The best cafe in Nozawa-Onsen

If Studio Ghibli ever made a movie about a cute, loving couple who ran a cafe that served fantastic lattes, mochas, hot chocolates, baked curry, cakes, other home-made comfort food, and THE CUTEST cookies in the world…THIS cafe would be … Continue reading

Shanghai, but not as you know it: ZhuJiaJiao water township

Forget the Bund, the shopping madness, the city lights…..get out of Shanghai and see something different.  ZhuJiaJiao is an ancient water township about an hour by rail out of Shanghai – and another 15 mins by taxi. We caught the train from … Continue reading

Singapore’s secret – where to find the best view of Marina Bay?

Singapore’s secret – where to find the best view of Marina Bay?

Let me start off by saying that I have travelled to Singapore before. And I DID spend more than a night there….but I didn't LOVE it or immerse myself in it the way I normally do. Each place has something … Continue reading

The Philippines – Salamat po

The Philippines – Salamat po

The Philippines. First time I've travelled here. And I'm surprised, delighted and intrigued. My only knowledge of the Philippines was academic – history of Rizal, the Spanish, the conversions, the US control, Japanese occupation. These people have been through so … Continue reading

Dogs – the universal language of awww

Dogs – the universal language of awww

Along my travels through Shanghai, Beijing, Lhasa, Nepal etc. one of the greatest bonding factors I've experienced is the universal love of animals. Purge all your Asian-eating-dog jokes/ preconceptions here. Shake it off, and embrace the fact that humans share … Continue reading

Roadtrip – Lhasa to Kathmandu: 4 days and 3 nights

Roadtrip – Lhasa to Kathmandu: 4 days and 3 nights

  It's been a long time since I posted. Drove out of Lhasa on the 19th of July, saying a sad goodbye to our little base in Lhasa. Lhasa felt like home after 11 days of wandering through back streets, exploring shops, … Continue reading

What did I learn from Lhasa?

  ​It was hard to say bye to Lhasa. We'd been wandering the streets around the Jhokang Temple and Bharkor street for over 10 days. Our last afternoon was spent doing another kora, walking around the Jhokang Temple with the … Continue reading