Travel to Nagoya, Japan in Fall of 2024

Our journey began as we landed at Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport. I went together with my wife as part of mini trip we have every year. We were immediately impressed by the efficient services and warm hospitality. After settling in, our first stop was Yanagibashi Food Court. We started our culinary adventure at Sarashina Restaurant, enjoying some traditional Japanese dishes. We then moved to にほんのうみ水產 Restaurant for fresh seafood delicacies.

On the second day, We explored Midland Square, the tallest skyscraper in Nagoya. We spent hours shopping and dining. Later, we walked to Takashimaya, a luxury shopping paradise. At ECHIRE, we bought some exquisite French butter, a delight for any cheese lover.

Day three was all about diving into history. We visited Nagoya Castle and we were amazed by the history of the main keep and the beautifully reconstructed Hommaru Palace. Later, we strolled through Osu Shotengai Shopping Street. We stopped by Gaburi Chicken for some juicy fried chicken, Ikinari Steak for a hearty meal, and Don Quiote for some quirky shopping finds.

The fourth day was thrilling. We spent the day at Nagashima Spa Land, riding the Steel Dragon, screaming through the haunted house and experiencing the exhilarating Hakugei. The Giant Wheel Aurora and the Viking ship ride added more fun to the day. We ended the day at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima, shopping for a variety of brands at discounted prices.

On the fifth day, We took a day trip to Shirakawago. The Observatory offered breathtaking views of the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. We visited Wada House to step back in time and enjoyed delightful custard and jelly puddings at Purin House. Later, we continued to Hida Takayama, known for its beautifully preserved old town. I couldn’t miss Hidagyu Maruaki for delicious Hida beef skewers.

Returning to Nagoya, we dined at Sumibiyakiniku Sugimoto near Nagoya Station, renowned for its premium grilled meats. Before heading home, we dropped by Supermarket Seijo Ishi to stock up on unique Japanese snacks and goodies to take back as souvenirs.

It was a new and memorable experience for us and we glad that we took it. Next Stop, Osaka !

Travel to London, UK in 2024

 

It started with a dream. Sailing high up in the clouds using Singapore Airlines, the flight to London was all about expectations and comfort. When the plane landed at Heathrow International Airport, London, the universe played itself in the most dramatic way.

In a lovely part of the city, Stratford, it was pretty much returning home. Every day started with a tea and plans to conquer the endless beauty that this city has to offer. Buckingham Palace was more than a building, it was the epitome of history and followed a hundred-year-old tradition of welcoming people at its gates with the God Save the Queen chorus.

The London Eye was an altogether different experience with an aerial view of the whole city. From the most apparent heights, everything exists and it is undoubtedly possible to imagine the most pleasant sight, where the Thames slowly meanders through central London. The lines were long but the experience was great.

London Bridge has its obligatory stories and stepping on its stones invokes responses from centuries of business, victory and an unyielding will. This is a must visit if you ever go to London.

Westminster Abbey was an unsettling aspect of history in all its horrible dimensions where all the kings and the queens ended up buried. The design was quite striking as even the smallest pieces engraved into the history were somebody's hard work. Kensington Palace was an uninterrupted rewind of the happiest hours and the spicy sounds of its gardens brought some peace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle.

There were far more of them, be it street vendors’ stalls or secluded corners of a cafe, all promising to divulge the story. Owing to the historic as well as the contemporary, the aristocratic and the mundane, the city of London did not cease only as a place, but rather remained a memory.

Stratford, whichever way both ‘day’ and ‘night,’ was one such day which ended with the same glow. It was not only an exploration. London was a different world altogether that was full of surprises on a different level.

After 10 days, it's time to go home. This experience will surely be an experience to remember.