Raising money for Japan: Update

One of the photos included in Skye's fundraising efforts

You may remember that a couple of months ago I wrote a blog about a photographer called Skye Hoffman who, after living in Japan for five years, felt inspired to help the country after this year’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

As a professional photographer, Skye decided to sell some of her Japan prints, with all proceeds going towards the Red Cross efforts in Japan. Photos were also donated by Canadian photographer Kate Inglis and Japanese photographer and blogger Ai.

I have just received an email from Skye and am delighted to report that her efforts have generated over $600 to this worthy appeal.

If you would like to contribute you can still purchase a print or two on Skye Hoffman’s website. They really are beautiful, and what better way to support the cause?

Congratulations once again to Skye for raising such a substantial amount of money for a very worthwhile cause.

Tell us about your travel stories

The McCurdie family celebrate Christmas Day in the Masai Mara, Kenya

“Our visit to Malacca was an intriguing end to our visit to Malaysia, a country where numerous traditions, religions, cultures and cuisines meet and blend harmoniously.”
Nigel Wright, Malaysia

“Our heads and hearts are full of the images, sights, sounds, and smells, but perhaps the most lingering image of all is the one of the Cambodian people.”
Valerie and Raymond Gatward, Cambodia

“To have spent the time with the wonderfully friendly people of the Governor’s Camp among the enchanting wildlife of the Masai Mara made it an experience we shall treasure forever.”
Dr Ian McCurdie, Masai Mara in Kenya

These are just some of the comments we have received and which you can read in full in our Client Stories section of the Audley Magazine.

How to send us your Audley travel stories
It’s easy, if you’ve been on a trip with us simply click on this link and upload your text and photos. If you do you’ll also have a chance to win a £50 Bobbooks’ photobook voucher.

Travellers are returning to Japan

Gotokuji temple in Tokyo

When a tsunami struck the coast of Japan at the start of March the rest of the world could only watch as one of the country’s worst natural disasters began to unfold. Then, the news came of the damage to the Fukushima nuclear plant and it seemed things couldn’t get any worse for Japan.

Perhaps understandably, this devastating news put many people off travelling to Japan and with daily updates appearing in the world’s media, who could blame them?

But as the media hype dies down, so do many people’s worries, and slowly travellers are returning to this popular destination. Indeed it would seem that many Audley clients are not letting Japan’s recent issues deter them from travelling here. Our Japan Group Tour, which departs in October, is now fully booked. Continue reading »

World’s tallest hotel opens in Hong Kong

On 30th March 2011 the impressive Hong Kong skyline reached new heights, literally, as the city’s newest accommodation opened its doors and claimed the title of ‘world’s tallest hotel’ in spectacular fashion.

At 490 metres the Ritz-Carlton takes up floors 102 to 118 of  the International Commerce Centre on Kowloon and offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour. The hotel has six dining options available, from a roof-top bar to an Italian restaurant, as well as a spa, gym and infinity pool. All guest rooms offer either a harbour or city view.

An impressive addition to one of the world’s most recognisable skylines, it will be interesting to see how it fares against Hong Kong’s legendary hotels such as the Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental.

Family holidays to China

China is a wonderful place to holiday with a family

When thinking about where to go on a family holiday I am sure a number of Audley’s destinations instantly spring to mind: Canada, a safari in Africa, Australia perhaps? Well, what about a family holiday in China?

Perhaps not a destination traditionally considered ‘family-friendly’, but don’t let this misconception put you off. In fact, China has a lot to offer family members of all ages. From Kung-Fu demonstrations and the Beijing Aquarium (one of the largest in the world), to meeting the giant panda and cycling through the Guilin countryside, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied and happy. 

To find out more about travelling to China with your family, take a look at our country guide.

Supporting Japan

Supporting Japan

With the world still reeling from the horrific events that have unfolded in Japan this last week, our thoughts have turned to how we as a company can help. Last Friday’s earthquake and subsequent tsunami is fast becoming one of the worse natural disasters Japan has ever seen, and we are keen to do everything we can to offer our support.

One of the ways we can help is to back fundraising events directly supporting the relief efforts in Japan. One such event is being organised by Skye Hohmann, a photographer who lived in Japan for five years. Skye will be organising a print sale of Japanese images, with all of the proceeds being donated to the Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.  

To find out more about the print sale, please visit Skye Hohmann’s website. You can also donate to the British Red Cross through our homepage.

There ARE tigers in South Africa!

The tiger is the largest of all the big cats but unfortunately one of the most endangered.

Okay, they haven’t somehow migrated from Asia or even been released by mistake, they are in fact being reared there – or should I say ‘trained’ there - for a very good reason.

Continue reading »

Japan to unveil new bullet train

Japan's new bullet train will run from 5th March 2011

Tomorrow (5th March 2011) sees the launch of a brand new bullet train in Japan. The Hayabusa E5 train will run between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori and has a top speed of 300km per hour, 25 km per hour faster than the current Hayate model.

Japan is world-famous for its fast and efficient rail service, and by the end of 2012 this service will have increased its speed to 320km hour, making it the fastest train in the country.

New features include GranClass premium first-class seating, where travellers will be able to enjoy leather seating, wool carpeting and meals made using local-sourced, in-season produce, as well as slippers, eye masks, blankets and cabin attendants!

You can experience Japan’s iconic rail service on a tailor-made holiday to Japan with Audley. Take a look at the Japan section for more information.

Norwegian Wood on the big screen

Norwegian Wood has been adapted for the big screen.

From 11th March 2011 fans of Haruki Murakami’s bestselling novel, Norwegian Wood, will be able to see the much-anticipated screen version of the book when it opens in UK cinemas.

Described as ‘a story of love and heartbreak in a time of global instability’, Norwegian Wood was first published in 1987 and was translated into 33 different languages. For those who haven’t read the book, here is an overview of the story:

Tokyo, the late 1960s… Students around the world are uniting to overthrow the establishment and Toru Watanabe’s personal life is similarly in tumult. At heart, he is deeply devoted to his first love, Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman. But their complex bond has been forged by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Watanabe lives with the influence of death everywhere. That is, until Midori, a girl who is everything that Naoko is not – outgoing, vivacious, supremely self-confident – marches into his life and Watanabe must choose between his past and his future.

Much of the filming for Norwegian Wood took place in and around Tokyo, with the soundtrack produced by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, who also scored There Will Be Blood.

To find out about visiting Tokyo on a tailor-made holiday to Japan, visit the Japan section of our website.

Cherry Blossom season soon to start in Japan

Cherry blossoms at Honmonji temple

Cherry blossom season in Japan is a national institution and during the months of March, April and May the country sees a massive influx of tourists who arrive in their hordes to watch the beauty of this event unfold.

This is no surprise given the significance of sakura zensen (the progression of the cherry blossom as it moves across the country). Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, has played a role in Japanese culture for thousands of years and as the first flowers bloom locals head to their nearest park to enjoy picnics of sake, beer and food under the heavily laden trees.

In Kyoto and Tokyo the peak viewing period is between the end of March and middle of  April, meaning there is just enough time to to get your trip organised if you are keen to see the cherry blossom this year! If you’d like to find out more about this world-famous event why not give one of our Japan specialists a call on 01993 838 210, or visit our Japan section on the main Audley website for more information.

Happy hanami!