So we were back again in Tokyo, trying to catch sakuras this time. But the most detailed of plans was derailed by a major factor which we had completely overlooked: the weather. With the temperature plunging to a chilly 4 degrees (and the rain!), the buds refused to stir […]
My dad has a new moniker: ex-chairman. (Forced to retire by one of his daughters but that’s another story.) So, the ex-chairman and I were reminiscing about Shima Onsen 四万温泉 (lit. 40,000 onsen). We remembered because it was Hinamatsuri when we arrived (Girl Festival, celebrated on 3 March […]
A Journey Good for the Eyes Leaving Hanoi with eyes wide shut (read earlier blog here), we were happy to see padi fields adorning the landscape, as we traversed one mountain after another. In the distance, peaks of green stood, like they came straight out from a chinese […]
Let me get the other things out of the way first. After the dismal trek up Fansipan (read about it here), we downgraded our expectations. Drastically. The trek took up 5 days (2 days travelling/acclimatising, 3 days trekking) and then we were left with 4: Day 1: arrived […]
Dessert Japanese matcha ie powdered green tea. The tea is slightly bitter but the Wagashi (Japanese traditional sweet) 和菓子 that accompanies it counters the bitterness of the tea perfectly; and the Wagashi is invariably exquisite and of course, delicious on its own. At times I pause and wonder […]
the last word 