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”
Author Archives: farflungistan
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”
Transport with a splash of color
Most trips overseas for the intrepid traveler involve overland travel. There’s sometimes unavoidable on small islands in the Philippines and the desert expanses of the Middle East. The road offers adventure, perspective to a new place and experiencing the local color. Some of us have quickly found that schedules in most places do not goContinue reading “Transport with a splash of color”
Taking Flight in Bryant Park
Spring actually started as early as February in this section of the world and some would believe winter was a very kind one to all of us after how much snow was dumped on us last year. We had 70 degree days in January and we had very few that went below freezing. The earlyContinue reading “Taking Flight in Bryant Park”
Your priced out of a trip destination and a dream, can’t afford Paris? Part Deux
An evening stroll along the Seine/Bospherus. A room with a view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower/Blue Mosque at dusk. This is a city where travelers can show up with no plans. Time in both Paris and Istanbul can be spent just walking the streets and spending time viewing art in small and large museumsContinue reading “Your priced out of a trip destination and a dream, can’t afford Paris? Part Deux”
Your priced out of a trip to Moscow? How about Georgia instead?
We all have a vision on how we will spend our precious days away from regular life. For some its traveling far from home to a place where most things are foreign. An evening stroll along the Volga viewing the red stars that light up the top of the Kremlin, Seven Sisters and St. Basil’s.Continue reading “Your priced out of a trip to Moscow? How about Georgia instead?”
Spring is coming? That’s what Chuck says
Staten island resident ground-hog, Chuck, says that spring is coming soon. Doesn’t take a groundhog getting woken up from a winter’s nap to be able to see that coming. Daffodils are already peeking out of the ground in Inwood Park and some cherry trees have blossomed in Central Park. The weather is as usual unpredictable andContinue reading “Spring is coming? That’s what Chuck says”
Farflungistan 