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Travel Diary Kyoto (Japan) #5: Kiyomizu-dera, Hokanji, Ishibei-koji, Gion district
Today, we return to Kyoto with the intention of visiting the two famous temples that we didn’t have time to visit last time: Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama Jisho-ji But very tired from the intensive visits of the last few days and accompanied by a little cold, we only get up at 10am Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary Here we are, we are never very proud when we only leave the apartment at 11 am when the initial project is to take the train to Kyoto at 9:30 am Rhalala… for the trouble, we propose to three digital nomads met virtually on Facebook, to be…
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A day in Nara (Japan): Tōdai-ji, Isuien Neiraku Museum, Yoshikien Garden, Kasuga-taisha shrine, mochis and deer from Nara Park
Nara is known for its large park and thousands of deer in total freedom. At first I just wanted to go there to see the deer, and then I was told that it couldn’t be a goal in itself because I would die of boredom. Finally, we spent a great day in the company of two French digital nomads Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary We meet in front of an okonomiyaki restaurant, nicknamed “Japanese pizza”, but with a lot of mayonnaise and barbecue sauce. Our first try in Osaka was a total failure, so we can’t wait to test this new restaurant, hoping…
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Travel Notebook Osaka (Japan) #5: One night in a Ryokan – Fudouguchikan Ryokan in Osaka
Sleeping in a ryokan is one of the top experiences to do in Japan. After intensive research, we decided to spend a day and a night in a ryokan near Osaka. Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary The ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Before, it was mostly frequented by the aristocracy, but nowadays, ryokans can be compared to spas with accommodation. Some ryokans have onsens inside, others do not. But the common point is its superb location/environment (often in the nature), impeccable service (with dinner usually served in the room). We chose a ryokan with onsen. Note: most ryokans are very badly rated…
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Discover Japanese Netflix
As soon as you arrive in a new country, I look forward to discovering the movies available for that country on Netflix. Before, I only had Japanese incomprehensible movies in mind, but thanks to Netflix, I was able to make some discoveries. When you are in Japan, most of the movies in Japanese are subtitled only in Japanese and Korean. As a result, despite a wider choice than in France, I couldn’t really enjoy the more “local” films 🙁 Therefore, I could only watch movies or series subtitled in English or French, namely : The many faces of Ito The story is hyper original (adapted from a book) and I…
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Sapa (Vietnam): Rice Terraces and Minority Ethnic Groups (travel book + guide)
We continue to discover Vietnam through the photos of my trip in 2010 with JB. With the Ha Long Bay, Sapa is a must-see destination in the North of Vietnam. For this trip of 3 days 3 nights (including two in the train), we went through one of the many tourist agencies. Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary Day 1: Departure from Hanoi By reserving the tour, our agency gives us two train tickets and we manage to go to the station and take the SP3 train which leaves for Lao Cai at 9:55 pm. No meal is proposed, the train is comfortable (and…
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Introduction to Vietnamese Language: Alphabet, Intonation and Writing
Today, I will give you some fun facts about Vietnamese. This isn’t necessarily to encourage you to learn it, but at least to learn more about my language and writing. To read one of my articles written in Vietnamese (and see what it looks like), click here Most people are surprised to discover that Vietnamese uses the Latin alphabet. This writing system (phonetic transcription based on the Latin alphabet) called“chữ quốc ngữ” (national script) was developed by a French Jesuit priest: Alexandre de Rhodes. Before this system, during 1000 years of Chinese domination, we used Chinese characters (“chữ hán“). Once we got rid of this $ù%#0ç!! enemy of several centuries…
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Ha Long Bay (Vietnam): A Wonder of Nature (travel book + guide)
I am asked questions about Ha Long Bay and Sapa Bay, while my blog does not contain any article about these two top destinations… I feel a little guilty 😀 while I am Vietnamese and well placed to give you some advice to enjoy your trip in my country Let’s say I visited these destinations before the creation of this blog. So, I bring you to Ha Long Bay from 2010, which I visited with JB. The agency programs still haven’t changed, so this article is still useful if you travel in 2018/2019 Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary For this trip, we opted…
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10 Things to know before your First Trip to Vietnam
I think Vietnam is very different from the countries in Southeast Asia. Those who make the tour Thailand – Laos – Cambodia – Vietnam are perhaps a little shocked when they come to Vietnam, after having visited the 3 other countries, because Vietnam has NOTHING to do with these 3 countries indeed. Vietnam isn’t a Buddhist country! while the 3 other countries are Buddhist, hence the cultural difference. I am Vietnamese and objectively, after visiting the 4 countries, I can say that the most beautiful landscapes are in Vietnam. The landscapes are so varied, we have such a culinary richness that Vietnam is really a must see destination. To minimize…
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Discovering the art of Japanese paper cutting
If I talk to you about “paper” and “Japan”, you will surely answer “origami”. But we won’t talk too much about origami today, but about the art of Japanese paper cutting. I am a big fan of paper cutting, and even though I assiduously follow the new techniques and artists on Pinterest, I discovered in Japan some absolutely incredible books and new techniques. They are unfortunately not available for sale in France. Where to buy these books? On Amazon Japan, Rakuten, in large bookstores or in “art supply stores” such as Kawachi. They cost between 1400yen and 1900yen. Where to buy the tools? Amazon Japan, or the Kawachi store. What…
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6 Tips to get the most out of the Travel Travel Guides (Lonely Planet, le Routard) during the Round the World Tour (without wearing them)
Whether you like it or not, traveling with a guide like the Lonely Planet or the Routard can help to unblock certain situations in an emergency, such as avoiding overpaying for a cab for example. How to take advantage of it during your world tour without having to lug 17 pounds of 1kg each in your bag? 1. Download the extract of the Lonely Planet guides on the Kindle app The part I like the most in the Lonely Planet guides is the “itineraries” part. I may hate the “must-see tourist destinations” part, but I must say that these itineraries have been perfectly designed to be feasible, hassle-free and economical;…
