Green Bursa: God’s Gift and Sultans Legacy

Green Bursa: God’s Gift and Sultans Legacy

After a recent and very budget-friendly trip to Türkiye in November 2021, I returned soon after, in January 2022. This time, I would explore green Bursa, an hours ride from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport – my to-go airport with sometimes very cheap flights. The plan 

Seven Ways to enjoy Venice stress-free and within budget

Seven Ways to enjoy Venice stress-free and within budget

Venice, Italy is one of the worlds top destinations – and for some, one of the most disappointing. Crowds except in winter, sky high prices, scams, generally poor restaurants… some might as, is it worth even going there? Here’s my list of tips to enjoy 

A splendid two week Uzbekistan Itinerary

A splendid two week Uzbekistan Itinerary

Another  Uzbekistan itinerary! Sorry, couldn’t help it. I know I know, there are plenty on the internet already. In fact, this Uzbekistan Itinerary, like most, includes the classic Silk Road destinations of Samarkand, Buxoro and Xiva and starts in Tashkent, but id adds the Fergana 

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 

Hotel Review: The Lodge Hotel, London  – Stylish in  Suburbia

Hotel Review: The Lodge Hotel, London – Stylish in Suburbia

Another London post!  I like to visit London a few times a year, and finding lovely, stylish accommodation that isn’t crazily priced is becoming harder.  My answer to that: The Lodge Hotel.  It involves going out to the suburbs. Doesn’t bother me –  I love 

10 Great Places to Eat in Venice

10 Great Places to Eat in Venice

My 2021 Venice trip was my first respite not just after nearly ten months of lockdown, but also after an intense period where I worked a lot, mixed in with fear of picking up the virus. I had a little bit of money spare and 

Rishton Ceramics: Beauty and Tradition in the Fergana Valley

Rishton Ceramics: Beauty and Tradition in the Fergana Valley

What’s in Rishton? Firstly, it is the centre of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Rishton Ceramics are famous all over Uzbekistan. Moreover, of the ceramics you can buy in many of the tourist places all over Uzbekistan, many are produced in Rishton. The reason for this is 

Hotel Review: Swan Bed and Breakfast, London – Stylish Affordable Suburban Wonder

Hotel Review: Swan Bed and Breakfast, London – Stylish Affordable Suburban Wonder

Where in London will you find a well appointed, private, stylish room for to two just shy of 100 Euro? Impossible? It’s not impossible. Let me tell you. There is the Swan Bed and Breakfast.  Since very few people are reading here and this blog 

Visit Tashkent – Destination In Its Own Right Or Just a Necessary Stop?

Visit Tashkent – Destination In Its Own Right Or Just a Necessary Stop?

Do you need to visit Tashkent when you are planning an Uzbekistan trip? At the time of writing, the route into Uzbekistan  through the new International Tashkent Airport is the most common one and it’s impossible to avoid Tashkent.  So you might as well visit 

Xiva Blues and Whites:  A two-day Xiva travel guide

Xiva Blues and Whites: A two-day Xiva travel guide

My trip to Xiva started off rather inauspiciously, with me as a solo traveller rather than in a group of four. So, if I couldn’t “guide” my nearest and dearest, I will at least write this Xiva travel guide… I had arrived in Tashkent just 

Night Trains in Uzbekistan – sustainable, safe and fun

Night Trains in Uzbekistan – sustainable, safe and fun

Last year, I planned to take several night trains in Uzbekistan.   I wanted to maximise sightseeing time and since I don’t like flying, I booked  four longer journeys by train. The first two journeys on night trains in Uzbekistan would take me from Tashkent to 

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 

Shu Matsubara Knives – the perfect Kyushu Souvenir

Shu Matsubara Knives – the perfect Kyushu Souvenir

Shu Matsubara Knives were my first Nagasaki souvenir and remain one of my favourite souvenirs. After I successfully made it to Japan, I spent two weeks studying, venturing out on trips inside the city only. Then my husband came to visit, so we hired a