Tag: Asia

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 

Hotel Review: Boutique Hotel Minzifa, Bukhara

Hotel Review: Boutique Hotel Minzifa, Bukhara

Bukhara is perhaps the place with the widest choice of charming small hotels in Uzbekistan, and perhaps Central Asia. So, on my trip to Samarkand and Bukhara, it made sense to push out the boat a bit and book a characterful traditional small hotel.  I 

Hotel Review: Antica Samarkand, Uzbekistan –  a cosy unique guesthouse

Hotel Review: Antica Samarkand, Uzbekistan – a cosy unique guesthouse

Samarkand is a large city and it is harder to find charming accommodation close to the major sights. The Antica Samarkand is a welcome exception.  Samarkand hotels are typically large, business-orientated and geared towards tour groups. But if you are looking for somewhere individual on 

Two Days in Samarkand: What not to miss (Part Two)

Two Days in Samarkand: What not to miss (Part Two)

I had the opportunity to fulfill a big dream, thanks to an unexpected week off work and the end of the Uzbek visa rule in March.  And I had to act fast before this gift of extra time was to be booked up. Quickly I 

Two Days in Samarkand – what not to miss (Part One)

Two Days in Samarkand – what not to miss (Part One)

My impromptu Silk Road trip to Samarkand and Bukhara lasted six days, including two long flights, and time was a bit of an issue. What to do if you have limited time, want to see everything, but don’t want to spend a ton of money 

Hotel Rahmon, Samarkand: A model of hospitality

Hotel Rahmon, Samarkand: A model of hospitality

On my recent flying visit to the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, my first contact with the locals was in this guesthouse I had just booked quickly in order to crash somewhere upon arrival. I had already booked some fancier hotels in Bukhara 

How to arrive in Armenia in Style

How to arrive in Armenia in Style

Armenia is a small country – with a small airport.  With only three million inhabitants, and Armenians living outside the country outnumbering them by about three times, you might think Zvartnots International Airport near Yerevan is somewhat of a large international hub where you can