My strangest experience in Tokyo goes, hands down, to my visit to the Shinjuku Golden Gai bar area. If you’re anything like me – having a strong preference for the casual-small-quiet bars/pubs rather than the full-blown noisy-party-dress-up bar/clubs – then
The Zhujiang New Town Skyscrapers : Guangzhou
Guangzhou has seen tremendous growth in the 4 years I’ve lived in this region. In my recent visit to Guangzhou, almost 3 years after my last visit, I was surprised to see just how much Guangzhou has changed. The Asian
Shenzhen University Games 2011 Stadiums : Day & Night
In 2011, Shenzhen hosted the Universiade – the World University Games. I don’t think the locals paid too much attention to it, but I could tell that a lot of money has poured into it, roads were built, flowers were
Lake Ashinoko: Hakone – Japan
Up the Hakone mountains by an old railway, followed by a a series of trams and cable cars, and you’ll find yourself in a gorgeous scenic crater lake, with Mount Fuji hiding between the mountains on a clear day. As
Hakone Open-Air Museum : Japan
My recent visit to Japan brought many unexpected pleasures and surprises. I can generally say that almost everything I’ve seen in Japan impressed me to my very core. The Japanese have a way of doing things that appeals to my
Back on the Dragon’s Back : Hong Kong Island hike
Two years ago I discovered one of Hong Kong’s best hikes – The Dragon’s Back. An easy hike with some of the best views any person could hope for, and all within easy reach from the city down at the
Yuigahama Beach near Hase : Kamakura – Japan
Japan is not what comes to mind when you think about beaches. But in my recent trip to explore the lovely Kamakura, a daytrip from Tokyo, I had the most pleasant surprise. Near Hase was Yuigahama Beach, a lovely stretch
Yuan Ming Yuan – Ruins of the Old Summer Palace : Imperial Gardens – Beijing
One of the great tragedies of the colonial invasion of China by the British and French during the 19th century opium wars is Yuan Ming Yuan. The former imperial gardens part of what’s known as "old summer palace" were completely
Confucius Temple and the Imperial College : Beijing
In the recent visit to Beijing I had the chance to visit a few of the must visits I didn’t get around to in my first trip. I based myself in a more local area, at the hutongs just off
Ueno Park and Yanaka Cemetery : Tokyo
Japanese cemeteries are unlike anything I’ve seen before. Though you can sense the influences of Buddhism and Asian style, the Japanese cemeteries feel different. They’re extremely esthetic, they include symbols and accessories not used else where, and most intriguingly, they’re
