In 2016, I visited the city of Kurume, Japan, located in the southwestern island of Kyushu. The city is notable for two major contributions to the Japanese economy: Bridgestone, the world’s largest tire and rubber company, and Kurume tonkotsu ramen, the “parent” of Hakata-style ramen. I guess that’s why the noodles were so chewy. Vocab […]
Miracle Lounge (Concourse G), Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
The 24-hour Miracle Lounge Concourse G Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is a sizable one. However, you’re unlikely to be using it unless your flight is leaving from a G gate. It has two entrances; one is slightly tucked away on the main shopping/dining level (level 4), and the other is near gate G2 (level 3). In other […]
Japan Trip Report: JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)
Although I’ve traveled throughout much of Japan, I embarrassingly didn’t once set foot in the Tohoku region until a few days ago. That’s where the rail pass, the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area), was of tremendous benefit. Firstly, let’s define the Tohoku region (in Japanese, 東北 touhoku, meaning northeastern): The Tohoku region is generally characterized […]
Air France – KLM Lounge Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
After a two week’s visit to one of the world’s food centers, it was time to move on. Since my next flight was leaving from BKK, let’s check out the Air France – KLM Lounge Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This lounge is located on Level 3 in Concourse F. Most lounges– save for a Miracle Lounge […]
Hotel Review: Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
The 298-room Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 — located on Sukhumvit Soi 11 –exists in a very crowded sea of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. With so much choice — and more options being built month after month in one of the world’s most visited cities — how does this property stand out? For a more literal […]
Restaurant Review: The Allium at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok
There’s too much food in Bangkok. Whether you’re there for street food, ample buffets, or restaurants, Thailand’s capital manages to combine a diversity of flavors and cuisines with quality. Consequently, for those of you stuck in the indecisive camp, let me make a recommendation– The Allium at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok. Address-wise, it’s a very […]
Crossing China’s Newest Border with Hong Kong
Last week, after flying in to Hong Kong, I wanted to use the new(est) China Hong Kong border crossing to reach Shenzhen. For background, the Chinese side is called Liántáng (莲塘), and the Hong Kong side Heung Yuen Wai (香園圍). It is located in the Luo Hu district of Shenzhen, in a more residential part of town […]
Downtown Check-In Reopening Next Month in Hong Kong
After more than three years, it appears that downtown check-in is finally returning to Hong Kong. Starting 5 July, passengers on select airlines will once again be able to realize downtown check-in for their flights at the Hong Kong Island Airport Express station, by the ifc Mall in Central. Lamentably, the last time I was […]
