Tourism to Japan is back with a vengeance, and Zipair, Japan’s low-cost long-haul carrier, knows it. Starting this summer, Zipair will be introducing flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Although dates and times are not yet confirmed, what is known is that the relatively new airline will be utilizing Boeing 787s, fitted with a […]
The Leaning Tower of Niles
Did you know that the Leaning Tower was actually completed in 1934 as a way to conceal a water tank for swimming pools? If you didn’t, then you’re not alone. To be fair, I’m talking about the Leaning Tower of Niles, located in in the Illinois suburbs of Chicago. In the 1920s, Robert Ilg, owner […]
Trip Report: The New Terminal A at Newark International Airport (EWR)
stAfter reading about the opening of the new Kansas City International Airport (MCI) terminal on 28 February, I was … less excited about trying out the relatively new Terminal A at Newark’s airport (EWR), which debuted to the public on 12 January of this year. Current airlines at Terminal A include American Airlines, Air Canada, […]
Throwback Thursday: The Multilingual St. Louis MetroLink
On 2 March, 2021, at some point in the day, I had a three hour layover in St. Louis. Having never ridden the St. Louis metro system, better known as MetroLink, I was eager to give it a whirl. (for whatever reason, trying out metro systems, is one of my travel hobbies). Not knowing anything […]
My Favorite Outdoor Artwork in New York City is a Map
I really like maps. I like pointing out when they’re missing something, I like that many are controversial, and I like comparing them with former (and future) maps. Yes, yes, a good map would let you know where “north” is, and contain things such as a legend and a scale. But when your phone is […]
Hong Kong Eliminates Something Else, But is it Enough?
But most of us still have to test to visit? In early February, Hong Kong and China agreed to eliminate arrival quotas and COVID-19 testing for those crossing directly between the two places. Unless the visitor … had been overseas within the prior seven days. Overseas as in Japan, Egypt, Taiwan? Sure, everywhere else. Now, […]
Separate Checks: A Tale of Two Japans
When I was last in Japan a couple of years ago, I went with family to try the Kani Douraku (かに道楽) restaurant chain. Kani Douraku (translated as “crab hobby”) is best known for having most dishes incorporating crab in some way. Also, when you walk in — at least to the one in Kyoto — […]
Language Lunes: Mexican Aviation (and a Hint of Railroads)
The current Mexican administration has seen quite a bit of turbulence (terrible pun intended) in the aviation industry. No matter which side you’re on, these events have already happened: A “national referendum” on a new Mexico City Airport. The project that was cancelled after nearly 70% was completed, the Texcoco Airport, was replaced by the […]