Amanohashidate - turn your head down for a whole new world!

One of the best 3 sights to see in Japan, after Fuji mountain, is this stairs like natural scene - question is how... well head down bottoms up (not drinking though) and you will see how the Lord has given you this magnificent scene.  Still don't get it?  Well, let's just say, it's a topsy turvy way of getting to the skies - don't think you are flying but do take care as you get dizzy if you turn your head too much.

Again, green and blue, bright sun and light gardens.  Cycling, swimming, and hiking is a highly recommended way to explore this area.  More importantly is the Japanese culture you have to come to - it's Kansai, it's near Kyoto, which means it is the culture origin of where the Chinese and Japanese come together and manner is established.  It's not just hot tea, but to enjoy the hot tea.  It's not just the scenes, but to thank for the beautiful scene.

Get into the streets and explore the beauties of the architecture.  Drive around with a rented car (note: international driving license required for Japanese driving) and you will get to see more.  Now staying away from home means that you should consider the Japanese onsen culture.  Now don't get me wrong that it means money.  I do not agree on spending $$$ on things that should be cheap.  Find somewhere decent - where you think it is not costing your budget - but a place where you can balance between cost and leisure.  Extravagenza is not my tea, but the Japanese onsen culture is a high-class, but affordable leisure.  And above all, it is water, and it is something for us to be thankful for.  In other words, enjoy the weather, enjoy the water, enjoy the scene and bon voyage!

A final word, this place is a perfect place to have wedding ceremonies for those of you who want to get away from the crowd!
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Cathay Pacific flies to Kansai International Airport 3 times a day (one stopping at Taipei - avoiding that will be smart unless you want to stop-by there).  Peach also flies to Kansai but they only fly midnight flights. Good for those of you who are young!!

Geneva - It's all about water and calm

For most of us from Hong Kong, getting to Switzerland is difficult because there is only one direct flight there and that it is expensive to go.  But if you travel through Paris, the story may be different.  Current TGVs allow you to get there in 3 hours time and visiting this place is definitely.  Upon arrival, it is tough for first-time goers as you have to find your way.  Taxi is definitely a way but don't forget you might not have Swiss Francs with you.  Backpackers are reminded to surf through Google map, as well as getting to their accomodation near the train station.

Now when all is set, it is time to go around.  Jet d'eau, flower clock, the central plaza, and the cathedral in the old town is a must go.  But try to search around.  Throw away your map and try to feel what is around.  Geneva will not get you lost and in fact, it brings you to a lot of wonders in the bustling city.  This is the beauty of Swiss.  The flags, the renowned knifes and watches, the red and white is what shapes this country up.  The Fondue and the beauty of French dishes mixing that with the Swiss is something you should never miss in this part of the country.  Speaking of which, Italian is divine as well in this country.  Tomato and virgin olive oil may just be a good cup of tea or cafe au lait to serve with

 The next is the water - take advantage of being a tourist - hop on and off the taxi boats and go around - you will find yourself to a whole new world of excitement.  More importantly, enjoy the calm and the picture nature serves you - all you can find is emptying yourself to allow this beautiful city brightens you up.
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Cathay Pacific flies daily to Paris CDG, where TGV connection to Geneva can be made from Gare d'Lyon; alternatively, fly to London LHR and connect with oneworld British Airways Interline flights; it is recommended that for those of you heading for European trips to go to Paris first then head back to London to come home because you will be able to save time, as well as minimize the high tax from LHR incoming flights. Bon Voyage!

Bath ~ It is not just taking a bath!

Bath is a mysterious place, to my perception, because it is a place where you can communicate with nature and understand the meaning of water. Water has long been an important source for men to irrigate, to live, and to enjoy. In Bath, you can almost enjoy all of them altogether.

Head for the spa and you will see how enjoying water means. Turning around, you can see how the rivers in bath has been irrigating the beautiful land of England. If you head there on a rainy day, you will see how water has been assisting men to clear dirty roads up and irrigate the trees and plants so that they can grow.

A visit to Bath should always include a visit to the Roman Spa, where you can see how water and people come together and how it builds an empire. Pick up a headset from the counter for a few pounds and lecture yourself with the British history as well as understanding how this Roman Spa is important to the Brits.

Finally, head to a restaurant and enjoy the gourmet there. Wait... now where did the water go in terms of drinking. Well, bath is a place for spa, meaning the water is mineral water. Now where can you get the best water to drink in this place then? The well-known Bath Spa Restaurant should satisfy your choice. Immense yourself to the wonders of water through drinking a cup of British tea and you will understand that tea is not just for you to drink, but to enjoy.
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Cathay Pacific offers 4 flights to London Heathrow, where you can easily connect to Bath through taking the Heathrow Express / Heathrow Connect to Bath via First Western Train.  Trains are usually sold at cheap prices at the station so unless you are thinking of touring the whole United Kingdom, a Rail Pass is not necessary.

Hanami 2013

Long time no see!  Travels for me have stopped but it seems it is time to restart.  And of course when it comes to travel, the main attractions for this time of the year must be Hanami in Japan or Korea.  This time we will be in Mie Prefecture, in Ise Shrine and Toba.  Toba is well known for its lobsters, its founder of pearls - Mikimoto, and the aquarium.  Ise is famous for the shrines and boast that Japanese must be there for once of their lives.  The city's beauty starts from food - the seafood there is awesome - and ends with the beauty of the sea of sakura trees!  Those with good cameras should spend most of their time taking good pictures while going around the area and exploring the beautifully bloomed sakura trees.  Udon is also something very special - it's thick and the sauce is not stock, it's soy sauce!  For meat lovers, Matsumoto beef is definitely a pleasure.  Getting there may be a hassle but if you want to take the short cut, landing in Tsu will be your choice from the international airport.  Of course, if you do not fancy driving, take a train and you can get there within 3 hours.  One footnote here, if you do not speak the language, you might consider skipping Tsu for this is a really local city but the food around the station is really good and worth stopping by for a big meal!

I will also take this chance to leave some footprints on what will be done for this quarter - a cycle trip and some introduction to the Tohoku area of Japan will be made.  Until then, bon voyage!
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Cathay Pacific flies once at least (twice most of the time, with one extra plane stopping by Taipei which you may consider omitting for it is a waste of time) to Nagoya Chubu International Airport where connections to Tsu by ferry or transfer by directly trains to Toba

Toba International Hotel offers Mikimoto products for facial and the free onsen offers a full relaxation to the tired days you might have

Visit highlights include Ise Shrine, Futami, Toba Aquarium,
Mikimoto Pearl Island (great for those who like pearls) and seriously, there price are way lower than those you find in Ginza, Tokyo or shops around the world