2 . Everywhere I look, there are new buildings being built. The neighbourhoods that I knew as a boy, filled with beautiful old buildings, have mostly disappeared, and in their place, modern, high-rise buildings have appeared. If we continue in this way, nothing will remain of our heritage; soon I will no longer recognize my city. What is left of the city’s traditional buildings and neighbourhoods must be preserved and it is important to begin this process now.

Historic preservation has become popular all over the world in recent years, but many countries have chosen new construction over preservation. There is good reason for this. As the population has become larger, people want the usefulness of modern living. However, the built environment should be more than shiny new buildings with air conditioning and washing machines; it should also show the beauty of our culture and heritage. How can our children understand our culture if we erase so much of the physical evidence (物证) of it?

The reasons for preserving historic buildings are not simply about an emotional connection to the past. There are also good economic reasons in favour of preservation. The repair and preservation of historic sites can become an economic engine, drawing tourists and small businesses to the area. There are several good examples of this in the Middle East. In Dubai, the historic AI Bastikiya district draws thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. It also attracts local people, eager to learn about their city’s past.

Those who are against historic preservation think that it is too expensive. But many recent projects all over the world have told us that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, renovation (翻新) of an existing building can cost about $40 per square metre less than even the most basic new building, while preserving the beauty of the original building. What is more, environmental experts believe that the greenest building is the one that is already built. New building almost always has a more serious environmental influence because it requires the use of all-new materials that must be transported, often over long distances, instead of recycled materials that are already on site. We recycle so many other things. We can and should recycle buildings, too.

Construction of the Tower of Pisa began in 1173     1     Pisa was a center of power and wealth. But work was stopped several times because of wars. The eight-story tower was not completed until the late 1200s. The tower itself is made of marble (大理石) and     2     (weigh) 16,000 tons. However, the leaning of the tower was not for its weights     3     for the soil underneath. The ground is     4     (soft) on one side than on the other. The south side has sunk 6.1 feet below ground level in the past centuries. The north side has sunk 12.3 feet!

5 . The Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour

The Longji Rice Terraces are the most amazing terraces in China. With a history of around 700 years, the Longji Rice Terraces show both the great wisdom and physical efforts of the Zhuang people.

At 8:00 am, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Guilin and transport you to the amazing Longji Terraces. (* Tourists staying outside of the city center need to pay an extra fee.)

After a two-hour drive, you will reach the entrance to the Longji Terraces, where you will take an eco-sightseeing bus to Ping’an Village. Then the tour guide will show you around the village. Lunch is on your own. Your expert guide can give you some advice on the food choices in the village.

After a short lunch break, walk for 20 minutes to No. 2 Viewing Platform, a perfect place for a wonderful view of the terraces beneath. You will have enough time to take pictures and enjoy the fresh air.

8 . Snorkeling with Seals in Nanaimo

※Location: Vancouver

※Duration: 6 hours

On this trip, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to interact with seals. Fly from Vancouver Harbor for a quick boat ride to Snake Island, where you’ll jump into the water to snorkel with seals and other sea animals on this unique adventure.

※ Highlights:

Take a seaplane ride

Swim with seals in the sea

See other animals such as bald eagles and geese

Vancouver Kayaking Tour

※Location: Vancouver

※ Duration: about 2 hours

Searching for a unique outdoor experience while in Vancouver? Discover the beauty of Vancouver’s city skyline and amazing shoreline on a family-friendly kayaking tour. Spend 2 hours winding and getting friendly with resident ducks and kingfishers. With an expert guide, earn kayaking technique and enjoy a city sightseeing tour.

※Highlights:

Kayaking tour of False Creek

Spot animals, including geese and kingfishers

Learn about the history and the city’s newest development

Quebec Ski-shoeing Excursion

※Location: Quebec City

※Duration: 4 hours

Discover the winter beauty of Canada on this 4-hour ski-shoeing hike. Ski-shoeing, a mix of cross country skiing and snowshoeing provides low impact exercise with peaceful forest landscapes. With hiking poles in hand, follow a guide onto snowy trails and learn about the Quebec woods. Warm up with hot chocolate, stop for breaks, and keep watch for wildlife in the area.

※ Highlights:

Enjoy a combination of cross country skiing and snowshoeing

Snap unique photos of the Quebec forests and wildlife

Great Slave Lake Ice Fishing Tours

※Location: Yellowknife

※Duration: Flexible

Enjoy an arctic experience of ice fishing on one of the largest lakes in Canada. Join your guide on an ice fishing adventure on Great Slave Lake, set in the most spectacular winter landscapes of Yellowknife, Your tour starts with hotel pickup. Afterwards, drive on the ice road to ice fishing locations. A safety demonstration of proper use of equipment follows. Choose between two tour options. Experience ice fishing at its best in a comfortable heated ice-fishing building. A light fish lunch provided afterwards.

※Highlights:

Family friendly small group ensures personal service