Japan is renowned for being one of the world’s most expensive countries. Fortunately, of all the things you’ll pay a lot of yen for in Japan, food doesn’t have to be one of them. Of course, there are endless opportunities to spend big on food in Japan (a recent trip to Kobe and a $135 … Read more
If there is one thing Japan is famous for beyond the cherry blossom, it is Mount Fuji and I was determined to visit this snow-dipped wonder during my stay in Japan. However, things didn’t go to plan. Learning from my mistakes, here is how NOT to visit Mount Fuji in spring. Don’t assume seeing Mount … Read more
I consider myself to be a reasonably savvy traveller, yet the Japan Rail Pass had me stumped for a while. Why? It’s not the simplest rail ticket around. After several days researching what the pass is about, whether it is worth it, how to get it and how to use it (which I’m currently doing … Read more
Eclectic and electric, Tokyo is all things to all people. Whether you want to scratch beneath the glitzy surface to locate Tokyo’s strong sense of tradition, graze your way through the city’s excellent sushi or shop (electronics and designer brands top the bill), this Japanese city will not disappoint. Of course, you may well be … Read more
Far too long ago I promised a list of my recommended hostels in Southeast Asia. In order of my route, not preference, here are my recommended hostels in Southeast Asia: Singapore: Beary Best Although it’s definitely aimed at girls (the place is filled with teddy bears), even the boys can’t knock the cleanliness and homely feel of this … Read more
This post about taking a 10-day meditation retreat in India is part of my First Time Around The World Series (my very first set of posts, way back when) which you can read in this section here. Having completed a 10-day stint at a Vipassana Meditation Centre I thought I would share this particular experience … Read more