Never Too Many Cooks

14 Sunday Aug 2016

Tags

bestofcookislands, bucketlist, cookislands, cookislandsmustdo, paradise, photography, southpacific, travel

Of course you will have heard the phrase “Too many cooks spoil the broth”, but I don’t think they were talking about the Cook Islands.

This little slice of paradise in the South Pacific has to be seen to be believed, and if blue is your colour, you will not know where to look first.

Be prepared for blazing blues, glittering greens, lovely locals and just a little bit of cloud porn. Seriously, the Cook Islands definitely deserve a spot on your Bucket List.

The number one must do for many visiting the Cooks is Aitutaki Lagoon. Flying into Aitutaki gives you just the teensiest glimpse of what you’re in for,

but it’s not until you’re floating on that ridiculous water that you realise just how truly incredible it really is.

And then when the moon rises, things go to a whole other level…

The Cook Islands also broke one of my long held truths – get off the main island as fast as you can. Rarotonga was a delight – easy to get around, friendly locals despite the number of tourists and the snorkelling! The whole island is surrounded by fringing reef, as well as amazing beachfront bars and a cute town centre – I would go as far as to say there is something for everyone.

I’m not an earlybird but even early morning is pretty spectacular!

But then it’s equally as easy to sit and drink in the view…that view…

Even when the clouds start rolling in (it is the tropics!) it’s still spectacular.

So have you packed a bag yet???

There snow festival like a Snow Festival

14 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by Where's Wiwi? in Japan, Photography, Travel, Travel Tips

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

best of japan, ice carving, Japan, Sapporo, snow, Snow Festival, snow sculpture, snow sculptures, travel, travel in winter, winter

And Sapporo certainly knows how to put on a Snow Festival!

Way up in the north of Japan about 60 odd years ago, a few bored students thought they’d kill some time sculpting snow. It was a huge hit and fast forward to today, it’s one of Japan’s biggest festivals, attracting millions of visitors a year.

For a week each year in early February, Sapporo turns into a winter playground as Odori Park in the centre of the city is crammed with snow sculptures, locals, tourists, food outlets and dogs.

A visit to the Festival isn’t just about seeing what fantastical shapes and edifices have been miraculously coaxed out of a heap of snow,

the people watching is fantastic,

Yes, this is grown men and women on a miniature train.

as is a tour through the food huts,

and spotting the dogs with nappies is a bonus.

Yes, that is a nappy.

For a great overview of the site and the beautiful mountains surrounding the city, head up the tower at the head of the park.

A second site at Tsudome is where you can whizz down snow slides and the Susukino site holds all the ice carvings.

Be prepared for crowds of tourists all trying to cram in front of your photo

so if you can stay awake, it’s worthwhile going back later at night after all the families have gone to bed.

I would thoroughly recommend a trip out to the Sapporo Beer Garden to kill some time where you can grill your meat at the table and buy a never ending stein of Japan’s finest. The setting is also pretty spectacular.

Wiwi’s top tip:

This is the north of Japan in winter, so come prepared for snowy and icy conditions

and a pair of strap-on ice grips for your shoes is an absolute genius idea and must have saved my bottom at least a dozen times. These are sold all throughout the city in convenience stores and are an inexpensive way to walk a tad more confidently.