The one thing to not miss while staying in Kagoshima is making a day trip to the volcanic island of Sakurajima. The last major devastating blast was almost 50 years ago and hopefully it won’t go off again anytime soon. One of the three peaks still gives the surrounding area a daily coat of greyContinue reading “Circling the Flame”
Monthly Archives: May 2012
Quick stop in Kyoto and on to Kagoshima in Kyushu
Our stay in Kyoto was only a few days but we’re without regrets and are looking forward to what’s ahead. Our plans on where we are going in the weeks ahead are still pretty undefined. They mostly will be dependent on the weather, if we can find an apartment in Tokyo for the month ofContinue reading “Quick stop in Kyoto and on to Kagoshima in Kyushu”
Return to the Land of the Rising Sun
We said good-bye to Shanghai on Friday as we boarded our taxi in the surprisingly sleepy Jing’an District. The ride to Pudong seemed like more a demonstration on how our taxi driver could get us to the airport faster than his nemesis the speedy Maglev. Of course, there are no working seat belts in thisContinue reading “Return to the Land of the Rising Sun”
The Ancient and Modern Suzhou
Suzhou in Brief There are many reasons to visit the suburban water town of Suzhou. It’s where In 1272, Marco Polo stopped by and added it to his top 5 list of the most beautiful cities in China. This merchant city still holds its place as one of China’s trade and manufacturing centers. This beganContinue reading “The Ancient and Modern Suzhou”
Four Years and Seven Days Ago and I’m back in Shanghai
In the span of two long days we packed and stored our NYC life, grabbed a direct 14 hour flight from EWR to PVG, and checked into our new temporary home in the former French Concession (FFC) in downtown Shanghai. We chose Shanghai because we are familiar with the city and will be able toContinue reading “Four Years and Seven Days Ago and I’m back in Shanghai”
Farflungistan 