Travelling
Do you keep a travel journal? What are the best notebooks for your travel journal? Or are they a thing of the past, now the cheapest smartphone has camera and video function? Call me old-fashioned, but I have always loved to write my travel …
Do you like Japanese Beauty hauls? Please do it with a conscience. This post introduces you to some cruelty-free Japanese beauty brands and where to find them. Japanese beauty and skincare products are great, so buy cruelty-free and enjoy! All have been purchased and tried by me!
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, …
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!
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,
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 …
The post details travel plans for a week-long trip to Japan’s Kansai region. We aim for a culturally immersive experience, visiting grand sites and exploring new ones on a modest budget. Practical aspects like transportation, accommodation, and daily activities are meticulously planned, including considerations for cost-effective traveling and managing sightseeing around Kyoto, Sakai, Tambasasayama and possibly Nara or Uji.
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …