On Being an American Tourist in Vietnam
You can call it the American War or the Vietnam War, but it’s now the world’s war to look back at–as another in a long line of wars in this part of the world–to make sure it is still over.
Kristin Henning
Welcoming Visitors: Kanazawa Japan Shows Us How It’s Done
Two misconceptions about travel in Japan come to mind frequently as we move around the country. First is that it’s very expensive to travel here. Not so. We’ve found it … Read more
Types of Accommodations in Japan: We’ve Tried Them All
We’re not backpackers, but we’ve been on the move constantly during our six weeks in Japan. We’ve experienced a range of accommodations, but none for longer than five nights–at the … Read more
Seven Things I’ll Never Get Used to in Japan
Food? No problem. Small spaces? Check, I can handle that. But still there are a few matters, after a month in Japan, that continue to surprise me. 1. Public … Read more
Japan Saves the Day: Helpful People Rescue Klutz Yet Again
Is it that the people of Japan are so helpful, or that I’m in such need of help? Probably both. Today I had a third encounter, not with the pavement*, … Read more
The Layered Look of Tokyo
I know now that my assumptions were wrong. I was thinking of Japan as a leader in high tech industry, as a center of fashion, as an international power, and … Read more
Our Very Own Guided Tour of England
Who doesn’t love the information imparted by a zealous local who guides you around their turf like a friend. Even better if he or she is a friend. Oliver Nicholson … Read more
Advice for Driving in the UK and Ireland
I can talk about this now, and I’ll start by saying Tom is a very good driver. And I am a very good navigator. I can read a map, have a good sense of direction, and am good at planning routes, scenic or otherwise. But things are different here in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, and I’m not just talking about driving on the left. For both driver and passenger, I offer these true stories and tidbits of advice.
Site Blocked, and Other Little Surprises in the UK and Ireland
The message read, “This site has been blocked as potentially politically controversial. If you think this message has appeared in error, please see your network administrator,” or something like that. Had I accidentally Googled my way into a terrorist site? No, as a matter of fact, I was trying to look up UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland. I was in my room at Bewley’s Hotel in the Ballsbridge neighborhood of Dublin, a fairly nice place, the nicest place I’d been in for quite a while.
Getting There: Travel Days in Belize and Guatemala
Buses, taxis and SUVs: getting around in Belize and Guatemala was an adventure unto itself. Best of all, these travel days opened ideas and doors to our next several weeks of travel.