegetable eaters from all sources.

Onions are a vegetable that contains the same amount of quercetin whether you eat it raw or cooked. That is why when you make soup, it is so loaded with quercetin. The only thing is, it is now in the juice. Quercetin does not degrade when cooking with a low heat method. Crockpots cook soup at low heat and thus the Quercetin is preserved. The key is to remember that the juice is important. If you have liquid when you drain the vegetables, just save the liquid for soup broth. It will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.  It keeps in the freezer for the long term. Onions, like garlic, are members of the Allium family! Both onions and garlic are rich in sulfur-containing compounds. It is these compounds that are responsible for their pungent odors!  It is also these compounds that are responsible for many of their health-promoting effects. Onions can be sauteed, grilled, roasted, braised, pickled, stuffed, deep-fried, and cooked into a savory jam. This amazing vegetable is the workhorse of the garden! There is hardly a dish that doesn’t begin with this humble vegetable.

The idea of using onions to ward off diseases goes way back thousands of years. It was believed that sliced raw onions, when placed in their homes or rooms, would help absorb bacteria or germs in the air. Many practitioners in Alternative Medicine believe this is valued today. Many cultures, the world over, treat insect bites, bee stings, and boils with onion compresses. They believe it will ease the pain because of the anti-inflammatory properties of the onion’s enzymes. Onions are amazing! In Taiwan, they seem to know how to use the best and healthiest vegetables. What a treat that is! Health and flavor in the same meal!

When planning your next Taiwanese vacation, be sure to check out the morning markets.  Try many soups. It seems that they have soup for every occasion. Every soup seems to start with garlic and onion. Now that is a double dose of these amazing vegetables. So enjoy the best nutritional foods on your next visit to Taiwan. They are a suburb! They are delicious! They are healing! They are a Taiwanese blessing!

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Tropical Rainforests Of The Philippines

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Lost in the Jungles Splendor of Agas Agas Leyte in the Philippines

 

Tropical Rainforests: The Lungs Of The Earth

Tropical Rainforests make up only about 2% of the world’s resources but they give us the air we breath. They take in large amounts of Carbon Monoxide and clean it up through photosynthesis and return it to us as breathable air. We need our tropical rainforests for life, as we know it. Destroy the rainforest and you destroy life as you currently live.  The tropical rainforests are one of the greatest gifts on earth we have!

Tropical rainforests the world wide are a vast source of medicines. We have yet to test more than 1% of the plants that are endemic of the rainforest for medical properties. For generations the indigenous people have used the vastness of the plants found here to provide for their health. Health without modern medicine and all the many side effects that come with it have been the norm. The indigenous peoples world wide have remained healthy, living to a ripe old age. Not until they started eating Western diets did they cease to live long and healthy lives. Nearly 70% of all the plants that have been identified to contain anti-cancer properties come from the rainforest. Modern medicine has yet to even consider over 90% of these plants. Out of the plants of the rainforest came cures and treatments for leukemia, breast cancer, high blood pressure, and asthma. What a gift to mankind we have in the rainforest. Make it your time to discover this vast resource!

Those of us who have studied nutrition know that fruits and vegetables should be the number one staple in our diet. Foods that we use today which originated in the rainforests world-wide  include many herbal teas,  coffee, cocoa, many fruits and nuts, spices, and rice. Out of the rainforest comes over 1,650 new edible plants for our consideration. These are foods that we have yet to try.  Yet so often we limit ourselves to those we know. Just as coffee and tea were once foreign and are now staples, so could be others.  Out of the rainforest comes the call to broaden our horizons beyond what we currently have experienced. On your next trip to The Philippines take time to eat and discover the many known plants of the rainforests. They are endless and the so are their benefits. Rainforests  offer a bounty of foods! Is it not time to expand our vision?

Lost in the Jungles Splendor of Agas Agas Leyte in the Philippines

Many of the things we use in our modern homes have their humble beginnings in the tropical rainforests.  Products such as rubber, gums, resins, dyes, tannins and cane all had their beginnings in the tropical rainforest. What would our cars look like without tires? Tires that are made from rubber. How many resins and dyes are used in our homes? So much of what is “modern” came from the indigenous peoples living in the jungles of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Listen to the call of the tropical rainforest! Expand you horizons to include something new. There are yet 75,000 new edible plants to consider in nature world-wide. Agriculture has discovered a mere 150 of these and only a few make it to the consumer. Make this the year that you change those statistics for you and your family. Come on over to The Philippines and dare to try the many edible plants and flowers that make up the indigenous diet. Who knows, you may change your life.

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Persimmons: Health Secrets From Taiwan

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Persimmons

Persimmons: Health Secrets From Taiwan

Persimmons, a major fruit found in Taiwan and most of Southeast Asia, are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are a deep yellow to orange in color and resemble a tomato in shape. They have a very sweet taste and make an excellent desert. They are delicious! They are a delightful treat! They are best fresh, though they are excellent as snacks when dried. If drying, dry slowly on low heat to preserve the vitamins. Most like to dry foods and then put into bags and run through a sealer. That helps them to last longer, than just putting into baggies. Freezing your dried foods also helps to prolong their freshness.

Persimmon leaves also make an excellent tea. Just pick leaves that are untreated and triple wash. Watch the back side of leaf carefully for bugs. Dry in the sun or in any food dryer. Persimmons are extremely delicious and are very good for your health. Persimmon tea is a delight! It is also good mixed with green tea.

Persimmons are excellent for weight loss, as they are high in fiber and have a lot of water content. If working out or doing active yard or house work, eat your persimmon first and then work off the sugar content as energy. The high water content of the fruit will help replenish the water that the body loses in sweat and also curtails sugar cravings.

Persimmons contains Lutein Zeaxanthin which is an Isomer. Isomers are a common Carotenoid alcohol present in nature. They are a superfood for the eyes. These Isomers are helpful in maintaining and improving vision and the general health of the eye.  Lutein works on the retina and stops eye related degenerative diseases like Macular Degeneration. It has also been known to prevent the growth of cataracts of the eye.

Persimmons have a high amount of fiber. Fiber provides roughage that the body needs during digestion. It is essential to improving the digestion process. Persimmons also contains a large amount of a nutrient that is believed to protect from free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for all types of cancer. Free radicals are believed by many to not only be responsible for causing cancer,  but also premature ageing.

Potassium  is an abundant trace metal found in the Persimmon fruit. Potassium helps in regulating optimum blood pressure. Potassium widens  the blood vessels and relaxes muscles in the body. It also is considered by many to be an excellent pain reliever for muscle pain. Persimmons are loaded with Potassium. What is there not to love about persimmons? Try one today.

Persimmons will grow in any tropical or subtropical climate. They can also be grown in large pots on the patio. They are an easy tree to grow. Fruit usually appears the fourth or fifth year.

Make persimmons one of the many fruits you discover on this years Taiwan vacation. Set aside a few days to study the many superfruits of this small island and take the wisdom home. For those living in a Northern climate, there are many places that you can order organic dried persimmons. Dried persimmons are an awesome snack. So grab your passport and pack your bag. See you at the Taiwanese fruit market.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler on April 19, 2017 at:

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Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong

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Mong Kok flower Mong Kok flower market Hong Kong

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong In Bloom

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong is located in a traditional Chinese Garden. Mong Kok preserves the many traditions of the past with it’s streets filled with markets, small shops, and food stalls filled with the delicacies of the area. Inside this fascinating area called Mong Kok, you will find Yuen Po Bird Garden, a cluster of bird shops. Here you will see all the bird owners taking their birds out for a walk. On the other side of Mong Kok is the famous Flower Market. These are not markets in the traditional sense, but rather clusters of streets dedicated to a single product.The streets themselves, reflect the characteristics of the shops that are clustered on them. Welcome to Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong!

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong is filled with dozens of shops and florists with every kind of blooming flower your heart can desire. Not only are the shops loaded with blooms, but the over stuffed shops flow out onto the sidewalk in front. What a display of flowers!

It’s longevity is thanks to the importance of flowers in Chinese celebrations, especially Chinese New Year when flocks of locals throng the streets to pick the most colourful bouquets and get their hands on a prized Mandarin Tree.  In Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong, you will find fragrant blooms from around the world! The stalls are filled with fresh-cut flowers from the local gardens of Hong Kong, and exotic plants of Asia. The streets are a jungle of fresh foliage, and all the color you desire. Some of the more exotic flowers arrive by jet each morning. At the Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong  you will find Hollands exotic tulips and Japan’s finest orchids. Along side the gorgeous roses, you may see plants of luck or prosperity from China, such as Orchids, Mandarin trees, Lotus plants, or Bonsai trees. Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong is a pleasant start to any day.

The markets longevity through the years is due to the importance of flowers in Chinese everyday life, and the many celebrations throughout the year. Visit the Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong this year during the Chinese New Year celebrations for a most spectacular view of your life time. You will see the flocks of locals on the streets of Mong Kok, out looking for that special bouquet or plant. Everyone needs a special Mandarin Tree to give them luck and prosperity for the coming year!

Directions To Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong

Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong  is served by rail and the service is regular throughout the day and evening. MTR Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong lines have two stations in this area: Prince Edward Station is to the north and Mong Kok Station is to the south. Both stations are close to the Mong Kok area.

The time is now to think about your next trip to Asia. Grab your passport and let’s head to Hong Kong and The Mong Kok Flower Market Hong Kong. See you there!

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Komodo Dragons Malaysia Today and Tomorrow

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Komodo Dragon on remote Tiomon Island Malaysia

Komodo Dragons of Malaysia

Komodo Dragons of Malaysia are real and alive in 2014! When we think of dragons we think of legends, Chinese folklore, stories of the past, but this little one is alive and living on Tioman Island, Malaysia. So what exactly is the Komodo Dragon?

Komodo Dragons, also called Monitor Lizards, are found throughout Africa, Asia, New Guinea, Australia, and yes, even in the Everglades of Florida. These lizards are rare and are highly protected. There is a large number of Komodo Dragons on Tioman Island in the Malaysian State of Pahang. Komodo Dragons are the largest living lizard on earth. The ancestors of the Komodo Dragon go back over 100 million years.

Komodo Dragons were discovered during WWI when a plane crashed into the Komodo Sea. The pilot swam to Komodo Island and that is where they were first seen in modern times.

Komodo Dragons are the largest lizard known to be living on earth. They are often as much as 10 feet long and 155 pounds. They are known to run at speeds of up to 12 miles an hour. Komodo Dragons mainly eat fruit and other vegetation. They are excellent swimmers and move from island to island looking for food. It is rare to see them swimming out in the open sea, however. Who knows, maybe they were one of the first vegetarians!

Komodo Dragons can lay from 7-37 eggs at a time. The life span of the Komodo Dragon is thought to be around 50 years in the wild. The current population is thought to be around 5,700. Most Komodo Dragons live on the Komodo Islands in Indonesia. Even though they have no known predators, they are an endangered species. Their greatest threat are humans and the hunting of deer and water buffalo. Since the creation of the Komodo National Park, this giant lizard has been increasing in numbers slowly.

So on your next venture to Asia, take a look at the many dragon statues, listen to the stories, and remember, dragons are alive and well in 2014. So come on out to the Komodo Islands and see the only known dragon of our time. Read about his ancestors and you will never look at Chinese folklore the same again. Komodo Dragons are waiting to be a part of your next adventure. It is not too early to book your next Asian adventure.

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Persimmon Farms of Hsinchu Taiwan

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By ExploreTraveler.com
Persimmon Farms of Hsinchu Taiwan
With all of the excitement we have had traveling around Taiwan sometimes we miss what is in front of us. Thankfully we received an email from a colleague that gave us a heads up about the Persimmon harvest, and preparation here in Hsinchu county.

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

The trip there was very UN-eventful, and started just outside of Jubei Taiwan. From there just outside of town nestled in the hills of the countryside. When we arrived one of the first things we saw was persimmon’s drying outside in the sun in front of the old building within the farm compound. Locals are most the tourists here, and it was very interesting that the farm employees really enjoyed, and encouraged photographs from the beginning. Very seldom in western culture do you see this kind of symbiotic behavior; farms in the USA are mostly off limits and very private.

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Persimmon’s drying in the sun! http://explore1.wpengine.com

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The atmosphere was remarkable for it openness, and interaction with the local staff. One older women would stop and pose every time she rotated persimmon’s drying in racks out in the sun. She would then go to the front of a large stack of these drying racks to take photographs the local tourists. This cycle would repeat about every hour, and every employee would rotate around within the public offering drinks, ice cream, and local persimmon goods for sale.

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Persimmon’s drying in large racks #HsinChu County. http://explore1.wpengine.com View on Instagram


Grounds around the farm were also open for everyone to wonder within the trees, flowers, and other local vegetation. One other important item noted was that other small vendors before, after and during our walk was mixed in along the way. This allowed us to buy persimmon’s fresh, and peeled along the way. Since this was a working farm, animals were also wondering around on the outside the the orchards.

All in all this was a great short trip and highly recommended to anyone who is in the area living, working or just passing through.

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