Tag Archives: Top Picks

Old Town Splendor

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

It was close to lunch when we hailed a taxi at the Takayama Station to take us to Futurishizuka Hakuun, our Ryokan.  Not exactly at the center of town but Takayama is small enough to go around on foot anyway.  … Continue reading →

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Posted in Hida, Japan, Takayama | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Nishiki Market

Posted on March 20, 2013 by

Kyoto has a kitchen in a vibrant retail market specializing in all things related to food – fresh seafood, fresh produce, fresh fruits, sweets, knives, cookware, etc. – 5 blocks long, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

East of Kyoto: Of Geishas and Wagyu

Posted on March 4, 2013 by

Their world a mystery to me, my fascination with Geishas is one reason I am walking the streets of Gion. To catch a Gion Odori  (a geisha dance performance) at the Gion Kaikan Theater was high on my list of priorities … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

East of Kyoto: Southern Higashiyama Neighborhood Walk

Posted on February 15, 2013 by

Credits: Papers by Designs by Tater from ScrapMatter’s Life’s Little Surprises Kit. The guesthouse took sometime to find.  Tucked away in a street where cars aren’t allowed.  The driver of our shuttle service eventually found it; he led us into … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Kyoto | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

East Africa

Posted on January 29, 2013 by

It actually stretches from the northern arid deserts of Ethiopia to the tropical forests of Mozambique and Madagascar, with 19 countries in between.  While my East African adventure in 2006 only spanned 3 countries, the experience it yielded were quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

The Way to Initiate the Novice

Posted on January 7, 2013 by

I’m with some novice trekkers, not that I mind, it is an easy trek after all.  I am thrilled, in fact, to have them experience the joy of summiting after an uphill struggle that seemed never-ending and pointless, and to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cagayan Province, Palui Island, Philippines, Sta. Ana | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Best of 2012

Posted on January 3, 2013 by

Forgive the silence… would you believe that I ushered in the New Year with colds and fever?  But that didn’t stop me from having friends over for the count down. No.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Credits: … Continue reading →

Posted in Batanes, Cagayan Province, Hirayu, Japan, Laos, Palui Island, Philippines, Siayan, Sta. Ana, Vang Vieng, Y'ami | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Rest of Batan: Imnajbu Point

Posted on November 6, 2012 by

I have taken a photo of this same spot every time I come to Batanes. Taken in 2006 It is, after all, one of my favorite spot in Batanes because of how the road cuts through the low-lying hill leaving a … Continue reading →

Posted in Batan, Batanes, Philippines | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Basco Jaunts: Quaint Little Café in Naidi Hills

Posted on October 11, 2012 by

Heard one of the bunkers in Naidi Hills is now a café.  Open only after office hours because the owners have day jobs.  So I noted to self: to have dinner there tonight. Naidi Hills used to just be a … Continue reading →

Posted in Basco, Batan, Batanes, Philippines | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Basco Jaunts: Vayang Rolling Hills

Posted on October 6, 2012 by

Credits: Red overlay by Kari Holts or iKari Design. It is perhaps the most visited in Basco.  This place somewhat epitomizes Batanes in the minds of many… endless rolling hills, blue skies and magnificent views of the sea, the South … Continue reading →

Posted in Basco, Batan, Batanes, Philippines | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments