Greencaviar Travel

 Hiking the Live Volcano of Nea Kameni   Santorini, with its iconic sunsets and stunning landscapes, is a destination that beckons travelers from around the world. Having previously explored the touristy villages of Oia and Fira, I returned to Santorini with a new purpose – to venture into the heart of the earth itself. My journey led me to Nea Kameni, a live volcano that stands as a testament to the island's fiery origins. In this article, I recount my extraordinary experience of hiking this living force of nature, transcending the boundaries of mere tourism and embracing the raw power of the Earth. A Return with Purpose: My return to Santorini was marked by a desire to delve deeper into the island's geological heritage. The Nea Kameni volcano, a part of the National Geographical Park, offered the opportunity to experience the island from a different perspective. This was not the Santorini of postcards; this was an exploration of its primal roots, a confrontation with th...

Exploring the Enchanting Land of the Trolls Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of Norway, Trollstigen stands as a testament to the raw beauty of nature. Known as the "land of the trolls," this enchanting destination promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes and mythical tales that surround the area. My recent trip to Trollstigen was a remarkable experience that brought me face to face with the dramatic scenery, hair-raising drives, and captivating waterfalls that define this remarkable region. While climbing the mountains might have been off-limits, the drive to the top of Trollstigen mountain was a thrilling and heart-pounding experience. I had to trust our driver who was a pro at negotiating the narrow winding road with its seemingly endless hairpin turns. The road seemed to dance along mountainside, offering stunning panoramic views that alternated between awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking. The sheer cliffs on...

  Embarking on a journey to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, is a voyage that promises awe-inspiring landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and an encounter with the raw beauty of the Arctic.  Nestled in the far reaches of Norway, this iconic destination offers a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of the Arctic summer, where the weather is surprisingly pleasant, and the sights are truly breathtaking. My adventure began in Haugesund, where the promise of endless daylight beckoned me towards the Arctic Circle. From there, I ventured through the captivating towns of Åndalsnes, Trondheim, and Tromsø, each offering a unique blend of history and nature.  The unusually beautiful weather granted me the opportunity to embark on short hikes and truly immerse myself in the raw beauty of the landscapes. As I ventured farther north, the landscape underwent a remarkable transformation, with rugged cliffs and endless stretches of sea revealing the untamed beauty o...

Located off the southern coast of South Korea, Jeju Island is a breathtaking destination known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions. On my recent trip to this enchanting island, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure that took me to some of its most captivating sites. From hiking up the Sunrise Peak and exploring the Hallasan National Park to immersing myself in the Women Divers Museum and exploring the mystical Manjanggul Cave, every moment on Jeju Island was filled with awe-inspiring wonders.  Hiking to New Heights at Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak One of the most remarkable experiences during my visit to Jeju Island was hiking up the Sunrise Peak, also known as Seongsan Ilchulbong. As the name suggests, this picturesque volcanic cone offers a perfect vantage point to witness a magnificent sunrise. Sadly, I overslept and missed the sunrise. However, hiking up the mountain was an unforgettable experience, nonetheless.  Seongsan Ilchulb...

One of the special joys of Japan is “Sakura” or Cherry Blossom season which begins around the end of March and lasts for approximately two weeks.  So, we traveled to Japan on March 14 for this reason.  When we arrived in Tokyo and Yokohama, the cherry trees were not in bloom yet. There's a window of about a month between March and April when the flowers will start to bloom. Sakura are traditionally planted in shrines and temples, and castle grounds. So, we took excursions to places said to be the top viewing spots like Himeji Castle and Fuji Five Lakes.  We spotted a few plum blossoms of dark pink color at Himeji Castle and Gardens, but the cherry trees were not in bloom yet.    Our guide to Himeji Castle and Fujisan reminded us not to worry if we had not spotted Sakura during our first week in Japan. It’s hard to miss Sakura because it makes the headline news in Japan before any bad economic and political news.  Sakura is very important to the Ja...

The Beauty of Bangkok Though I had been resting gently in the palm of the hills at the most northern edge of this country of smells the city drew me like a magnet like a magpie to a shiny object I ate heaping plates of spicy  noodles at streetside stalls asked women to pummel my body allowed for sweetness to enter via mango and sticky rice and allowed the subterfuge of those who would take advantage  to wash off of me easily Outside the Flower Market Wat Pho - the birthplace of traditional massage Grand Palace Complex - Outside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Part 9 – The Bay of Fires From Swansea we headed to the Bay of Fires, another popular destination in north-east coast Tasmania. Part of the day’s schedule was to stop in Bicheno to see the blow hole.  Bicheno is a laid-back town of about 950 that is famous for the blow hole, and ‘wildlife and ecology park’. We had a very pleasant drive to Bicheno through very green flatlands. Bicheno After parking our car, we headed to the beach, but it was hard to ignore and not read all the signposts along the coastal walkway. One signpost showed information about the Penguin Tour. Another showed information about the Nature and Wildlife Areas where Tasmania tiger, quolls, wombats and a variety of birds could be seen. Sadly, we did not have time to explore the wildlife in the park and the surrounding beaches in Bicheno, we only had time for the blow hole. We were greeted by an expansive beach of orange-colored granite rocks and boulders. There was a big triangular rock by the water edg...