A park in Nara.
As a follow up to my recent post about Japan, here’s a collection of some of the best photos I took on the trip.
Locations include Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo. Camera used was a Nikon D40 paired with a Nikon 35m f/1.8G.
If you like these, you’ll probably like my pictures of San Francisco as well.
Mt. Fuji from a Kyoto to Tokyo bullet train.
To be perfectly honest, Japan has never been on top of my list of places to visit.
A big reason is that it’s a developed country. These countries are expensive and they’ll be more or less the same whether I go now or when I’m older. I want to visit the third-world countries first because they’ll undoubtedly change and their creature comforts are more inclined towards those in who are young and in shape.
Japan has also failed to pique my interest because I’ve always thought of it as somewhat bland: it doesn’t have any spectacular beaches, there are no swathes of jungles, no amazing dive sites, and other than Tokyo, it lacks a big, globally known city. I have heard it does have amazing skiing but flying trans-pacific seems excessive for that alone, especially since I’m so close to Tahoe.
When booking holiday deals, many choose to jet off to Mexico for the sun, sand and sea. However, it’s a destination that has so much more to offer than divine beaches. You’ll be flying for around 11 hours to reach your holiday haven, so make the most of it while you’re there. Tick these Mexico must-see’s off of your list:
If you’re looking for a great holiday destination with bags of character and that all-important combo of sun, sea and sand, the Canary Islands will fit the bill perfectly. It might be a popular choice with the likes of Thomas Cook package holidays but that doesn’t mean you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder on the beaches, or crammed into the last available hotel on the island. When it comes to the Canary Islands, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the diversity and the sheer spectrum of holiday experiences on offer.
Third time’s the charm with the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
It’s been over two months (yes, I am finally out of my post-vacation funk) since I returned from my latest trip to Thailand so I’ve had some time to reflect and think about the trip. Even though it was not the longest (around 2.5 weeks), we managed to see a good number of places: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui.
Chiang Mai and Koh Samui were both new to me. Nestled up against the northern mountains, Chiang Mai provided some much needed reprieve from the oppressing heat in Bangkok. The city is much smaller and although I wouldn’t necessarily go as far as saying it’s quaint, it does have a certain charm about it.
Tough to leave this…
Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand – Two in the morning. Lights shining and music blaring from every direction. The air hot and humid filled with a thousand aromas. People from all over the world spilling out of bars and onto the streets. Merchants crowded onto the road selling suits, swim wear, tshirts, dresses, and jackets. Food carts packed with fresh pad thai, fried rice, and fruits. Little ladies selling buckets and deep fried scorpions. Kids running around trying to unload their roses and other knick knacks. There’s energy in the air, an indescribable buzz that can only be experienced in person.
A day and a half later…
North Beach, San Francisco, California - Ten at night. Devastatingly cold and cloudy. The streets are quiet and empty. The place is dead.
The miracles of air travel eh?
Looking forward to strolling down this street again. Khao San road.
They call Thailand the “Land of Smiles” because of the country’s friendly people and fascinating culture. For me, thinking about the place usually brings a giant smile to my face.
Of all the countries I’ve been to, I’ve found Thailand to be one of the most accessible and easy places to travel. Combined with the laid back attitude of the Thais, the amazing food, the low cost, the beaches, and the parties, I believe the country is one of the best vacations spots on the planet.
And that is why I’m going back for a third time this December.
