travel
Dream Trips 2012 - Places and Things to See and do in 2012

Dream Trips 2012 – Places and Things to See and do in 2012

In this post I am not going to tell you the hottest new resort or the area that just opened up for tourism due to a change in government. It’s simply MY list. Dream trips that I have either always wanted to do or feel newly inspired to...
Unforgettable Omakase Sushi in Tokyo - Hashida Sushi

Unforgettable Omakase Sushi in Tokyo – Hashida Sushi

An unforgettable omakase sushi experience in Tokyo Through random coincidence I recently met someone who had lived in Tokyo for 20 years. Being a Japan-o-phile, of course I picked his brain about an upcoming trip to Tokyo. I wanted to get off the beaten track and have more...
Kawaii and How Japan is Kicking the World’s Ass on Cuteness

Kawaii and How Japan is Kicking the World’s Ass on Cuteness

What is kawaii and why is everything in Japan so cute? “Kawaii” is the Japanese term for “cute.” And if you know anything about Japan you know kawaii reigns. The love of all things cute is found throughout Asia, but it is heightened to an art form in Japan....
A Guide to Koh Lanta, Thailand – What to Do and Where to Eat, Sleep and Drink

A Guide to Koh Lanta, Thailand – What to Do and Where to Eat, Sleep and Drink

A guide to one of the most relaxing and chill islands in Thailand If you are looking for an island in Thailand where you can enjoy some of the best of the Thai beach scene, here’s why Koh Lanta should be on the short list. Lesser known than...
Biking in the Bangkok Jungle

Biking in the Bangkok Jungle

I never go on group tours, I hate having others show me around, and I can’t stand being spoon-fed culture. So what am I doing perched atop a borrowed bike with a group of European tourist zipping along the busy streets of Bangkok?
Reasons why Shanghai, China is one of the coolest cities in the world

Reasons why Shanghai, China is one of the coolest cities in the world

Why Shanghai is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now! I have been coming to Shanghai now for 4 years. For those who came in the 80’s and 90’s and saw a wholly different China this will no doubt seem very recent. My Shanghai...
Environmental Sustainability in Asia – From Food to Architecture to Manufacturing

Environmental Sustainability in Asia – From Food to Architecture to Manufacturing

The environment is finally on the agenda in Asia – from jewelry to architecture to food sourcing. I moved to Asia in 2007 – first to Bangkok, known for its pollution and traffic jams. People in Bangkok will drive their car 5 miles across town and it will...
Exclusive and Fantastic Travel Deals at Jetsetter

Exclusive and Fantastic Travel Deals at Jetsetter

When a friend told us about this fantastic discount website, we were hooked! I know not everyone is addicted to travel as we are. But I don’t know anyone who doesn’t get that little buzz from getting a deal, especially on travel. My friend Tracy (who’s also a...
72 hours Prague – Shopping, Sightseeing, Eating & Drinking

72 hours Prague – Shopping, Sightseeing, Eating & Drinking

An old friend gives me the insider scoop on Prague gems over a recent visit I was visiting an old friend of mine in Prague, Jason. Jason and his partner have been living in Prague now for 7 years and are clearly authorities on this charming and picturesque...
Market for All Things Fake in Shanghai

Market for All Things Fake in Shanghai

Faux designer bags, jewelry, clothes and more On West Nanjing Road, the side of Nanjing with the more local stores, lies 580 West Nanjing Road. An emporium for fake bag, jewelry, clothing and more. Here you will find everything from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Marc Jacobs bags and...
Hakone Ryokan and Onsen Hot Springs, near Mt Fuji, Japan

Hakone Ryokan and Onsen Hot Springs, near Mt Fuji, Japan

An amazing retreat only 1.5 hours outside of Tokyo Just West of Tokyo, lies Hakone – a picturesque Japanese town famous for its views of Mt Fuji, ryokans and onsen (natural Japanese volcanic hot springs). While one can go year round, undoubtedly the most popular time of year...
Guide to Shopping in Hanoi – the Nha Tho Area in the Hoan Kiem Lake District

Guide to Shopping in Hanoi – the Nha Tho Area in the Hoan Kiem Lake District

What to buy and where to buy it in Hanoi I travel a lot and I am tempted by so many stunning Asian goods and textiles. When in a country which has a famous good, e.g. Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Tea, Chinese Silks, Thai teak, etc. it is a...