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Friday, August 8, 2025

It's Time For a Little Bit of a Fast Five From All Over!

 Just a little quip from the world of Adventures for Anyone's Fast Fives!



























1.    Taking a look at North Korea from The Dora Observatory.    This place sits along the 38th parallel and for anyone who's been under a rock for the last 75 years or so, that's just south of the DMZ.  It's one of the most famous borders in the world, with the mysterious North Korea on the other side; all but shut off from the rest of the world.  What makes something like that so fascinating?  Not sure, probably just the taboo of it all.



It's a great side or day trip from Seoul and other points in South Korea, and most tours are for less than $100.  There's more than you'd think to see there, with educational centers, the actual DMZ, the observatory, and even a wild bridge to walk on.  Bring your binoculars, because it's probably the closest you'll ever get to North Korea.



https://www.viator.com/South-Korea-attractions/Dora-Observatory/d972-a20544




https://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-korea/gyeonggi-do/panmunjom-and-the-dmz-tour/attractions/dora-observatory/a/poi-sig/1410014/357399




https://www.koreaetour.com/dora-observatory/




https://www.getyourguide.com/dora-observatory-l89991/




https://www.exploreshaw.com/visiting-the-dmz-from-south-korea/





























2.    Wadi Ash Shab Canyon, Oman.  This amazing canyon is about an hour and a half from Muscat, and it's best to take that tour, because roaming around in the Omani desert isn't for the feint of heart.  It's an amazing oasis in a rugged deep canyon with crystal clear water, and some amazing hiking.  You can take the equivalent of a river taxi to the opening of the canyon to start your 3 km hike, but as I say; I'd take a tour.



Oman is a fascinating and mysterious enigma and sometimes it's best to let someone show you a beautiful spot and how to get there.  You can hike, swim and enjoy a truly beautiful spot in the middle of the desert for the day while visiting one of the lesser known tourist spots in the world.



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g4506867-d1073179-Reviews-Wadi_Shab-Tiwi_Ash_Sharqiyah_Governorate.html




https://www.mapsandmerlot.com/wadi-shab-hike-in-oman-guide/




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtCnfDMZxMM




https://www.memphistours.com/oman/oman-travel-guide/oman-valleys/wiki/wadi-alshab




https://www.viator.com/Oman-attractions/Wadi-Shab/d745-a16267?gclsrc=aw.ds&&m=63845&supag=&supca=20927319006&supsc=&supai=&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:x&suplp=9192792&supli=&supti=&tsem=true&supci=&supap1=&supap2=&synthetic_keyword=wadi%20shab%20tour&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20933878235&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd65lSLStD6pz7BehjjL2iYSC&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGBxnZLoF-jarz_r-KCq_9OZVhJE78w2UAHezAl51HXqxtbTlDOPYJRoCEIgQAvD_BwE





























3.    Flixbus.  It's that big green bus and it's a great way to get around.  They offer great prices.  The buses go to a lot of destinations.  They're comfortable reportedly.  And, these guys are in Europe too!




I've been touting the freedom and the relaxation that comes with all kinds of mass transit, so why wouldn't I talk about this?  I remember when I was young there was greyhound, which to be fair still exists today, but it came with a stigma.  Only down on their luck poor people, nomads with no where to go and such rode Greyhound.  Stupid thought?  Yes.  I love it when I don't have to drive.  These buses both on this continent and in Europe will get you around for cheap.



I couldn't find any definite information here, but the European version online will help you plan your trip with both train and bus.  It certainly seems like a winning idea to me.  Don't miss out just because of your belief about bus travel.  I've been using trains and buses a lot lately and I love it.



https://www.flixbus.com/service/european-services




https://www.flixbus.com/




https://www.facebook.com/FlixBus/




https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.flixbus.app&hl=en_US




https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32655-d17802555-Reviews-or10-FlixBus_Inc_United_States-Los_Angeles_California.html





























4.    Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain.   What an amazing little pueblo town in southern Spain, not far From Ronda.  There is an old Arab Fort to visit, and this amazing town lies largely under a rock cliff.



The view is one of a kind.  The shopping is great, with a lot of stores to peruse and also a lot of local sights to see.  The food is good, and the structure is just surreal.  If you're looking for a great day trip while in Southern Spain, this is for you.




https://www.getyourguide.com/setenil-de-las-bodegas-l92408/




https://turismodesetenil.com/en/




https://www.andalucia.com/province/cadiz/setenil/home.htm




https://www.totallyspain.com/destination/setenil-de-las-bodegas/1181/




https://andaluciainmypocket.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-setenil-de-las-bodegas-andalucia-spain/





























5.    Emerald Star on The River Shannon, Ireland.  This is another idea from Le Boat.  Le Boat are the people that you can rent a yacht from and take yourself on a cruise.  They're all over.  I've read about them in other parts of Britain, France, Canada and on and on. 



Ireland is a place where you'll either take a tour or get yourself around.  It's quaint and beautiful with a lot of little towns and villages.  Taking yourself on a tour in Ireland is largely the way to go.  Hiring a Le Boat is a great way to go.



The company will give you an intro to the boat and the rules and the laws.  Then off you go.  It's like any other boat trip that you'd take on a private boat, except you're the captain.  The River Shannon is a great waterway to sail in Ireland, with great stops at Belleek, Enniskillen, Carrick-on-Shannon, and so many more!  All smaller towns.  All scenic.  It's a real interactive, self guided tour of some gorgeous spots in Western Ireland.



If you like to do things on your own, as I do, this is a great way to enjoy exploring Ireland.  Prices of trips vary but can be as low as $1,400.  It's not nearly as expensive as you'd think and what a great way for the self guided adventurer to visit someplace like Ireland.



If you're nervous, Le Boat is the largest company of its kind in the world.  They know what they're doing and they will help you have the time of your life.




https://www.leboat.com/boating-vacations/ireland/shannon?bases=POR%2CCARR&duration=7&itinerary_type=all&passengers=2&start_date=2025-08-29




https://www.leboat.com/boats/shannon-star




https://www.leboat.com/download-our-region-guides




https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g211879-d12706631-Reviews-Emerald_Star_Le_Boat_Carrick_on_Shannon-Carrick_on_Shannon_County_Leitrim_Wester.html




https://theplanetd.com/cruise-on-the-shannon-river/





There you have it.  This week's fast five is for adventure all over!  Whether you want to rent a boat, swim in a beautiful gorge in the Omani desert, dine under a giant rock, take a quick peek into North Korea, or catch a bus, we've got you covered.  Remember, there are a bucket load of bucket list things to see and do out there, and we all should have a little adventure once in a while.  So pack your bags and hop on the Adventure for Anyone band wagon and get out and see and do some great things!



Also, check out my YouTube Channel for adventures that I've been having!  A lot of them are insights into New York City and the Northeast of the USA.  Enjoy!







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