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Travel Review by New Zealand Tourism Board: Pearly Tan , Esther Ng, Chang Jit Wei 4/6

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Travel Review by New Zealand Tourism Board: Pearly Tan , Esther Ng, Chang Jit Wei 4/6

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Travel review By New Zealand Tourism Board : Pearly Tan  Ester Ng and Chang Jit Wei

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Travel review By New Zealand Tourism Board : Pearly Tan  Ester Ng and Chang Jit Wei

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Attractions

Fiordland National Park

A World Heritage Site, Fioreland National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Glaciers sculpted this dramatic landscape carving the famous fjords of Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sounds. Visitors here can explore gushing cascades, offshore islands, virgin rainforests, vast lakes, and craggy mountain peaks. The park is a haven for hikers with some of the country's best walks, including the famous Milford Track. Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the fjords, and visitors can also enjoy a scenic flight over the park for a bird's eye view of its staggering beauty.

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Negative Hong Kong Blog Review            4/3: Valerie Lim(15), Xiao Xuan(34)     4/6: Karen Tjia(35)

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Negative Hong Kong Blog Review            4/3: Valerie Lim(15), Xiao Xuan(34)     4/6: Karen Tjia(35)

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I am from Australia. Recently, I went to Hong Kong for a five- day trip together with my wife and 2 young children, aged 2 and aged 7. I thought it would be the perfect getaway after a busy week, but I was in for the rudest shock of my life.

It started out with the 4- star hotel. I had asked for special arrangements for my children, but when I got back after five hours, nothing had been done. I reminded the staff again but he denied that I had informed them earlier. The staff started to show his irritation was and even rolled his eyes at me! He then glared at me and asked if I wanted to see his manager. I was infuriated and was about to raise my voice when his manager came to settle the problem. Terrible.

Yet, it was not the main problem. The hotel seemed new, but once I switched on the air- conditioner, water would start dripping from it, and again, no immediate action was taken even though my wife complained thrice. It was only a day later did they change my family and me to another room which was slightly better. Meanwhile, we had to sleep uncomfortably on beds that felt damp, in a room with a loud air- conditioner. I really felt like we were in a refrigerator.

Yet, my troubles were not over. My new hotel room was situated directly above the hotel bar, and the floor and ceiling were practically paper- thin. How do you expect a child of barely three- years- old to sleep peacefully throughout the night? Sleeping did not come easy.

I have seen so many commercials on television and the Internet about Hong Kong’ excellent customer service, but it was all a façade.  I was shopping for new clothes at City Plaza and the salesman simply followed me around, wherever I went, and stared at me. When I left, unable to find anything that suited me, he began to introduce more products, practically shoving them into my face. Even when I politely refused, he began get irritated. When I finally left the shop, he was pointing at me behind my back and complaining very loudly to his colleague. This did not happen just once or twice, but throughout the entire trip, I received such poor customer service, at nearly all the recommended malls listed on Hong Kong’s tourism board’s website. Were all of the salespeople and staff in Hong Kong that rude?

The trip did not turn out as expected and I was really disappointed. The "4- star' hotel service was terrible and way below standard, and my shopping experience was not any better.  Overall, the trip was not the least enjoyable. I really hope Hong Kong could do something about the poor customer service. There is a lot of room for improvement.

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Korea by Crystal Tay(9), Jamie Lim(11), Tan Yi Lin(31) 4/6

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Korea by Crystal Tay(9), Jamie Lim(11), Tan Yi Lin(31) 4/6

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Accessibility: GOOD
Getting around Seoul, Korea is extremely convenient as there are subways, taxis and buses around for transportation.

Using the extensive subway network of Seoul is the most efficient way of getting around the city. Color-coded subways lines and multi-lingual signs and announcements help foreign travelers to use the subway system with ease.
Taxis in Korea are some of the world's cheapest, and one of the most convenient ways to travel in the city. The type of taxi can easily be distinguished by its color. Taxis are a great way for traveling shorter distances and to locations where accessible subway stations aren't close by. The taxis are also wheelchair accessible.
The public bus system is very well developed in Seoul and will take you to locations that aren’t conveniently located near subway stations. As of 2013, approximately 30% of all public buses in Seoul are low-floor buses and Seoul city plans to increase this number to over 50% by 2015 and to a 100% by 2020.

Attractions:
Dongdaemun Market: It is Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping district featuring 26 shopping malls, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers.
Myeong-dong:Seoul's shopping mecca filled with beauty outlets, malls, street stalls, and more.
Cheonggyecheon (Stream):This long, modern stream runs 11 km long through downtown Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace:The first royal palace built during the Joseon dynasty.
N Seoul Tower:One of the most popular ways to see Seoul's skyline.
Insa-dong:Experience Korea's traditional charm through food and shopping.
Namdaemun Market:The largest traditional market in Korea with over 10,000 stores.
Seoul City Wall:Once used as a fortress in the past, it is now a beautiful, scenic way to explore the city.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza:Boasting amazing architecture, this space is used for the latest and hottest exhibitions in Seoul.
Hongdae:Most energetic at night, Hongdae is known for its cafes, clubs, wall murals, fashion, underground music and art festivals.

Subsidiary Services:
KTO Tourist Information Center (TIC) Seoul Office
It provides a wide range of useful information and services to tourists visiting Korea regarding Korean tourist attractions, accommodations, food, and more in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. In addition, tour-related brochures, such as travel guide books and maps are provided free of charge. The KTO Seoul Office also holds experiential cultural programs such as playing traditional folk games, sharing Korean names, and more.

Diseases Outbreak:
MERS 2015
South Korea reported a new case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a former patient who had been discharged from hospital after testing negative for the deadly virus.
He was the last patient to be diagnosed with the virus, in the outbreak that killed 36 people in South Korea. The patient first contracted the virus while suffering from lymphoma. He was discharged from hospital after testing negative for the viral infection in two earlier tests early this month.

According to the Health and Welfare Ministry, more than 100 people who were in contact with the patient, including doctors and family members, have been quarantined.

Before this, South Korea had reported no additional cases of the disease since July, raising hopes it could finally declare the end of MERS in the country on Oct 29. But this latest case is expected to make that difficult for South Korea now.

South Korea recorded its first MERS case on May 20. Since then, the deadly virus has infected 186 people, killing 36.

But unlike the first time in May when South Korea was hit with this virus unexpectedly, South Koreans are not expected to be that worried about this case. They believe that the government has the situation under control and they do not think that the virus is going to spread further.

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Travel Review by Travel Blogger(Negative) on Korea (Crystal Tay(9), Jamie Lim(11), Tan Yi Lin(31)4/6

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Travel Review by Travel Blogger(Negative) on Korea (Crystal Tay(9), Jamie Lim(11), Tan Yi Lin(31)4/6

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Greece (Zhong Heng & Jia Le 4/6)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Greece (Zhong Heng & Jia Le 4/6)

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Greece going bankrupt made headlines in August 2015 but that doesn't mean the country's tourism industry is crumbling, experts say. On August 14, 2015 Greece and the Eurozone agreed to a third bailout. Greece, despite all its economic and political strife, is heaving with foreign tourists.
Major banks in Greece are closed, and citizens face restrictions on ATM withdrawals in light of the country's economic crises, the latest of which involved a rejection of a bailout deal on 5 July 2015. ATM withdrawals are limited to 60 euros per Greek citizen per day.However, travelers should be able to enjoy their vacations in Greece without major problems.
Foreigners are not subject to the same ATM restrictions. Greece’s Ministry for Economy, Infrastructure, Shipping, and Tourism, put out a statement telling visitors to the country with foreign accounts that they can withdraw as much cash as they want for their vacations.

As a precaution, tourists are advised to go Greece with the amount of Euros they need for their trip, as ATMs may be out of money or have long lines. Another way is to use credit cards as much as possible on the trip as credit card transactions at sale points are unrestricted.

TRAVEL ADVICE TO TOURISTS
In August 2015, our advice to travelers is: you may visit Greece without fear.

The beauty of the country has not been affected by the economic crisis. The landscape is just as beautiful as ever, the beaches just as relaxing, the sun just as warm, and the people just as wonderful (albeit a bit more pensive than previous years). All the reasons you could ever think to visit Greece are still there unchanged.

Tourists who travel to Greece in August 2015 should have no concerns, as the danger of Greece exiting the Eurozone has been severely minimized, and given the rought negotiations and bad press of the early summer, prices in Greece have dropped.

IS GREECE STILL SAFE?

Greece is still a safe country to travel to. Tourists are not targets of violence because of their nationality or status as visitors, and the Greek tourist destinations always feel safe. Protests and demonstrations are usually localized in the center of Athens, around the Syntagma square. Needless to say, if there are no demonstrations, Syntagma square is a safe place to be.

As a rule, such citizen protests are peaceful and very rarely end up in mayhem. But every once in a while, tension boil over, so even the most peaceful of demonstrations have the potential to turn ugly and even violent at a moment's notice. Unless you like being entangled in out of control crowds and being showered with tear gas (rare but potential), it would be best to avoid mingling in protests and demonstrations while vacationing in Greece.

While this is our standard advice to all travelers, it’s more relevant now: I would be best to avoid all political conversations with locals. No matter how strong you feel about your political ideas, or how close you think your politics are to the local concerns, it would be best to gracefully exit any such conversations from the start. Turn the conversation to the glorious history of the Greek people and you’ll enjoy instant popularity.

With the debt crisis, Greece needs tourism money now more than ever. Plus, the euro has declined in value, making it one of the cheapest times ever to visit the country.

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Newspaper Report on Paris Terrorist Attack  - by Maccolm (4/6) and Zhikuan (4/3)

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Newspaper Report on Paris Terrorist Attack  - by Maccolm (4/6) and Zhikuan (4/3)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on London by Ling Li Wen (17) and Saw Sze Jie (32)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on London by Ling Li Wen (17) and Saw Sze Jie (32)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on London by Ling Li Wen (17) and Saw Sze Jie (32)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on London by Ling Li Wen (17) and Saw Sze Jie (32)

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travel review by blogger on Greece(zhong heng& jia le 4/6)

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travel review by blogger on Greece(zhong heng& jia le 4/6)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Vietnam by Mariam (20), Zul (22) and Hui Yi (25) (4/6)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Vietnam by Mariam (20), Zul (22) and Hui Yi (25) (4/6)

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Newspaper report on Syria Oh Yunjae (4/3) Ashley Ow (4/3)

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Newspaper report on Syria Oh Yunjae (4/3) Ashley Ow (4/3)

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Civil war has been going on in Syria for 4 years, now entering 5 years. Before the civil war began, Syria boosted for having one of the oldest and sophisticated literary tradition in the world. As terrorists gained power, they rebelled against the government, making the country politically unstable, deterring tourists from visiting, causing regional fluctuation within Syria. Both residents and tourists are not guaranteed safety in any parts of Syria, due to the potential hostile acts that exists throughout the country. The hostile acts includes the use of chemical warfare, kidnap cases for ransoms or political purposes, suicide bombers and the use of improvised explosive devices.
Public places such as road checkpoints, shopping malls, and even government buildings are extremely dangerous as they become the main targets of ISIS, Levant, or others. Due to these, border areas of Syria are especially crowded with refugees. It is highly inadvisable to travel alone to Syria as many countries have released travel warnings about visiting Syria, as tourists would be putting themselves at risks.
"The line of control between rebel and government forces could just be a matter of city blocks, and anyone out in the open is at risk of being killed by either side."

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Travel Review by Ancel (4/6) Riz and Elizabeth (4/3)

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Travel Review by Ancel (4/6) Riz and Elizabeth (4/3)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Hong Kong by Anna and Christy (4/6)

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Hong Kong by Anna and Christy (4/6)

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Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient

Accommodation

Looking for accommodation in Hong Kong? Fret not, a myriad of options are available for you, ranging from guesthouses and youth hostels to boutique hotels and luxurious 5-star hotels. They are spread across Hong Kong, with hotels mostly concentrated on Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon area, and hostels located in the New Territories area.

Accessibility

In Hong Kong, visitors are never too far from major shopping areas and attractions. Getting around is simple via Hong Kong’s extensive, reliable and affordable public transport system, which consists of their subway the MTR, taxis, buses and much more. Through the use of the multi-purpose smart card, Octopus Card, travelling is made even more convenient, as it can be used for payment across the various modes of transport.

Attractions

Ladies Street:

A well known night market frequented by both tourists and locals, Ladies Street is always buzzing with activities. It is a shopping paradise for people who wish to follow the latest fashion trends. And if shopping is just not your cup of tea, do not fret, for it offers an astonishing diversity of street food and desserts.

Ocean Park Hong Kong:

Since its opening in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong, a marine-life theme park, has been leaving visitors spoilt for choice, with its wide array of animal exhibits, amusement rides and aquatic shows. During festive seasons, your visit will be made even more special as exclusive events such as Halloween Bash, and Summer Splash water play activities will be organised.

Victoria Peak:

The highest point on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak, has been the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times. The cool air, coupled with the spectacular panorama of Hong Kong’s cityscape, is definitely an experience not to be missed for all who venture to this beautiful country.

Subsidiary Services

Visitors Information Centre:

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is here to respond to your queries and provide information about all the sights, sounds and happenings in Hong Kong. Feel free to pop by one of our Visitor Centres, located on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and Lo Wu areas, as well as in the Hong Kong International Airport, we’ll be glad to offer our assistance.

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board for Chubu, Japan

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board for Chubu, Japan

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The Chubu Region consists of nine prefectures and is located in the center of Japan's largest island Honshu. There are various attractions in Chubu such as Mount Fuji, Kamikochi, Matsumoto Castle and Kawaguchiko Lake. There have been many positive feedback about these attractions from our tourists. The breathtaking view of Kamikochi and Kawaguchiko Lake is "something to die for", the view from Mount Fuji is also 'magnificant' while the Matsumoto Castle was "a beautiful castle with great picturesque views". These attractions are highly recommended for tourists to visit during niche tourism. Regret is definitely not a word you will use on this trip to Chubu.

One of the most recommended accomodations is Hirayu no mori, where tourists can enjoy experiencing the old-fashioned style of Japan Inn. Consisting of a traditional design that shows the culture of Japan, the room also mirrors the ancient culture of a Japan Bedroom, consisting of a Futon, , which is a traditional Japanese bedding consisting of padded mattresses and quilts and a Kotatsu, which is a heater with a table top on top of it. In addition, there is also an old traditional hot spring that is called Onsen, where it is heated by the magma underneath that allow the water to heat up, giving a sense of relaxation once entering in. Moreover, this inn also offers some traditional Japan food such as Ramen, which is a thick noodle with broth soup and Japanese-style Barberque, where instead of using the grill, the customer will cook their meat in an pot filled with burning charcoal that gives a smoky taste and other Japanese traditional Food.

To ensure that tourists spread the beautiful memories while staying in Japan, Wi-Fi network services will be available in the Chubu Region in order for tourists to be able to share the amazing view via social media.

In order to visit the Chubu region and reach the Hirayu no mori, tourist could have easy accessibility with the advanced bus transport network from the Central city of Japan, Tokyo. Moreover, to use the bus, you do not need to reserve a spot as you can just buy it using a ticket dispenser.

Furthermore, visiting Hirayu no mori on off-peak days, weekdays, will give a reasonable price per night ranging from 8000Yen ( S$80) allowing a budget traveler to stay and experience what Japan was in the past.

Hence, a 5D4N trip to Chubu is highly recommended as there are many different attractions to visit and there is also a hot spring to relax in after a long day of walking. The attractions will definitely make tourists enjoy their stay in Japan.

-Steven Cungwanara (29) and Teo Zhi Sen (33) from 4/6

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Travel Review of a Travel Blogger about Italy (Negative)Jordan , Mikail , Keane 4/6

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Travel Review of a Travel Blogger about Italy (Negative)Jordan , Mikail , Keane 4/6

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Singapore (positive) Mint, Olivia and zixuan

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Travel Review by Government Tourism Board on Singapore (positive) Mint, Olivia and zixuan

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Accessibility:

Singapore is a modern and well developed country.

Transport within Singapore is mainly land-based. Many parts of Singapore are accessible by road, including islands such as Sentosa and Jurong Island. The other major form of transportation within Singapore is rail: the Mass Rapid Transit which runs the length and width of Singapore, and the Light Rail Transit which runs within a few neighbourhoods. The main island of Singapore is connected to the other islands by ferryboat services.

Singapore also has many links to the rest of the world. There are two bridges which link Singapore to Malaysia – the Causeway, and the Second Link. The Singapore Changi Airport is a major aviation hub in Asia, and Singapore is a major transshipment port. According to the study conducted by London consulting firm Credo, Singapore has one of the most cost-efficient public transport networks in the world.

Attractions:

Singapore has many attractions to boast. One can enjoy recreational activities at Sentosa where there they can relax themselves at places such as IFly , the different beaches, casinos and Universal Studios Singapore (USS).Singapore has many attractions to boast. One can enjoy recreational activities at Sentosa where they can relax themselves at places such as IFly, the different beaches, casinos and Universal Studios Singapore(USS).There are also shopping districts and malls to cater to those who want to pamper themselves by doing a little shopping. The range of shopping districts includes Orchard Road, Bugis Junction and Chinatown. Here, tourists can buy souvenirs or little keepsakes to take back home.For those who are not in the wild side or just want to relax with their family regardless of their age, they can visit places like the Singapore zoo, Gardens by the bay, National Orchid Park or even the Singapore flyer.

All in all, there are many attractions catering to all walks of life, ranging from casinos to parks. The list above is non exhaustive and one can only know how it is like by experiencing it first-hand.

Amenities

1.  Changi Airport’s Budget Terminal was closed down in September 2012 for the construction of Terminal 4 which is to be completed by 207 and this new terminal will raise the airport’s total capacity to 85 million passengers per year. Changi Airport’s current facilities: The newly upgraded Terminal 1 now boasts a wider selection of shopping, dining and relaxation choices such as the Cactus Garden and the Kinetic Raindrops. In Terminal 2, there are 3 themed gardens to explore as well as an Entertainment Deck, a multimedia entertainment centre, for tourists to be kept occupied with games and videos while waiting for their connecting flights. In Changi Airport's eco-friendly 'green terminal', Terminal 3 includes the world's first butterfly garden in an airport and the world’s tallest slide in an airport.

2.  Estate amenities include HDB carparks, parks and gardens. In a small and highly urbanized city like Singapore, retreating to parks and nature areas is a wonderful way to escape from the hectic city life. Plants and greenery calm the nerves and green and open spaces provide many opportunities for people to relax, unwind and stay healthy. Also, there are BBQ pits in the parks of Singapore like Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park.

3.  Hotels in Singapore provide Wi-Fi in their hotel rooms and lobbies, meeting rooms with high tech facilities, 24 hour butler services etc

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Tourist Attractions

Japan, The Land of the Rising Sun

Japan has a variety of tourist attractions mainly situated in Tokyo for tourists to visit. The no.1 place tourists visit is Shinjuku, a huge crowded skyscraper district within Tokyo.

Shinjuku has offices, shopping centres and nightlife. These three components, especially the shopping aspect, are pull factors of Japan. At night, lots of tourists can go to Shinjuku's Park Hyatt, bars and take in the beautiful views of the city from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

There is also the Ginza neighbourhood which is a large shopping district much like Orchard Road and has lots of stores for both Japanese and foreigners. Here, one can find a variety of branded products from all over the world. If you just so happened to be visiting around winter, do keep an eye out for the Christmas lightings installed along the roads, which are know to be a feast for the eyes.

Moving around from neighbourhood to neighbourhood is no chore, for the train system branches out to every crook and cranny. Furthermore, here, the trains can even reach a speed close to that of a race car. Even going one round around the Yamamote Line takes only hours at most one hour and five minutes.

Japan welcomes you to her heritage-filled shores today.

Song YIng Xuan (4/3) & Ng Su Aung (4/6)

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hi

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Hi 4/3 and 4/6 please upload your travel reviews on this page. Due on Week 5.