Tag: City
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Almost 40 in Japan: Sampling Osaka’s Flavors in Dotonbori
Exploring Osaka’s vibrant food scene, I indulge in flavorful takoyaki at Bijou and a hearty okonomiyaki at Chibo, both in the bustling streets of Dotonbori. These iconic dishes not only satisfy the taste buds but also deepen any visitor’s appreciation for Osaka’s rich culinary heritage and its reputation as Japan’s kitchen.
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Almost 40 in Japan: Starting the Journey in Osaka
A few days before my 40th birthday, I go on a long overdue Japan trip. I start with Osaka, visiting iconic sites such as the historic Osaka Castle, the peaceful Nakanoshima district, and the modern Umeda Sky Building. As I explore its history and culture, Osaka becomes a memorable first stop on this journey.
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Holy Lands Tour Final Stop: Cairo
It’s already late afternoon. The route to our next stop, St. Simon the Tanner Cathedral, skirts through narrow and congested streets. Our bus is too large to pass here, so the group is divided into two taxi vans, kind of like the UV Express in the Philippines but slightly larger. We drive through piles of…
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Holy Lands Tour: Jericho
Our group sets off at about 11 am, and as we leave Mount of Olives, the landscape opens to the arid expanse of the Judean Desert. It’s the Shabbat as well, and Jews aren’t allowed to drive on this day, so the highways are almost empty. About an hour later, we stop at a roadside…
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Holy Lands Tour: Jerusalem
Jerusalem—it’s complicated. Claimed as a capital by both Israelis and Palestinians, it holds deep religious importance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, making it a focal point of longstanding conflicts. The city is divided into East and West Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem, including the Old City, being considered by Palestinians as the capital of a future…
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Holy Lands Tour: Bethlehem
Bethlehem is both the birthplace of Jesus and a city of profound spiritual significance. Yet, beyond the nativity story, Bethlehem is also a place shaped by resilience, conflict, and history. As we cross the Israeli separation barrier into the Palestinian-controlled city, we are met with stark contrasts: ancient stone churches standing alongside walls covered in…
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Holy Lands Tour Prologue: Amman
It is early morning, the sun already bright but the weather chilly, and I’ve just awoken to my first morning in Amman, the unassuming capital of Jordan. As I walk around the neighborhood of our hotel, cars whiz past, and I look in front of me at a coffee shop. It’s still closed, so I…
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Iloilo City: Exploring Her Past and Future Beats
From colonial churches to glass-walled buildings, a diverse cityscape defines the modern Iloilo City, all tucked in a relatively tiny space by the southern coast of Panay Island. Capital of its namesake province, Iloilo City is geared towards the future while not forgetting its past — a modern city with a traditional heartbeat. The Atis,…
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Australia 2024: A Tour of Melbourne’s Laneways, Arcades, Churches, and Gardens
I step onto the sidewalk and feel the crispness in the air, signaling the transition into the Australian winter. The occasional cool breeze carries a hint of moisture, suggesting an impending rain shower. But it doesn’t rain. Instead, the sky is a canvas of soft grey, with patches of pale blue peeking through. Melbourne’s central…
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Australia 2024: A Bittersweet Reunion in Sydney
Our first stop in Sydney isn’t the Opera House or Bondi Beach. Rather, it’s a private club in a quiet part of city’s suburbs. Neon lights illuminate a fancy-looking building that feels more at home in Sydney’s central district than here. I’ve long wanted to visit Australia, with its kangaroos and beaches and a vague…
The Tourist Gaze 