Travelling
If you asked me about a single destination for the best textile arts, I would have a hard time deciding, but it probably would be Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan textile lovers, this itinerary is for you. Having written plenty about the textile shopping in Uzbekistan here already, …
My favourite travel gifts are immaterial, and can be anything that enhances my travel experience. In most cases, other from being plain cash, a lovely special accommodation or an upgrade are my best travel gifts of all time! This post shows you some tried and tested destinations, special hotels and experiences you can gift to the traveller in your life!
How about a top-notch cooking knife as a long-lasting useful souvenir from your Japan trip? This post is about where to view the production process and then shop for a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai
This post details how to recognise authentic Laguiole knives, explains where and how Laguiole knives are produced, and where to shop for them. It concentrates on buying directly from one of France’s Laguiole knife producers in laguiole or Espalion, beautiful places in Southern France well worth a visit
You may have heard of the famous French Laguiole knives with their distinctive bee decoration. If you like cooking and fine cutlery, visit Laguiole and watch artisanal knife production in this beautiful village in Southern France, well off the beaten track and easy to visit by car!
On a quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto? Let’s search together! A work in progress, this post introduces you to some outstanding dessert restaurants of Kyoto, and give you an introduction to classic Japanese desserts.
Textile Lovers, visit Uzbekistan! Here is my shopping guide for ikat, suzani and more in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and in the textile-producing Fergana Valley.
This is my no nonsense guide to shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara for when you visit Uzbekistan. It is focused in local fairly made craft items, textiles and foodie souvenirs, with plenty of practical tips on where to find the nicest quality Uzbek souvenirs,
Did you know that you can see most of Armenia’s famous sights on day trips from YErevan? This post details some great day trips from Yerevan, including practical information on transport and how to organise tours
Your guide to shopping in the Caucasus is here! I am finally beginning to catch up during this period of not travelling very much. I mean, I could go, but due to the nature of my work, I am still somewhat more needed here in …
Being a vegetarian or vegan when travelling in Japan can be a bit challenging, but with a list of foods and a bit of Japanese it is not impossible. This post will suggest vegetarian-friendly foods and advise how to avoid fish and meat products when travelling in japan.
Keen to visit Yerevan in Armenia, but unsure how to get there? Neighbouring Georgia is well served by flights, and this post details a good way to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan on public transport
Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera, the Moss Temple, is a small temple in Western Kyoto that operates a strict entry policy and charges comparatively steep entry fees. Therefore, it draws far fewer crowds. Is it worth the trip and visiting for its exemplary Japanese dry landscape garden and famous moss gardens?
Gion Matsuri is a vibrant month-long festival taking place in Kyoto in July every year. It is huge and has so many highlights and is great for tourists to enjoy. Here is a guide on how to experience the best of Gion Matsuri as a tourist.
Do you want to visit the beautiful Kumano Kodo Region and take part in their famous fire festival, the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri? I visited in 2024 and am sharing my honest tips on attending this festival as a tourist, with timings, practicalities, and where to base yourself
