We decided since we got sidetracked in Dunhuang that we had to at least travel to Turpan during our extended layover in Urumqi. It is unfortunate that it’s the worst time to visit the “Death Valley” of China but we’re here and not sure if we will be in this part of the world anytimeContinue reading “Catching the VIP Cruiser to Turpan”
Author Archives: farflungistan
The Buzzing Silk Road Sands of Dunhuang
Dunhuang is different things to the various travelers who either arrive by private car, bus, train or plane into this “City of Sand”. Some come here seeking to concur the Gobi Desert by camel and others are simply looking to view what’s left of the ancient Silk Road. There is enough here to please bothContinue reading “The Buzzing Silk Road Sands of Dunhuang”
A Little Time in Japan and Little Time in China
Japan will always be on the top of my travel list. June was spent traveling around the southern parts of Japan. Previous visits were short, but we now had the ability to spend as much time as we liked or could afford on the weak USD. We started in Osaka since a couple of friendsContinue reading “A Little Time in Japan and Little Time in China”
Sticker Shock in Japan
The island nation of Japan takes its food very seriously or at least tries to justify the large price tag for a very polished melon and other things most people find for much less back home or on the other side of the South China Sea. The same melon here in Japan would only setContinue reading “Sticker Shock in Japan”
Hiking up to the Surface of the Moon in Japan
The beautiful landscape shaped by volcanoes and the art of bathing in a onsen attracts many visitors to Japan and beautiful mountain towns like Aso. This small town is the prefect place to experience Japanese culture and see one of the countries largest active volcanoes even in the rainy season. If it is sunny –Continue reading “Hiking up to the Surface of the Moon in Japan”
Must-See Museum just an hour away from Shanghai
Last month I had the great fortune to have the opportunity to have an extended visit to Shanghai. Suzhou is one of the most popular day trip attractions for those visiting Shanghai. It’s even possible to visit when transiting through Shanghai because the high-speed trains go almost directly to Suzhou depending on the time. ThereContinue reading “Must-See Museum just an hour away from Shanghai”
The Sweet Volcanic Breezes of Mount Aso
JR Station in Kumamoto City Enough with castles for now and the cramped living style of the business hotel. Many parts of Kumamoto City are attractive enough for a short visit. The beauty and the history of the city can be seen in a few hours. Most of the major attractions are located in theContinue reading “The Sweet Volcanic Breezes of Mount Aso”
The Last Samurai Castle of Kumamoto…Tom Cruise wasn’t here
At first, Kumamoto was just a place on map where the bus from Kagoshima stopped and we could transfer to the near by train station and move on to Mount Aso. It didn’t take long to find out that it is home to one of the finest castles in Japan next to Himeji outside ofContinue reading “The Last Samurai Castle of Kumamoto…Tom Cruise wasn’t here”
Circling the Flame
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”
Farflungistan 