The renaissance of Brisbane There’s more to the capital of Queensland than agreeable weather, a dizzying choice of adventure and culinary attractions are generating attention. That was the lead for the article I submitted to Going Places, Malaysian Airlines in-flight magazine about my home city. Take a read of the full article called Brisbane … [Read more...]
How to travel responsibly in Hoi An, Vietnam
What I learnt about travelling responsibly in Hoi An With Earth Day fast approaching on April 22nd, Silkwinds, the in-flight magazine of Silk Air (the regional airline for Singapore Airlines) reached out to contributors on the topic of Sustainable Tourism. Here's my small contribution about a noodle making experience in Hoi An, featured on p. 43 … [Read more...]
Hong Kong – what I like about you
This was visit number six to Hong Kong (should I be counting?) Hong Kong, what I like about you, cue the song released in 1980 by the Romantics It was the day before 2017 clicked over into 2018 and I arrived in Hong Kong airport a little later than planned (five hours) thanks to QANTAS and its policy of “safety over schedule.” It was annoying, … [Read more...]
Breaking your leg overseas, the lessons I’ve learned
There have been a few blog posts about my "incident" in Japan. I took the opportunity to write about it and here is my story published last year in Australia's WellBeing Magazine #170 in their "Real Life Experience" column. Its now just over 12 months since the fall - and the scar has healed amazingly (was a little concerned about … [Read more...]
Byron Bay – a backpacker’s haven
Byron Bay has forever been a destination for beautiful beaches, stunning hinterland and a laid back casual vibe. It’s been a few years between visits and I can confirm all those enticing aspects have not changed. The tourists are still drawn to Byron in numbers, but with my most recent visit, Byron felt like it was overrun with tourists of the … [Read more...]
What you may not know about Moreton Island
Moreton Island in south east Queensland is unique for many reasons. But this one is pretty special. It's 170 square kilometre expanse is one of the very few places in Queensland that can declare itself completely free of that noxious invasive pest - the cane toad. If you'd like to know more about this phenomenon, read my feature story … [Read more...]
Naked communion – a divine Japanese onsen experience
My first onsen experience took place in Nozawa Onsen Japan is a hierarchical society based on formal rituals and traditions. It’s suggested the naked communion experience the onsen provides, is a way of helping to break down those traditional barriers. Stripped of our clothing, we are all the same. Walking carefully along the snow-covered village … [Read more...]
Sydney reveals its wow factor during Vivid
How to impress a teenager Teenagers these days are pretty hard to impress. With easy access to instant on-line entertainment and their inherent immediate gratification attitude, it’s difficult to know what (if anything) will “wow” them. How about Sydney during the Vivid Festival? Sydney’s 2017 Vivid festival is from May 26 – June 17. Last … [Read more...]
A tough Japanese ski lesson
Snow was falling steadily at Nozawa Onsen. It hadn't eased since our arrival, four days earlier. It was after a slight delay from our shinkansen experience we finally made it to this traditional Japanese ski village, in the Nagano prefecture four hour’s drive northwest of Tokyo, I was with two of my sons, Mr 18 and Mr 13, my other Mr 13 stayed … [Read more...]
When travelling Japan with teenagers be prepared for anything
Expect the unexpected when travelling with teenagers The Japanese Shinkansen is fast. Also referred to as bullet trains (because of their sleek aerodynamic shape) Shinkansens are part of a high-speed passenger rail network traversing the Japanese countryside at lightning speed! On October 1st, 1964, just before the '64 Tokyo Olympics, the … [Read more...]