the end was just the beginning
My first impression of Taipei - as our cab edged through the heavy morning traffic - was that it looked like Blade Runner by daylight. But my too-brief visit revealed it’s a destination filled with friendly people, fun, 24-hour energy and culture. I was sad to leave because it’s not the easiest place to visit... Continue Reading →
One of my favourite things about expedition cruising is the opportunity to explore remote locations that are off the beaten tourist track. Cities don't do it for me. They don't make my heart swell with joy. I love the open seas, the first sightings of land, the soaring cliffs, the wildlife, the wonder of it... Continue Reading →
We arrived in Fukuoka via a bullet train from Kyoto with zero expectations and had a bulk fun time. Nestled on the northern coast of Kyushu, Fukuoka is Japan's fifth largest city. It has a relaxed and very liveable vibe and we really enjoyed ambling through its chilled out but vibrant streets. Our first priority... Continue Reading →
DD reckons he’s been to Japan more than 20 times over the years on both business and leisure trips. But he’d never visited Kanazawa and definitely never played drinking games with geishas before … But let me start at the beginning of our journey … We caught two trains from Kyoto to Kanazawa on Monday... Continue Reading →
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 →
A man dressed as a giant cucumber sang "It's not easy being green" to me last night. And it wasn't a dream. Or a nightmare. I will explain in a minute. But first, I have a confession: I've gone on a holiday. I might not have time to blog for a little while, so 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 →
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