The next stop on our whirlwind Japan visit was a night in Kyoto and we crammed a lot into 24 hours! Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is home to dramatic palaces and temples, the famous Gion district where 70 geisha still live and work, plus the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its... Continue Reading →

How is this for random? DD's brother, who lives in the UK, happened to be in Osaka at the same time as us! He was hiking with high school friends, then joined us for a ramble around the city. Adding to the family reunion, DD's son is currently living in Japan, so he caught the... Continue Reading →

Guess where I've headed on hols? Japan! I tell people it's my first time, but that's not entirely true. I spent Chinese New Year here waaaay back in 2001. I was working in Singapore at the time and wanted to make the most of the short holiday break, so I booked an organised tour. I... Continue Reading →

There is a lot of cake in my office. It is served to celebrate various birthdays, graduations, baby showers ... I think I’m allergic to it. Whenever I eat a slice I start getting stomach cramps. I have continued eating cake whenever it is handed to me ... just to be certain. Yesterday there was... Continue Reading →

I have a very first-world problem. But I need to get it off my chest. I booked a cruise for next year that starts in Auckland and concludes in Cairns. I was drawn to it because all the stops were islands, with Norfolk Island and Lady Musgrave Island as highlights. I am in bucket-list-ticking-off mode... Continue Reading →