Traveling

By Tegan, Drew & Ricky

Why Travel the world?

(Buzzfeed, 2013)

• Welcome, to our travel guide, here we will excite and inform you of some interesting and helpful facts of Japan, Canada, Italy and Greece.

• Covering topics of history, culture, cuisine, attractions and language. This brochure is designed to give you a taste of just a few things these selected countries and topics have to offer you. First will be facts and information on Japan, then Canada then Italy and finally Greece. This travel brochure will cover a few things about each countries like for example, Greece has more international airports than most countries because so many foreign tourists want to visit. (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html . This is just an entree of what we have here for you to discover. We have images designated to selected topics for your reading pleasure.

• All information is referenced in text and listed in references at the end of this brochure. In case you decide to check out more information on your favorite destination listed in this brochure.

Japan

Japan is made up of 4 main islands and over 4000 smaller islands, with a land mass of around 377,873km². The islands are situated in the pacific ocean off the coast of Russia and Korea. (Facts about japan, 2015)

The four main islands of japan are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, with Honshu being the largest. The capital of Japan is Tokyo which is situated in the Kantō region on the main island of Honshu. (Wiki n.d)

The mountainous terrain of japan makes settlement difficult with only 18% of it’s landmass suitable for human habitation. This combined with large population has for the most part resulted in large, heavily populated cities.(facts about japan, 2015)

Japan

The official language of japan is Japanese and it is spoken by 99% of the country however japan has 4 different writing styles. These styles consist of Kanji (Chinese characters), Hiragana (phonetic alphabet for native words), Katakana (phonetic alphabet for foreign words), and Romaji (western alphabet used to write Japanese).(Facts about japan, 2015)

The borders to japan were closed for a large part of it’s history which has resulted in little evidence of a multicultural society. As of july 2009 98.5% of it’s 127 million occupants were ethnic Japanese people. (Facts about Japan, 2015)

Yamanashi, Home of Fujisan(Mt Fuji), 2009)

Japanese cuisineJapan’s cuisine was originally influenced by china but they have taken on their own style to create a cuisine that is just as much art as it is food. The primary ingredients used are rice, noodle and soy products such as tofu. (Food in every country. (N.D))

The most popular and well known dishes are:• Sushi – a dish made of vinegar flavoured cold rice, stuffed with meat and

vegetables and either rolled or shaped (Food in every country. (N.D))• Ramen – a Japanese noodle soup dish traditionally served as noodles in a meat

based broth garnished with meat and/or vegetables. (Ramen. (n.d))

(Foodswol, 2014) (Ramen, n.d)

Top 5 Attractions of Japan

1. Tokyo – As far as big cities go, Tokyo has to be one of the most lively, with 34 million people within commuting distance to the city the metropolis offers everything. Tokyo is home to endless shopping opportunities, crazy themed restaurants and sporting events such as sumo wrestling to name a few. (national geographic, n.d)

2. Mt Fuji – perhaps the most recognizable tourist attraction in japan, Mt Fuji’s symmetrical shape is a result of volcanic activity dating back several hundreds of thousands of years, that ended in 1707. People travel from all over the world to climb this spiritual mountain. (Yamanashi, Home of Fujisan(Mt Fuji), 2009)

3. Hiroshima peace memorial – The Hiroshima peace memorial, is a memorial site to honor the more than 70 000 people who lost their lives and over 70 000 more who suffered fatal injuries after the atomic bomb was dropped on japan during world war II. (Hiroshima peace memorial, n.d)

4. Jigokudani monkey park - Located in the valley of Yokoyu River in the north of the Nagano province the Jigokudani hot springs are home to troops of Japanese macaque, also know as snow monkeys. This monkey park offers tourists the opportunity to see the monkeys bathing and playing in the hot springs. (Jigokudani yaen-koen, n.d)

5. Hakuba – Hakuba valley located in the Nagano prefecture is home to 10 ski resorts which offer world class snow and facilities. In 1998 Hakuba was the main event location in the winter Olympics.

Canada in all its glory

Canada is the second largest country in the world , which has coast lines on the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific ocean. It has the longest coastline of any country. With a vast region of swamps, lakes and ancient rock, known as the Canadian shield (National Geographic, n.d).

It is known that the first people that lived in Canada were recognized as “Vikings”, and led by explorer Leif Erikson. The French pioneered settlement in the 1500’s, but Britain gained control in 1763.

In 1867 the British North America Act untied English speaking upper Canada (Ontario) and French speaking lower Canada (Quebec) with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in a self-governing confederation with independence in 1931(Kwintessential, n.d).

Canada in all its glory

Canada has a Multitude of Languages that are spoken. According to

the 2006 census, English and French is the preferred language of

61.1% and 21.5% of the population. English and French are recognized

by the constitution of Canada as “official languages”

(Statistics Canada, 2006) .

Canada is a multicultural society dependent on immigration for growth.

Canadian Cuisine

Canada is a country of immigrants, therefore

their cuisine is multicultural. Including Italian

and Chinese restaurants, Japanese, Thai,

Indian and Greek to name a few.

Famous Canadian beer would include Molson

Canadian and Labatts Blue.

Canada has adopted many well known

American road houses and fast food chain

stores, including “Tim Hortons” or “Timmies”.

Canada's beloved comforts are hot on the

menus at many restaurants and fast food

outlets. Poutine- French Fries with cheese

curds and gravy (pictured), Donairs, Thick pea

soup are just a sample of the many unique

foods up for offer (Tripadvisor, n.d).

Top 5 Destination spots1. Vancouver, British Columbia- Founded as a “Gastown” by an English man. Now

Gastown is just a historic tourism spot. The lively pubs still reflect the areas former status. They city’s forests, grand parks and impressive suspension bridge are hot spots to visit. While reliving the glory from the former 2010 winter games.

2. Toronto, Ontario- People suggest that Toronto is resembled like New York City, but run by the Swiss. World class theater, shopping and restaurants. The CN tower is the tallest free standing tower in the western hemisphere, so how can you pass up a visit to see that.

3. Montreal, Quebec- Montreal is the French speaking cultural capital of Canada (quote). A horse drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and many historically listed buildings to engage with. Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafes.

4. Quebec City, Quebec- Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. All while snaking on poutine.

5. Victoria, British Columbia- You can indulge yourself in tea cakes and biscuits at plenty of tearooms. Multitudes of antique shops and galleries to choose from.

(Tripadvisor, 2015)

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe comprised of the boot-shaped Italian

peninsula and a number of islands including Sicily and Sardinia. 58, 742, 000 people

recite in the beautiful country (National Geographic, n.d).

Decades of struggle unified Italy in 1871, because of this two Italy's is now formed.

The Prosperous industrial North and the less developed agricultural South, known as

Mezzogiorno divide the country. Their differences reach back to the renaissance,

when Northern city-states flourished while the kingdom of Naples and Sicily

languished under French and Spanish rule.

Many struggles struck Italy in the renaissance era, with multiple rulers. The first sole

Emperor of Rome was Augustus Caesar, and the kingdom flourished. It wasn’t long

for the empire to be in decline (National Geographic, n.d).

It wasn’t until the 12th century, when the Italian city states began to rise and grow

again in trade.

Since the rise of the Roman Empire, Italian art, architecture and culture have had

an influence around the world. Italy is more than just great pasta and pizza, the

world has been heavily influenced by Famed Italian Painters. Leonardo da Vinci

and Michelangelo began their work in Italy, and have had an influence on the world

societies view on art today. Italy is also the heart of the catholic church, which is

governed from Vatican City.

The family is at the center of Italian society, as family means everything to the

people of Italy.

Italian is the official language of Italy, and 93% of the population are Italian

speakers. With most Italians speaking English as a second language.

Sport is second nature to the Italians, they it as much as they love their family

members and it’s the one thing they can agree on. The beloved National Football

team is like family to the Italians.

Italian Culture has had an impact on the world today, along with the Italian cuisine.Italians are passionate about Italian food, and its something they nail every time. Pizza and pasta is only the beginning when talking about Italian cuisine. Risotto is a rich dish typically served as a primo and which can be flavored in many different ways. Minestrone is a vegetable and bean soup, and commonly made during the colder months. Tiramisu (Pictured) is Italy's most famous dessert made of coffee-soaked sponge cake and mascarpone cheese.

Top 5 destination spotsVoted from Tripadvisors top 10 holiday destination spots, here is the top 5:

1. Rome, Italy- It is nicknamed the Eternal City. You can drink from a street

fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Visit the Capitoline Museum, the Le Domus

Romance di Plazzo Valentini. Or even the Coliseum and relive some epic

battles.

2. Florence, Italy- Known as ‘the doors of paradise’, the Duomo and

Michelangelo’s famous David are captivating. Test out the world famous gelato

Florence has to offer, and you cant miss the sunset over the Arno.

3. Venice- What a romantic city for honeymooners. Stunning architecture and

mysterious passageways and of course the Grand Canals. Venice is one of the

most alluring cities in the world. Relax in Piazza San Marco and take a

moonlight gondola ride.

4. Milan- Known as the Fashion Capital of the world, but history lovers should

know that Milan is not all trendy shops and designer clothes. Among the city’s

many historical attractions are La Scala opera, Milan Cathedral and The national

museum of Science and Technology.

5. Rimini- It has the biggest beach resort on the Adriatic Sea. It is a favored Italian

seaside holiday destination. (Tripadvisor, 2015)

Greece - History• Greece has an area of 50,949 square miles (131,958 square kilometers), Greece is

approximately the size of Alabama. The population of Greece is larger than 10 million people.—

comparatively, the population of Alabama is roughly 4.5 million.f (85 interesting facts about

Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• Greece is the world’s third leading producer of olives, the Greeks have cultivated olive trees

since ancient times. A few olive trees planted in the 13th century are still producing olives

today.i (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ),

http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• Greece has more international airports than most countries because so many foreign tourists

want to visit.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ),

http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• Many Greek structures such as doors, windowsills, furniture, and church domes are painted a

turquoise blue, especially in the Cyclades Islands. It is used because of an ancient belief that

this shade of blue keeps evil away. They called the color kyanos, which the words “cyan” and

“cyanide” are derived from.f (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ),

http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• I find these facts to be very accurate and exciting. From the size of Greece, interesting facts

about the Greek olive history, a mention about turquoise blue color being used on structures

because of the belief that that particular turquoise blue color is good for keeping evil away. Also

the convincing fact about Greece being a very popular place to visit to the point that Greece has

more international airports than a majority of different countries around the world because

tourists from all different countries want to visit Greece.

Greece - Cuisine• Feta, is a cheese made from goat’s milk, feta is a Greece national cheese. It dates back to the

Homeric ages, and the average per-capita consumption of feta cheese in Greece is the largest in the world.d (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• A Spartan specialty was a black soup made from salt, vinegar, and blood. No one in the rest of Greece would drink it.a (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• One of the dishes enjoyed by ancient Greek men at feasts was roast pig stuffed with thrushes, ducks, eggs, and oysters. Most feasts were for men only, though there were female entertainers (this was not considered a respectable occupation for women).i (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• Greek cuisine has a long tradition and its flavors change with the season and its geography.(History,ancient greek cuisine, (2006), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisine#cite_note-FTH-1.

• vegetarian dish "Chaniotiko Boureki" (oven baked slices of potatoes with zucchini, myzithra cheese and mint) is a typical dish in western Crete, in the region of Chania. A family in Chania may consume this dish 1-2 times per week in the summer season. (Greek cuisine, Typical dishes(2015), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisine#cite_note-FTH-1.

• Kleftiko, Literally meaning of the klephts, this is lamb slow-baked on the bone, first marinated in garlic and lemon juice, originally cooked in a pit oven. (list of Greek dishes, meat and fish dishes, (2015), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Greek_dishes.

• Sounds to me that Greek food is very interesting and personally if you like healthy authentic simple and full of flavor Greek style dishes I would try the Kleftiko dish.

Greece - culture• Currently, Greek men must serve from one year to 18 months in any branch of the armed forces. The

government spends 6% of the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the military.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• Greek ships make up 70% of the European Union’s total merchant fleet. According to Greek law, 75% of a ship’s crew must be Greek.f (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• Retirement homes are rare in Greece. Grandparents usually live with their children’s family until they die. Most young people live with their families until they marry.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• In Greece, people celebrate the “name day” of the saint that bears their name rather than their own birthday.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• In Greece, the dead are always buried because the Greek Orthodox Church forbids cremation. Five years after a burial, the body is exhumed and the bones are first washed with wine and then placed in an ossuary. This is done in part to relieve the shortage of land in Greek cemeteries.f (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• Greeks do not wave with an open hand. In fact, it is considered an insult to show the palm of he hand with the fingers extended. Greeks wave with the palm closed.f (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html .

• I find these cultural topics very interesting and helpful in understanding the way of the Greeks. This is just some information that may prove useful to those planning a trip to Greece.

Greece - Language

• Greek has been spoken for more than 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest languages in Europe.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• The word “barbarian” comes from Greek barbaroi, which means people who don’t speak Greek and therefore sound like they’re saying “bar-bar-bar-bar.”i (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• About 12 million people around the world speak Greek. They live mostly in Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Albania, Turkey, the United States, among other countries' (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• Thousands of English words come from the Greek language, sometimes via the Roman adaptation into Latin and then to English. Common English words from Greek include “academy,” “apology,” “marathon,” “siren,” “alphabet,” and “typhoon.”b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• In the 1950s, only about 30% of Greek adults could read and write. Now, the literacy rate is more than 95%.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• Greek has been spoken for more than 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest languages in Europe.b (85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• From what I can tell from the above selected facts on Greek language is, that Greek language is very important to our history worldwide. This information may prove to be very exciting and interesting to those planning to visit Greece.

Conclusion

• Basically, if your a fan of sushi and Asian style architecture then I would recommend Japan to be your first destination to explore.

• If you like pizza and pasta, and love the roman style architecture then I would suggest you check out a hotel in Italy.

• If you like cold weather and multicultural food varieties and love some of Canadian outback or architectural designs that are of Canadian history, then I suggest you grab your snow coat and book a hotel in Canada.

• Although if your into a more Mediterranean style vacation with lots of historical attractions and all the olives and feta you can poke a stick at then Greece is the place destined for ultimate satisfaction.

• Basically all these selected countries offer you all a great selection of food , history, sight seeing and a massive variety of places to explore and learn about. If your the type to just explore the world then I suggest to do it all.

Canada & Italy - References

• Buzzfeed, (2013, Aug 29). Facts the would make you want to travel. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEfPzNS3Shg

• Government of Canada. (2015). Immigrate to Canada. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.canada.ca/en/

• Feenstra, N. (2012, November 19). Top tourist attractions in Canada. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.torontosun.com/2012/11/14/top-tourist-attractions-in-canada

• Tripadvisor. (2015). Top 10 Destinations — Canada. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g153339

• National Geographic . (n.d.). Canada facts. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://travel.nationalgeographic.com.au/travel/countries/canada-facts/

• Kwintessential . (n.d.). Canada- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/canada.html

• Statistics Canada. (2006). Immigration and citizenship. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/rt-td/immcit-eng.cfm

• Infoplease.com. (n.d.) Canada: History, Geography, Government, and Culture - Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107386.html

• Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Best destinations in Italy. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g187768

• Kwintessential . (n.d.). Italy - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html

Japan - References

• Facts about Japan. (2015). Japan facts. Retrieved January 19th 2015 from (http://www.facts-about-japan.com/)

• Food in every country. (N.D). food of the Japanese. Retrieved January 21st 2015 from (http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Japan.html)

• Ramen. (n.d). In Wikipedia retrieved January 21st 2015 from (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen) • National Geographic . (n.d.). Tokyo, Japan. Retrieved January 18th , 2015, from

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/tokyo-japan/• Yamanashi, Home of Fujisan(Mt Fuji). (2009). Mt Fuji. Retrieved January 23rd, 2015 from

http://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/foreign/english/english002.html• Hiroshima peace memorial. (n.d). In Wikipedia retrieved January 24th, 2015 from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima_Peace_Memorial• Jigokudani yaen-koen. (n.d). The world of snow monkey. Retrieved January 23rd from

http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/html/top_e.htm• Hakuba. (n.d) in Wikipedia retrieved January 18th 2015 from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakuba,_Nagano• Foodswol. (n.d). Sushi lunch. [photograph] Retrieved from http://foodswol.com/sushi-lunch-

screensavers-for-iphone.html• Tvg connect. (n.d). The Holy land,[digital graphic] retrieved from https://tvg-connect.com/wilcox-

travel/• Ramen. (n.d). Nishiyamaseimen Ramen Wonderland [photograph] retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen#cite_note-1

Greece - references

• 85 interesting facts about Greece, (April 19,2009 ), http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html.

• Greek cuisine, Typical dishes(2015), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisine#cite_note-FTH-1.

• http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-greece.html paragraph 1.

• f Heinrichs, Ann. 2002. Greece: Enchantment of the World. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

• Images of Greece from google images.