In Nagano, Japan, we visited Hell Valley and at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe we swam a few inches from hell.
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Nagano, Japan
Nagano is the capital city of Nagano Prefecture situated on the main Japanese island of Honshu. If you visit Nagano during winter's season we just want to remind you that in 1998 Nagano was the host of Winter Olympic Giant Slalom so bring ski equipment and settled in Shiga Kogen, world class ski resort, the largest ski resort in Japan.
Save one afternoon to visit Zenkoji Temple, one of the most visited temples in Japan that is founded 1400 years ago. Every six years the public have the opportunity to see Buddhist statue for which Japanese believe that is the first statue ever brought in Japan. Next chance to see the statue will be between April 5 and May 31, 2009. Zenkoji’s dark tunnel hides "key to paradise". Try to find it and touch it to secure "the best seat" for yourself above.
One of Nagano's great attraction is Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Jigokudani Monkey Park) located in Hell Valley named after volcanic activities in that area. The valley hosts are "snow monkeys", funny little monkeys that like to warm in riverside polls originally built for humans.
When we talk about monkeys I just remembered a story that happened two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when one 30 kilograms heavy monkey made troubles and give a hard headache to local rangers. Monkey marplot finally "fall" when rangers change the tactic and start to drive around in an unmarked cars. Clever little creature!
For the end of the trip visit Matsumoto, a city famous for its beautiful castle also called Crow Castle, for it have black walls and beautiful roof that looks like spread wings. What to say except: you must see that.
Zimbabwe, Africa
Are you prepared for trip to Africa? Let's go visit Victoria Falls. Put your stuff in The Victoria Falls Hotel, situated in The Victoria Falls National Park, which has its own private path that will bring you exactly to the falls.
If you choose to stay in town Victoria Falls, to see the falls get the main road to the first crossing; then turn left and go straight for approximately one hundred meters; then turn right sharply. On that point high bumpy three will be on your left side and an huge rock on the right side and all that will mean that you are on the right way. If you have left side/right side problems, rise both hands palms facing away from you and form letter L using index finger and thumb. Properly formed letter L will show you which side is really the left side. Now, at that point I lost my interest to guide you around. Find the way yourself.
Victoria Falls forms a natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia creating the largest single sheet of falling water in the world. Devil's Pool, a place on the top of the falls where people come to swim, is one of the most surreal locations on Earth. One part of the pool is on Zimbabwean side and the other belongs to Zambia. Although Devil's Pool looks totally scary and suitable only for adrenaline overloaded, suicidal and mentally lost people, it is allegedly safe place for playing in a water. However, for that kind of games avoid flood season and choose the period from September through December.
Another activities include canoeing, rafting, bungee jumping and other similar suicidal activities. Have a fun and good luck! Now I have to continue to spread joy... ■
