As part of our DMZ tour we went to Dora Observatory where it is supposed to be the best place to see North Korea. First we had to go through a security checkpoint. We were told to bring our passports but no one checked them probably because the only non-military vehicles allowed are the designated buses which transport tourists from the nearby Imjingak Park into the secured area.
One of the most popular day tours in Korea is to the DMZ and Panmunjom. With all the news about the 29-year-old North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, I was curious to see if tours to the border area between North and South Korea were still possible. The two-mile wide DMZ runs about 160 miles along the 38th parallel cutting the Korean Peninsula in half dividing Korea into two.
Using our points on United Mileage Plus for tickets on Singapore Air, John and I flew from Singapore to Seoul for $44. And, using our points from the InterContinental Priority Program we stayed seven nights free at Seoul’s Seongbuk Holiday Inn. This was our first trip to Korea.
Bali is just one of many islands in Indonesia but it is the most famous. The name “Bali” conjures up images of gentle seas, swaying palms, sunny skies, and days of relaxation. And, so it is. Tourism continues to grow in Bali, so they are expanding the airport and constructing new highways to eliminate traffic congestion.
We have been to Singapore several times and each time I am amazed by something new and unique that has opened since our last visit. We stayed at the newly opened Parkroyal Hotel on Pickering with sky gardens at various levels. Typical of Singapore the area next to the street is lined with trees and the street-length lobby has a meandering stream creating a green environment unique for a city hotel plus it is located across from a small park.
The first time I ran across people doing a long-stay at a resort was in Penang, Malaysia at the Parkroyal Hotel. The guests were Europeans, mainly from England, who were staying 2-5 months. I was impressed and thought it was a unique situation. But I have found out since that it is a common practice for Europeans from many countries to winter in SE Asia at resorts for a month or more.
I am always amazed at how easy it is to navigate the world. We arrived in Thailand from Myanmar and stayed at the Amari Don Maung Airport Hotel for the night. We could walk to from the airport via a overhead walkway. In the morning, after a great breakfast, our driver from Sawadee-Travel picked us up for the three-hour drive south of Bangkok to Hua Hin.
I had read and heard about the new Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw where construction started in 2002 but had been told that it was in a restricted zone so tourists were not permitted to visit. That has changed. The city of Nay Pyi Taw is ablaze with lights in the evening with beautiful roundabouts centered with huge flower sculptures and colorful twinkle lights.
We have been to Myanmar six times. We have visited the top tourist destinations including Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Lake Inle, and Mrauk U. In Yangon we marveled at the 325-foot high, 2,600-year-old golden Shwedagon Pagoda. We often stay at Traders Hotel in a room that has a view of the pagoda that is magically highlighted at night.
Along the coast between Galle and Colombo there are many interesting places to visit. In and around Meetiyagoda there are several moonstone mines. John and I visited the one belonging to Baruwallage Gems. Most of the mining is done by hand. Workers dig in deep pits using candles for light.
Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County is proud to announce that its latest tutor classes graduated on May 6. Some have already started tutoring Oswego County adults. LVOC tutors complete an orientation and 9 hours of training which includes how to teach adults basic literacy skills.
Hope Fest is an outreach presented by Christian churches throughout Oswego County that have come together in unity to provide opportunities for people to hear and see the gospel through music, messages, prayer and personal stories.
Rose Chamberlin earned the Ariel Lawson ’08 Memorial Prize, awarded to a student in good academic standing whose dedication to the College is expressed with the purpose of maintaining and perpetuating the Wells “Sisterhood” and who is committed toward solving larger issues of economic and social justice.
As part of our DMZ tour we went to Dora Observatory where it is supposed to be the best place to see North Korea. First we had to go through a security checkpoint. We were told to bring our passports but no one checked them probably because the only non-military vehicles allowed are the designated buses which transport tourists from the nearby Imjingak Park into the secured area.
The Parish Community Yard Sale will be held on May 25. You may call Chriss Sackett at 625-4169 to get placed on the map. Jan Morse and Erin Dupree took Vanessa Dupree and Zory Ana Dupree and Hollie Lucer to the Shrine Circus. They all had a great time and the girls all had their faces painted.