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.
Travelling
Asia
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,
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
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 …
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.
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
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?
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.
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
Sasayama, the Stylish Country Town
Sasayama is the perfect place for a couple relaxed days away from the crowds near Kyoto and Osaka. It has a superbly preserved old merchant street, lovely ceramics, historic buildings and stylish cafes – a perfect place you will have all to yourself during the week!
How much does a 10-Day Japan trip cost?
How much is a trip to Japan? Well… it may cost less than you expect! Start with a reasonably priced flight, consider travel outside the main season, and book well in advance! This post is a spending breakdown of ten days, travelling on a moderate budget, taking in two major festivals
10 Things that make your Japan trip easy!
Have you thought of visiting Japan? It’s currently my favourite destination, but Japan and I go back a long time… 20 years, in fact! Here are ten things that make your Japan trip easy, and I hope I can encourage you to visit.
Kumano Kodo with limited mobility
Can you visit the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage paths and their sights with limited mobility, and what is the best route to take? This post describes accessibility to the main sited, parts of the route that can be walked with limited mobility, and suggests an itinerary and accommodations.
Flying Etihad Airways to Japan: What is it like?
An airline review on Flying Etihad Airways from Europe to Japan from a full fee-paying passenger in Economy Class. Would I fly Etihad Airways again? Yes, but… read the review to find out more!
Unjetlagging in Sakai
Visit Sakai if you land in Kansai Airport, and you prefer a soft landing, full of food, comfy beds and Japanese attractions… then buy a superb handcrafted kitchen knife from one of its many workshops.