Photo Highlights: Kyoto, Japan 2014

On my first day in Kyoto–my second trip here–I took a train to Arashiyama, where I walked to the Togetsukyo bridge and nearby bamboo groves, followed by Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with gorgeous flowers and a moss garden. In Kyoto itself, I visited Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) and walked down the Philosopher’s Path, a canal near Ginkakuji. Cherry blossoms, as well as peach blossoms were aplenty.…  Read More »


Photo Highlights: From Nagoya to Tsumago, Japan 2014

Nagoya was just a stopover point in my trip, and wasn’t exactly part of my vacation. It was memorable, however, for the food, since I was taken to a fabulous restaurant I’d never have found otherwise. From Nagoya, I took a day trip to Tsumago and Magome, preserved post towns that hail from the Edo period. Hiking along the trail between the two towns felt incredibly refreshing.…  Read More »


Photo Highlights: Ostia Antica, Italy 2012

Since I had five days in Rome, I took a day trip by train to Ostia Antica, which was once a port city. Known as an alternative to Pompeii, Ostia Antica offered so much to explore, and it was a lovely break from Rome’s crowded ruins. I had such thrill discovering all the little things, from overgrown nooks and ancient steps to worn frescoes and mosaic floor tiles.…  Read More »


Photo Highlights: Rome, Italy 2012

In Rome, I tried an Airbnb apartment for the first time. And the last time. The apartment was spacious and located in a central area, along Via di Capo le Case, near Trevi Fountain and the Fontana del Tritone (Triton’s Fountain). I typically pick hotels within walking distance to train stations, and this apartment met my minimum requirements. Unfortunately, the door to the apartment building had a faulty lock, and more often than not, it refused to open!…  Read More »


Photo Highlights: Dubrovnik, Croatia 2012

We took the scenic, winding coastal road from Trogir to Dubrovnik. The mountains and clouds looked so close, the sky and sea so blue, and the water rippled on and on. It was a gorgeous drive–let down only by Garmin. When we approached Dubrovnik from the highway, we had a hard time figuring out how to get into the city. Because Garmin kept asking us to turn into roads that didn’t exist. Worst, to turn into a mountain!…  Read More »