Life between trips

Takayama was meant to be our base for visiting Shirakawa-go, but getting there didn’t go exactly as planned. Originally, everything was supposed to be straightforward. We had already booked and paid for the scenic train ride from Nagoya to Takayama — one of those slower journeys where you can just sit back and enjoy the countryside views. But two weeks before the trip, we realised something was very wrong. The Mistake Our plan was to pick up a rental car and drive to Shirakawa-go from Takayama. But when we double-checked the booking… we realised we had selected the wrong car pickup location. Instead of Takayama, the pickup point was Tateyama about 2 hours away. At that point, there wasn’t much we could do: The car booking couldn’t be easily changed The location didn’t make sense with our train plan So we had to rethink everything. Last-Minute Change With only two weeks to go, we made the call to cancel the train ride (which we had already paid for) and switch plans completely. Ins...

Our Day 1 in Nagoya was powered almost entirely by food. After landing from a red‑eye flight and dropping our bags, we eased into the city the best way possible — with good coffee, comforting noodles, and an indulgent beef dinner. Quick Meal:  Kishimen at Sumiyoshi (Surprisingly Good!) Japan, 〒450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 1 Chome−1−4 名古屋駅 構内 JR名古屋駅 3・4番ホーム Our first proper meal of the trip was something truly local: Kishimen a classic Nagoya specialty at Sumiyoshi, located right on JR Nagoya Station’s Platform 3/4.  This spot is famous among commuters and travellers for its fast, flavourful, and affordable bowls. It’s a standing-only counter. Most of the toppings here — like the prawns and beef — are ready‑made or frozen, something you’d expect from a train‑station eatery. But what surprised us was how good everything still tasted. The noodles were soft, silky, and a gentle bite, and the prawns/beef were satisfying despite being pre‑prepared. T...

  1.  Nagoya Castle — Pretty from the Outside, but Closed for Visitors 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan Nagoya Castle was having a free open‑house day due to the ongoing Nagoya Matsuri , which normally would be perfect — except the main castle tower has actually been closed to visitors since 2018.  So even though the grounds were open, the interior wasn’t accessible. We still walked around the exterior, and the castle is genuinely pretty from the outside. The combination of green roofs with its golden shachihoko shimmering and clean white walls,  the entire castle looks very striking. It photographs beautifully and has a calm vibe despite the festival crowd. As for the Honmaru Palace , it looked impressive and is well‑known for its gold leaf screens and restored interiors. But unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit it properly, so we skipped it this round. Overall, our stop at Nagoya Castle was short — more of a visual appreciat...

Japan, 〒480-1342 Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama, 乙１５３３−１ We reached Ghibli Park at 9:00 AM , right when the gates opened, and went straight to the Valley of Witches . The queue was already long, and for a moment, I genuinely thought we wouldn’t get a slot for Howl’s Moving Castle . But somehow, we managed to get a 1:30 PM slot — which felt like winning a tiny lottery. With time to spare before our entry, we explored the surrounding areas inside the Valley of Witches. Valley of the Witches — Beautiful, Magical, and a Little Mixed This zone brings together worlds from Howl’s Moving Castle , Kiki’s Delivery Service , and other witch‑themed Ghibli classics. If your ticket includes this area, it’s one of the most immersive parts of the park. The Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service One of the most impressive recreations in the entire park. It is an exact replica from the anime — both the inviting front shop and the familiar backyard area where Kiki often appears. The best part is that you c...

Travel  Itinerary from 10 September 2025 to 21  September 2025. Here's a day by day for reference. Click on link for more details on the place of interest or the food. Plan on day 4 changed. Originally also plan to take a cruise around Sai Kung. But the round trip island hopping will take about 2 hours minimum excluding hiking in the area. Hence, i decide to skip this part. Otherwise, the trip is as planned.  Day 1:   DO:  Flight from Singapore to Hong. Arrival at 1.20 pm, Symphony of Lights EAT:   Lunch  at Hung delicacies ,  Dinner  at   Bolton Cafe STAY: Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 2:   DO: Tsz Shan Monastery   EAT:   Coffee  at Ometsesando , Br unch  at  One Dim Sum Yi Dian Xin  ,  Dinner  at   Kam Roast Goose,  STAY:  Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 3:   DO: Shopping at harbour city and sim city EAT:   Breakfast  at Bakehouse ,  Dinner  at Littl...

  Nestled inside the Sheung Wan Cooked Food Market on Queen’s Road Central, Dong Ji brings a slice of Singapore’s hawker culture to one of Hong Kong’s most beloved food hubs. This market is known for its diverse, affordable, and authentic offerings , housing around 20 stalls that serve everything from Cantonese and Chiu Chau specialties to Southeast Asian delights and even Western fusion. It’s a melting pot of flavors where locals and foodies gather for quality meals at wallet-friendly prices. What We Tried & Loved Here are some standout dishes that truly impressed: Gu Lu Rou (Sweet & Sour Pork) Thick cuts of meat fried to a crisp, coated with just the right amount of tangy-sweet sauce. Every bite is crunchy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Fried Oyster Egg Generous with oysters and a sprinkle of coriander (without overpowering the taste). The dough is fried to a crunchy crisp, and the side dip—a sourish, lightly garlicky sauce—adds another layer of flavor. Du Du Vege...

 13 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong I recently stayed at Marco Polo, and my experience turned out to be a mix of unexpected hiccups and pleasant surprises. Arrival Mix-Up The adventure began even before check-in — I accidentally went to the wrong Marco Polo hotel. There are a few with similar names in the area, so it’s definitely something to watch out for if you’re heading there for the first time. A little inconvenient, but at least the staff at both locations were helpful in pointing me in the right direction. Room Size: Smaller Than Expected Walking into the room, the first impression was that it felt smaller than what the online photos suggested. If you’re traveling with multiple people or larger luggage, the space may feel a bit tight. Third Bed Surprise One of the bigger surprises was the third bed. Instead of being set up as part of the room, it turned out to be a mobile bed . And to add to that, it wasn’t prepared at all when we arrived. I had to spend extra time coor...

Hidden in the basement level of Chungking Mansions at 36–44 Nathan Road, Lan Fong Yuen brings the nostalgic charm of its original Central stall to Tsim Sha Tsui . Though tucked away, its vintage storefront—the signature yellow signage and retro café vibe—makes entering feel like stepping back in time. We arrived before opening time , and there was already a queue in place —a clear sign of its popularity. Thankfully, service is fast and efficient , so even with the line, we didn’t wait long. What We Ordered & My Honest Thoughts 🥤 Silk-Stocking Milk Tea (凍絲襪奶茶) This is the star of the show! Smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced—easily the best milk tea I’ve had so far. Compared to the one I tried at Waso Café, which had a涩涩 (astringent) taste, Lan Fong Yuen’s version is rich and easy to drink. Highly recommended. 🍜 Scallion Chicken Chop Instant Noodles (蔥油雞扒撈丁) I really enjoyed this dish, especially the scallion oil. It’s made with ginger and sesame oil, giving the noodles a fra...

  Yee Shun Dairy Company is a Hong Kong classic, famous for its silky steamed milk puddings. The branch I visited is tucked into the bustling streets of Causeway Bay. The vibe? Retro and no-frills, with glass-covered menus on tables and stacks of porcelain bowls. Space is tight , and you’ll likely share tables with strangers—part of the authentic Hong Kong café experience. 🥄 What I Tried: Hot Steamed Milk Pudding The star of the show is the hot steamed milk pudding (雙皮奶) . Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet, it’s comfort in a bowl. Honestly, it’s as good as Australia Dairy Company’s version —rich and velvety without being heavy. If you’re a fan of traditional Hong Kong desserts, this is a must-try. If you’re in Hong Kong and craving a nostalgic dessert, Yee Shun Dairy Company delivers . The steamed milk pudding is worth the hype, and the quick service makes it perfect for a short stop. Just be prepared for tight seating and a bustling atmosphere.

I was a little surprised that the taxi driver didn’t know this Michelin-starred restaurant, even after I mentioned it was famous. He had to pull up Google Maps to find the location—so much for local recognition! Once seated, we ordered the baked lobster in cheese cream sauce . The lobster was impressively large and came with noodles for HKD 620 . Freshness was undeniable, but the flavor leaned toward the bland side, which seems to be a theme here. Next came a tomato potato fish soup broth —wholesome and slightly creamy, reminding me of Melben’s crab noodle soup back in Singapore. However, it carried a faint fishy aftertaste. The bamboo clam stir-fry with ginger and scallion was interesting. Instead of steaming, they removed the meat and stir-fried it dry with aromatics. Personally, I prefer the Singapore style—steamed, with a slurp-worthy sauce. The standout dish for me? Salt and pepper tofu . It was perfection—soft inside, with a paper-thin crust seasoned delicately with salt and pep...

Australia Dairy Company 47號 Parkes St, Jordan, Hong Kong Every time I visit Hong Kong, Australia Dairy Company is on my list—and every time, the queue reminds me why it’s such a test of patience. The line upon arrival? Horrendous. Again. It snakes around the block, filled with eager diners waiting for their turn at this iconic cha chaan teng. This time, we decided to skip the wait and go for takeaway —a lifesaver move if you’re short on time. Our picks: Steamed milk pudding (a classic) Toast with ham and egg Toast with cheese and egg Plus, coffee and a bottle of milk to complete the experience. The Food The steamed milk pudding ? Smooth, sweet, and comforting—just as I remembered. Standing outside the stall to eat might not be glamorous, but it’s definitely the most time-saving option. The takeaway was promptly delivered , a stark contrast to the dine-in queue that felt endless. The toast was decent—simple, satisfying, but nothing extraordinary. My only regret? Missing out on thei...