Malene and Nick do Tokyo

It seems that everything is possible in Tokyo. We took the quick route to ‘dress up’ as maids in the photo above but we could have gone to a place for ‘cosplay’ (costume play) where people go to dress up as their favourite super hero and have their photo taken. Instead we’ve visited a cat cafe, had a drink in the smallest bar we’ve ever seen, taken a bonsai class, gone to the fish market, seen a wedding procession, spent several hours in Tokyu Hands department store and just wandered the city streets trying to take it all in… Read more

Aspects of Tokyo

Tokyo is jammed packed with things to see, do and eat. We have explored many different areas and it’s a city full of contrasts – small laneways next to busy avenues full of neon, old buildings next to new architecture, peaceful gardens and temples in the middle of the city, ladies dressed in kimonos and sumo wrestlers on the metro. Tokyo encompasses the biggest and the fastest but it also retains respect for tradition and history. It’s rare to see people rushing to get places, can’t say why – it could be the city planning, or just Japanese culture but either way it makes getting the full enjoyment out of Tokyo a great and easy experience. Read more

Through Nick’s eyes

A few shots I’ve taken during the last couple of months. As stand alone photos these are not that special but they challenge you to understand the meaning of what they are trying to say, have a go for yourselves. If not clear click on the image to enlarge and make clearer. Some are just amusing and some like the cheap beer are just for the record, keeping in mind that a pint of beer in Perth can cost up to $12.
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Arriving in Japan

We knew we were in a modern and advanced society the moment we arrived at the port in Osaka. The whole border control and customs clearing was such a pleasant and civilised experience, one which I don’t think I’ve come across before in any other country. Polite to the point you feel they are friendly and yet very thorough, when we had to take off our shoes the customs officers seemed almost apologetic. This was new and we knew we were in for a very different experience. Read more

Leaving Shanghai

We had booked tickets for the Shanghai – Osaka ferry. Since we started talking about this trip Japan was always top of list however we didn’t want to go until the weather got warmer. Very excited that it’s now time for Japan and we have loved pretty much everywhere along the way. Read more

From Guangzhou to Shanghai via Wuzhen water town

Our China visa is for 20 days so after 8 days we made tracks Eastward. First stop Guangzhou, a large modern city near Hong Kong. We sort of muddle our way through China, never completely sure that we are doing the right thing or that we understand what’s going on – but somehow it always works out and we end up where we want to be. We rely on equal parts planning and helpful strangers with some luck thrown in… Read more

Learning Chinese

Well, we are not really learning Chinese but we are trying to learn the Chinese way and how to operate here considering that we are severely handicapped by not being able to read the Chinese characters (or speak it!). Luckily we have found most people extremely friendly and happy to answer our Ni Hao (hello) even if we have to continue in ‘charades’ from there. Read more

Leaving Hanoi

I’ve noticed over the years that I/we always miss places where we’ve spent time regardless of how much we’ve liked the place or not. I guess it’s because all places have a nice side. We can’t say Hanoi is our favourite city but it has a charm and is very different from what we are used to. Read more

Halong Bay

Although we had seen lots of photos of Halong Bay before this trip, we were blown away. The seascape is awe inspiring and we felt special and lucky to be there. It even made Nick want to sing like Doris Day!! Read more