You know sakura (cherry blossom) season is approaching when your latte turns pink and your kombini (convenience store) snack becomes a floral tribute. Just a couple of weeks ago, the cherry trees in Tokyo looked winter-bare. I had attended our local cherry blossom festival which unfortunately had to go ahead without the guest of honor. […]
Asia/Oceania
Waking up with Shanghai
One of my favorite ways to experience any city is to wake up early and observe the locals stirring from slumber. Especially for crowded and busy cities, early morning is perhaps the only time you’ll see a quiet public space or streets free of the usual chaotic traffic. How do the locals start their day? […]
Magnetic Shanghai
Sorry about the lack of updates of late. Have been having some family time in Australia and during our stopover in Shanghai, well, they don’t much like Facebook there…or Twitter…or our blog it seems. Well, not just ours but certain hosts in general. In any case, it makes me feel better about the lack of […]
A Few Drops of Happiness
*Please note that this establishment no longer serves food. It now functions as a unique retail store selling the works of local artists and designers. The upper floor will soon be solely used as an exhibition space.* Who could not love a place that radiates with such positive sayings as “Happiness is the perfume you […]
My Afternoon with a Sushi Master
*It is with great regret that I announce that this restaurant has now closed.* Set back from a narrow street in Shimokitazawa, lies one of the city’s unassuming gems. Like so many restaurant jewels around the country, the home-like façade may have you wondering “Can I go in?” Rest assured that when you slide that […]
Hokkaido’s Miso Butter Corn Ramen
If I haven’t convinced you to make that trip to Hokkaido yet, then how about for a steaming bowl of the region’s specialty: miso butter corn ramen (味噌バターコーンラーメン)! The miso broth is made creamier by the thick knob of butter placed on top that melts its way into the hot soup, and the corn gives […]
Kecak, kecak, kecak
Bali’s Kecak Dance brings together chant and movement in a dramatic retelling of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. This classic love story depicting the struggle of good versus evil captivates audiences with its trance-like chant, intricate head and eye movements, and dramatic fire scene in which the “ring of fire” is stamped out by the […]
Travel Gallery: 2011 in Pictures
This year, I have been fortunate enough to travel to 20 countries – many for the first time, while others were return visits. Here is a look into my world of travel in 2011.
Dog Bites & Rabies Shots
The sun had long set – the streets of Ubud already virtually in complete darkness in the absence of street lighting. They were lurking in the silent shadows. I started riding in the center of the road to give as wide a berth as possible. I saw the shining beads of eyes reflecting back at […]