Although I know my way around Tokyo’s most-visited neighborhoods better than many other cities, part of the reason is because I try to stay in a different district each time. To wit, last month, I got to know Akihabara (aka Akiba) a bit better, and this month, it was Ueno’s turn. On that note, let’s […]
Asia (Non-Middle East)
Flight Review: Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong to Osaka Kansai
Although I tend to prioritize flights from which I could accrue miles, occasionally the rare hat trick of new airline (i.e. one I haven’t yet flown) + convenient times + competitive price manifests. As you probably guessed, this time the hat trick was performed by Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines. Unoriginal name aside (will they […]
Hotel Review: Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong
If you’re looking to do heaps of eating and shopping while in the Thai capital, you might want to know more about Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong. Location Slightly set back from busy Ratchadamri Road, and just a few minutes walk from the perpetually occupied Sukhuvmit Road, the hotel is in the heart of Chit Lom, one […]
Hotel Review: Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo
Although it’s a mere mile away from Hotel Niwa Tokyo, if you want to submit to the craziness of a vast metropolis, then you should consider the Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo. Location Right in the heart of Akihabara, aka Akiba (Tokyo’s primary electronics and otaku district), this stylish hotel is very close to Akihabara’s eponymous […]
Hotel Review: Hotel Niwa Tokyo
If you want all of the conveniences of a big city without the predictable hubbub, Hotel Niwa Tokyo would probably suit you well. For history buffs, the ryokan Moritakan, the first lodging on the current hotel site, was built in 1935. Then, it transformed into a more standard issue business hotel in 1973. Hotel Niwa […]
Five Choices for the Massive Bangkok Food Scene
According to some inbound tourism metrics, Bangkok is the most visited city in the world. With so many international visitors and expats, the Bangkok food scene must be something else, right? Indeed, food is often the first interaction someone might have with a country; with the exotic of appeal of the mere mention of the […]
Airport Supermarkets (updated 7 April 2025)
As much as I personally love finding new foods to eat, I feel that much better when I can share some of the findings with family and friends. Though, it would be fair to say I don’t always remember to get to a city supermarket for some last-minute local food souvenir shopping. Enter: airport supermarkets. […]
Flight Review: Iran Aseman Airlines, Tehran Mehrabad to Shiraz
I have a treat for many of you– a domestic Iran flight. Buckle up for a seat on Iran Aseman Airlines, from Tehran Mehrabad (THR) to Shiraz (SYZ). FYI, aseman means “sky,” or “highest heaven” in Farsi; the privately-held company was founded in 1980, and is based at THR. Earlier this month, I traveled with Key2Persia […]
