My Favorite Place in the Fall That Feels Just Like a Hallmark Movie!

Mike May once said, “I love the sounds and the power of pounding water, whether it is the waves or a waterfall.” Most people could agree with Mike May when they visit Kegan Falls in Nikko, Japan, as it is one of its biggest attractions. Nikko is notoriously famous for its natural environment, specifically, Mount Nantai, home of the Kegan Falls. Mt. Nantai was a place of spiritual worship. People believed that Fatarasan (a god) would provide water from the mountains, praying.


Mt. Nantai and Kegan Falls is typically in its prime during the fall season when the whole forest has turned into an aesthetics of perfect yellow, orange, and red leaves.


Mt. Nantai in Nikko, Japan is my favorite place for three reasons; my family and I would visit each other annually during the fall, and the view is incredible, Mt. Nantai was peaceful. My family and I would visit every year to see Kegan Falls as we stayed in The Turtle Inn on Mt. Nantai, surrounded by a scenic view of the mountain. Every morning after breakfast, we would go on the same trail behind the Inn. At the end of the path, my family would stand still for two minutes, closing our eyes while listening to our surroundings. We would hear the leaves ruffle with the mildly stiff breeze, the water flowing in the river, fellow hiker being amazed by the view and the birds of course chirping in the distance. Moments like these are what pulls us back every year.

Another reason Mt. Nantai is my favorite place because of the fantastic view, Mt. Nantai and Kegan Falls provides. Kegan Falls was an attraction that would bring people from all over the world. As this is such a popular attraction, there is an admission fee to go with a group of fifteen people, and there are three options for how you would like to view the waterfall. The first option is at the top of a stairway, where there is a panoramic view. The second view is at the bottom of the stairs, where you will see the waterfall directly in front of you. The last aspect is from the side as you exit to head back to the admission office. The scene of Kegan Falls was astonishing despite the little time we had to take it in.


The last reason Mt. Nantai is my favorite place is because of the peaceful environment your experience up there. Right outside of Kegan Fall, there are cafes and restaurants, hiking trails, a nature museum, and a handful of small businesses. Although this is a tourist attraction with visitors from all over the world, it is understood that everyone needs to respect the environment, which creates a peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone. We never leave Mt. Nantai with visiting House Toki, a café that overlooks the Lake. It’s one of the most peaceful spots of the mountain with a hot cup of coffee.


Mt. Nantai in Nikko, Japan is my favorite place because my family and I would visit annually during the fall. The view is magnificent, and it was peaceful.

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The Safest Ways and Places To Travel To Right Now! Because Staying Home Is Driving Us Crazy!

Everyone’s summer plans have changed one way or another. I originally planned on taking a trip to Virginia, my home state, to see my baby cousin graduate and possibly make a trip to Montreal, Canada, to take some fantastic photos. I don’t know why in light of everything happening in the world right now means adventuring shouldn’t happen at all this summer. Of course, I came up with 5 simple and safe ways to travel this summer.

Take a Road trip

At the moment it’s been recommended that we avoid air-traveling and taking a bus. Planning a road trip is much safer and a lot more personal of a trip. You and friends can plan an adventure and still enjoy the summer with these simple tips recommended by AARP:

  • Plan your route “You may run into some temporary closures.”
  • Pack essentials (water, snacks, medication, and hand sanitizer)
  • Pay for gas with cards not cash (avoid face-to-face)
  • Dining: In some states like Texas and Utah some restaurants are resuming dine -in service with some restrictions.
  • Sleeping: Call ahead to confirm reservation, just in case your hotel has closed.

Camping:

In some states like Indiana, their campgrounds are still open. Of course, you’ll need to make reservations to pitch a tent, but cabins are closed to bookings right now unless you go to Airbnb. Double-check in your state to see if campgrounds near you are still allowing tents to be pitched.

Take A Day Trip:

Getaway for a day takes a trip to the nearest open park, beach, or forest preserve. Double-check the parks’ website to see what open still and what restriction may be in place to enforce social-distancing.

Weekend Trip:

If a day isn’t enough, I don’t blame you for wanting to take the weekend off from quarantine as well. One was excellent, why not make it two? Airbnb is still available for rent right now, and getting a beach house for a city apartment may not be the worse thing to do.

Audible Gift Memberships

If leaving the house is too dangerous or you simply don’t feel safe traveling in any way, the best way to get away is through a good story. I have started listening to Sea Wall/ A Life with Jake Gyllenhall and Tom Sturridge. It’s a play about fatherhood from both the father’s and son’s perspectives.

So, You had to Cancel Your Summer Plans? Here’s a list of TV Series to Take You Away and Make Staying Home Feel Like a Staycation!

Most likely, you had to cancel your summer plans, whether they involved traveling overseas solo or taking a road trip with some friends or family. We’re all feeling the impact of Covid-19 keeping us home with no idea when the world will be opening up again. So, of course, with the semester ending or being over with, we naturally turn to the virtual world for entertainment and interactions like TikTok and Netflix. Still, eventually you don’t even know what to watch anymore. Here’s a List of from every streaming platform to turn your #stayhome situation into a #staycation.

Netflix:

  • Avatar: The Last Air bender
  • The Umbrella Academy
  • Never Have I Ever

Amazon Prime:

  • The Marvelous Mrs. Masiel
  • Warehouse 13
  • It’a a Different World

Hulu:

  • His Dark Material
  • The Great
  • Grown-ish

Disney+

  • The Emperors New School
  • The Simpsons
  • The Encore

Bonus: YouTube and TikTok

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#Blackouttuesday How to Participate in the BLM Movement! Especially Number 5

I don’t usually plan to post two blogs in one day, but I feel today is a day that everyone, no matter how much or little influence they have, should use their voice to speak up on the injustice of George Floyd and his family.

Today is Blackout Tuesday, according to News 4 Jax;

Tuesday, June 2, is Blackout Tuesday, a day promoted by activists to observe, mourn and bring about policy change in the wake of the death of George Floyd. This movement has spread on social media, where organizations, brands and individuals are posting solemn messages featuring stark black backgrounds”

New 4 Jax

Everyone should participate, no matter their skin color or political beliefs. We should be united on issues like racism and police brutality, so if you haven’t already or unsure how-to, here are five articles and resources on how to get involved.

  1. Gabi In the City: Evolving Beyond Performative Activism: 10 Ways To Confront Systemic Oppression
  2. Her Campus: How College Students Are Demanding Justice Right Now and What You Can Do to Join Them
  3. TimeOut :How to support Black Lives Matter, wherever you are
  4. Refinery29: Find & Support Black-Owned Businesses With These Apps & Websites
  5. Official George Floyd Memorial Fund

Stay safe!