If you’re a seeker of sacred sites and find yourself in the Greek Islands, hop a ferry from Samos to Kuşadası (or fly from Samos into Adnan Menderes Airport), then grab a bus to Ephesus, …
September 27, 2009
Asia: travel reviews
Ancient Ephesus, Turkey
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Do's and Don'ts
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, is full of traveler do’s (and a few don’ts). For instance, DO know that Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon until it was renamed in 1975. DON’T …
September 24, 2009
Japan's Bustling Tokyo
Literally translating to “Eastern Capital,” Tokyo, Japan, is one of the three world finance ”command centers” alongside New York and London. But unlike the others, Tokyo has a serene feeling of safety along with pristine …
September 22, 2009
Taj Majal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is often regarded as the most beautiful building in the world. So, of course I watched in horror as my digital camera slipped from my grasp and fell to the hard pavement …
East Meets West: Istanbul, Turkey
The gateway between Asia and Europe, Turkey is a cultural bridge between East and West. This transcontinental country has a dual cultural ambiance, and offers those who visit a chance to step into both Eastern …
September 8, 2009
Shimoda, Japan
Located near the tip of the Izu peninsula, this sleepy waterfront town is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Japan’s big city life. Shimoda was of central importance during the 1850s, …
August 31, 2009
Delhi, India: Survivors of the Street
Upon arriving in Delhi, India, I was approached innumerable times by ragged-looking children begging for food and money or aggressively hawking items, even as I sat in the backseat of the rickshaw taxi. I discovered …
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Remember Leonardo DiCaprio in that late-'90s flick The Beach? You’re in luck, because The Beach is not only more realistic than you thought, but more accessible and more affordable than you’d imagine. Here’s where to …
Osaka-jō, Osaka, Japan
Osaka Castle (or Osaka-jō) has a long, interesting history, and what remains of it is a feudal reminder sitting proudly in the middle of a modern Japanese city. The charming park surrounding the main tower …
Sri Lanka: The Prosperous Island
What’s in a name, you ask? Well, quite a bit with Sri Lanka. In the Sanskrit language, Sri Lanka translates roughly to “prosperous island.” This island nation, the size of West Virginia, offers over a …
Essential Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a bustling, balmy city that stretches along both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Thailand’s capital has much to offer; here are some recommendations on what not to miss (and what to avoid): …
July 29, 2009
Myung Dong Eating Paradise, Seoul, Korea
The ultra-urban city of Seoul is best experienced gastronomically. One first realizes this while stepping off the jetway and catching a whiff of the unmistakable aroma of Seoul – a sort of kimchi-and-spices medley. Seoul …
July 25, 2009
Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan
In Japan, there are three major urban Chinatowns: in Kobe, Nagasaki and Yokohama. For travelers staying in Tokyo, the Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai) is the most accessible. You can check out the festively lit Chinatown …
July 25, 2009
Yamazaki Distillery, Yamazaki, Japan
Nothing beats a fine dram after a hard day. The Japanese are aware of this too, and have more than a few of their own oak-soaked nectars worth mentioning. Japanese beverage giant Suntory has been …
July 24, 2009
Ein Gedi National Park, Israel
West of the Dead Sea lies Ein Gedi National Park, an area with terrain similar to that of San Diego. A beautiful, arid mountainous region, Ein Gedi is how I pictured all of Israel. With …
July 13, 2009