PLACES Christmas in Spain: Festive Road Trip from Malaga to Granada Posted on November 26, 2015November 20, 2024 Road Trip in Spain I made the amateurish error of packing late into the night before travel and incorrectly setting the alarm for 5 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. I woke up in a panic at 6:30 for a 7:30 flight. It would cost us an additional $400 and a… Read more
PLACES Ultimate Guide to Famous Temples in Kyoto and Spiritual Sites in Japan Posted on November 6, 2015December 12, 2024 Kyoto at first glance doesn’t appear to be a traditional city. Kyoto Station is modern and surrounded by other modern buildings… just like any other city. It has modern conveniences just like any other city. It’s one of the only places you’ll see women in traditional kimonos and no one stops to stare. It’s a land of a thousand temples and where traditions flourish alongside cell phones and everything else modern. Read more
PLACES Tokyo: Exploring the Biggest City on the Planet Posted on November 6, 2015October 18, 2024 Pickup a map to make sure you are buying the correct ticket or you may be blocked from boarding the train. Having access to all three will make travel easier below ground, but you can get around the city using only the metro, as long as you are diligent and plan accordingly. Like traffic above ground, the trains and the walking patterns run reverse to what you are used to. There are signs to help you if you forget. Read more
PLACES Shopping for Faux Food on Kappabashi Street Posted on November 1, 2015May 20, 2024 Ok, I admit it. From time to time, I find a few things more interesting than other people. Delve into the distinctive treasures of Kappabashi Street, home to remarkably lifelike food models. Crafted with the needs of travelers in mind, these models act as invaluable companions, aiding you in identifying menus across the globe, especially in places where the local language might be unfamiliar. These faux foods are great companions to menus and a cool souvenir from your travels to Japan. Kappabashi Street has become an off-the-beaten-track attraction for tourists looking to mingle with the locals, and that’s one of the reasons it made my list of must-sees. Read more
PLACES Tokyo Harbor Dinner Cruise: The Ultimate Guide to Night Views and Fine Dining Posted on October 29, 2015October 31, 2024 5 days exploring the quirky neighborhoods of Tokyo culminates on a sunset dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay with delicious food, awesome service and amenities, and a great picture window to see the Tokyo skyline. Read more
PLACES The Best Fireworks Festival in the Sky Over Busan, South Korea Posted on October 25, 2015June 9, 2024 A single firework penetrates the sky from one of the barges anchored in the ocean off Gwangali Beach in Busan. It’s 7 pm, an overcast sky, an unwelcome canvass to the fireworks display. More than a million and a half people have crowded the 1.4km long stretch of beautiful sandy… Read more
MILITARY RELATED Welcome to My Apartment in Baumholder, Germany Posted on October 15, 2015October 31, 2024 Don’t get me wrong, I loved our little apartment in Baumholder, but that town was well-known for its contrary weather. We fondly and not so fondly referred to it as the rock. We lived in an old stone mansion that had been renovated into four large apartments. We shared the second floor with a retired German officer. The first floor was split between a US Major and his wife. Across the hall was a 90+ year old German widow. Read more
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES Enjoying Italian Opera in Daegu, South Korea Posted on October 11, 2015June 27, 2024 Opera in Daegu, you say? Heck yes. I put on my favorite little black dress and had a blast. Since 2004, the Daegu Opera House Foundation has offered a full schedule of local and well-known popular operas, concerts, musicals, and ballets like Aida and Figaro. We paid 30,000 Won each… Read more