My Fair Share - Connecting People.: Travel

Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Monday, December 8, 2025

Visiting the Philippines Closest Island to Malaysia

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Tokyo 2025 Travel Guide: Places to Visit & Things to Do • Itinerary & Ex...

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Where to Stay in Tokyo? 🌸 15 Tips & Booking Guide for Hotels in Japan

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Madagascar

Madagascar is a fascinating island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. Here’s a brief overview:

🌍 Geography

Location: About 400 km (250 miles) off the coast of Mozambique.
Capital: Antananarivo
Size: It's the fourth-largest island in the world.
Terrain: Features rainforests, mountains, deserts, and coastal plains.

🐾 Biodiversity

Unique Wildlife: About 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.
- Lemurs – a type of primate found only in Madagascar.
- Rare reptiles, frogs, and over 10,000 plant species.
Baobab Trees: Iconic trees with thick trunks and sparse branches, known as the “upside-down trees.”

🌿 Environment

Ecosystems: Tropical rainforests in the east, dry forests in the west, and spiny forests in the south.
Threats: Deforestation and habitat loss are major concerns.

👥 People & Culture

Population: About 30 million people.
Ethnic Groups: A mix of Southeast Asian and East African ancestry.
Languages: Malagasy (official), French (widely used)
Culture: Rich in music, dance, and crafts. Strong oral storytelling traditions.

💰 Economy

Main Industries: Agriculture, textiles, tourism, and mining.
Exports: Vanilla (world's largest producer), coffee, cloves, seafood, and precious stones.

🏛️ History

Early Settlers: First settled by Austronesian people, then Africans.
Colonization: Became a French colony in 1897; gained independence in 1960.
Political Issues: Has faced periods of instability, but democracy has been improving in recent years.

Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its dramatic natural landscapes, rich history, and medieval architecture. Here's a brief overview:

🇸🇰 Basic Facts

Capital: Bratislava
Population: About 5.4 million
Language: Slovak
Currency: Euro (€)
Government: Parliamentary republic
EU & NATO member: Yes (since 2004)

🌄 Geography & Nature

Dominated by mountains, especially the Carpathians and Tatra Mountains.
Home to deep forests, caves, and over 6,000 natural springs.
Great for hiking, skiing, and eco-tourism.

🏰 Culture & History

Rich medieval history with castles, such as Spiš Castle, one of the largest in Europe.
Once part of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993.
Famous for folk music, crafts, and traditional dances.
UNESCO sites include Banská Štiavnica, Vlkolínec, and Wooden Churches of the Carpathian Region.

🍽️ Food & Cuisine

Hearty and rustic cuisine. Popular dishes include:
- Bryndzové halušky – potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon.
- Kapustnica – sauerkraut soup.
- Koláče – traditional pastries.
Often uses pork, cabbage, and potatoes.

🏙️ Bratislava

The capital, on the Danube River, borders Austria and Hungary.
Known for its old town, baroque palaces, and modern cafes.
A unique city where you can see three countries from certain viewpoints.

🎓 Fun Facts

Has over 1,300 mineral springs.
Slovakia is a global leader in car manufacturing per capita.
The Slovak Paradise National Park is known for its ladders, canyons, and waterfalls.

Costa Rica is a small but incredibly diverse country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It’s known for its biodiversity, eco-tourism, political stability, and friendly locals.

🏞️ Key Features:

Capital: San José
Language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Government: Democratic republic (no standing army since 1949!)
Nickname: “The Rich Coast” (as named by Spanish explorers)

🌿 Nature & Wildlife:

Costa Rica is famous for:

Rainforests, cloud forests, and beaches
Over 500,000 species — including toucans, sloths, jaguars, and colorful frogs
National parks like:
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Arenal Volcano
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Corcovado National Park

🌊 Adventure & Eco-Tourism:

Zip-lining through forests
Surfing in beaches like Tamarindo or Santa Teresa
Hiking volcanic trails
Snorkeling & diving in both Pacific and Caribbean coasts
Hot springs near Arenal

🌞 Climate:

Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

🧘 Lifestyle & Culture:

The people are called “Ticos”
Famous motto: “Pura Vida” (Pure life) – a way of life that reflects happiness, simplicity, and peace
Rich in folklore, music, and traditional foods like gallo pinto, casado, and plantains