Traveling is one of my favorite things to do in breaks. I usually go on at least one trip during holidays. I enjoy sightseeing of both natural scenery and cultural landscapes. In addition, I am fond of taking photos while traveling so that I can record the best memories and review them later in my life. Currently the top three countries I would like to visit are Germany, Iceland, and Japan.
During Christmas break, I went to Turkey for 10 days. I first went to Cappadocia, which is famous for its karst landscape. It has a long history from the Hittites during the old Babylonian Period, through the Rome and Byzantine Empire, and to modern Turkey. Inside the dry valleys and caves exists numerous underground cities which both the Hittites and Christians during Rome Empire used as shelters and fortress. Then I went to a small town named Bordrum on the coast of the Aegean Sea. I was impressed by its Aegean style architectures and fascinating seascape. For the last three days, I went to Istanbul, which used to be the center of trade and culture. Previously named Constantinople by Constantine the Great and occupied by the Ottoman Empire in 1453 C.E., there are a number of different cultural and religious heritages such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
During last summer break immediately after my high school graduation, I went to Japan. That was the sixth time I have been to Japan, and I still had a great time. I stayed in Osaka and visited cities around it such as Nara, Kobe and Himeji. Japan has its unique style of architecture. One of the most significant architecture I visited is Himeji Castle. Constructed in 1346, this castle witnessed many great battles and its masters had changed several times from one family to another. I am interested in history, especially in Japanese history. Therefore, my traveling experiences also provided me great chances to see the magnificence of history through my own eyes.