Strolling around the hotel in Kaohsiung at night reveals a city that beautifully balances its industrial roots with its modern aspirations. As Taiwan’s second-largest city and largest port, Kaohsiung has long been a powerhouse of heavy industry, from steel production to shipbuilding. These industries brought prosperity but also high levels of air pollution, which the…
The Love River, or Ai He (愛河), flows through the heart of Kaohsiung, adding a romantic charm to Taiwan’s bustling southern city. Once heavily polluted, it has undergone significant revitalization and now boasts clean waters, landscaped banks, and a lively atmosphere. Strolling along its pathways, especially in the evening when the lights reflect beautifully on…
The emergency row might sound like a great spot for extra legroom, but I’ve come to dislike it for several reasons: Definitely not the dream seat it’s often made out to be!
Expressway tunnels in Tokyo, captured handheld with the GX85. The smooth lines, glowing lights, and sense of motion make these tunnels surprisingly photogenic, especially with the camera’s excellent stabilization handling the low light and movement beautifully. A little urban photography on the go!
Rainy drive: just the kind of weather that makes leaving home on a Sunday to head to the airport for work even less appealing. Gloomy skies, wet roads, and the promise of a long week ahead—what a combination.
Planned to get some work done at Starbucks, but of course, the iPad decided it was the perfect time for an update. So much for being productive—ended up sipping coffee and watching the progress bar instead. Classic.
Good service at Starbucks is a given, but in Japan, it comes with the added charm of the famous “Starbucks smile.” The staff’s politeness and warm demeanor make every visit feel welcoming, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a while. It’s a little touch that makes a big difference.
Time for a delicious curry at my favorite Thai restaurant. There’s something about the balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy in Thai curry that I find irresistible—somehow, I even prefer it to Indian curry. Maybe it’s the addition of coconut milk or the fresh herbs, but it always hits the spot perfectly.
If you visit Japan in autumn, be sure to try Sanma (サンマ), or Pacific Saury. This seasonal delicacy is a highlight of Japanese cuisine, known for its rich, savory flavor. Grilled to perfection and served simply with grated daikon and soy sauce, it’s a dish that perfectly captures the taste of autumn in Japan. Don’t…
