Whether it’s magnificent displays of atmospheric power or monumental peaks and summits, a journey to the world’s greatest iconic natural sites can help ignite the senses, awaken new passions, and create lasting memories.

The Northern Lights

From northern regions of Canada and Alaska to the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, the Northern Lights occur between 60 and 75 degrees latitude throughout the year.

This impressive atmospheric phenomenon creates undulating waves of vibrant green, purple, and red light that dance across the sky and captivate those who witness it. Don’t be fooled by summer nights; these atmospheric forces are always at work.

For the ultimate sky-gazing experience, venture out between November and February, when the darkness lasts longer, giving you ample time to witness the magic of the Northern Lights. Keep an eye out between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. for the most spectacular displays.

One of the best places to see the Northern Lights is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland. This remote resort offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience with its dome-shaped igloos. The igloos are made of glass, allowing you to lie back in your bed and watch the Northern Lights dance overhead.

It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

If you’re travelling to Finland, here are a few more ideas to make your trip even more memorable:

• Go on a snowmobile safari in the Arctic wilderness.
• Ice fishing on a frozen lake
• Visit a reindeer farm and meet the locals.
• Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna

The Grand Canyon

Prepare to experience the adventure of a lifetime in the majestic Grand Canyon. With a stunning length of 445 km and a width of 28 km at its widest point, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views that are unparalleled in the world.

Located in northwestern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is an easy day trip from the bustling city of Las Vegas. You can also extend your stay and explore the many hiking trails available to immerse yourself in the canyon’s beauty.

With its numerous viewpoints, visitor services, and hotels, the South Rim is a popular choice for visitors. The West Rim offers a unique experience with its elevated walkway that allows you to literally float above the canyon on a glass walkway, providing an adrenaline rush.

If hiking isn’t your thing, why not admire the scenery from an aerial perspective with a helicopter tour departing from Las Vegas?

While you’re there, don’t miss the breathtaking Hoover Dam, a true marvel of engineering that will leave you speechless.

This is the ideal trip for those seeking nature, wonder, and the thrills of Las Vegas and the Nevada desert.

The Great Barrier Reef

Dive into a world of wonders at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Home to over 900 islands, 3,000 distinct reefs and a diverse ecosystem, this underwater wonder is the world’s largest coral reef system and the only natural wonder hidden beneath the waves.

Stretching over 2896 km along Queensland’s east coast (longer than the Great Wall of China), the Great Barrier Reef is a major attraction for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its vibrant underwater world.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can still admire the beauty of this magnificent ecosystem by taking a glass-bottom boat trip.

If you are visiting the area for the first time, why not stay on one of the many luxurious islands that dot the reef?

Here are some of the best islands to stay on while exploring the Great Barrier Reef:

• Hamilton Island: This popular resort island offers a wide range of activities and amenities, from sailing and world-class diving to luxurious spas and golf courses.
• Lizard Island: This exclusive resort island is perfect for those seeking a truly luxurious experience. With only 40 villas on the island, you’ll feel like you have the entire place to yourself.
• Bedarra Island: This family-friendly resort island is perfect for those seeking a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. With plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a great time.
• Fitzroy Island: This eco-friendly resort island is perfect for those seeking to reconnect with nature. With its stunning beaches and lush rainforests, you’ll feel like you’re in a world apart.

Mount Everest

Embark on a legendary adventure on the breathtaking Mount Everest, an almost mythical natural wonder that has attracted adventurers throughout the ages.

Dominating the borders of Nepal and Tibet, Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain, rising 29,032 feet into the sky. It’s no wonder, then, that this gigantic Himalayan peak attracts thrill-seekers from all corners of the globe.

For those bold enough to take on the challenge, trekkers can walk to base camp, fully immersing themselves in the incredible mountain scenery, while feeling the thrill of adventure coursing through their veins.

If you’re not ready for the climb, don’t worry! You can schedule a flight around the mountain for a 360-degree aerial view, which will give you an unforgettable perspective of Everest’s magnificence.

Activities to do

Here are some of the experiences you can have when visiting Mount Everest:

• The trek to base camp: The trek to Everest Base Camp is a challenging but rewarding experience. You will see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach the base of the mountain.
• Flight around the mountain: If you’re not ready for the hike, you can always take a flight around Mount Everest. It’s a great way to see the mountain from all angles, and you’ll get amazing photos to remember your trip.
• Go mountaineering: If you are an experienced mountaineer, you can attempt to climb Mount Everest. It is a dangerous and difficult undertaking, but also incredibly rewarding. If you succeed, you will be one of the few people in the world who can say they have stood on the roof of the world.
• Discover the local culture: Mount Everest is located in Nepal, and the local culture is fascinating. Take the time to learn about the people and their way of life.
• Enjoy the food: the food in Nepal is delicious. Be sure to try local dishes, such as momos (dumplings) and thukpa (soups).

The Parícutin

Paricutín is one of the 7 lesser-known natural wonders of the world, but it is no less impressive than its more famous counterparts.

This stunning and impressive cone-shaped volcano is located in Michoacán, Mexico. It first appeared during a volcanic eruption in 1943.

The eruption was so explosive that it buried two local villages under ash, and it continued for nine years before it died out.

Today, Parícutin remains one of the youngest volcanoes in the world, rising to an incredible height of 1,475 feet from Earth in its first year and reaching its peak at 7,480 feet in 1952. With its perfectly symmetrical shape and stunning surroundings, a hike around the lava fields is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling energized and alive.

Or, for those who feel even more adventurous, trekking to the summit of Paricutin is an unparalleled experience!

During your ascent of the volcano, you will be able to see the vast landscape of Mexico stretching out before you.

You will also be able to see the volcano’s crater, which is now filled with a magnificent blue lake.

The hike to the summit of Paricutin is difficult, but it is worth it for the breathtaking views it offers.

Once you reach the summit of the volcano, you will be able to admire the full majesty of Paricutin.

You will be able to see the perfectly symmetrical cone of the volcano, as well as the surrounding lava fields.

The views from the summit of Paricutin are simply breathtaking and will undoubtedly leave you with a feeling of admiration and wonder.

This amazing volcano is a true natural wonder, and it’s waiting for you to discover its secrets.

The port of Rio de Janeiro

The port of Rio de Janeiro is the largest natural bay in the world.

Nestled amidst stunning granite mountains and pinnacles formed by the natural erosion of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a true wonder of nature that must be seen to be believed.

For an unforgettable experience, take the train to Tijuca National Park and head to the highest region.

From there, you can admire the panoramic views from the numerous observation platforms.

From this vantage point, you can also see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue (a new modern wonder of the world), which stands proudly on the horizon.

But why stop there? Take the adventure further and explore the port by helicopter, where you can admire the immensity of this natural wonder from a completely different perspective.

As you fly over the bay, you’ll see the many islands dotting the landscape. You’ll also see the city of Rio de Janeiro sprawling below you. It’s a breathtaking sight.

Victoria Falls

The majestic Victoria Falls, straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa, await your arrival. Known locally as “the smoke that thunders,” these breathtaking waterfalls are over a kilometer long and put all other waterfalls to shame.

The falls are so large that they can be seen from space, and the water jet can reach up to 400 meters into the air. The falls are also home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is at the end of the rainy season, in April. At this time, the falls are at their most spectacular and the mist from the water creates a magical atmosphere.

If you have to choose which side of the falls to visit, we advise you to go to the Zimbabwean side.

This side of the falls offers unbeatable viewing platforms, first-rate hospitality infrastructure, and excellent hotel choices.

It is also the ideal starting or ending point for a safari!

Things to do in Victoria Falls:

• Take a helicopter tour over the falls for a bird’s-eye view.
• Go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River.
• Go on a safari to see elephants, lions and other wild animals.
• Visit the Victoria Falls rainforest, home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
• Attend a traditional African dinner and dance performance.

With so much to see and do, Victoria Falls is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.

Conclusion

From the world’s highest mountain to the largest living ecosystem, from the intrigue of the Northern Lights to the volcano that rose before humanity’s eyes, it’s not hard to see why these specific places or natural phenomena are considered the 7 natural wonders of the world.

With international travel once again a reality, it may be easier than you think to discover the beauty and majesty of these natural wonders.

Whether you dream of a trip through the Grand Canyon National Park or a trek in the Himalayas, seeing a natural wonder in real life will certainly be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Discover new cultures

Immersing yourself in a new culture is like opening yourself up to the world. Each destination brings its own customs, flavors, and ways of life . I discovered, for example, that in some Asian countries, sharing a meal is a true sign of friendship, and that in some parts of Africa, a smile is often the best way to introduce yourself. Exploring a culture also means learning to see differences as an asset, moving beyond our preconceived notions. It’s this openness to the unknown that makes each trip so unique and captivating.

Stepping outside your comfort zone

Some trips shake up our daily lives, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need. When we leave the comfort of our routines to immerse ourselves in a country that operates differently, every action becomes an adventure. I felt this during my first night camping in the wild in Norway, without knowing where to pitch my tent! In the moment, we doubt ourselves, we ask ourselves a thousand questions, but once we overcome the initial fear, we gain confidence. Stepping outside our comfort zone is, above all, about discovering ourselves in a new light.

Learning a language abroad

There’s nothing like mastering a few words to connect with locals. But learning a language abroad goes far beyond that. Through immersion, you learn the language by living, sharing , and absorbing every detail. I myself had the opportunity to practice Spanish with a family in Madrid, and every conversation around the table allowed me to better understand their way of life. To find the right language immersion program , you can compare different offers tailored to individual needs, whether for a few weeks or several months. The advantage? These programs often offer customized courses and numerous opportunities to interact with locals.

Reconnecting with nature

There’s nothing better than a trip into nature to escape screens and reconnect with what truly matters. Getting lost in a desert landscape, contemplating silent mountains, listening to the sound of waves, or walking through a dense forest… These moments remind us of the raw and soothing power of nature . I remember a hike in Scotland where I spent hours observing the moors, surrounded by heather-covered hills, under a constantly changing sky. Traveling to reconnect with nature reminds us how fragile and beautiful our world is.

Embarking on a sporting adventure

While some trips are contemplative, others push us to test our limits . Whether surfing the waves of Biarritz, climbing in the Dolomites, or trekking in the Andes, each destination offers new challenges . A sporting trip is also about encountering another version of yourself—stronger, more resilient, sometimes more daring. Personally, I’ll never forget that feeling of freedom during my first paragliding jump over the Alps, the mountains rushing by beneath my feet. It’s this kind of challenge that makes travel so intense .

Traveling to meet people

One of the greatest rewards of travel is those unexpected encounters that change our perspective on the world. In a small inn in Ireland, I exchanged stories with locals, and those moments made my trip far more memorable than any monument. Traveling is about forging connections, learning from others, listening to life stories . Sometimes we leave with an address, sometimes just a smile or a memory, but always with something that enriches our own story.

Explore the history of a country

Every country has a history just waiting to be explored. Walking the streets of Rome is to walk alongside centuries of Roman history, to touch the past. Discovering Mayan temples in Mexico or the remains of the Silk Road is to travel back in time. These places remind us how rich and diverse humanity has been . For me, understanding a country’s history means appreciating its current culture even more and better grasping its identity . It’s as if every stone becomes a witness to a past that continues to influence the present.

Take a wellness and relaxation break

Sometimes, traveling is also about taking the time to slow down and recharge . From a soak in a hot spring in Iceland to a meditation session in an Indian temple, the world is full of places dedicated to well-being. These moments of relaxation allow us to disconnect and release the pressure of daily life . I particularly love retreats in nature, where we finally take the time to breathe, meditate, and refocus. A wellness trip is about giving your body and mind the break they deserve.

Make sure you know the best time and place to watch it live. Prepare your best outfit then pose in the middle of a row of beautiful blooming flowers. Here are 7 of the best places you can enjoy spring in Korea:

1. Seoul Grand Park

Seoul Grand Park is one of the amusement parks in Seoul that has many choices of rides such as theme gardens , zoos, chairlift rides (skylift), campsites, to the Seoul land playground.

You can enjoy cherry blossoms comfortably in this theme garden area while relaxing in the cool air. During spring, in the garden area there will be a spring festival so that it is decorated to be more beautiful and very instagrammable .

Address : 102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Harga Tickets: Adults £2,000 / Teenagers £1,500 / Children £1,000

Website : http://grandpark.seoul.go.kr.

Transportasi: Seoul Grand Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 2 or 3.

2. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Jalan Yeouiseo-ro (Yunjung-no)

There are about 1,886 cherry trees lined this way. Imagine how beautiful this area is filled with pink cherry blossoms.

This street is one of the most famous places to enjoy the cherry blossoms in bloom. The spring festival is regularly held every year, so there will be many exciting attractions and of course there is an area that sells Korean street food .

Alamat: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Area of Yeouiseo-ro (behind the National Assembly Building), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Operating Hours : All Day

Ticket Price : Free

Transportation :

• Dangsan Station (Subway Line 2 or 9), Exit 4. 20 minute walk ;
• Yeouinaru Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 1. 20 minute walk ;
• Yeouido Station (Subway Line 5 or 9), Exit 5. Take Bus 162, 262, or 461 to National Assembly Bus Stop ; 4) National Assembly Station (Subway Line 9), Exit 1 or 6. 5 minute walk.

3. Seokcheon Lake

If you like a quiet atmosphere to enjoy the spring, a leisurely walk or sit around the lake Soekcheon this could be the right choice.

Enjoying the fresh air with a view of the rows of pink cherry trees surrounding the lake with calm water will make our mood relax.

In addition, we can see the spring festival held regularly at Seokcheon Lake between early April to mid-April. This lake is near Lotte World,

Alamat : 148, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul Seokchonhosu Lake area (Waterside Stage, Seoul Nori Madang, Gallery’Su’)

Operating Hours : All Day

Ticket Price : Free

Transportasi: Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 and 8), Exit 2 or 10. Walk approx. 200m to Seokchonhosu Lake.

4. Everland

The beauty of the typical building of the castle of Everland coupled with the cherry blossoms will make us unable to stop taking pictures, because every spot becomes very beautiful.

In addition, we can also see directly the blooming tulips without having to fly to the land of windmills. In order to welcome spring, Everland resort regularly holds a Tulip Festival every year. Besides tulips, you can also enjoy other flowers in the Rose garden area, namely azaleas, forsythias, camellias and freesiasdi.

Address : 38 Everland-ro 562Beon-gil, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

Operating Hours : 10:00-22:00

Ticket Price: Entrance Ticket Everland

Transportation :

• Jeondae-Everland Station (Yongin EverLine), Exit 3.
• Take the shuttle bus to Everland (Operating hours 05:30-23:30).

• Sinnonhyeon, Gangnam, Yangjae Stations: Bus 5002
• Pangyo, Segok-dong, Suseo, Songpa, Jamsil, Gangbyeon Stations: Bus 5700
• Sadang, Nambu Terminal Stations (via Bundang and Gwangju): Bus 1500-2
• Gangbyeon, Gangdong Stations (via Gwangju): Bus 1113

5. Jinhae Guhangje Festival

Located around the Jungwon area and Jinhae City, here you can enjoy a row of beautiful cherry trees as well as the biggest Spring Festival in Korea. During the festival there will be various cultural performances as well as amazing military performances.

Alamat : Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Operating Hours: All Day

Ticket Price : Free

Transportation :

[Express/Intercity Bus]

From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Jinhae.

• From Jinhae Intercity Bus Terminal, go 30m straight and turn right onto Jungwondong-ro Road.
• Go 350m straight, and stay left at the fork.
• Go 230m to arrive at the festival venue

[Local Bus]

• Jinhae Changwon: 150, 751, 752
• Jinhae ↔ Masan: 160, 162, 760
• Jinhae Line: 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 309, 315

6. Canola Field, Sakura and Tulips at Guil Station, Gwangmyeong-si, Cheolsan-dong

If you want to see a stretch of Canola flowers, tulips and cherry blossoms in one place, you only need to go to Guil Station then walk about 1.2 km and you are presented with a beautiful and blooming flowerbed.

The bright yellow color of the canola flower will dominate this area, you can take exciting photos at this location.

Address : Cheolsan-dong, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Operating Hours : All Day

Ticket Price : Free

Transportasi : Guil Staion. Around 1-1.2 km of walking from Guil station

7. Yuchae Flower Festival in Jeju (Canola)

Yuchae (Canola) is one of the most popular flowers in spring on Jeju Island. It was Yuchue’s flowerbed that would fill this path and turn it into a very beautiful one.

If you visit Jeju Island in spring, make sure you take pictures here. The Yuchae Flower Festival is also the most popular festival on Jeju Island when spring arrives. There are many exciting activities that you can witness and try at this Festival, such as parade performances to cooking competitions.

Alamat : 381-15, Noksan-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do San41, Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (Jorangmal Experience Park)

Operating Hours : All Day

Ticket Price : Free

Transportasi: Approx. 45min from Jeju International Airport (no public transportation available )

Favorite Thailand

The Danes love Thailand – and we can easily understand why. A welcoming local population, fantastic food, paradise beaches, clear and warm water, tropical nature and lovely warm. When the winter is at its worst here at home, thousands of Danes fly to paradise in Thailand year after year.

See our trips to Thailand

Laidback atmosphere in Bali

Right on the equator lies the paradise island of Bali, which is one of the most beautiful Indonesian islands. Here the landscape is lush, the flowers colorful, vast rice fields, welcoming people, culinary food and fascinating culture! Yes, we could go on – a true paradise. With Apollo you can e.g. travel to the beach paradise of Nusa Dua, child-friendly Sanur, the tourist town of Kuta, cultural Ubud or luxurious Tanjung Benoa.

See our trips to Bali

Fascinating Vietnam

The Vietnamese culture is exciting, and the country’s dramatic history shows itself in the many fascinating sights. But Vietnam also offers some of Asia’s most beautiful white beaches, edged by clear water and swaying palm trees. Can you ask for more?

See our trips to Vietnam

Idyllic Mauritius

Mark Twain said these words about Mauritius “You get the idea that Mauritius was created first and then the Kingdom of Heaven was modeled after Mauritius” – and we couldn’t agree more. This is where you travel if you love quiet beach days in a true paradise with chalk-white beaches, crystal clear and turquoise water.

See our trips to Mauritius 

Colorful Cuba

Cuba has an amazing indefinable magic. Here you are trapped in another time and will experience a fascinating story, and you must always expect the unexpected. Cuba is a prince in a pauper’s shirt – behind the worn facades the gold glitters. Here it is colourful, lively and beautiful. A classic. Hurry before it’s too late.

See our trips to Cuba

Adventurous Dominican Republic

When Columbus discovered the Dominican Republic in 1492, he described the island as “the most beautiful place on the face of the earth”. Few would disagree, and the Caribbean holiday paradise contains much more than “just” picture-postcard beaches and azure waters. Here is a diverse landscape, where you will find everything from tropical rainforest to savannah and desert – and everything in between. A true adventure for active travelers.

Here are some areas in Tokyo that you can explore while shopping. Each place has its own uniqueness! Let’s see below!

1. Asakusa

Asakusa is sort of like the old city of Tokyo. Some of the buildings here are even from the Edo period!

On the road to Senso-ji Temple called Nakamise-dori,  you can find lots of shops selling cute Japanese gifts and souvenirs . Starting from key chains, fridge magnets, to traditional Japanese decorations.

Lots of street food vendors here. Most of them are in the form of snacks such as taiyaki and mochi . Food vendors will not hesitate to scold you if you eat while walking. They will ask you to eat in a special area beside the shop.

2. Ginza

Ginza is a shopping district that has many international brand shops. Many department stores are lined up here.

Starting from Uniqlo, Mitsukoshi, Dover Street Market Ginza, to Ginza Six will satisfy fashionistas from all walks of life.

For those who like art, don’t forget to visit Takumi’s fine craft shop or Itoya’s shop for art supplies . There’s also a pretty big and pretty Apple store in Ginza!

In the photo above, I was in the middle of Ginza street because it was car free day. So, if you’re in Tokyo on Sunday morning, try going to Ginza. When else can you walk and take pictures in the middle of the streets of Tokyo!

3. Akihabara

Akihabara is an electronics shopping center in Tokyo. Apart from electronics, there are also many shops selling various items related to games, anime, Jpop culture, and the like

For fans of the JKT48 group, Akihabara is the place where the band came from. Who else if not AKB48. Their biggest theater is here if you want to watch the performance of this band of beautiful girls.

For me who is a photography fan, there are lots of camera shops in Akihabara. I could spend hours walking around this place. My favorite shop is Yodobashi Camera. In this place there are hundreds of cameras, lenses, and photography equipment that we can try right away!

Oh yes, there are many ‘maid cafes’ in Akihabara that you can try. The cafe is like a regular cafe, but the maids at the maid cafe are cute girls wearing anime-style maid costumes!

4. Harajuku

This place is home to young people who look ‘Japanese hipster’ or more popularly known as harajuku style . Shopping centers here are centered on Takeshita-dori and Omote-sando.

Shopping here you will find many items that are quite unique. For clothes you can start from Laforet, 6% Doki Doki, and Sou-Sou.

There are also some vintage fashion shops like Gallery Kawano, or RagTag for preloved items.

If you are observant, you can get good second hand clothes. Because usually people in Tokyo are very happy to change fashion modes, but their storage cabinets are very limited due to limited residential space. So they sell a lot of their old clothes.

5. Narita/Haneda airport

Narita or Haneda Airport could be your last shopping place before flying home.

You can find souvenirs and gifts such as tokyo banana, tokyo milk cheese factory, and other popular souvenirs here. So you don’t have to worry if you forget something. Although the price is a little more expensive than you buy in the city.

After shopping at Narita Airport, I prefer to wait for the plane at the Sakura Lounge. Because it is located directly facing the aircraft parking lot so we can enjoy passing planes.

If you are a digibank Travel credit card user , you will have access to DragonPass Airport Lounge and even 850+ airport lounges worldwide . Not only that, when I was waiting for the plane at the airport in Indonesia, I was given complimentary food and beverages from Starbucks Airport Indonesia!

Every time I buy a ticket with a digibank Travel Signature credit card , I get Travel Protection of up to 1 billion rupiah , so I don’t get too carried away with the issue of airlines that like to suddenly delay or lose luggage.

6. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is very crowded. Especially when night falls, the lights from the building’s billboards seem to clash with each other.

In Shinjuku you can shop at Isetan, one of the most popular department stores in Japan. Or go to Don Quijote, a convenience store that has items that are ‘very Japanese’ because of their uniqueness and idiosyncrasies.

For those who want to shop for electronics in Shinjuku, you can too, if you are not interested in coming to Akihabara.

7. Shibuya

Besides being famous for the super busy Shibuya Crossing, you can also make Shibuya a pretty interesting shopping place. Cheap music shops are scattered here. For those who like hipster fashion, you can check Shibuya 109 or Fake Tokyo.

For those who like coffee, you can try Starbucks at one corner of this Shibuya intersection. Because the view from here is quite interesting to watch the people crossing!

Kobe

Many people have been here, but at most they only eat the famous Kobe beef . Whereas Kobe is more than just food because there are many interesting places to visit.

A walk in downtown Kobe is a pleasure because the city is dotted with beaches on one side and mountains on the other. Start walking in the Sannomiya area which is a shopping and culinary center. From there, visit Ikuta Shrine . This beautiful shrine which is one of the oldest in Japan is believed by local people to bring a soul mate when praying there.

Not far from there we can visit the Kobe Mosque . The mosque, which was built in 1935, is the first mosque in Japan. The surrounding area is indeed inhabited by Muslim residents, so it is not surprising that there are many shops and restaurants that serve halal food.

If you want to buy souvenirs or snacks, you can go to Kitano Meister Garden . Although the name is “garden”, it is not a park, but a retro-styled former school building. On the second floor, I tried to learn to make food samples (made from wax that we often see in the window) in the form of macarons . It turns out that it’s really hard to decorate small things like that, my eyes are leaking!

What’s fun, visit Kobe Animal Kingdom . It’s actually a zoo, but what makes it different is that many of the animals aren’t kept in cages so visitors can pet them right away! It was there that I first saw and petted a capybara , the world’s largest type of rat weighing about 50 kg! Other unique animals include the alpaca , kangaroo and red panda (the Master Shifu in the Kung Fu Panda film). Don’t forget to have lunch at the Flower Forest restaurant, which serves delicious all-you-can-eat food.

If you’re in Kobe in early December, head to Kobe East Park to see Kobe Luminarie . This festival is held every year to commemorate the victims of the Henshin earthquake in 1995. The lamp installation as large as a building made by Italian craftsmen is simply gorgeous! Another unique place to visit at night is Nankinmachi or Kobe’s Chinatown which was built in 1868. Along the way there are shopping centers and cheap foodies.

Recommendation
– From Kansai Airport (KIX) the fastest to Kobe by taking the high-speed ferry . From the airport, just take the shuttle bus to the Airport Pier. In half an hour’s ferry ride to Kobe. Much faster than the road which takes 1.5 hours.
– To save on the train ride in Osaka-Kobe, use the Hanshin tourist pass for 500 yen for 1 day unlimited , or if in Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto use the Hankyu tourist pass for 700 yen for 1 day unlimited .
– Hotel: Kobe Portopia Hotel – cool architecture, spacious rooms for Japan.

Tokushima

Tokushima is located on Shikoku Island, but is easily accessible by train or bus from Kobe or Osaka which is connected by a bridge. The landscape of Tokushima is really spectacular because it is a mountain with a green water river. It is the center of Japanese agriculture. Perfect for nature lovers like me!

At Oboke Gorge, join the Oboke Pleasure Cruise trip . By riding a motorized boat containing about 20 passengers, we are taken along the turquoise Yoshino River surrounded by large white rocks and forest on a cliff whose leaves are yellow-orange-purple in autumn.

Not far from there is Kazurabashi Bridge , an ancient suspension bridge made of vine branches. Walking on this 45-meter-long and 14-meter-high bridge makes your guts cringe because of the rocking and the infrequent distance between your feet! But the surrounding scenery is amazingly beautiful. The area around the bridge is also fun to explore on foot. You can relax while sitting on the rocks by the river or contemplating at the Biwa waterfall while eating grilled Ayu fish caught from the river and seasoned with salt.

Recommendation
– Lunch: Rest House Ueno – Gyudon (rice with beef) there is super delicious!
– Hotel: Obokekyo Mannaka. This is a ryokan -style inn or traditional Japanese inn where you sleep on tatami , has its own onsen , and guests are required to wear a yukata .

Tottori

Didn’t think there were Sand Dunes in Japan ! Japan’s largest desert is located along 16 km of beach in Tottori and up to 50 meters high that was formed over 30,000 years. The sand is very fine yellowish color, the desert is wide, the beach is beautiful, so it’s really spectacular!

Opposite is the Sand Museum or the sand art museum which contains various sculptures and sculptures made of sand! Every year the theme is different, this year the theme is South Asia. The statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, to Patan Durbar Square and Varanasi are made large and very detailed with the activities of people in the background.

What’s unique is the Nijisseiki Pear Museum in Kurayoshi. This museum contains all sorts of things about pears in the world, especially the Nijisseiki pears that are widely produced in this area. We can see the history of pears, how to cultivate pears, to   pear tasting and eating pear ice cream.

Recommendation
– Dinner: Izakaya Gyoen – the food at this traditional Japanese bar is delicious, especially the fried variety.
– Hotel: St Palace Kurayoshi – the hotel is basic but strategically located opposite the train station.

Osaka

The biggest city in Kansai is Osaka, so definitely stop by here. Outside of Namba and Dotonbori for shopping and dining, there are still many interesting places to visit.

As a fan of looking up at the city from above, I love Abeno Harukas . This 300 meter high skyscraper has an observation deck on the 60th floor which can see Osaka 360°. During winter , there is an illumination of light that is shot at the walls.

Did you know that near Osaka, in Sakai , there are sites that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List? In Sakai there are k ofun or ancient tombs of Japanese kings from the 3-7th century AD. Uniquely, this tomb looks like a keyhole from above, but it is very wide and surrounded by a lake – up to 486 meters wide! There are a lot of kofun around Sakai, it’s going to be very noisy if you go around all of them. The easiest way to learn it is to go to the Mozu and Furuichi Tumuli clusters , enter the Sakai City Museum, then watch Virtual Reality .

In the afternoon, drink matcha tea at Machiya Café é Sacay , while learning how to make a Japanese cake called wagashi (a kind of mochi made in cute shapes). Before returning to Indonesia, don’t forget to shop at MEGA Don Quijote . There are several convenience stores and cheap ones in Osaka, but the one in Shinsekai is the largest so it’s a pleasure to choose.

From Prague, again I took the bus to Paris. It’s a long 12 hour journey. However, because this is a night bus and quite comfortable, it doesn’t really matter.

Arriving in Paris, to be precise at the Porte Maillot bus terminal, I immediately looked for transportation to the center of the city. Luckily the subway station is not too far from the terminal.

But just entering the station, I was almost fooled by ticket brokers. Scams plus scammers too.

He used a fake ID card and claimed to be an information officer. I was suspicious because he was not wearing a uniform and after showing the ID card, he immediately put it back in his jacket pocket.

The scalper offered to help buy a travel pass for transportation in Paris for almost double the price. Luckily I was able to google it (luckily I have a portable modem that I rented from Jakarta) and made sure to return it to the clerk at the counter.

The condition of the station which is very full makes it easy to act. Failing to outsmart me, he headed straight for his next target. I also only bought a single ticket at the direct counter because it was only one night here.

I arrived in Paris still around 8 in the morning. The streets are very quiet, there is no meaningful activity. It was raining in Paris that morning. From the Montparnasse train station, I had to walk about a kilometer.

After dropping my suitcase at the hostel, I rushed to my main destination: the Eiffel Tower!

The metro (subway) in Paris for a single ticket is 1.9 euros. Far near. Quite expensive if we only want to walk only 2-3 stations. So I decided to take a walk while looking for breakfast.

What I like about Europe is that although there are not many street food vendors, many cafes have outdoor seating on the side of the road. It looks good, but when it’s cold, like me, when it’s winter to spring, it won’t last long outside.

It rained. Luckily I was inside the cafe while enjoying a warm croissant and cappuccino for 5 euros. It’s been raining for a long time. Some people are already busy reading books and writing with notebooks. I’m the only one who messes with playing with a cellphone that’s plugged into a powerbank.

One of the things I love about Paris is that the pastries are delicious! Just pick a random shop on the street, most of them will taste great imho!

After relaxing for a while at the cafe, it was still drizzling. But I continued my journey to Eiffel. I also accidentally passed the Flame of Liberty, which accidentally became a memorial to Lady Diana, the British princess who died in a car accident in 1997 in the tunnel just below this monument.

From here, it was increasingly clear that Eiffel was on the other side of the Seine. Unfortunately, it was still drizzling and the sky was still covered with gray clouds.

The closer to the Eiffel, the more crowded people became. After arriving in front of the eiffel, it is more like a market under the Sutet tower.

Many hawkers offer typical eiffel merchandise such as key chains and miniatures. This merchant every time he saw us would scream, “Cheap, cheap, cheap, come on, cheap, cheap….!”

In fact, I hear the words “Ni hao Ni hao…” more often, coming out of the mouths of sellers than “Bonjour…”. There are so many tourists from all over the world here. Be careful with the sellers here. If you really don’t want to buy, don’t even try. Bracelets, for example. They will force you to pay for it

For me, there is nothing so special about the Eiffel Tower. During the day he looks just like a giant scrap metal. If it’s night and seen from a distance, I admit it’s charming.

Here you have to be careful. Lots of scams and pickpockets. Make sure your belongings are safe in your bag, especially important items like your passport. Around the Eiffel also many people play to guess the position of the ball that is randomized in several glasses. Of course in the form of a bet that you will definitely lose because he will cheat!

In the afternoon, I visited another famous Paris icon, namely the Louvre Museum, which became a lot of shooting locations for these famous films.

Well anyway, maybe because it’s been more than two weeks walking in Europe I’m quite tired and not doing much in Paris. Although some of the posts above I have a little italics about Paris, this city is still fun. Depends from which angle you look at it. But there’s nothing wrong with being careful. Especially in other countries.

From Paris I went to Amsterdam to return to Jakarta. See you soon Europe!

Hong Kong classic breakfast! Bolo Bau is a very dense sweet bread. In the middle there is butter which is quite large and creates a savory taste to complement the sweet taste. The texture of the top is crunchy but the inside is very soft.

After that, we splashed our tongues with Hong Kong milk tea which was very bitter but smooth . Our morning in Hong Kong is complete!

Many cafes open only for breakfast in Hong Kong! Usually open from 6 am to 10 or 11 pm only.

Oh yeah, even though the English translation is pineapple bun, this bun doesn’t contain pineapple at all. But this crunchy top texture, which is similar to pineapple, has made Bo Lo Bau’s name Pineapple Bun!

The place I eat in the photo above and also my recommendation to try this Bo Lo Bun is Kam Wah Cafe ( 47 Bute Street, Mongkok , Hong Kong).

2. Shopping like Syahrini and Mother Maia at Tsim Sha Tsui, so that you can be like a socialite even though it’s BPJS (Socialite’s Mediocre Budget)

Tsim Sha Tsui is the shopping center of Hong Kong. There is a really big mall called Harbor City. That line of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and the like is still in the Harbor City mall.

But even if you don’t have the budget to shop for bags like Syahrini, Tsim Sha Tsui is still fun for sightseeing! The streets are photogenic. Moreover, at the end of the road there is Victoria Harbor which is pretty cool at night. At least I can pretend to be shopping while holding the bag I bought at the Temple Street market haha!

If you go to Hong Kong, your goal is to shop at Tsim Sha Tsui, stay in this area so that it’s easy to carry groceries in those suitcases. I stayed at the Getaway hotel (Marco Polo) , still inside Harbor City. Just steps from Louis Vuitton. The rooms are very nice and get tea time in the afternoon!

4. Eat DIM SUM! There is halal dim sum you know in Hong Kong!

Dim Sum is enough to be one reason for me to return to Hong Kong. Very delicious! I eat baskets like I’m not full hehe!

For those whose diet is halal food, in Hong Kong there is a halal dim sum place at Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Center Canteen in the Wan Chai area. In this five-story mosque building, there is a small canteen on the fifth floor. They have a lot of typical Cantonese menu including this dim sum!

Where’s the hakau…

5. Shop at Temple Street Market. Bid until satisfied!

Now, those who want to shop for things such as bags, clothes, and accessories such as cell phone cases can here. You can bid too. It’s just that, be mentally prepared if you are yelled at by the old merchants here if you make a sadistic offer.

So the story goes that my sister was bidding on a bag at Temple Street Market with my grandmother. It cost HK$140, bargained for $80. After a lot of bargaining, we decided to go find another bag. The grandmother immediately said in a cantonese accent, “You’re my first customer, I’ll give you $50. You are happy, I am happy.”

But we still go. After playing around, it turns out that the grandmother’s price was indeed the cheapest. When I got back there, my grandmother didn’t want to give me another $50. “I told you, I have the best price. No more fivty. Now it’s $100,” said the old woman hoarsely. I keep buying it with my sister, I should be able to get two of those, haha!

6. Ladies, don’t forget to shop for beauty products at LADIES MARKET

For ladies who are crazy about cosmetics or cheap masks, you can shop here. I don’t know haha!

But it’s pretty good for those who open open POs and deposit services. Uhm.

7. If you’re feeling low, try taking the TRAM Around Hong Kong City!

This tram has been around since 1904 in Hong Kong. Even though they already have a subway (MTR), this tram is still maintained.

Try going to the 2nd floor of the tram to get a slow experience around the city of Hong Kong. The road is not fast, but it passes many interesting spots in the Western district, causeway bay, happy valley, and north point. Once up the fare is HKD 2.3. You can use an Octopus card or pay cash directly.

8. See the old apartment building in Quarry Bay

Land is an expensive item in Hong Kong. The average person lives in an apartment. In the Causeway Bay area there are all apartment complexes that are very close to each other between the buildings. One of them is this Fok Cheung building. Because of its unique shape, this place is a tourist favorite if you want to go to Hong Kong. Just because this is a residential area, please respect the people who live there. At least don’t be noisy when you’re taking pictures.

9. Shopping (again) in Times Square

Not to be outdone by New York, Hong Kong also has Times Square in Causeway Bay. There are lots of random shops nearby, from cosmetics to apple stores. But what’s cool here is the mall. The series of elevators and stairs are photogenic!

10. Ride to Victoria Peak on the Peak Tram from 1906!

Victoria Peak is one of the highest points in Hong Kong. There are several ways to get there, you can take a bus for 40 minutes. Or take this tram which is only 7 minutes away!

If you can, don’t come here on the weekend. Queuing for the tram, which has been around since 1888, can take up to two hours! Then in the afternoon, the possibility for fog is even greater.

From the top of Victoria Peak (or more popularly as “The Peak”), you can see the view of Hong Kong city from above!

11. Relax while taking Korean-style photos at Kowloon Park

Hong Kong has many parks that you can enjoy having fun. One of them is this kowloon park. Near this park there is also the Kowloon Mosque for those who want to worship.

12. Go to Apple Store

Before Singapore, Hong Kong was the closest country to Indonesia to have an official Apple Store. In Hong Kong there are several Apple Stores. Everything is majestic. Made of full clear glass. It’s like the clarity of these apple sales cici-cici that made me err in exchanging cc friction with an ipon…

13. Sunday hangout with Indonesian workers in Hong Kong!

If you go to Victoria Park on a Sunday, you will feel like you are at Monas, not in Hong Kong. Because for some reason, these Indonesian workers in Hong Kong are all relaxing. Even when I was there, there was a recitation for mothers….They usually had a picnic while bringing Indonesian food. Gather with comrades in arms, while recharging energy for Monday tomorrow 🙂

14. Enjoy the Hong Kong Skyscrapper from Central Plaza

If you want to enjoy Hong Kong buildings for free, try going up to Central Plaza on the 45th floor. This is an office building that has a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. Usually the employees here unwind while drinking a cup of coffee. The Peak Hill is also visible from this building.

15. Cross from Victoria Harbor to Kowloon by Ferry!

In addition to taking cars, trains, and trams, Hong Kong also has ferry transportation for those who want to go to places near ports that are not accessible by other means of transportation. When crossing, we can enjoy the skyscrapers of Hong Kong. Especially if you spread the afternoon until the evening. Very romantic.

17. Watch the Symphony of the Light Show 

This show is next to Victoria Harbour, still in the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront area. Every day at 8 pm this show is always there. There is music and narration that will accompany the laser light in the buildings across from victoria harbour.

This ramen is a MUST if you go to Japan. Even if you’re not a Naruto fan, who can stand to see piles of chewy noodles mixed with meat, bamboo shoots, then drenched in hot broth? Wow fasting wow!

But be careful, this ramen has pork broth by default. So for those who are Muslim or don’t like pork, you can try halal ramen here .

The photo above was taken at the popular Ramen at Tsujiki Fish Market, Inoue Ramen. The queue is very long. I can only wipe my saliva.

2. Naik Rickshaw

Asakusa is one of the cities in Tokyo that still has the nuances of the 1950s. Especially with the addition of these handsome Rickshaw brothers.

Near the Kaminarimon gate, you can rent a tour with Rickshaw. Look for an English speaking guide!

3. Cherry blossom viewing

Every year cherry blossom viewing (hanami) is a long-awaited activity. Hanami in Japan is different for each region. Starting from the south first around January, to the north in April.

For Tokyo itself, the cheery blossom will be around the end of March or early April. So before coming here, make sure to first check the forecast on what date.

4. Take a taxi 

“Crazy taxis, the time from the airport to here is almost two million rupiah!” Said an Australian woman who shared the same room with me in the hostel, translated casually.

“That’s how it is sis. That’s normal. So just take the train,” I said, laughing cruelly.

Oh yes, even though this taxi is an old-school model, the door is automatic. So if you go up, you don’t have to open the door, it will open on its own.

5. Try Japanese Snacks

Don’t forget to try daifuku, dango, manjo, kakiguri, irimame, taiyaki and all kinds of things!

6. Cross the Shibuya Crossing

The Japanese themselves are confused as to why tourists are so happy to cross at this Shibuya intersection. Use photos of everything in the middle of the road, sometimes disturbing the pedestrians. But yeah, I’m happy too. I don’t know how many times I went back and forth across.

7. Relax at Ueno Park

Ueno Park is not just a park. There are many attractions in this park which is probably the most popular in Tokyo. Apart from being able to sit back and watch the dedeks, there is also a zoo, the tokyo national museum, Kanaeji temple, Tokyo Metropoltitan art museum, and many more. Maybe one day is not enough to explore Ueno Park.

8. Electronic hunting in Akihabara

This is a Japanese electronics center. Everything from washing machines, laptops, cellphones, and all kinds of perintilannya. There are many cheap iPhones here, but be careful. On average, the iPhone in Japan cannot be used except by a Japanese operator. So it can’t be used in Indonesia unless it’s been unlocked by software.

Oh yeah, all mobile devices in Japan have a camera, the shutter sound is ‘cekrekkk!’ cannot be turned off. Government regulations to protect the privacy of others.

9. Enter Akihabara’s otaku shops

And of course Akihabara is the home of AKB48! *flicks lightstick*

For those who only play on FX, look at the KW ones, try coming here once in a while to see the real ones, haha!

In addition to electronics stores, akiba (akihabara for short) is also a center for otaku to fulfill their desires. This shop for comics, movies, and all sorts of knick-knacks that are usually themed with Japanese anime is also here!

10. Eat Yoshinoya

Yoshinoya in Japan has a similar status to warteg in Indonesia. So it’s cheap, when compared to the normal menu at other restaurants. The savior when the bag is dying. The taste is not much different from that in Indonesia.

11. Eat sushi

Make a recommendation for halal sushi in Tokyo in  this post, okay 🙂

12. Eat Takoyaki

Another Japanese street food: Takoyaki! These beautiful balls filled with octopus are not to be missed. One of the places we can buy this is Gindaco, scattered on the streets of Tokyo.

13. Shop for cameras at Yodobashi 

For photography lovers, this place is heaven. This contains the camera, lens, plus all the accessories. Cameras and lenses can all be tried until satisfied. From Leica cameras to Canon 1500mm lenses, you can try everything until you’re satisfied!

14. Visit Meiji Shrine

There are many temples in Tokyo. One of the most famous is the Meiji Shrine. If you’re lucky, you may see a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony.

15. Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji is open from early in the morning for the fish auction process. But I’m not too interested. Because you have to take a taxi in the early morning which costs exorbitantly. I prefer to have breakfast here. Lots of choices of fresh seafood that is delicious!

16. Hangout in Roponggi

17. Nostalgic with tokyo tower

For those of you who have watched the old tokyo tower drama series like me, this place can be nostalgic. If not, try watching it. Good movie 🙂

18. Enjoy Tokyo’s architecture

The color tone of buildings in Tokyo is almost the same. Monochrome pastel chocolates. But I really like it. Strolling the super clean streets of tokyo while enjoying these buildings is enough reason to return to Tokyo.

19. So slang in Harajuku

Come here on the weekend. You will meet people with unique costumes!

20. View Tokyo from above

If the tokyo tower or tokyo skytree is too expensive for you, just try coming to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku. There is an observation deck at a height of 202 meters. Free!

21. Car free day ginza

If you’re in Tokyo on a Sunday, try going to the Ginza district. The super wide road here is a pedestrian paradise aka car free day!

22. Shop for souvenirs and snacks at Namikase

You can buy lots of beautiful food and souvenirs here. Including the fridge magnet and his friends.

23. Make friends with local people

What I’m going to talk about here is about 18 things that, if mastered, will make you adjust more quickly to the new environment, or in this article the United States of America [hereinafter referred to as America (only, not really America.)] .

1. Get used to speaking in English

Americans , or Americans are known as residents who only speak one language, namely English. If all this time you can only “Oh Yes, Oh No, Oh Yes, Oh No.” so before going there, make sure that you can speak English well. Well , it doesn’t have to be as good as Obama, but make sure the other person understands what you’re talking about. My English is also not very fluent, but the local people there are quite surprised to know that I am from Indonesia because they think that Indonesian people do not speak English.

Hmm , they just don’t know that I speak more than five languages. Indonesian, English, Ngoko Javanese, Kromo Javanese, Ngapak Javanese, Suroboyoan Javanese, and so on.

2. Get used to eating fast food

McD, one of the typical foods of the United States, which can be tried in Indonesia.

Forget Nasi Padang, gado-gado, or pecel catfish, because you will be very hard to find these foods in America. Instead, you’ll easily find McDonald’s, KFC, or Burger King there. An easy adaptation process, because I’m sure you’re used to eating these foods in Indonesia. Want proof? Whoa! Just look at your belly fat.

If you are bored with  this franchise , in big cities like New York, Washington, and Chicago, there are many  street food that sells various types of hot dogs, pizza, and kebabs. Still,  it ‘s fast food  .

3. Get used to eating without cutlery

If you’ve been eating with a spoon and fork, from now on, I suggest you eat with your hands. I mean, to eat hot dogs, pizza, or kebabs, besides, usually only a knife and fork is provided there. Or chopsticks, if you eat at a Chinese Restaurant.

4. Get used to using wipes

After getting used to eating, the next challenge was to defecate, and while in America, this was the hardest thing I couldn’t help but have to do, namely wipe using a tissue. Until now, I still don’t know how to properly wipe with a tissue, because I’ve done various styles of wiping with a tissue, but still, my buttocks can’t be completely clean, instead my hands are dirty too. Whoops!

Apart from being annoyed at not being able to master the cebok technique using a tissue correctly, I also came back to Indonesia with a boil on the buttocks.

5. Get used to using public transportation

NYC Subway

America is an expensive destination, indeed, especially when it comes to transportation. And one solution is to use public transportation such as subways and city buses, although they are not cheap either. In New York, the one-way subway fare is $2.5, while in Washington, the fare varies depending on the distance traveled, with the lowest fare being $1.75 if I remember correctly.

6. Get used to walking

If public transportation still feels expensive, there is one more solution that can be put into practice, namely walking. One of my longest walking records is about 30 blocks [a distance of 20 blocks is about 1 (one) mile, and 1 (one) mile is 1.609344 kilometers] in New York, to be precise from Rockefeller Plaza at 50 St. Manhattan, headed to the Museum of Sex on 22nd St which I did in under an hour, including stopping a few times to take photos.

And because I still love spending money on the subway, I went back on foot after visiting the Museum of Sex to Rockefeller Plaza again to catch up on the hour ride to Top of The Rock that night.

7. Familiarize yourself with American Conversion

Currently, it seems that only America remains, a country that still uses the British measurement system. And the impact is that we have to convert their measurements . An example is temperature, they still measure using Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. Then the height in feet and inches, not meters and centimeters. Weight in pounds, not kilograms. Then there is also the distance by miles, not kilometers; up to volume in gallons instead of liters.

The solution is, install the converter application on your mobile phone.

8. Get in the habit of Preparing Pass Money

Money, that’s what I want.

When I took a taxi (because I was in a hurry and wanted to catch a train schedule to New York, not because of a lot of money) in Washington, Mr. Li, the driver who is an African-American with a Chinese name, said he had no change. The effect is that I have to give up a change of $ 5 which should be converted into a portion of Chili Dog and mineral water.

In America, in addition to paper money that you often see in shape, there is also a change known as Penny. Or if in large quantities referred to as pennies. Please pronounce correctly.

9. Get in the habit of carrying a credit card

It’s another story when I bought a metro ticket through a vending machine in Chicago, when the machine didn’t provide change. At that time the ticket price was $5, while my minimum bill was $20. After asking the clerk he suggested using a credit card to buy tickets, and it worked!

In America, it is more common to pay using credit cards, so it is rare to find people there who carry a lot of money in their wallets, or in envelopes, like corruptors who have been arrested by the KPK.

For your information, many  merchants  in America do not affix  a sales tax to the price of the goods listed. So make sure you know exactly how much the fee will be paid at the cashier later.

10. Get in the habit of tipping

Times Square New York

In America, tipping is a common thing or if you don’t want to say it is mandatory. When I wait for the plane while eating in the  boarding room at La Guardia airport for example, the gratuity or tip is included in the purchase receipt, and we can agree on what percentage of the tip will be given to the restaurant, with an average of 17% of the purchase.

There is also a story when I joined The Gangster Tour in Manhattan’s Chinatown, when the  guide  greeted me twice after the tour, only because I didn’t tip like the others. He said ” I have change if you want .” and I immediately pretended not to speak English.

Then when I was in Times Square, where I was invited by someone wearing a Spiderman costume, even though there was an announcement that it was not necessary to pay for taking pictures with people wearing costumes, in fact this fake Peter Parker kept whispering a few words “ It’s not free, you know. You have to give me a small tip. “. And when I was forced to take a photo, suddenly Mickey Mouse and fake Chewbacca appeared on either side of me, who also wanted a tip. I ended up giving them $1 each, which was accepted with a grunt. I just said ” I came from poor country, you know .”.

11. Get in the habit of directly calling names

This may sound impolite, especially for Javanese people like me who are used to manners since childhood. But in America, it is commonplace to call people’s names directly – without the frills Mr or Mrs or Aunt or Seus or Jeung or Cyin – regardless of age. Some of my new acquaintances, for example Archie, who is almost twice as old as me, I also called directly by name, without any additions like Mas Archie.

Tip: While this should be a habit in America, don’t practice calling your parents just by name.

12. Get used to Walking on the Right Side

US Highway from New York to Chicago

Even though you are not a woman ( who’s always right ), but please get used to walking on the right side in America, because it is a thing that is contrary to the custom in Indonesia where everything goes on the left side. Here, the cars have the steering on the left, which is also the opposite of Indonesia, but the same as Myanmar (although in Myanmar , everything runs on the right side).

13. Get in the habit of opening doors for others

Before leaving for America, my friend Vira said, “Don’t forget to practice  opening doors for other people there.” which I don’t ignore because I still don’t understand what it means. But everything changed in America, when the people I met in Peoria, such as Deanne and Nicole who incidentally are women, actually competed to open doors for me and other friends. As a man, I feel my self-esteem is collapsing.

Investigate a calibaration, it turns out that opening the door for other people is a common thing to do in America regardless of  gender . Imagine if this is a habit in Indonesia, there must be many people competing to be the attendant for opening the Blitz Megaplex toilet door. “Please go to the toilet,  sis! “.

14. Get used to the queue

Art Institute of Chicago entrance queue

Queuing in an orderly manner, is one of the nicest things I’ve seen in America. At the Top of The Rock ticket booth, the Liberty Island ferry dock, also before entering the Art Institute of Chicago, everyone lined up on the line with no crowding and no tugging at each other. This is something that is quite rare to see in Indonesia, especially during the distribution of the Eid al-Adha qurbani.

15. Get used to drinking tap water

One more fun thing that can cut  the travel budget in America is, we can drink water from the tap directly. This is something that cannot be done in Indonesia, where the source of healthy water is far from the city, and even if it is close, the source only comes from mother’s milk.

Well, if you want to be economical, just bring  a tumbler and refill it with tap water that is found anywhere as long as it is still in the United States.

16. Get used to crossing the road well

Joker roams the city.

In Washington, crossing indiscriminately without obeying traffic lights can be fined up to $250, and in Peoria, a town perhaps smaller than Wonogiri, residents continue to cross in an orderly manner according to traffic lights even though there is no sign of a fine for crossing indiscriminately. Not so in New York, however, where anyone could cross at will as long as the road was empty, or for agility training for Takeshi Castle. It is very easy for Jakarta residents to do.

Since traffic goes on the right, make sure you look to the left before crossing. A guide that does not apply in Jakarta, because you have to keep looking to the left and right even if you are crossing a one-way street.

17. Get used to hearing accents in Hollywood movies

All this time I thought that the Caucasian accents I watched in  Hollywood box office films only existed in movies, but I was wrong. Especially when I live in the Harlem area where there are a lot of African-Americans, I often hear words that should be censored out. For example, when my sling bag accidentally nudged the voluptuous ass of a fat African-American man while waiting in line to buy  subway tickets at  a vending machine .

In an instant he turned to me, and said a little louder with a speed that surpassed the  rapper  Twista “ Hey, watch my fat ass, you motherfucker! Don’t you see that I am currently using this fucking machine? Fuck off! “More or less so.

18. Get in the habit of apologizing

” Sorry .” I said reflexively when I heard the father cursing me in his thug language, and I immediately moved my bag to the back, and hit the person behind me again. With a little grumble, the father resumed his activity of buying train tickets, while I still can’t understand how he could be offended just by poking my bag, especially if I poked him with another one, a mosquito racket for example.

“Well yes, in America you have to apologize often when you meet something like that.” Mumun said , when I told this story “People there can be offended if touched like that.”.

I just nodded in agreement. “Oh, sorry, I don’t  understand .” And since apologizing is important, not just in America, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of apologizing. It doesn’t matter that you are a woman who usually always feels right.