It's been a whirlwind long weekend for me, jetting off to Japan for three days to enjoy the sights and sounds of three cities in the Ibaraki Prefecture - Sawara, Kashima and Itako, just north east of Tokyo, and it's the awkward and random experiences during those three days that will be most memorable. I couldn't believe more in the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," and yes, I made this my motto when staying at Itako Hotel, deciding to opt for public bathing rather than showering … [Read more...]
Jul 25, 2012
Poppies and peace
By · 3 Comments
On recent travels to Canberra in July for a weekend, I only had the opportunity to do the touristy thing at one attraction so after much debate and looking at a city map for about an hour, I decided the only option was the War Memorial - to pay my respects to those who gave me the freedom to live in Australia. Despite my European background with no family members ever having served in the Australian armed forces, it was still an incredibly moving and emotional afternoon trolling through the … [Read more...]
May 6, 2011
Queenstown Quickie in New Zealand
By · 1 Comment
Queenstown, New Zealand is without a doubt one of the coldest placest I’ve ever been to in recent years, but certainly one of the most chilled out and relaxed towns on the planet, and I am happily already making arrangements to go back next April. Surrounded by rugged hillside and mountains, towering over and beyond the crystal cold waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a haven for adventure seekers and backpackers who are on the hunt to earn a dollar and experience the taste of meeting … [Read more...]
Apr 18, 2011
A journey through nostalgic Tokushima, Japan PART 4
By · Leave a Comment
[Read the original copy by clicking here] Visiting Tokushima Prefecture has been an experience like no other; it is a region full of spirituality, culture, perfection, nature, and people and whilst I’m in the midst of my last few days, I can only hurriedly prepare to make arrangements of a return. Nostalgic Tokushima indeed has captivated me, and breathing in the last few breaths of Japanese air only invokes a sadness of my leaving the region but talking with the people and enjoying the … [Read more...]
Apr 1, 2011
A journey through nostalgic Tokushima, Japan PART 3
By · Leave a Comment
[Read the original copy by clicking here] Tokushima Prefecture is a region of sheer perfection when it comes to Japanese culture and tradition. Nestling on the island of Shikoku, Tokushima is bordered by the northern Sanuki Mountains and southern water bays. The region is a vast and stark reminder of how quickly one can live in peace along the countryside and then look forward to a day participating in the hustle and bustle of the big cities. My travel adventures across the lands of … [Read more...]
Mar 1, 2011
A journey through nostalgic Tokushima, Japan PART 2
By · Leave a Comment
[Read the original copy by clicking here] The island of Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four islands, and the fresh air of the mountains in Oboke Koboke allows humanity to breathe new life into its soul, and show the true nature of a rural backwater that remains elusive and genuine. I continue my journey through this sentimental and reflective mountainous prefecture, and my happiness in Japan has turned into a love affair. The people of extraordinary manner are feeling like … [Read more...]
Feb 1, 2011
A journey through nostalgic Tokushima, Japan PART 1
By · Leave a Comment
[Read the original copy by clicking here] The Shinkansen bullet train ride from Kyoto City, through Okayama train station and onto the island of Shikoku is scenic and calming, showing a vast change from bustling city life to the existence of real country living. It is one of Japan’s four main islands, but is seldom visited by outsiders as the region is traditionally a destination for pilgrims visiting its 88 Sacred Temples. I am visiting the Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku, and my first … [Read more...]
