Let's start right off and say that Turkey is one of the most historic, diverse and complex places on the planet. Stradling the line between east and west, it has always been pivotal in human history. While some of its religious and social aspects are traditionally associated with Western Asia, it is culturally…
Asia
Leave it to the Japanese (as ever) to create an efficient process, but then to add a layer of fun on top. Sure, in this case it's mainly for making commuting more efficient. About 800,000 people take the trains daily and their network now extends to numerous cities, covering over 2,400 km. Specifically, you may…
There are 195 countries in the world today, more than enough to keep you busy for the rest of your life, likely. And, when the inevitable comes and taps you on the shoulder, suggesting that maybe you should slow down on the quest to see all 195 of them, you might want to think of your Plan…
In this day and age, in this slice of time in the universe, you may ponder your existence and wonder what life is all about. Where is the good and why can't everyone share of piece of it? And, in the most concrete sense of the word, what is real, anyway, and would…
We don't need to spend too much time discussing how proud, clever and efficient (not to mention kind) the people of Japan are. Similar to the Koreans, the Japanese strike a balance between efficiency and personal pride, for the good of all. As a refresher, Japan is an archipelago, or string of islands, on the…
Like many modern, progressive countries, Japan has its eyes wide open when it comes to the environment and what we need to do to save it. In addition to Japan's willingness to live in smaller, more sensible dwellings, they are also world leaders when it comes to rail versus auto travel. And, this…
As of 2021, there were 7.888 billion human beings on the planet. Keeping with the recent statics, similarly, there are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine. In short, the numbers are…
We love how gigantic the world is. We love its people (when they act like humans.) And we love it even more when a new place appears to us. When you travel a lot (we do) it's always a huge thrill to discover something completely from left field, with so many enticing opportunities…
Japan is one of those places that, once you've gone, you'll incessantly want to return to again and again. And if you haven't been, then you'll surely have an aneurism when you are presented with your Smörgåsbord of choices for things to do there. The Japanese people are kind, smart, thoughtful and very,…
The city does, for sure. And who hasn't heard of it? If that's you, here's a brief primer: Hong Kong SAR or (HKSAR) is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta in South China. With 7.5 million residents of various nationalities in a 1,104-square-kilometre…
Can you guess what "The KL" is? No, not some here-today gone-tomorrow hip-hop band. And not some hopeful moniker for a forlorn small town in Kansas. It's the playful (and much easier to pronounce) nickname that the residents of Kuala Lumpur use to refer to their lovely and largely unsung country.
For…
Ah, China. A place of so much interest and of so much intrigue. So many of us lust to visit and have the best of intentions but, sometimes the Chinese government doesn't always make us feel welcome. And that is not to point fingers at its people: we're quite sure that…
We can probably count - on one hand - those of our lovely readers who don't love Studio Ghibli films, the Japanese animation studio based in Koganei, Tokyo. With classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and more, Studio Ghibli is an eternal film franchise that captivates everyone who watches.…
If you're looking for the unusual, you'll never go too far wrong if Japan is in your plan. A more playful people probably cannot be found than them. And why not? Why not have fun during your workday, or for your entire life, for that matter? You only live once, in…
Let's have a moment of silence for those who have tried and have failed. Here are just a few. We're sure you'll recognize a few: Sir James Dyson, Steven Spielberg, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, J.K. Rowling, Abraham Lincoln, Jerry Seinfeld... the list goes on and on. But, as…
Who doesn’t love a Tuk Tuk? We certainly do, and we’ve been in them from Delhi to Peru. Cramped, noisy, smelly, chaotic and 150% fun.
Japan is a wonderland of the beautiful, the mystical, the serene, the playful and the historical. Especially with the latter, if you count years using this imperial era system, this year (2022 on the Western calendar) would be 2681 in Japan. Not many countries can claim that. If we use the standard…
Our affiliate friends, British Airways have re-opened flights to Mainland China again.
Cats are one of the most undefinable species on the planet. We bring them into our homes and they seethe disdain and muted anger when we attempt to touch them. And then, moments later, they saunter up to us, curl up in our laps and purr as if there was no tomorrow. …
As your mother probably said, "you are what you eat." And she probably conveyed dozens more wisdom chestnuts along those philosophical lines. That's what moms are for, and they're inevitably correct. And, being mothers, they're always looking out for you, scouring the earth for news, tips, suggestions and hidden treasures to make you…