Diego

Lounge Report: PR “Mabuhay Lounge”, MNL

I had originally booked myself into economy class for my flight to Japan, but a reasonably priced over-the-counter, one-way upgrade offer at check-in brought me back into the forward cabin – and, before the flight, into Philippine Airlines’ newly renovated lounge.

ただいま.

Diego’s back from his fifth trip to Japan. The best one yet, in his view. We’ll put the documentation of my October 2013 trip to Seoul on hold for the moment, as I’m eager to set my latest experiences down in writing whilst the memories are fresh and I’ve still got energy for the project.Continue reading “ただいま.”

Field Report: Seoul (12 October 2013) – Part 2/2

After a delicious (if somewhat hurried) lunch, our merry band of travellers hopped back onto our waiting minibus for the next part of today’s Seoul city tour.

新年明けましておめでとうございます

As the first hours of daylight in 2014 – or whatever of it manages to filter through all that firework haze – fills the skies over his corner of the world, Diego happily wishes you all the best in the year ahead.

In mundo erat . . .

. . . et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognóvit. In própria venit, et sui eum non recepérunt. Quotquot autem recepérunt eum, dedit eis potestátem fílios Dei fíeri, his, qui credunt in nómine ejus: qui non ex sanguínibus, neque ex voluntáte carnis, neque ex voluntáte viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt.Continue reading “In mundo erat . . .”

Field Report: Seoul (12 October 2013) – Part 1/2

I don’t normally go on guided tours as I prefer to plot out my own course and travel at my own pace. However, the mums in our party were keen on seeing as many sights as possible with a minimum of time – and a minimum of fuss – so we booked ourselves a privateContinue reading “Field Report: Seoul (12 October 2013) – Part 1/2”

Field Report: Seoul (11 October 2013) – Part 2/2

Observation decks are a common feature of many major cities, but most of them probably aren’t equipped to offer urinals with a view to die for. Or, for that matter, a history museum full of teddy bears.

Field Report: Seoul (11 October 2013) – Part 1/2

I usually travel solo, but I rarely turn down an opportunity for a family holiday (unless work intervenes). There are many obvious benefits, including the opportunity to bond with one’s domestic circle, the natural pleasure of companionship, the added spark of life that only group travel can inject in what would otherwise have been aContinue reading “Field Report: Seoul (11 October 2013) – Part 1/2”

Flight Report: MNL-ICN on 5J 194

Low-cost carriers aren’t exactly known for luxury, comfort, punctuality, or – in extreme cases – safety. But when all one needs is an inexpensive way to get from A to B, it’s hard not to be thankful that we’ve now got loads of budget options to consider. And as I experienced this past October onContinue reading “Flight Report: MNL-ICN on 5J 194”

Field Report: Seoul (12 February 2013) – Part 2/2

The last stop of my winter trip to Seoul: a place that allows visitors to gain a sense of what the city might have looked like before war and economic development changed its urban landscape forever.