Travelling
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, …
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 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
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
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!
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
When in France… buy cosmetics! Welcome to the cruelty-free French pharmacy! Once I discovered you can buy mid-priced, high-quality body care and cosmetic products all over France even in the tiniest village pharmacy, I brought home lots of skincare. I think plenty knowledge is out …
