Asia

19th January 2025

How to enjoy a capsule hotel stay in Japan

Have you considered staying in a capsule hotel on your Japan trip? Here is a handy guide if you are not familiar with this convenient budget friendly type of accommodation.

12th January 2025

Cruelty-free Japanese beauty – Shop cruelty-free!

Do you like Japanese Beauty hauls? Please do it with a conscience. This post introduces you to some cruelty-free Japanese beauty brands and where to find them. Japanese beauty and skincare products are great, so buy cruelty-free and enjoy! All have been purchased and tried by me!

28th December 2024

“To Face the Truth” My 2024 travel year review

The traditional end-of-year retrospective musings of trips completed and not completed.

15th December 2024

The perfect Uzbekistan Textile Lovers Itinerary

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, …

1st December 2024

How to buy a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai

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

3rd November 2024

My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto

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.

29th October 2024

Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan: Gorgeous ikat and vibrant colours

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.

29th October 2024

Silk Road Treasures: Beautiful Souvenir Shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara

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,

28th October 2024

See Armenia the Easy Way: Best Day Trips from Yerevan

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

27th October 2024

Shopping in the Caucasus: Great Souvenirs from Armenia and Georgia

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 …

27th October 2024

Finding Vegetarian Food in Japan – Mission Impossible or Easy as Pie?

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.

27th October 2024

How to arrive in Armenia in Style

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

20th October 2024

Is exclusive Saiho-ji in Kyoto (Koke-dera) worth visiting?

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?

6th October 2024

How to enjoy the Gion Matsuri as a tourist

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.

29th September 2024

How to enjoy the Nachi no Ogi 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