Have you noticed when you travel that there's always the rush to see so many places in such a short time, so that the total effect for the tourist is to grow weary and tired? When we visited the famous landmark Osaka Castle, we decided that there's going to be none of the "race to have the most number of photos" thing and just enjoy our day at the park, before taking the next train to Kyoto that is! First of all, I am enchanted with the idea of a castle and how there was so much to love about that park. Being a cool (not cold) day in March, I easily warmed to the ... Continue Reading...
After the big quake, business as usual in Osaka, Japan
We arrived in Osaka Sunday night. This was a trip I was hesitant to take because of the wrong timing: we planed in two days after the devastating earthquake slash tsunami that rocked Japan. And the cherry blossoms won't show up till end of March yet. A few factors that made me decide to push through with the trip: my expiring Japan visa and a non-refundable, non-rebookable ticket. So much for promo fares that don't protect you otherwise from acts of God and natural calamities. My only consolation is that we booked for Osaka which is far from the chaos and power ... Continue Reading...
Fukushima Daiichi power plant explosion: what’s the real score?
This video of today's (March 14) explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station looks scary. Whatever's the real score, the public's not going to know the whole picture anytime soon. As we should expect, the Japanese government will face the issue cautiously, as it seeks to avoid being identified with other nuclear disasters like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. But I am am not about to believe forwarded text messages about radiation from Fukushima affecting the Philippines soon. I'd rather rely on official announcements from credible bodies like the ... Continue Reading...
March 11, 2011 Japan earthquake & tsunami: the aftermath
Useful links: what to do during an earthquake (and why the "drop, cover & hold on" principle is the best) The US Department of State advises its citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Japan until the end of March. Why top Filipino architect Felino Palafox believes Manila and its environs are a disaster waiting to happen, should a big earthquake happen in the Philippines today It makes me think: how safe are Manila government buildings and infrastructures, when corruption is involved in undertaking these projects? Were it not for nature's ... Continue Reading...
China visa requirements
As always, the hassle with travelling is getting a visitor visa, especially for countries which require them. It seems I've been applying for lots of visas recently starting with Taipei last year, to China and our forthcoming trip to Japan. I always have to make a checklist because completing visa requirements isn't easy, and if you don't organize your list well, the task looks daunting. The requirements for China visa look the same as the one listed by the other embassies, except for one. If you're a first time visitor, you have to get an NBI Clearance for Travel ... Continue Reading...
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 344
- 345
- 346
- 347
- 348
- …
- 556
- Next Page »
Recent Comments