Daejeon and Gongju
The central area of Korea is rugged mountains interspersed with rice paddies and fields. We stayed in a larger city, known for being a center for science as well as a transporation hub. It was rainy, so we had a relaxing couple days of museums and eating. In the nearby town of Gongju we visited […]
Dynamic Busan
As their campaign promises, the city of Busan is indeed dynamic, with a free WiFi program, helpful volunteers in the stations, friendly citizens, shopping, dining (fine and otherwise), beaches, mountains, temples and a casino. Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are just a few subway stops away from one another, but have very different atmospheres. Haeundae […]
Takayama
Leaving the city of Kyoto and heading north into the Japanese Alps for the city of Takayama was a much needed break from the fast pace of city life. Takayama has a population of just under one hundred thousand, but it feels like much less. It was cool, less humid and just what the doctor […]
Garden City Okayama: Home of Momotaro, Peach Boy
It seems every Japanese city has a hometown hero, mascot or theme. You see it in decorations, in gifts for purchase, even in the food. The story of Momotaro, the boy who sprang from a peach with his dog and monkey to fight off demons is a well known and well loved tale. His statue […]
Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima City Hiroshima was built on a delta, so rivers and canals crisscross the city at various points. Our hotel, Reino Inn, was at the western end of one of the main roads, in a convenient spot. It seemed to be a cross between a hotel and a hostel, with the good parts of each! […]
Nagasaki: The Bell Rings at 11:02
Nagasaki Peace Memorial A morning train ride brought us up to the north part of Nagasaki. We first entered the Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims, which has a circular, outdoor walk to clear your mind before entering. We both knew today was going to be heavy but there is no real understanding until […]
Seattle
Blessed with beautiful weather, Seattle was a great stop! It was brief, but we were able to do some downtown tourist stuff one day, including Pike Place Market. After our event at the University of Washington, we had the chance to meet up with my middle school/high school friend, Colleen. We caught up at a […]
San José, Costa Rica: Do you know the way?
San José, Costa Rica From the moment we landed, we felt like we were almost home. Over the years I´d heard so many wonderful things about Costa Rica as a paradise of exotic birds, flowers and animals, spotless beaches, friendly faces and a high percentage of folks who care about the environment. More recently […]
Santiago Centro: Heart of Chile’s Capital
The architecture of Santiago is striking, and we enjoyed just strolling around the different neighborhoods, whether we knew what we were looking for or not. You can find everything from 19th century neoclassical at the center, mixed in with neo-gothic, art deco, modern, futuristic and other styles in different areas. The center of the city, is the […]
Santiago: Cerro Santa Lucia
Santiago Sneak Peek: Cerro Santa Lucia After our time in Patagonia, we’re back in an urban jungle, population over 6 million! Still a bit sleepy from our overnight travel, we spent our first day in Santiago just wandering around. The views from atop Cerro Santa Lucia were grand, and we could just make out the […]