52 Travel inspirations

New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2023

Original article

1. London

2. Morioka, Japan

3. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

4. Kilmartin Glen, Scotland

5. Auckland, New Zealand

6. Palm Springs, California

7. Kangaroo Island, Australia

8. Vjosa River, Albania

9. Accra, Ghana

10. Tromso, Norway

11. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

12. Bhutan

13. Kerala, India

14. Greenville, South Carolina

15. Tucson, Arizona

16. Martinique

17. The Namib Desert, Southern Africa

18. The Alaska Railroad

19. Fukuoka, Japan

20. Flores, Indonesia

21. Guadalajara, Mexico

22. Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria

23. Kakheti, Georgia

24. Nîmes, France

25. Ha Giang, Vietnam

26. Salalah, Oman

27. Cuba

28. Odense, Denmark

29. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

30. Boquete, Panama

31. Tarragona, Spain

32. Charleston, South Carolina

33. Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

34. Burgundy Beer Trail, France

35. Istanbul

36. Taipei, Taiwan

37. El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia

38. Lausanne, Switzerland

39. Methana, Greece

40. Louisville, Kentucky

41. Manaus, Brazil

42. Vilnius, Lithuania

43. Macon, Georgia

44. Madrid

45. Grand Junction, Colorado

46. La Guajira, Colombia

47. Bergamo and Brescia, Italy

48. American Prairie, Montana

49. Eastern Townships, Quebec

50. New Haven, Connecticut

51. The Black Hills, South Dakota

52. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cities in 2022 list includes Queens (NY), Kyoto. In 2021 (mid of Covid), inspiring place includes Camino de Santiago, Hokkaido, and the World :)

September 2023 Gratitude post

After reading this tip from a 95-year grandpa who writes short blog everyday, as well as a 68-year-old who went for 30-days silent retreat, and one of the points is about writing, I wanted to start this blog complaining about the conversation I had today with my manager as well as the stress in the last 30 days about Papa's health.

But, in a second, my mind did a quick turn around, when I read about gratitude. Instead of complaining, I am very grateful of a lot of things that happened to me and in my life.

I am grateful for my mom, who is strong, active, energetic and immediately supportive when I told her about my work troubles yesterday. Clearly she has been worried about my state of mental health being in the last 2 weeks.

I am grateful for my brother, who is also very supportive yesterday. He invited me to join a weekend party with his friends and network.

I am grateful for my other brother, and that he and his family are successful and they are blessed with two wonderful daughters. I am proud of how successful he is in both family and in business.

I am grateful for our extended family who is caring, and thoughtful about Papa's health. They called multiple times a day in the last 3 weeks of Papa's diagnosis, operations, multiple hospitalizations, and even host my Papa and Mom for 3 weeks in Taiwan.

I am grateful that Papa is alive and is able to celebrate his 74th's birthday on Saturday and today.

I am grateful to be blessed with good health, physical comforts, and wealth generated at relatively young age.

I am grateful to be surrounded by many supportive people who guided me in career, spiritually, and in spirit.

I am grateful to Buddha who teaches the blessings and wishes peace and happiness for all beings.

I am grateful to be alive and healthy today and able to live a fruitful live.

Tokyo Disneyland

 Wonderful park, worthy of label that many on the net called the best park in the world.

The day is a breeze, starting with around 8am where crowd has gathered at park entrance, in full swings complete with Disney shirts, outfits, Mickey and Minnie head bands, bags, accessories, and etc. Japanese crowds are really lot of fun.

Chiraumi Onsen, Okinawa

Chiraumi onsen (もとぶ温泉「美ら海の湯」) is located at Hotel Orion Motobu hotel and resort, the onsen water is pumped and heated from 1,400 metres underground. Entrance fees applies for both hotel guests and day trip. When we visited in early July 2023, bathing fee is 1,650yen for hotel guest and 2,150yen for day trip. 

Long opening hour from 6-10am and 3pm to late night.

Water is chloride spring, to be precise Sodium-chloride strong salt hot spring (hypertonic neutral low hot spring). ナトリウム－塩化物強塩温泉（高張性中性低温泉）

At women’s side there is a spacious dressing area with locker and hair dryer as well as complete face wash, lotion, and milk. Also uniquely there is body lotion, hair tonic, and aftershave lotion as well, but no comb.

As for the pool, one indoor pool. Outdoor area there is a hot pool and cold pool (around 19 degrees) as well as dry sauna. The sun was shining through part of pool suitable for tanning. The view is amazing, overlooking emerald beach and Ie island.

There are three large massage chairs outside the bathing area with amazing moves. 

Okinawa beach

 Kariyushi beach

Mission beach along the road

Nabee beach

Raining in Takayama

 Charming city of Takayama, one of 3-star Michelin scenic spot. It is raining with summer rain on July 1st, 2023.

I am taking a morning coffee break at a cute Cafe Coveter.

Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

 Charming small onsen town that is so pretty. The street is lined up with various ryokan, many still in traditional facade. 

Yamadera

Temple in mountain, tranquil and forth the thousand step up. Beautiful view from Gokaido.

2hour round trip, acess from Yamadera station.

Traditional yam ball stick with mustard (yummy) 100yen. Supposed to give you energy for the hike :)

Basho statue and emperor resting place.

Gate

Gero onsen

 Gero city where the onsen town is located can be reached with train on Nagoya to Takayama/Toyama line. The city bounded by Hida river that run along the train line, offering a scenic lovely view. On my way in, the river is coloured tranquil blue, and as it rained for almost two days I was in Gero, the river turned brownish strong flow, which is a delight to see as the water level swells a meter or so in some parts.

Sendai Zuihoden

Mausoleum of the first lord of Sendai, Date Masamune and his family.

Surrounded by serene pine forest, the hydrangea (ajisai) flowers were blooming blue, purple, pink and white in the peak of summer.

How to get there

Easiest is to hop on loop bus by city of Sendai, Loople bus.

Onsen wish list

List of Onsen to visit in Japan: (updated Apr 2025)

• Shima-Onsen, visited December 2022. Guide. 
• Sukayu onsen, Aomori. Source
• Tamagawa-Onsen, Akita, visited Autumn 2024. The most acidic onsen. Source
• Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, visited November 2019.  
• Arima onsen, Hyoto, visited January 2023
• Kusatsu onsen
• Yufuin, Oita, visited
• Beppu, visited
• Hakone, visited 2014
• Ginzan onsen, Yamagata. Inspiration for swordsmith village of Demon slayer, Kimetsu no Yaiba. Source. Visited June 2023 day trip, bathe at Takimikan.
• Minakami-machi, Gunma. Guide
• Zao, Yamagata
• Naruko onsen, Miyagi, visited Autumn 2024.
• Kirishima, Kagoshima / Maruo onsen.
• Unzen / Obama onsen, Nagasaki, visited on day-trip Autumn 2024.
• Dogo Onsen
• Shirahama Onsen.
• Dake onsen, Mt Adatara, Fukushima.
• Shirahone, Nagano.
• Gero, Gifu, Takayama, day trip from Nagoya. Guide. Visited June 2023 Suimeikan, Bosenkan, Yamagataya.
• Kinosaki - walk around town with 7 public baths, visited March 2025. 
• Tokachigawa, Hokkaido
• Utoro, Hokkaido, source. Visit to lake. 
• Shikotsu-ko-onsen resort, Hokkaido
• Toyako onsen, Hokkaido
• Matsushima onsen, Miyagi, Tohoku. Guide
• Ikaho, Gunma, visited March 2025. Guide
• Bandai-atami, visited Autumn 2024
• Tsuchiyu, Noji Onsen, visited Autumn 2024
• Osawa onsen, visited Autumn 2024
• Yamashiro
• Ito, Izu peninsula, visited. 

Guide for top 3 onsen according to Wikitravel. 

Three Great Hot Springs 三大温泉 Sandaionsen

• Atami, Shizuoka
• Beppu, Oita
• Shirahama, Wakayama

Three Famous Springs 三名泉 Sanmeisen. This list, too, was authored by Hayashi Razan.

• Arima Onsen, Hyogo
• Gero Onsen, Gifu
• Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Three Old Springs 三古湯 Sankosen

• Dogo Onsen, Ehime
• Arima Onsen, Hyogo
• Shirahama, Wakayama

Three Baths of Fuso 扶桑三名湯 Fuso-sanmeiyu. Fuso is a poetic name for Japan and this one is credited to traveling haiku poet Matsuo Basho.

• Arima Onsen, Hyogo
• Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga, Ishikawa
• Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Tips for visiting Disneyland and Disneysea Tokyo

Located in Maihama, Disneyland and Disneysea is a must visit themepark around Tokyo. Most people recommended 2 days for each park, but a day trip.

Tickets available, there is day-pass available via purchase online or via Klook platform. 

Some useful blogs:

• Visit tips and tricks 
• Blog from TDR Explorer 
• Crowd calendar to pick the right dates. In general, weekday is recommended with Tuesday to Thursday if possible as least crowded. Also it's good to watch out for Japanese holiday, for example summer holiday starts late July.
• Travel intern guide.
  

Disneyland is oriented towards classic Disney and younger crowd. Disneysea on the other hand is oriented towards teens and older with more thrilling rides.

Disneysea

Top rides to aim for:

• Toy Story Mania (American waterfront)
• Soaring: Fantastic flight (Mediterranean)
• Journey to the Center of the Earth (Mysterious Island)
  
• Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull (Lost River Delta) 

 

Top shows:

• Jamboree Mickey! Let’s Dance! — A dance-along program for kids with Mickey Mouse and friends. 15mins, 11:05 a.m. / 12:20 p.m. / 1:35 p.m. / 3:25 p.m. / 4:40 p.m.

• Big Band Beat: A Special Treat — Broadway performance with a live jazz band and Mickey on the drums. 25mins, 11:30 a.m. / 12:55 p.m. / 2:20 p.m. / 4:20 p.m. / 5:45 p.m.

• Believe! Sea of Dream (30 mins) on 7:40pm

Tips:

• Escape the afternoon heat and head to Triton’s Kingdom at the Mermaid Lagoon (DisneySea)
• Midday seasonable greeings - save a seat on the Mediterranean Harbor near the railings at least half an hour before the show to secure a good spot for the seasonal greeting. Let's Celebrate with Colors 12pm / 4pm
• Catch the stunning firework display at DisneySea which happens daily at 8:30PM. We suggest saving a spot at the Mediterranean Waterfront in advance. Sky full of colors Fireworks around 8:40pm (5 mins)
• Submit lottery for shows
• Bring food / bento
• Visit Magellan’s for a midday drink (DisneySea)

 

Disneyland

Top rides to aim for:

• Enchanted tale of Beauty and the Beast
• Haunted Mansion

 

Shows and Parades:

• Mickey’s Magical Music World — Catch Mickey Mouse and your favourite characters in a live stage performance in the majestic Fantasyland Forest Theatre.
• Club Mouse Beat — A dynamic live song and dance show by Mickey Mouse and his Friends.

From April 15, 2023 through March 31, 2024, a part of the show will be presented in a special version commemorating the Tokyo Disney Resort 40th anniversary. (25 mins)

• Harmony in Color parade, 45 mins around 3:45pm
• Mickey Magical musical world (5 shows a day) 10:50 a.m. / 12:15 p.m. / 1:40 p.m. / 3:45 p.m. / 5:10 p.m.

 

Tips:

• Tokyo Disneyland, the Electrical Parade Dreamlights is a night parade you wouldn’t want to miss. With lit-up floats and classic Disney music, the atmosphere is pretty magical. 730pm (grab seat 45 mins before)
• Sky full of colors Fireworks around 8:40pm (5 mins)
• Bring food / bento
• Apply lottery for shows

 

Credit to <https://thetravelintern.com/ultimate-tokyo-disneyland-and-disneysea-guide/>

Planning trip to Okinawa and Tokyo, July 2023

I discovered that I had enough points to book 5 nights at Hilton hotel. After a quirky destination choices, I finally settled on Okinawa. This was back in December, hehe.

Planning activities without a car, here is a couple of sites that I am finding useful:

• Soranews24: always full of ideas, especially good restaurant for seafood and local choices.
• Visit Okinawa site has interesting 2-day full itinerary on bus.
• This page by ms travel solo also has well-written blog about visiting Okinawa in 1 to 5 days.

Okinawa is the southern most prefecture of Japan. The main island is where its capital city, Naha is. The prefecture spread across 1,000 kilometres and finding where to spend time amongst the choices can be confusing.

I am going to be traveling with my elderly parents and our favorite activities are food, sightseeing, and onsen. Okinawa is said to have one of the highest life-expectation in Japan and in the world. So we will be keeping an eye on the culture and how people life in this paradise.

Food

This site proclaims that "In Okinawa, food is life." :) Delicious cuisine being the hallmark of Okinawa, it is famous for bone-soup, ice-cream (I heard it from an ex-colleague who grew up in Okinawa).

Okinawa has a special Japanese word, nuchi-gusui, which roughly made up of characters for mind and body. Food as medicine? Exploring nuchi-gusui. That means food is not just the source of energy and taste, but also well being. Approaching the right habit of mealtime is also observed. Okinawa has a habit of eating until 80% full, which is practiced in my family. They called this hara-hachi-bu.

It seems that typical Okinawan cuisine has a lot of Chinese influence, due to prevalence of trade for centuries, and its proximity. Such as pork belly braised (rafute), champuru (stir-fry veggie with bitter gourd), and Okinawa soba (with wheat noodles rather than made of buckwheat). It even extends to the drinks such as Okinawan sanpin-cha or Jasmine tea.

Unique Okinawan dish is goat-meat (Yagi) sashimi and mozuku tempura. Mozuku is a slimy brown seafood, unique to Okinawa that is superfood. Unique liquor is Awamori made from long-grain Thai rice with black koji unique in Okinawa.

Getting around

It seems that car is the most popular way to get around. However, if you avoid driving, bus is a convenient and plentiful with clear maps. There is a monorail line that goes around Naha. As well as you can take ferry or fast boat from Tomari port. There is many sites in Japanese, here's a few useful information.

Fast boat for Naha to Motobu, 75 mins. Takuma 3 is operated by this company, website --> here. 

From my research, there is plenty to see and do at Okinawa. Normally people would start by the following order:

1. Naha, the city centre itself. On the main island, Honto, it's the center of the economy and activities, and where the ancient capital of Ryukyu kingdom, as well as plentyful castle ruins, museum and shopping. 2 sites that are popular in addition to the Shuri castle and city centre are Urasoe (around the north), and Tsuboya (ceramic centre). It seems also easy to get around with monorail, or buses.
   
2. Motobu are towards the northern part of the main island. This is where Ocean Expo park and the site for Aquarium, the largest tank aquarium in the world. Some people combine the trip to Nago (where there is pineapple park) and nearby beaches at Kouri and Navi (Nene). The area is around 2-3hours out via car, but there is fast boat or ferry option available. There is also a lot of tour bus available including those that organises day-trip, including airport bus that goes straight from Naha airport to the area in the morning.
   
3. Mihama and Chatan area which is near the American bases. There is a lots of good cafe and American cuisine restaurants available. Seems like a very chillout place. 
4. After that mainly is the visit to the islands, for example Ishigaki (also famous for its beef) for snorkelling, diving, mangrove, and other beach activities. Kerama island seems closer to Naha than Ishigaki which is around the Yaeyama grouping.
   

 

For foodie, a special mention is the Ojima island towards the south, 40 mins drive from Naha airport. This article describes the beauty :) of the Okinawan tempura due to its influence from China and Southeast Asia.

 

Hectic week

Had a hectic week after Sapphire and QBR. Getting tipsy for first time in a long while, seeing things for the way it is (Vipassana?), and finally texting my dear friend and hearing the worst been my experience this week.

First some photos:

JB trip May 2023

Peak hour- long line to catch buses from Kranji MRT both 170x and CW1. Arrived 830am, 945am finally catching the bus.

Smooth clearance at Singapore exit, as usual. Enormous line at Malaysian immigration entry, unfortunately more than usual at 10am+ on Saturday morning. Lines on all counters hitting the back wall. Time to try MACS.

Finally cleared immigration at 12:30pm. Catching grab to the mall southkey arriving 1pm.

Total cost of all Grabs today: S$25.

Sushi King, conveyor belt sushi: $29. Old town coffee plus ice cream at Chateraise $9.

Foot massage RM60 + 10 for tip for 60 mins Family Thai spa. #20 Thai lady senior, and #25 from Serawak young guy who likes to learn new languages.

Coconut and mango smoothie $7

Shopping: Papa’s cereal RM12.50 each, Watson, Alpro pharmacy, Lotus supermarket. $20

Fish porridge and shrimp wonton noodles at D’Shanghai $10.

Chateraise ice cream shopping Panjaporn recommendations: monaka Vanilla and Coffee, Belgium chocolate, and Pistachio bar $12

Then another line at Malaysian exit for an hour and a traffic jam at crossway on the bus. Finally cleared both immigration close to 22:30 and bus ride to Queen street terminal, arriving home past 23:20.

ManMan

 ManMan our white-fur shy robo hamster is dying. His movement is weak. He barely eats today. He pauses after a few steps as-if to catch his breath. He could no longer muster enough strength to scurry away from me this afternoon.

It saddens me to see him deteriorate so fast. Is he ill? Is he feeling pain? Is he dying? When is he going to die? What if he dies when we are at Genting? Will he live that long when we go to Genting in 2 weeks?

I was just calling the pet vet last night. After observing what looks like a blood spot or scar on his skin. He has been shedding fur badly. He struggled to drink from his water bottle yesterday. But today he couldn’t even lift his head and paws to hold to the drinking nozzle. He shivers and struggled… badly.

My heart aches seeing him. Why? Seeing the frailty and struggled of illness or old age. Knowing that ManMan is dying. The poignancy of his head leaning on my hand as he couldn’t even run away anymore unlike this morning. He is skinny, now with his bone showing, matted fur. Eyes are both closed now. ManMan was still strong enough on Sunday when we changed his enclosure to run. But today he limped and fell every other step.

In a way his rapid deterioration is shocking. Very sad. In another way, he probably does not need to struggle long. Unlike Lucky, with companionship, ManMan might go to heaven soon.

My heart ache and yet full of love.

Cherishing the moment that ManMan has brighten our lives. Gentle ManMan who never bites.

Who is shy and aways run away when we tried to touch him.

Who loves vegetable, egg yolk, pine nuts, and especially corn.

Who licked Lucky when she was dying.

Who is full of live with his cute snow white fur.

Who loves cleanliness and spend hours grooming his fur so that is very clean, glossy, and nicely comb.

Who has two large testicles underneath his butt, we dubbed his treasures.

Who, like his name sake, gave us abundant joy just watching him live.

A blurry shot of ManMan as he is always very active.

ManMan September 25, 2021- April 4th, 2023. Rest in Peace.