Two Wheels and a dram: Our Islay whisky trip – with a bit of cycling

Two Wheels and a dram: Our Islay whisky trip – with a bit of cycling

While  unable to travel, there’s an opportunity to recap something older that may otherwise never see the light of day.   It may delight,  in this case, lovers of whisky. I never wrote about my Islay whisky trip. It’s been a while, but as I occasionally 

Where to stay in Muscat on a budget

Where to stay in Muscat on a budget

Oman is still an affordable destination, but definitely not a budget destination. Are there even nice hotels to stay in Muscat on a budget? When I recently visited the capital of Oman on a diving trip, I was quite conscious on where to find good 

Why Oman is great for solo female travel

Why Oman is great for solo female travel

Oman is an excellent destination for solo female travelers, mixing traditional and modern influences with a history dating back 8,000 years. Despite limited public transport, renting a car makes exploring its spacious towns feasible. Oman’s people are known for their genuine friendliness and tolerance, due to the Ibadi Islam practiced there. The country offers diverse activities and safe, budget-friendly accommodations, with a more conflict-free environment than neighboring states. Despite being an absolute monarchy, travelers can enjoy its rich culture and nature with peace of mind.

Treasure Hunting in Arita

Treasure Hunting in Arita

Treasure Hunting in Arita  was dream come true. I love Japanese ceramics and porcelain.  Many years ago, trips to the now defunct Oriental City were a wonderful respite from  toiling away in a laboratory. Years later, my already decent Japanese tableware collection was supplemented by 

Okawachiyama, the Beautiful Village of the Secret Kilns

Okawachiyama, the Beautiful Village of the Secret Kilns

When you love Japanese ceramics, visiting Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island is highly recommended. I studied in Nagasaki this year , so a trip to the kilns of Arita and Imari was pretty high on my wish list. When I wrote my Japanese Ceramics Dream trip 

“A Red Letter Day”: My 2023 travel year review

“A Red Letter Day”: My 2023 travel year review

So, the end of the year is near… let’s write a wrap-up of  the years travels. The  traditional “between the years” 2023 travel year review. As the title suggests, it was a pretty good one! And, in the words of my teenage favourites, the Pet 

The Stunning Ravenna Mosaics

The Stunning Ravenna Mosaics

Ravenna in Northern Italy flies pretty much under the radar unless you are massively into history or Byzantine art.  I might be leaning out of the window by saying that the Ravenna Mosaics are one of the most stunning, most beautiful ensembles of religious art 

Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan:  Gorgeous ikat and vibrant colours

Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan: Gorgeous ikat and vibrant colours

Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan is brilliant. I mean, definitely if you are into traditional ikat pattern or very glitzy colourful material. I am not going to say visit Uzbekistan for fabrics alone, but if you plan to visit and if you are into sewing or 

The best Eastern German Christmas Goodies

The best Eastern German Christmas Goodies

Some amazing things come from Eastern Germany but are below many people’s radar.  Eastern German Christmas goodies are one such thing, and it is a real shame they are not celebrated worldwide. And as a proud Eastern German, I see it as my job to 

Eastern German Christmas Markets – the best and most underrated Christmas Markets of Germany

Eastern German Christmas Markets – the best and most underrated Christmas Markets of Germany

Hallo! Proud Eastern German here, and now the festive season is approaching, let’s take a look at Eastern German Christmas Markets.  Time to do a post about the most common travel reason to Germany in the cold and dark season: Christmas Markets! Indeed, hardly anyone 

Travels with my Godmother: Bangkok Shopping and Eating

Travels with my Godmother: Bangkok Shopping and Eating

So, what happened after we had finally passed the Thai border after our minivan trip from Kampot?  Bangkok Shopping and Eating seemed a long way away –  400km to be exact. We  were stranded on the Thai side of the border, 90km separating us from 

On finding Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan – I should be so lucky

On finding Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan – I should be so lucky

Can you find Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan in easily? I would say it is one of the harder countries for me, but then, I have never been to South America or elsewhere Central Asia. So, the answer is, Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan in relatively easily 

The Tasty Tea of Sonogi on Kyushu Island

The Tasty Tea of Sonogi on Kyushu Island

Now that I had successfully made it to the University of Nagasaki, I spent my first two weeks there studying, venturing out on trips inside the city only. Then my husband came to visit, so we hired a car and went to explore the countryside. 

Kumtepe Bazaar Marghilon –  heaven for fabric shopping

Kumtepe Bazaar Marghilon – heaven for fabric shopping

After a jolly Sunday at Urgut Market, I was really excited about visiting the other famous Uzbek Bazaar the Kumtepe Bazaar of Marghilon. I hadn’t found much about it online, especially not whether it would be good for purchasing some quality locally made silk and 

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