14 | Viking Explorer Society News
Miyazaki, Japan
Miyazaki, set along the
southeastern shores of the
island of Kyushu, is known for
its warm year-round climate
and as Japan's sunniest city.
Steeped in history—the shrine
dedicated to Japan's first
emperor resides here—
Miyazaki is also important to
Japanese mythology. Legend
says nearby Takachiho, a
stunning gorge with sheer
cliffs and a cascading
waterfall, is where the gods
descended to Earth to create
Japan. The surrounding
prefecture is famous for
raising Wagyu cattle, its
highly prized beef famed for
its exquisite marbling,
mouthwatering tenderness
and unique flavour. 8
Sicily (Messina), Italy
Sicily has been shaped by
countless civilisations, from Greek
to Byzantine to Roman. When it
fell under Spain's purview in the
17th century, it was celebrated as
one of Europe's ten great cities.
Surrounded by undulating
mountains, orange and olive
groves and vineyards are plentiful.
During World War II, Messina was
the destination of the unofficial
"Race to Messina" between US
General Patton and British Field
Marshall Montgomery. In the end,
Patton arrived just hours before
his British comrade, receiving
credit for securing Sicily.
Castries, St. Lucia
St. Lucia boasts some of the
Caribbean's most idyllic beaches,
many near its capital of Castries.
This paradise is so seductive that
the British and French fought over
it for 150 years. The British finally
triumphed in 1814. Today, St.
Lucia is a sovereign nation, but it is
still part of the British
Commonwealth. The island has a
rich artistic heritage: the Cathedral
of the Immaculate Conception in
Castries is adorned with lush
murals painted by a local artist
and batik artisans keep a
cherished tradition alive in
their shops.
Eidfjord, Norway
The quaint village of Eidfjord is nestled in the heart of one of
Norway's most scenic regions. From the Norwegian Sea, the waters
of the expansive Hardangerfjord lead to the smaller Eidfjorden and
to this charming mountain hamlet. Eidfjord embodies the Norway
of every traveller's dream, the gateway to Hardangervidda, Europe's
largest mountain plateau of soaring beauty. Wild reindeer roam
here, among stunning, treeless moorlands dotted with pools, rivers,
streams and the Vøringfossen Waterfall, a 550-foot cascade that
plummets into the cavernous Måbødalen Canyon.
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