Author Archives: farflungistan

Hoi An..better part of the Banana Pancake Trail

It’s no wonder Hoi An is on most travelers itineraries while visiting Vietnam and South East Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, a place to do some serious shopping and learn how to cook authentic Vietnamese food by a trained chef. Hoi An represents everything Vietnam is and more.  French, japanese and chinese influencesContinue reading “Hoi An..better part of the Banana Pancake Trail”

Let’s go Junk Boating in Vietnam

Let’s go Junk Boating in Vietnam Looking back at trip pictures of Halong Bay makes me want to skip the holidays and find a cheap ticket back.  Most Vietnam vacations include the not so traditional overnight stay on the famous Junk boats found in northern Vietnam.  Most trips can be arranged by a tour companyContinue reading “Let’s go Junk Boating in Vietnam”

Time to trim the tree…let the Holiday Season Games begin!

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the many traditions I have missed while living in NYC just short of 11 years.  My family decided to travel in this year for the holiday, so it just seemed wrong not to go and take a look.  The weather on thursday was mild but it wasContinue reading “Time to trim the tree…let the Holiday Season Games begin!”

Great Skate Escapes of NYC Black Friday Holiday Weekend

For those frugal travelers coming into NYC for some deals on Black Friday there is some hope of having a good time even after the wallet is empty.   NYC is, like many other cities is much more fun without a budget but there’s still so much to do.  It just requires a little moreContinue reading “Great Skate Escapes of NYC Black Friday Holiday Weekend”

Get somewhat off the beaten path in San Francisco

After a few days of celebrating the Giants win it is time to see the city they call home.  There are the usual attractions that people flock to which include the cablecars, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate bridge to name a few, but if you have been before or just want to learn more about theContinue reading “Get somewhat off the beaten path in San Francisco”

Get out of the Rain in San Francisco

Many artists and admirers would agree that art should be free to view by the public.  Many museums, local governments, artists and their philanthropic admirers believe this as well.  Thanks to their generosity, we the public are able to view pieces for free or at a low-cost to us the viewer. Art galleries, museums andContinue reading “Get out of the Rain in San Francisco”

Takayama: A great day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto

Takayama has the looks of what “old” Japan used to look like.  Located in the mountains in the northern Gifu prefecture,  Takayama has been protected from modernization.  Well…to some degree.  The snowy winters,  fertile land for rice fields and mountain spring water make it a a perfect place for sake brewing. The snow can cutContinue reading “Takayama: A great day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto”

What to do outside to Tokyo: Kawagoe “Little Edo”

There are so many reasons to find a Matsuri or Japanese Festival while in Japan.  Amongst those are eating your way through the street food selections, participating and watching the festivities of the  Matsuri  and to see the Japanese taking the time to enjoy life after a long work week.  One particular place which holds aContinue reading “What to do outside to Tokyo: Kawagoe “Little Edo””