My favourite travel gifts of all time

My favourite travel gifts of all time

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 to buy a Japanese cooking knife in Sakai

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

How to buy a beautiful authentic Laguiole knife

How to buy a beautiful authentic Laguiole knife

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

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

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!

My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto

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.

Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan:  Gorgeous ikat and vibrant colours

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.

Silk Road Treasures: Beautiful Souvenir Shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara

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,

Shopping in the Caucasus:  Great Souvenirs from Armenia and Georgia

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 

My Traditional Japanese Ceramics Dream Trip

My Traditional Japanese Ceramics Dream Trip

Japanese ceramics appreciation post and where to find ceramics centres in Japan! This post is highlighting notable pottery regions such as Tokoname, Kyo, Bizen, and Arita, detailing the historical and artistic significance of each pottery style. Practical travel tips and advice on workshops, museums, and transportation are provided for each location, underlining the blend of tradition and accessibility in Japanese ceramics.

Fabric Shopping in Nagasaki: Gorgeous cloth galore!

Fabric Shopping in Nagasaki: Gorgeous cloth galore!

A hobby sewist shares insights from fabric shopping in Nagasaki. The blog details various high-quality Japanese fabrics available, from traditional prints to modern designs, and provides a thorough guide on fabric types such as cotton, chirimen, and Liberty Tana Lawn. Key fabric stores in Nagasaki are highlighted for their selection and decent prices. The post emphasizes personal experiences and advice for fabric enthusiasts.

Shu Matsubara Knives – the perfect Kyushu Souvenir

Shu Matsubara Knives – the perfect Kyushu Souvenir

My first Nagasaki souvenir, a Shu Matsubara knife, remains sharp a year after purchase, evoking fond memories of Kyushu each time I use it. Shu Matsubara, located in Omura, offers traditional and modern Japanese knives forged by the dynamic Katsuto Tanaka, who trains the next generation of smiths. My initial purchase led to subsequent visits, enriching my collection with a personalized knife. Shu Matsubara Knives, not just a store but a workshop, provides an enriching experience for those looking to own quality Japanese knives.

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 

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 

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 

Fabric Shopping in Bursa: From gorgeous silk to beautiful cheap cotton

Fabric Shopping in Bursa: From gorgeous silk to beautiful cheap cotton

As far as I can see, there is no blog post on fabric shopping in Bursa yet – but if you are a sewist and find yourself in Istanbul or the Marmara region, I highly recommend a trip out to Bursa. Bursa is well worth