Life between trips

At nagoya, I tried two very different food spots — a lively izakaya experience at Sekai no  Yamachan and a quieter, more comforting stop at T subame Milk & Bread . Both couldn’t be more different, but each had its own charm. Sekai no Yamachan — Peppery Wings & Izakaya Bites 3 Chome-9-16 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan I first visited Yamachan, famous for its Nagoya-style chicken wings, and it definitely lived up to its reputation — at least for the wings. Fried Chicken Wings (Tebasaki) The highlight of the meal. The skin was super crispy , and what really stood out was the heavy punch of black pepper . It’s not your typical saucy wing — more of a dry, spice-forward flavour. If you enjoy bold seasoning, this definitely hits the spot. I paired it with an umeshu soda , which turned out to be a great choice — refreshing with a slight sweetness that balanced the strong peppery kick nicely. Fried Garlic Rice This one was a bit underwhelming. The rice lacked fra...

Japan has a talent for turning everyday things into experiences — even something as simple as buying winter wear or checking into a small hotel. On this trip, two things stood out: a very successful shopping spree at UNIQLO Japan , and an unexpectedly delightful stay at Base Layer Hotel Nagoya . Here’s my full review — personal, honest, and exactly what made both moments special. UNIQLO Japan (Nagoya Gate Tower Store) – My Best Shopping Haul Yet 1 Chome-1-3 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6611, Japan I always enjoy browsing UNIQLO, but shopping in Japan is on a completely different level. Prices are better, the options are wider, and the shopping experience feels smoother and calmer. What I Bought (and Loved): ✔ J.W. Anderson Winter Collection I couldn’t resist the JWA winter buys — the textures, the colors, the patterns, the slight modern British twist. Everything felt premium without the hefty designer price tag. It’s the kind of collaboration that actually looks and feels b...

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...

 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...

If you’re looking for a destination in Hong Kong that combines breathtaking scenery, geological wonders, and a sense of escape, the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung should be on your list. Tucked away in the Sai Kung East Country Park , this spot is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark , and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The Journey Want to experience Hong Kong’s stunning geopark without breaking a sweat? Forget the long hikes —taking a taxi is by far the most time-efficient and least effort option. From Sai Kung town, the ride is scenic and stress-free, and when you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the reservoir and the South China Sea, separated by the massive dam structure. The contrast between the turquoise freshwater and the deep blue ocean is striking. Upon arrival, our taxi driver assured us that getting back wouldn’t be a problem. True enough, when we returned, there was a queue of green taxis wa iting at the drop-off point. No stress, no scram...

When you think of authentic Cantonese dim sum, One Dim Sum (一點心) is a name that often tops the list. Known for its Michelin recognition and wallet-friendly prices, the main branch at Prince Edward is currently undergoing renovations—but thankfully, their Tsim Sha Tsui outlet offers the same comforting flavors in a convenient location. The Vibe The Tsim Sha Tsui branch carries the same casual, no-frills charm as the original. It’s clean, efficient, and all about the food. Expect a lively atmosphere with quick turnover—perfect for a fuss-free dim sum fix. What We Ordered & Loved Here’s what stood out during our visit: Char Siu Bun (叉燒包) Fluffy, soft buns filled with savory char siu. The pork is flavorful but not overpowering, making it a gentle introduction to the meal. Siu Mai (燒賣) Steamed to perfection, topped with fish roe and a plump prawn. A classic done right—juicy and satisfying. Water Chestnut Cake (馬蹄糕) Sweet and delicate, but what makes it special is the crunch of water c...

Bolton Cafe on Ashley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is highly rated on Google, and I can see why people love the nostalgic Hong Kong vibes. The restaurant is clean, tidy, and decorated in a retro style that feels authentic. I arrived around 6 PM, and surprisingly, there was no crowd, which made the experience more relaxed. What I Tried Kyoto Pork with Lard Rice The rice is meant to be mixed with their black sauce, which tastes like a blend of soy sauce and oil. The pork itself was dry but easy to eat, marinated somewhat like the flavor of pai gu wang (Chinese-style pork ribs). Baked Tomato Sauce Rice with Pork Chop This dish didn’t really hit the mark for me. The sauce was light and not as tangy as I expected (I was hoping for something closer to Maggi tomato sauce). The pork chop wasn’t tender and lacked deep marination. The dish included onions, tomato, pineapple, and cheese, but overall, the flavor felt muted. Pork Chop Bun According to my husband, this was way better than any...

Nestled in the tranquil hills of Tai Po, Tsz Shan Monastery (慈山寺) is more than just a Buddhist landmark—it’s a sanctuary for reflection and peace. With its towering Guan Yin statue and serene gardens, this monastery offers a rare escape from Hong Kong’s urban rush Getting There We planned to take the 20T minibus , which heads directly to the monastery, but it only runs at limited time slots. To avoid uncertainty, we opted for a taxi from Tai Po Market , which cost about HKD 86 . On the way back, we aimed for the 4:10 PM bus , arriving at 3:56 PM—only to find it full! So, we waited for the next one at 4 :30 PM (last bus) . Mental note: plan your return early if you’re relying on the bus. First Impressions The monastery’s architecture is stunning—Tang and Song dynasty-inspired structures set against lush greenery. The 76-meter Guan Yin statue dominates the skyline, holding a wisdom pearl and vase of pure water, symbolizing compassion and cleansing. Walking the Compassion Path toward h...