No more Covid?

Japan plans to lift Covid-19 restrictions related to travel.

 

Since Covid began in early 2020 many restrictions were put in place within many countries in which Americans enjoy traveling to. One of the countries included in this is Japan. However, they plan to remove border restrictions according to The Travel Pulse.

According to the article these new changes will take place starting May 8^th. In addition to the border restrictions being lifted, all Covid-19 protocol will be lifted within country next month. This means travelers to the country will no longer need a vaccine card or negative covid test.

Japan has slowly relieved restrictions over the last 6 months, including slowly reopening international travel, visa-free travel from dozens of countries, and eliminating mask mandates.

This article was very encouraging to read because it shows that our world is finally reaching almost normalcy after the global pandemic of 2020.

https://www.travelpulse.com/News/Impacting-Travel/Japan-to-Remove-COVID-Related-Border-Restrictions-in-May

Azores Adventures

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a beautiful landscape of mountainous islands? Off the coast of Portugal has the perfect paradise for you.

Dan flying solo states that “these nine volcanic-yet-verdant specks show off some of Mother Nature’s finest work, and the best things to do in the Azores are as adrenaline-pumping as they are effortlessly soothing.”

Throughout this article He states that within the waters of the coast of these mountains whales and dolphins are often seen in the crystal-clear ocean. In addition, the landscape contains many geysers and hot springs that are lined by trails.

Dan flying solo then goes on to discuss the top things to adventure on when visiting this beautiful landscape. The first is the lava tubes where you can explore the seismic activity and caves created by magma eruptions.

The next adventure he discusses within his blog is the epic viewpoints on top of this mountainous region. Many of these trails lead to lakes and high points which overlook the ocean caused by magma eruptions.

The last adventure Dan discusses throughout his blog is the hot springs in which you can bathe in thermal water. He even describes it as “healing waters”.

I highly urge you next time you find yourself between Europe and Canada, you make a stop in the Azore islands off the coast of Portugal.

https://www.danflyingsolo.com/things-to-do-azores/

Relaxing Graz

Mediterranean city in Austria could be become the next biggest tourist destination in Europe.

Graz, Austria carries a Mediterranean vibe, along with beautiful pastel homes throughout. The unique culture and architecture of this town are attracting new tourist. Dan flying solo states that over 20 percent of the population is students and that gives this old town a young soul.

This town brings a fresh atmosphere with the greenery and car-free town center. Dan states that all of the food served at the restaurants come directly from the farms with the town. In addition, the farmers markets focus heavily on the growers over the produce itself.

The town itself focuses strongly on the environment. Graz is the second largest city in Austria but holds its own in protecting the green spaces within the town. This town has many different up-cycling shops supporting those who are struggling. In addition, each café is completely zero-waste.

Next you find yourself traveling throughout Europe, stop by this environmentally friendly unique town in Austria!

https://www.danflyingsolo.com/sustainable-graz-austria/

Re-Grand Opening??

 Paris's most iconic tourist attraction is set to re-open by the end of 2024. 

According to the Travel Pulse, the reconstruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral is still moving along after the devastating fire nearly four years ago. 

The beginning of reconstruction began in early 2022, when workers were finally able to stabilize the Cathedral. Travel Pulse stated that officials are intending to restore the original Gothic-Style monument, recreating the 315-foot-high spire that collapsed.

According to the leader of the rebuild project, Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, “My job is to be ready to open this Cathedral in 2024. And we will do it. We are fighting every day for that we are on a good path.”

Although the Cathedral will be ready for tourist in the next year, renovation work will continue into 2025.

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/paris-notre-dame-cathedral-on-track-to-reopen-by-2024.html

Havasu Falls

 Due to the Global Pandemic in 2020, many largely popular nature features were shut down to tourist, including Havasu Falls.

 

The Havasu Falls is controlled by the tribe on the Havasupai Indian reservation. This reservation may be adjacent to the Grand Canyon but is not a part of the national park.

 

According to CNN, Havasu Falls closed for three years because of “unique health care problems the Native American tribes faced”. In addition to this the Falls faced substantial flooding in late 2022, causing damage to bridges and trails.

 

The Falls officially begun reopening to the public on February 1^st. However, access is limited to certain small groups. The first access is granted to those whose reservations were suspended due to the pandemic three years ago.

 

There are currently no new reservations being granted in 2023. However, you can add your name to a waiting list, if someone who had previous reservations before the pandemic closure is unable to reschedule. You may register for a reservation on www.havasupaireservations.com.

 

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/grand-canyon-havasu-falls-reopening-arizona/index.html

Space City, Texas

Houston suburb town, host the original Space Center with many historical archives, including Mission Control, and Apollo 13 lithium hydroxide canister. 

The historic Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center has been in this suburb of Houston since 1961. Originally the Space Center was named Manned Spacecraft Center when it was first established. It was later renamed named after Texas native President Lyndon B. Johnson. 

(Johnson Space Center, IMUS Geographics)

According to nasa.gov, the Johnson Space Center has aided in all Apollo programs, including the historic Apollo 11. The Space Center houses the original mission control room from all nine Gemini missions and all seventeen of the Apollo missions.

Erin Hill stated in an interview, “You can feel the history as soon as you enter the mission control room”. She also stated that “It was a surreal feeling being in the same room that they monitored the historic Apollo 11 mission and even the last ever Apollo 17 mission”.

 In addition to this she noted that “Being able to go inside the replica of the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier craft was an experience she will never forget.” Lastly, she said that her favorite exhibit of the Space Center was the Starship Gallery.” Hill indicated this was her favorite because “it had the original Apollo 13 lithium hydroxide canister.”

According to spacecenter.org, there are ten different exhibits and experiences in the within the Johnson Space Center. These include, NASA tram tour, SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Exhibit, Starship Gallery, Spacesuit Collection, Independence Plaza, The Artemis Exhibit, Mission Mars, International Space Station Gallery, Films, and Live Presentations. Of all of these, spacecenter.org states that the NASA tram tour is the most popular.

The NASA tram tour includes a tour of the Historic Mission Control, George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, and Astronaut Training Facility. 

The historic Mission Control tour consists of seeing the exact place where every Apollo and Gemini mission was conducted. 

(Mission Control)

When touring the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, you get to see the Saturn V rocket, which was the tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever flown. 

While you tour the Astronaut Training Facility, you get the place where every astronaut that ever went to space trained.

The Johnson Space Center has had a great impact on the Houston community since its establishment in 1961. Many people come from all over of the country to tour this historic site daily. It truly exciting to see the growth and impact the Johnson Space Center has had on generations past, and generations to come.

Bibliography 

“Exhibits and Experiences.” Space Center Houston, 27 Oct. 2022, https://spacecenter.org/exhibits-and-experiences/. Accessed 25 February 2023

“Johnson Space Center, Texas.” IMUS Geographics. https://www.imusgeographics.com/johnson-space-center-texas. Accessed 25 February 2023

“JSC History.” NASA, NASA, https://historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/JSCHistoryPortal/history/jsc_history.htm. Accessed 25 February 2023

“Mission Control.” Space Center Houston. https://spacecenter.org/exhibits-and-experiences/nasa-tram-tour/historic-mission-control/ . Accessed 25 February 2023

From the bullpen to the ocean

 John Jaso let go of Major League Baseball calls to answer the sea. Did he leave behind millions of dollars for the ocean?

 

The New York Times states that John Jaso knew he would retire after his 2017 season. Throughout the entirety of his last season, he spent all of his free time sailboat shopping. In addition, Times says that He would always wander around on marinas and imagine himself on the open water.

 

After becoming a free agent at the end of his 2017 season, Jaso told press “I have a sailboat, so I just want to sail away. Next stop Caribbean.” When he was asked about his thoughts once spring training of 2018 began, He said “Sometimes I’ll just be out on the boat bobbing in the water, not sailing or even fishing. “There’s nowhere else on the planet I’d rather be than right here. “It’s been the perfect fit for who I am.”

 

John Jaso seems to have no regrets going for behind home plate straight to the middle of the ocean. This may inspire fresh MLB retirees to join him on his new quest.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/sports/baseball/john-jaso.html