Travel – Page 40 – Within striking distance

Field Report: Tōkyō, Japan (01 February 2014)

Not much happened on this day, so let’s get it over with quickly and move on.

Flight Report: MNL-NRT on PR 428

There are times when a good onboard experience makes up (at least in part) for less-than-satisfactory service on the ground, and might just spell the difference between a disaster and a merely unpleasant interlude. This was one such occasion.

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.

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.