Author Archives: Diego

Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (20 November 2014)

After our relaxing daytime visit to the historic city of Uji, my parents were happy to retreat into the comfort of our Ōsaka hotel and prepare to turn in for the night. As far as I was concerned, however, the day was far from spent … so I dashed off on my own to KyōtoContinue reading “Field Report: Kyōto, Japan (20 November 2014)”

Flight Report: MNL-ICN-MNL on Z2 884 and Z2 85

I’ve still got a massive backlog of unblogged trips to go through, but no worries: we’ll get back on track with those over the next few weeks. For now, let’s have another flight report – this one covering a round-trip journey on AirAsia Zest (Z2) between Manila (MNL) and Seoul-Incheon (ICN).

Flight Report: MNL-FUK-MNL on PR 426 and PR 425

Before continuing with my usual field reports, let’s jump ahead and review some flights that I’ve taken recently. First on the table is the latest experience: a round-trip journey on Philippine Airlines (PR) between Manila (MNL) and Fukuoka (FUK).

Food Report: Nakamura Tōkichi Honten (Uji, Japan)

The ancient town of Uji in Kyōto Prefecture is known far and wide for its tea. It should come as no surprise that, over the course of its centuries-old love affair with this soothing gift of the bush, some of the leaves harvested hereabouts began to end up in places other than your typical bowlContinue reading “Food Report: Nakamura Tōkichi Honten (Uji, Japan)”

Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 4/4

Much as I would have wished to spend at least one more day in Taipei, no amount of wishing could change the date and time on my airline ticket – and that time was drawing ever closer. Time to pick up my bags, say my farewells, and head for the airport.

Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 3/4

On the first part of our walk across Taipei, we saw a series of buildings that reflected two centuries of the capital’s history, spanning its transition from an outpost of Qing China to a colony of Imperial Japan. But we’re not done yet – not by a long shot. So tighten those laces, take aContinue reading “Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 3/4”

Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 2/4

Without a doubt, the National Palace Museum ranks amongst the finest institutions of its kind anywhere in the world. Having said that, I know of one other museum in Taipei that probably outranks it in almost every sphere of interest – whether it be art, or history, or architecture. A museum that charges no admissionContinue reading “Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 2/4”

Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 1/4

An early start, a late evening flight … and lots of glorious sightseeing in between. Let’s take this day in four parts. The first, set out below, is a little low on photographs – the reason for this will be explained later – but the significance of the place I visited warrants a separate treatment.Continue reading “Field Report: Taipei, Taiwan (07 November 2014) – Part 1/4”