TRAVEL GUIDE: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Sunkissed beaches bursting like freshly pressed juice. Time to open the doors and register an Orange County suite for your next vacation. Because here's a trip. Forget 'The Florida Project' (great movie. Should have won some Oscars). This California county is more than a stop-off or a place to Motel your bags whilst your kids run around Disneyland, no matter how much wonder is there. But beyond the amazing Anaheim amusement attraction and it's loop da loops you can be shown the world.

Whether your hopping a train from San Diego, or even trying to gridlock drive out of LA, it's time to meet in the middle of this core and visit the fruit of California in all its segments like the stunning San Clemente. Because it's more than just Mickey Mouse ears or Goofy teeth. Check into Irvine and there's a Spectrum of things to see and we aren't just talking about the family friendly, mid-highway mall were you can shop 'till you drop your bags at a choice of restaurants before movie night. Or making it neon romantic on that wonder wheel that gives you some scope to how Sunkist bright this place really is.

Perfect palms borderline and hold this area in its giant grasp like Orange County's sister cities do like twins. In a calm, California chill area of mid-trip, rest-stop peace with friendly bed and breakfasts (may we recommend the lovely Laguna Lodge) complete with pools outside akin to where they bathed their feet daily on 'My Name Is Earl', sunrise to set. And of course there are always Starbucks and stops to eat a few wait a year crossings nearby.

But to get your kicks in this place somewhere on the way to Route 66 then you need to have a car, take a cab or ride the Uber app until the bank back home cancels your card (*shaking hand up*. It's not as stranded scary as it sounds...oh it's much worse than that). And there really is one ride that is worth putting your seatbelt on for a trip through the cactus Jack dry hills.

You can't pass through Orange County without spending a night in Laguna Hills. And don't let the MTV generation put you off Laguna Beach. From Venice to the talents of South Beach this writer hasn't seen sand and sea as sublime at tide sweeping in night-time. And as the Uber (what a great way for a solo traveller to make some light, breezy conversation) took made it just in time for a burnt orange, stunning sunset I was simply left laughing. That's something like pure joy and I felt it just in time as the light disappeared below the horizon and was replaced with a Best Coast, California night calm that envelopes this whole town like a love letter, penmanship signed, kiss sealed, and hand delivered. The picture perfect postcards dont do justice to a place that looks like a walking screensaver sample. Words I could write wouldn't even begin to do this all its bucket list justice. So don't read, be all about it. Ain't nothing like the OC. But this is your show.

And with a just by chance personal guided tour from local legend and now fond friend Blair McManus who makes beach art in the sand with the hands of his frisbee (or as it's properly, purist known the disco disc) that cavas this places palette with even more amazing attraction art that is a must-see on this shore canvas. There's so much history here if you let the locals tell it between grabbing a quick, quiet bite or coffee, but it's time to make your memories own. From the Laguna Hills Civic Centre building beauty to the stunning Huntington or Newport Beach by day to night like you Lana Del Rey record generation know like Santa Monica or Marina Del Rey there are plenty inspirations for Instagram. But forget all that social media white noise for a minute in a place designed for phones down, quiet as kept serenity. This is about you and me. And whoever you chose to spend this time with. And if scrolling through their smarts they say there's nothing to do. What could be more beautiful? It's yours. There's a lot to take in. And from the depths offered at Dana Point you can see it all.

So bask in this blossom special right now because even in this dry January Winter tis the season. But instead of R.E.M. dreaming about it. It's time to get your Orange crush. Because Orange County is the new place you're going to want to go back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: HONG KONG, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Towering even Bruce Willis' string-vest Christmas jumper classic 'Die Hard' with a 'San Andreas' like inferno, Hong Kong's skyline of palaces hasn't looked this grand since 'The Dark Knight' of Christian Bale's Batman slalom swooped through it in Nolan inspired IMAX bright lights and big cinematic screen. Can you smell what The Rock is cooking now? Look above. That's Dwayne Johnson jumping off a crane and into a C.G.I. monolith of a building block for his Summer smash 'Skyscraper' movie that we're talking about right now. And what better place to backdrop set this movie than the autonomous territory of the People's Republic of China?

Stunning. Like Los Angeles, Miami and Tokyo all rolled into one, Hong Kong is an amazing maze of culture and future. And it's one you'll want to get lost in. Translating a crossing of Shibuya neon with the glow of Times Square on New Years, vibrant isn't even the word. We're going to need a bigger dictionary. As if you take a boat across Hong Kong's harbour and view this cities skyline until the sun goes down and the electric bill goes up you know you're about to change your desktops screen saver. Just make sure the ship you set sail in looks like something out of 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' to really get the feel of this Far East treat. But anchor your day to night stay on shore for a couple of hours, as around 8.00pm you'll be hit with a light and music show that takes strobe effects to a whole new level. And as the skyline of skyscrapers sing as iPhone's ping you'll want more than a picture or a video. This vivid view evokes a feeling that can't be described of quantified on social media posts and likes. Like the ball dropping on 0:00, January 1st above that old Coca Cola sign you just have to be there. Or square.

On the opposite end of the spectrum and bay like the Tsim Sha Tsui, martial arts legend Bruce Lee bronzed promenade on this other side, the Central Waterfront Promenade offers a quieter, calmer alternative view of the cityscape. Perfect for yoga, meditation, reading or even a romantic picnic. And after dark on this boardwalk that leads to an amusement park and wonder wheel, the light show seen from across, but actually performed here minus the music booming across the sea makes for an experience that is surreal but...to want for a better 'Notting Hill' reference...nice.

But for a view that can't be beat in this city. Let alone any city in the world it's time to take a tram like a morning commute up the hills of San Francisco. And the Victoria Harbour peak tram that takes you to the top of the city will take your breath away like Berlin...and we aren't talking about the altitude. But as you make it to the summit, don't stop there. As light to dark the best place to get a picture isn't bodied behind all the selfie sticks and extended arms, pushing and shoving at the peak in celebrity like camera crowds where the view below is the movie and rock star. You ever been to the Louvre in Paris and tried to get a picture of the Mona Lisa? It's not like that Beyonce and Jay-Z video. It's truly ape####! And this is like that times ten...penned in to one area with a death drop for your phone over the edge. Instead why not walk one of the many trails that circumfrence this peak, skyline and the even more beautiful mountains that surround it? This makes for a real pilgramage explore that feels truly earned. And what you see is like nothing else in this crazy city. And the calmed vibe it will leave you with is as reenergizing as it is refreshing. Some cool mountain air away from the skylines smog? Now that is what can't be beat.

But walk the beats of these streets and you will see even more worth your camera lens in this city surrounded by steel and glass pillars. But with all these man made structures and artificial light it's good to get some nature for the soul. Especially after walking the Golden Mile of neon inviting bars and simmering stalls of delicious street food all night. And a hidden gem in the business end of this city is Hong Kong park and its waterfall walkways and even a fountain you can actually walk into and see the water cascading from inside. Perfect to cool off in the insect buzzing Summer heat that will leave you looking like you've been in a fountain the moment you leave your hotel lobby. There's even an official Olympic Square and if that wasn't enough a tea museum in Hong Kong Park which if you're British is basically everything.

There's so much in this city in the way of shops, restaurants and coffee houses in miles of malls that offer views worth paying for with each floor you hit. The wonder of Wan Chai even features a spectator stand of big basketball courts and soccer turf, side by side for all your sporting needs. No wonder Hong Kong is surrounded by so many apartment blocks for as high as the eyes can almost not see the sky. Everyone wants a piece of this place. And that's natural. But it's also natural to want to get away from that and find some peace and real Chinese culture and history. And that's where you should take a tour through this lands traditions. And whilst you can visit Ocean Park, Cheung Chau, the Lamma Island or even Hong Kong's Disneyland (O.K...that's not traditional), on the coast there's nothing like the beach beauty of the Repulse Bay. But if you want to take it higher then get out of town and take the Ngong Ping cable car to the Po Lin Monastery to the Lantau Island and ascend the steps to see the grand Tian Tan Buddah and pay your respects to this monument of Hong Kong and the Buddhist religion if you will. Nothing in this chrome and neon city that touches the sky with electric metal will leave you in more awe.

This city truly has it all and so much more they have to grow up towards the clouds. So much so 7.4 million people inhabit the fourth most densely populated place on earth where everything is only an hour away on train. But don't let that intimidate you. For all the people that's here and all that can be done in 60 minutes, HK is waiting for you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Berlin? Munich? Hamburg? Cologne? What's the first city you think of when you think of Germany? Stuttgart? Dusseldorf? Now how about the fifth largest city in the seventh biggest European country? Frankfurt just may one of the most underrated cities in the world. Take a look.

Globetrotting to the Far East? Or to Australia or New Zealand and beyond? Then you just may find yourself taking a connection to one of the leading destinations in the European Union, from Paris to Amsterdam and countries on this continent as one more. And if you find yourself with around 6 to 8 hours or more waiting time, then don't pick up the latest James Patterson or John Grisham airport novel (although there are shelves of beautiful bookstores in these warm and friendly airport terminals to keep you going), browse duty free for stuff you probably wouldn't even buy for cheaper back home, or use your carry-on or your travel companions lap for a pillow to get some shut eye that will probably lead you to missing your red eye. Be bold and adventurous and leave the slick BMW and smart Einstein filled airport and take a tour, or better yet a train yourself to explore the city. And this from a guy who romaticizes airports. Don't worry, shoes off they would never let you pass through security if you didn't have the time. You basically have a whole day. Especially when it comes to Frankfurt.

Around a quarter of an hour away from the airport by rail (give or take the minutes of pondering whether you have enough time, or the right train. You know us Brits. The train could say "Frankfurt, Downtown...exactly where you need to be, Mr. or Mrs. (insert name here) and we'd still scan whatever wifi we could possibly find to search for, "do you speak English?" in German, before asking them if this is the right train, speaking the Queens. But, alas we digress. Even if this isn't your said awkward scenario you should take a direct flight to Frankfurt the next time you get a run of two days off or more this Summer. Because this fantastic city is something else. And worth it's own individual visit in itself.

Shining brightly in the Summer sun and home to some of the most beautiful people and warm friendliness. Not to mention shops, shops and shops. Museums, history and corner after corner of culture. The moment you step out of Frankfurt station and into it's compelling metropolis you feel like you've known it for years, even if you're in a place you previously thought little about for mere hours. And it's a town that will stay for you for a life of memories. You feel like you could see it all in a day. But also like you could set up shop and live here tomorrow. How many other cities do that for you on arrival? London? Paris? New York? Tokyo? It's up to you. But to be frank I guarantee you'll have no doubt about Frankfurt.

There's just a feeling about this place. The state Hesse's largest city. The five century former city state and Free City of Frankfurt was integral to the Holy Roman Empire. And even though it lost it's sovereignty in 1866, to this day it's lost none of its grace and beauty. From the Parisian blocks and sidewalk cafes to the botanical gardens of green trees that adorn these balconies (this city even literally has a forest). From the timeless medeival Romer building and the Romerberg streets that step back in the same time like the chimes of Frankfurt Cathedral. To the Alte Oper first opera house with a fountain in the front that still sings like its statuesque structure, or that lady. But from that central point of Hauptwache and all the testimonial traditions you can see towered by the Saalhof scraping skyline and it's 21st century Europaturm, night and day view make sure you take it all in. But don't worry. Whether you're here for a week, a day, or just an hour one things for sure. You'll be back. And as you tourist trap chow down on a frankfurter with your spare change and see the cities big, solidarity Euro sign structure, you too will think..."how could we ever leave"?! Get there while you still can. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: YOKAHAMA, JAPAN

Tired of the big city? Then why not drive to the town famous for tyres like Good Year, Yokahama? It'd make for a good day. Although it, not Kyoto, nor Osaka is actually the second biggest city in Japan. After you know where. And its just a good hour on the train away from Tokyo. So what are you waiting at the station for? Time to punch that ticket.

Literally in name meaning "horizontal beach", Yokohama in the Kanto region of the Honshu island lies on the edge of Tokyo Bay. The capital city of the Kanagawa Prefecture is second to it's Tokyo neighbour in size, but the most populous municipality in all of Japan. And you can see why all the people are drawn to this city of the future right now.

As soon as you open your eyes to the magnificent Minato Mirai 21 business district you'll see what we mean. Even its name sounds like a place from the future. As the palm tree cicadas buzz above you in this Summer city like neon electricity you'll feel the same hum in this hub. A raised monument to white marble and green like the U.S.A.'s capital, Washington D.C., there's no place like the city a Netflix episode away from Tokyo by train. Lined with tall trees and what seems like a million malls, walk through what looks like a new town built on and old city and you'll be surrounded with as much as the eyes can see aswell as the yen can spend.

There's even iron sculptures that run through this district and look like rollercoasters. But the real rides lies a few feet away at the bay. Where an illuminating wonder wheel called the Cosmic Clock is something to behold aswell as check the time (especially next to a structure that makes it look like Yoko's version of Tower Bridge and the London eye next to the museum ship of the glorious Nippon Maru. A vessel that would even make Jack Sparrow swallow in 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' envy), particularly at a neon dusk. And a flamingo pink tracked rollercoaster literally loop and rolls under a fountain which Bellagio sprays as you descend into it. The Cosmo World amusement park used to hold the worlds largest ferris wheel, but today it's still home to a whole lot of fun for the family...or ahem, someone approaching their mid-thirties, travelling alone.

Channel Otis Redding and walk down to the dock of the bay and you'll be greeted with one of the best views to take in as you sit. There's a reason you're calm will be surrounded by locals painting in watercolours and those using the riverside as their morning jogging route. Even their perfect playlist can't beat this for motivation, like those relaxed opposite canvassing its inspiration. There's even some peaceful parks nearby to get away from it all. But if you want a view to beat all others in this tomorrow looking but traditionally feeling city than it's time to go north. And up as north as you can possibly go. The latticed Yokohoma Marine Tower laces one of the best views, dusk 'till dawn. Yet it's the Yokohoma Landmark Tower featuring a five star hotel and all the places to eat and shop you could drop for that is the real landmark. On a clear day you can bucket list add seeing Mount Fuji from here, the second tallest building in Japan. Making this the peak of your trip.

Just walking around this city in aimless wanderlust is the best way to explore all this place has to offer. Wait on a sunny day and this city has shades of the port of Miami. Or anywhere else with that particular harbourfront. Pick a place. But still, all in all it distinctly feels as Japanese as it is. Making it one of the definitive cities under the rising sun and definitly a place on the map for your dart if you're considering travelling across the Far East, let alone Japan. This was the main port of call for Japan in Jules Verne's 'Around The World In Eighty Days'. Legendary Japanese author Yukio Mishima set his iconic novel, 'The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea' here. And 'From Up On Poppy Hill's' anime art, one of Studio Ghibli's timeless greatest took place in the Yamate region. You can see the inspiration. Now you need to be a part of it. It's time to roll through Yokohama. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: OSAKA, JAPAN

Electric dreams stream through this Japanese city awoke in cyberpunk, like the neon noir of Tokyo dialled all the way up to 100. And if that capital city is the New York of Japan, then Osaka is the Los Angeles.

Tokyo has Mickey Mouse's Disneyland. But Osaka has the movieworld of Universal Studios too. The red and white Tokyo Tower is certainly iconic, even in the shadow of the Skytree, but Osaka has it's own one too in the heart of it's creatively clutered Tsūtenkaku territory. The Hitachi tower telling us to, "inspire the next" as it lights up at night in a neon purple reign that Prince would be proud of. Well here we go...

Once you drop your bags and lay your hat at one of the many affordable and appealing hotels (may we recommend the welcoming, all over the city and country APA Hotel? That's not only cost effective, but distinctly Japan, international and homely, all at the same time. No matter the size. There's just something about this chain that links all these trips together), right in the plugged in heart of this city it's time to get to stepping.

Walk around this culturally crowded city, between maddening market streets that will have you shopping and dropping and countless menus worth of places to eat, you may bump into more people than you care to meet. But once you find your feet there are hidden gems in this city that will be diamonds for your memories. Parts of this place will remind you of Tokyo, or the neighbouring Kyoto, only a one hour Bullet shot away by train. Take a turn though to the financial or fashion districts and this town won't just remind you of the United States Of America's New York, but Los Angeles' Rodeo Drive too.

The Abeno Harukas building planted in the middle of all of this perhaps offers the best panoramic view (see above) of this vivid concrete jungle, day or night for your pictures and pockets this side of Tsūtenkaku. As this 360 look of all Osaka has to offer in this multi purpose building, hotel and shopping centre is free to see as you escalator your way up all the floors to see something that is worth every step if you had to take the stairs like Cary Grant. Of all the points of interest and tourist traps in town this actually may well be the sight to see. And it won't require any yen to get this high and close to something so zen.

But from there you can see that there really is so much more to this capital city of the Osaka Prefecture and the second largest metropolitan area in Japan after you know who. This designated city of the Kansai region calls home to 19 million inhabitants...and you and yours too. So as you get yourself out there, hand in hand for a romantic walk down the Osaka Bay at the mouth of the Yodo River yours will be left open. As like that stream you will snake through this city and all the culture and collective memories it can offer you. From the grand Osaka Castle by day, to all the tastes and treats of the dubbed "nations kitchen" by its neon night.

But between all the stirring shrines and drawn lines through your itinerary, as you run through the classic canal district of Dōtonbori like the iconic Glico man athlete everyone raises their arms up for a photo with, you'll see something bold and beautiful by nightfall once the foot traffic disperses. As the trademark Japanese neon from all those Times Square at New Year shutting down, illuminated billboards bring a beauty in reflection on the river that runs through it below. And like Glico as you give the outstanding Osaka a hand, it makes for the perfect finishing line for your trip. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: KYOTO, JAPAN

Take a train from Tokyo to its anagram town Kyoto and a Bullet will shoot you city to city across the amazing country of Japan in a long and straight land where the trains only go two ways, back and forth.

Make sure you don't miss Mount Fuji either in a blink or go to the bathroom and you'll miss it moment as the infamous Bullet Train takes you past all the iconic Japanese landmarks on your way to another one. As Kyoto is more than just a jumbled version of the capital city of Tokyo, it's also another perfect mix of so old and so new. So Kyoto shows you the traditional and the future of a country steeped in legend but still stepping towards its legacy.

So whether you're going it 'Alone In Kyoto' like the beautiful French dance duo Air's instrumental track which will make for the perfect, atmospheric soundtrack for this trip, or if you are partnering with the one you love for a journey that will be as beloved as the one you have already taken, Kyoto has it all pillar to post.

The beautiful city is painted in poetry and immersed in your every inspiration. Once you step off the train and into this new world you will be surrounded by some classic culture and possibly the kindest strangers you'll never meet. The bullet's chamber of a train station almost acts like a moat seperating two parts of Kyoto, old and new. And with no place like this home in the world, let alone Japan you're about to witness one of a kind places all throughout this town. It's much more than just your lovable, local Family Mart's and Lawson's on each corner you take your JR pass.

This city has shops and boutiques for days upon miles of blocks and side streets. It may not be Harajuku but the market here is so long and be warned densely crowded that you'll end up walking (if you can call the slow saunter that) like something that resembles a penguin after fish. The only walk you'll take longer than that countless corridor is up more stairs than Penrose outside the downtown hub.

Because even though the white and red Tokyo rivalling, Kyoto Tower gives you a grand view of all this city beholds, if you want a real lay of this land then it's time to climb a mountain. And for all the stunning shrines that surround every part of Japan none is quite like the pillar pilgramage you will take to the one stand out Shinto shrine. The fantastic Fushimi Inari-taisha is tradition personifed. A real wonder of the world and your eyes which take your breath away, if you're walked to the point of exhaustion lungs haven't done so already. The head shrine of the God Inari sits at the base of the mountain of the same name. But as beautiful as that shrine truly is your trail is far from over. As those iconic orange torji take you to many smaller shrines all over the mountain that all told take up to two hours to walk, but will end up being something out of one day that your memories will remember for the rest of your life.

Tradition takes every corner here like your camera. From shrines like the Kiyomizu-dera and the Kinkaku-ji to the influential Imperial Palace to the bamboo and monkey world of the amazing Arashiyama whose bamboo grove walk is only rivalled by the torji trails of the Inari. But in all this beauty the Nijo Castle is something else entirely as you take off your shoes and walk the gravel silent grounds of something so moving the words you should keep to yourself just don't do this historic monument of ancient Kyoto justice. But your silence in the stirring presence of a service will be the respect this dark wooden place of times gone golden deserves.

But whether you're in the mood for a Philosphers Walk perfect from the hallowed cherry blossom of Japan, to the Autumn season. Or if you just came to this anime world for the magic of the Manga Museum from 'Akira' to 'Your Name', you need to save room and time in one of this country's big-three cities top two points of interest. The testament to this town in itself, the To-ji Buddist temple is boundless beauty like the cobbled canvassed roads, streets and walkways that lead you there in vintage shop (and we aren't talking about old tees, dungarees and throwback jerseys) unison and buildings of that same vein, screen door tradition.

By now you'll have probably found a decent place for dinner as this cities exploration eats at the soles of your sneakers. And every street has something amazing to eat. So much so that the food coma you'll go through after will demand the same bed rest that the days itinerary will have done to the rest of your body from your knees down. So the night calls for ample time to let yourself relax and rest and recuperate in one of the many individual, hallmark hotels this town has to offer for you to lay your hat. And to that end could we make a personal recommendation however of the SHE Kyoto hotel? In a country whose Murakami 'Norwegian Wood' love for The Beatles is to the letter, by the book this warm and welcoming place wherever your from tells you "SHE loves you". And when it comes to this perfect mix of traditional and modern aesthetic you'll love her too.

They even give you a smartphone loaded with travel info and walking maps to to see you for the rest of your trip where there's more to explore. So don't sleep in and make sure you're all charged up because between places to pin like the Shimogamo Shrine and the Koda-ji there's so much to see temple to shrine in a buddhist city that has to be seen to be believed. And we'll leave the rest of that up to you because like Kyoto itself and it's place in Japan, the beauty of this city and country isn't what you are advised to see, but what you actually discover yourself. And when it comes to this wonderful and soulful place you really may just find yourself right here. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

GUIDE TO: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

South Korea's soul lies right in the heart of its capital city. Seoul is right there with Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in leading Asian cities of the future that rival its western New York, London and Paris counterparts in modern day culture. Take one of your favourites out of the two countries of Japan and China and add some Seoul and there you have the holy trinity of this continents cities.

The moment you touchdown in the inspired Incheon Airport (boasting high-end boutiques and facilities. Ranging from a cinema to a mini-orchestra...and a shower), you really get a beat of this beautiful place. Even if you are on a long layover to another part of Asia or Australia you can catch a quick break here provided you're not red eyed. And all it will cost you is the time you want to pass too. Nothing is wasted here as the Free Korea Transit Tours offer you a different view and guide of the city for you frequent fliers depending on the time of day. And the coach will get you back in time for your connection...don't even worry. But from temple to skyscrapers take it from us, you're going to want to visit this place properly.

Because there's so much in Seoul. From the steps of a place steeped in history to the illuminating future as bright as the neon that shines like the windows of every office block as sky scraping day turns to night. And then that's where you can get your fill of all the food that this classic city has to offer in every corner you turn. And so what if your eyes are bigger than your belly...lets eat. And make sure you look out for some Korean BBQ, because nothing is hotter than that.

Unless your after the latest fashion. Because Seouls trading shopping district is a grand design. So if you're part of the clothes horse race then you can keep running through the sales until the day pales. As 24 hour opening times mean you can shop until the clock drops. And you can find it all here in this extended mall of a town. Fendi, coach...boyfriends with no free hands.

But if you're part of the, 'why buy what you can online crowd' than Seoul's sites are where it's at. And no landmark takes you higher than the N Seoul Tower planted like a skytree in the heart of Seoul's downtown district, offering you an outstanding view of the whole city it captures from it's tallest point and peak.

And there's a lot to take in that shines from sunrise to sunset like the beer tower like gold of the 63 Building. Many travellers spend their whole lives seeking out the wonders of this world for their Instagram memories and scrapbooks, but Seoul provides a formidable, famous five world heritage sites. Including the Changdeok Palace, the Hwaseong Fortress, the Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tomb of the Joseon Dynasty. That's a lot to cross off your list by the bucketload.

An arsonist may have burned down the iconic, traditional Namdaemun gate in the middle of this cities roads, but the people of this town that restores you built it back up, brick by brick. Even in the shadow of terrorism or the tyranny of the north, South Korea's Seoul still finds the light like seeing the iconic Mt Bukhan in the beautiful background of anywhere you stand.

There's so much history here no matter who or what tries to take that away and fron the ashes of fire Seoul rises again and again like phoenix. Now a pillar in this modern world and the cultures it connects like the bountiful Banpo Bridge and the majestic Moonlight Rainbow Fountain thay comes alive in the nightime. This city keeps growing street to skyscraper, sidewalk to stadium. Like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza that's modern art architecture and the Asian giant eatery Lotte World sponsered area where you can do more than just grab a bite.

But our place to pick and make a pilgramage to our the sensational Sevit Floating Islands which was the stream that lead to the changing tide of the Korean Wave culture reaching the wide world. This another highlight in a history making place that's about to hold and host the 2018 Pyeong Chang Winter Olympic Games, two years before Japan neighbour Tokyo hosts the biggest five ring flame event for the first time since 1964. But why wait? Right now it's time to make memories in a city that won't just have a place in your heart, but a home in your soul. TIM DAVID HARVEY.