I read a lot of things before heading to Myanmar, especially about the practicalities of trip planning and what to expect in country. In reality, some of them ended up being true, others were not, at least not anymore. The situation is changing rapidly in Myanmar and it’s not nearly as difficult to travel there […]
Asia/Oceania
Renting in Japan: How difficult is it for foreigners to get apartments?
In a nutshell: very. Our lease is up for renewal this month, which reminded me that it’s already been two years since we finally got this place. Do you remember the drama just to get it? If you’re a new reader or simply missed it, you should read the post on how this place was […]
5 Things to do in Nyaungshwe, Myanmar (that aren’t a boat tour)
Most people visit Nyaungshwe in Myanmar to visit Inle Lake. However there is more to do in Nyaungshwe that just a boat tour. Here are five things to do in Nyaungshwe that you can fit around your lake exploration. Mingalar Market Throw yourself into local life with a trip to Mingalar Market. This isn’t a […]
Why I won’t be boycotting travel to Myanmar
Myanmar has been in the international news a lot the past couple of weeks, and it hasn’t been for the glorious stupa-dotted landscape of Bagan or the tranquil waters of Inle Lake. It’s been for the religious and ethnic persecution of the Muslim Rohingya minority of Rakhine State by the Burmese army and militia groups, […]
Your Ultimate Guide to a Grand Sumo Tournament in Japan
Watching a sumo tournament in Japan is a fascinating experience. Consider it not just a sporting event, but a display of long-standing culture and tradition. While it’s pretty easy to understand who wins and who loses, if you don’t know anything else about sumo, a lot of what makes it special will be lost, which […]
Japan’s Annual Health Checks: The good, the bad and the problematic
“I got all A’s on my health check!” I called out to Hai as I opened my letter containing the results of this year’s medical examination. “What’s new?” he called back, probably rolling his eyes at the same time. A friendly dig at the fact I did well in school. Yes, in Japan we get […]
The picturesque route to Inle Lake (The Slow Train from Thazi)
Most travellers in Myanmar take the bus to get from city to city. The rationale is clear: they are faster and more comfortable. So why would we sacrifice a day out of our itinerary to spend on a hot train? Well, we are suckers for epic train rides and when we heard about ‘The Slow […]
12 interesting things to do in Yangon (2 day itinerary under $20)
Many people say to see the Shwedagon Pagoda and then hightail it to one of the other highlights of the country like Bagan or Inle Lake. The glittery Shwedagon is undeniably the city’s jewel, but hitting the road before giving the city’s other attractions the chance to shine is a downright shame. While you can […]
Myanmar eVisa: How to get a tourist visa online for Myanmar (Burma)
Getting a visa for travel to Myanmar (Burma) is now much easier thanks to the government’s eVisa program. Under the program, passport holders of around 100 countries can apply for their tourist visas online. Who can apply for a Myanmar tourist visa online? Ordinary passport holders of around 100 countries may now apply for their […]