The Journey Through Germany (video)

Join Traveling Johnny as he adventures across the historic streets of Germany. Follow his immersive journey as he explores the many aspects that make this European city so appealing to tourists across the world. Walk along with him to see the quiet streets, sit back and relax to the sights on a calm river cruise, and take a peek into the simple pleasures and daily lives of the European people. Whet your appetite for travels to Berlin and look forward to experiencing these sights for yourself!

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

If you have never been to Taiwan, you’re missing out on one of the world's most captivating destinations. From scenic landscapes, winding gorges, and misty mountains to tropical white-sand beaches and its most exquisite anthology of classic Chinese architecture, Taiwan, although small, is a land of many marvels.

Let's take a look at the some of the interesting places to visit in this country, many of them telling a fascinating story.

1) Waiting for Husband Rock

Location: Qimei Island

Once upon a time, on Qimei Island, there lived a loving couple. One day, the husband went out to fish and did not return. The wife waited for her husband on the shore, where she died due to hunger and cold. The villagers buried her by the seashore until a rock, on the same spot, had miraculously taken the shape of a pregnant woman lying on her back. Today, the locals remember this legend by naming it the Waiting for Husband Rock.

2) Tomb of the Seven Beauties

Location: Qimei Island

More than 500 years ago, legend has it that seven women jumped to their deaths down a well to avoid being captured by ravagers raiding the island.  Later, the villagers filled the well with earth where seven trees eventually grew and have been flourishing to this day. Thus, it gained the name of the Tomb of the Seven Beauties.

3) Dragon Sea-eroded Platform

Location: Qimei Island

This spectacular rocky platform that resembles the shape of an Eastern dragon, which you can only see clearly when viewed from above.

4) Little Taiwan

Location: Qimei Island

Also found on Qimei Island is a rock formation known as the Little Taiwan. This popular sweet potato-shaped rock resembles the form of its the land it is named after and only appears during the low tide.

5) Great Stone Lion

Location: Qimei Island

One of the many stone formations found on Qimei Island is the Great Stone Lion, made out of basalt from the nearby volcano. Its form resembles the animal squatting on the cliff and overlooking the endless ocean under a misty gray sky.

6) Twin-Hearts Stone Weir

Location: Qimei Island

The Twin-Hearts Stone Weir is a traditional fish trap built with basalt and coral reefs.  Because of its romantic shape, it has attracted many couples around the world, making it one of Taiwan's most popular attractions.

7) Tunnel 88

Location: Matsu Island

Exploring Tunnel 88 is like discovering a secret treasure trove. According to history, before it was enlarged by the Republic of China Armed Forces in the 70’s, it was a place of refuge from bandits. Today, the main tunnel is known for storing jugs of old wine and Kaoliang spirits.  

8) Erkan Historical Village

Location: Penghu Island

The Erkan Village is a government-protected habitation situated on the island of Penghu. Here, you will find traditional-style structures, stone and wood carvings, and an amazing collection of antique calligraphy and paintings. Today, Erkan Village still keeps its ancient cultures and traditions, allowing future generations to follow the paths of their ancestors. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Until then, this is your friendly global traveler, Johnny, signing out!

A Trip to Cebu's Hidden Attractions (video)

A trip to CEBU's hidden attractions! 

Highlight Attractions:

• THE YAP-SANDIEGO ANCESTRAL HOUSE - A historic residence built in the 17th-century and is one of Cebu's oldest wooden houses that features antique furniture, ancient artworks, religious icons, and other things with historical and cultural significance.

• TEMPLE OF LEAH - a beautiful, Roman-inspired temple built out of love from a man for his departed wife.

• CASA GARORDO - An ancestral house converted into an interactive museum, mixing the old with the new -- educating visitors of Cebu's rich history and culture through the use of modern technology. 

• SIRAO GARDEN, LITTLE AMSTERDAM - Cebu's most attractive hillside garden dotted with multi-colored flowers such as celosia, dahlia, sunflowers, daisies and more. It is often referred to as the Little Amsterdam or Mini Holland of Cebu because of its beautiful replica of a Dutch windmill. Altogether, that make up a stunning, picture-perfect landscape. 

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Do you have anything to share about Cebu? Let me know in the comments below. 

Cagayan De Oro & Camiguin Island, Philippines

The Philippines has a long list of beautiful destinations that's why it's so easy for travelers around the globe to explore it. With around 7,641 stunning islands, there are plenty of places to see, cultures to immerse in, and unique activities to try.  It's no wonder many of its islands have been recognized as the world's best including its top destinations -- Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol.

But in today's blog, I want to focus on two of the most amazing yet underrated islands in the southern part of the Philippines known as Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin Island. These neighboring provinces have a lot to offer to its visitors -- whether you're into travel thrills, nature adventures, or just want to relax by the beach -- these destinations will not disappoint your needs.

Together with my wife and our friends, we explored and toured around these two destinations. From activities that gave us thrills (white water rafting along mighty rapids) to exciting outdoor activities (downhill luge and zip line rides), we enjoyed every minute of this trip. But there is more to it! Watch this video to know where to took our adventures and to see places to visit when you travel to these destinations:

Must-visit destinations:

Sunken Cemetery (Camiguin) - One of the most popular places to visit in Camiguin. This infamous landmark was once a cemetery in the 18th century until the volcano erupted and made it sink under water. Today, what remains visible is the cross that is now teeming with corals and marine life.

Katibawasan Falls (Camiguin) - A towering waterfall with over 70 meters of strong, clear, cascading waters. It lies within a lush forest filled with trees, flowers, and wild ferns.

White Island Sandbar (Camiguin) - A small and isolated destination known for its long-stretched, white-sand island that emerges only during the low tides.

Museum of Three Cultures (Cagayan De Oro) - A museum that exhibits three essential galleries, namely Kasaysayan, a collection of old photographs and archeological artifacts from the Mindanao Region; Posaka, displays and interesting mix of antique Maranao instruments, textiles, jewelry, and treasures that date back to China's Sung Dynasty; and finally Rawari, showcases a collection of indigenous and lowland cultural materials.  Here you can also witness arts made by local artists.

Hibok-Hibok Hot Springs (Camiguin) - Also known as the ‘Ardent Hot Springs’, this nature destination is a great place to unwind while soaked in heated mineral waters that run down the vents of the active Hibok-Hibok volcano.  

-Forest Park Adventure at Dahilayan (Bukidnon) - Located in the neighboring province of Bukidnon, this tourist destination offers a variety of fun activities for visitors of all ages. Two of the most popular activities to try here are the downhill luge and zip line rides.

Must-try activities:

Zipline Luge ride at the Forest Park -  Dahilayan Forest Park Resort’s luge ride is a downhill go-cart/toboggan experience that lets you drive through twisted turns with views of the mountains, while their zipline activity allows you to fly like superman from a launch point that is built 4,700 feet above sea level.

White water rafting - If you’re a thrill seeker, don’t miss the chance to experience the great white rapids of Cagayan De Oro. Discover pure adrenaline while water splashes and smacks against boulders, your boat or even your face, reminding you of how powerful nature is and how it can let you experience extreme adventure and fun at the same time.

Where to Stay:

Cagayan De Oro: Seda Centrio Hotel -- A contemporary hotel offering modern comforts to its guests with its world-class amenities that ensure relaxation throughout your stay.

Camiguin: Paras Beach Resort

A paradise built for guests looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape. With the resort's nature-filled ambiance, you'll have the time to unwind and rejuvenate.

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Where will you take your next adventures to? Share it in the comments below.

Li River Cruise, China

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." - Heraclitus

Li River is one of China's most popular tourist destinations. The river boasts of many picturesque landscapes consisting of verdant hills, calm and vast waters, ancient villages, and marvelous caves. In 2013, CNN included Li River in the list of the World's Top 15 Rivers for travelers.

Embarking on the 52-mile Li River Cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo is the perfect introduction to the very best of this river. The cruise has approximately four to five hours in length, comprising of eye-feasting natural landscapes, beautiful Karst peaks, visits to ancient villages and well-preserved caves. The cruise experience is made more memorable by the legendary and mystical tales told by our local and experienced tour guide.

Cruise Highlights

Let your imagination run wild as you glide along the wide and calm river and stare at various shapes named after their appearance. Get a closer look at the popular Elephant Truck Hill, undoubtedly resembling a giant elephant drinking water; the Solitary Beauty Peak that looks like a lonely goddess; the Folded Brocade Hill that seems to be a pile of colorful silk; and the Yangdi Village with a hill that resembles a goat's hooves.

The best spot to take panoramic pictures of the river is in the Xianggong Mountain area. It is truly a nature wonderland that doesn't disappoint.

One common sight in the Li River are local fisherpeople. Some of them use an interesting method of fishing using cormorants, a type of aquatic bird that can float and dive in water to catch fish. The cormorant trainer ties a restrictive band around the bird's neck. While the bird can still swallow tiny fish, it will be unable do do so with big fish. The creature will then return to its master to have the prey taken out from its throat. Apart from cormorants, friendly and calm buffaloes are also present in the area as well.

The cruise continues to impress as we pass along the Yellow Cloth Shoal. Here, the river is wider and the peaks are steeper. Dotted by verdant bamboo, this scenic landscape has inspired many Chinese paintings and poems because of its incomparable, paradise-like beauty.

After hours of attention-grabbing scenery and nature encounters, the river cruise concludes in Yangshuo, an equally beautiful small town known to many tourists. Yangshuo is an ideal place for hike and cycling excursions. Here you will experience a real Chinese rural life that will take you back to the old times.

All in all, this experience probably is my most unforgettable river cruise yet. While my Rhine River cruise in Europe was fantastic in its own way, this trip allowed nature to reveal itself in a genuine and refreshing way. 

Until next time, I'm your friendly global traveler, Johnny, encouraging you to temporarily leave your hectic life and embark on a cruise of a lifetime.