Fun Taipei Layover: Vegetarian Food,  Traditional Massage and Shops

Fun Taipei Layover: Vegetarian Food, Traditional Massage and Shops

I have just returned from six weeks of study at Nagasaki University and before I attempt several blog post about graduate study and my time in Kyushu, let’s do the somewhat easier posts – how I got there, and my very entertaining Taipei layover, compressed 

Flying China Airlines: What is it like?

Flying China Airlines: What is it like?

Recently I did my first long-haul flight in over five years, from Europe to Japan. And from what I heard and read, flying long-haul hasn’t exactly become better, unless you have the funds to pay for extra space and direct connections. I was flying China 

10 Hour Taipei Stopover: Short and sweet Temple and Relaxation visit

10 Hour Taipei Stopover: Short and sweet Temple and Relaxation visit

Is it worth leaving the airport if you have a Taipei stopover? Absolutely! On my recent trip to  Japan, I flew China Airlines and had a 10-hour stopover both ways. The first one was from 6.00 to about 16.00 on a Sunday. The second one 

Urgut Market – the best place for Suzani shopping in Uzbekistan?

Urgut Market – the best place for Suzani shopping in Uzbekistan?

Oh, the fabled Urgut Market. For years, I read internet forums and  guide books, wishing to visit this bazaar south of Samarkand. This time, I was going to visit Urgut Market, and please, if you are interested in textiles, let me share my Sunday shopping 

My lovely Koyasan Trip

My lovely Koyasan Trip

On my third trip to Japan, I was in a pensive state of mind. Koyasan would be just the right place to visit. Freshly dumped, having a difficult time at work. For a week, I just wanted to see temples, shrines and enjoy some quiet 

Diving in Aqaba, Jordan as new diver

Diving in Aqaba, Jordan as new diver

A few weeks ago, I returned from a repeat trip to Aqaba in Jordan, and this time, I was diving in Aqaba.  I highly recommend it as a friendly, affordable diving destination. What makes Aqaba great for diving? Aqaba is essentially a small port city 

Escape for winter sun,  budget classy style

Escape for winter sun, budget classy style

The darkest, shortest days, are over, so are the end-of-the year festivities for us Europeans, and yet there is another three-odd months of cold and darkness to look forward to. A winter sun trip is the answer But our bank accounts might look a bit 

How to  book train tickets in Uzbekistan

How to book train tickets in Uzbekistan

Due to f ew people asking if you need an agent, this post guides you how to book train tickets in Uzbekistan. I just booked myself three journeys by train in Uzbekistan quite easily through the Uzbekistan train booking website and it couldn’t have been 

Great travel on a budget in economic uncertainty

Great travel on a budget in economic uncertainty

Here in Central Europe, we are good at doom and gloom after nearly three years of pandemic and nearly a year of war at our doorstep.  Not to mention other conflicts not so far from us – Israel-Palestine, various environmental disasters, and now… if media 

How to buy superb Turkish bath accessories in Turkey

How to buy superb Turkish bath accessories in Turkey

If you would ask what are some top Turkish souvenirs, textiles and especially the famous Turkish towels and Turkish bath accessories  come top of my list. Of course, the bazaars and souvenir shops have tons and tons of souvenirs, from sweets, jewellery, lamps, ceramics and 

Awesome Aqaba: a relaxed Red Sea Resort in Jordan

Awesome Aqaba: a relaxed Red Sea Resort in Jordan

In the cold winter months during lockdown, I wondered when it might be possible to return to Jordan. I promised myself that soon as travel to Jordan is safe again, I will be back in a flash! Now that I take  a professional interest in 

Why not visit Turkey this year? Here is what you need for a wonderful trip!

Why not visit Turkey this year? Here is what you need for a wonderful trip!

Turkey has recently been one of the places to escape the madness, the overtime and the ever changing sets of rules that have dictated life in the past two years. Have you considered to visit Turkey this year? And while I am making more vague 

A Turkish Hamam Visit – the Authentic and the Touristy

A Turkish Hamam Visit – the Authentic and the Touristy

What can you expect from a Turkish Hamam visit? Have you ever wondered, but not quite dared to visit one? Well… Turkey, and  Istanbul in particular,  is a perfect place for a first-time Turkish hamam visit. What kind of hamam to visit? Only one piece 

Flying Aeroflot: What is it like?

Flying Aeroflot: What is it like?

Update 26. February 2022 +++ Do not travel On 24 February, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and started an unprovoked war. I therefore advise you not to visit Russia and/or use Aeroflot while this war is going on. With further sanctions against Russia looming, you may 

The Great Southeast Anatolia Express

The Great Southeast Anatolia Express

In November I finally went on a proper trip again – to Southeast Anatolia. This year had been difficult to far, but with some of the issues resolved and some health scare resolved, there was no reason NOT to go on a trip to faraway