No more PCR tests will be needed to enter China, as of 29 April. Indeed, with regards to COVID-19 entry requirements to China, things have come a long way, even since the first quarter of 2023. In other words, it’s no longer a sisyphean task to enter the country, particularly as a non-resident. The […]
Asia (Non-Middle East)
Sapporo, Japan’s Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン)
In addition to Japan’s most well-known home-grown soup, miso soup, there have historically been others – houtou, with pumpkin, mushrooms, and meat, and miso nikomi made in a clay pot – that employ both noodles and miso, or fermented soybeans. Miso is beneficial for immune and digestive support, and has a fair amount of protein, […]
Next Month, Japan Is Eliminating All COVID-19 Restrictions
Japan eliminates all COVID-19 restrictions … that has nice ring to it. Especially after all of those months of waiting in vain for the country to open (i.e. to reciprocate). And then seeing it open to badly planned tour groups. And then this: Yep, that was back in September 2022. I was able to get […]
Review: JAL Sakura International Lounge, Tokyo Haneda
Does the Tokyo Haneda Sakura International Lounge have anything on the Tokyo Haneda Sakura Domestic Lounge? You betcha. Ish. Access There are two security/immigration queues at Tokyo Haneda’s Terminal 3, aka the International Terminal. Regardless of the one you choose, look for escalators by Gate 114. Go to the 4th floor to access this Japan […]
Two Lounge Reviews: ACV Business & Song Hong in Hanoi
At Hanoi Airport (HAN) in Vietnam, the international terminal (Terminal 1 is domestic, Terminal 2 is international) has three airline lounges: Vietnam Airlines, ACV Business Lounge, and the Song Hong Business Lounge. All three are airside, that is, you must first pass security/immigration to reach them. Let’s pay a visit to the two non-airline affiliated […]
Lounge Review: Nagoya (NGO) Centrair Airline Domestic Lounge and More
I’ve finally found a lounge as miserable as the Priority Pass one in Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5. And it’s the Nagoya Centrair Airline Lounge (click to skip ahead)… in Japan? First, a smidgen of background about today’s Nagoya aviation. After another recent trip to the country, this time was a little different in that I was […]
Review: Domestic Sakura Lounge at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
To sum up the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge at Terminal 1 of Tokyo Haneda International Airport a very simple one, the place sucked. There was barely a distinction between the lounge and the rest of the terminal, unless you appreciate an espresso buffet. But before I delve into that stuff, let’s start with check-in. I […]
How Awecool: China is Reopening to Tourism
After nearly three years, China will be reopening to tourism. Starting from 15 March, you can once again dust off those Chinese tourist visas. Better yet, if you had a Chinese tourism visa issued before 28 March 2020 — that is, the date China sealed itself off from the world — those will return to […]
