Tag: Culture
-
Almost 40 in Japan: Meeting a Geisha Up Close in Kyoto
A tea ceremony in Kyoto provides an unforgettable opportunity to meet a geisha. The grace and tradition she embodies offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, making the experience both enchanting and deeply memorable.
-
Almost 40 in Japan: Navigating Kyoto’s Charms and Crowds
Kyoto’s timeless beauty shows in iconic landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji. In Southern Higashiyama and Gion, the essence of Japan’s cultural heart unfolds at every corner. Amidst the ancient city’s traditions, I reflect on how Kyoto gracefully navigates the balance between heritage and the demands of modern life.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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…
-
Holy Lands Tour: St. Catherine’s Monastery
The next morning, following breakfast, we set out once more, this time bound for St. Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mt. Sinai. Here, we plan to reunite with our groupmates who have climbed to the summit for the sunrise. Leaving the comfort of the resort behind, we make the journey from Taba Heights to…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Petra, Jordan: Inside the Rose World Wonder
The next day, we leave Amman early for Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra is a breathtaking archaeological marvel carved into Jordan’s rose-red sandstone cliffs. Once the thriving capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, an ancient Arab group who inhabited the region, Petra was a major hub along the ancient spice…
-
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,…
The Tourist Gaze 