Wild Junket » Japan

Daily Travel Snapshot: Tokyo, Japan

Nellie Huang — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:30:07 +0000

The technology hub of Akihabara in downtown Tokyo, Japan.

Daily Travel Snapshot: Kyoto, Japan

Nellie Huang — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 01:30:13 +0000

Girls in kimono at the Kiyumizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

City Break: World’s Greatest Cities

Nellie Huang — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:40:27 +0000

Bright lights, skyscraping buildings and an endless flow of energy: big cities can be some of the best travel destinations. I used to be a city girl – dazed by the glitzy lights of New York and charmed by the classic English squares in London. These days, I’m more of an outdoors traveler but it’s still hard to resist the seduction of these vibrant, energetic metropolis. Here’s a list of the world’s greatest cities – from their quintessential attractions to their hedonistic nightlife.

New York

The Big Apple is America’s pride and joy – a massive metropolis chocked full of ethnic districts, charming restaurants and attractions. New York is perhaps the most photographed and filmed city in the world, with its sprawling skyline appearing in thousands of movies and series. Even hotels in New York – like the Plaza – are world famous. When in New York, the first thing that most tourists do is climb to the top of the Empire State Building for a 360degree view; then wander through the nightlights of Times Square and mourning the loss of lives at Ground Zero.

London

London – Europe’s culture capital – is a melting pot of cultures and a modern-day testimony to European history. Packed with traditional English pubs, outdoor markets and green gardens, London is rich in character and old-world charm. Whether you are visiting the world-famous museums, or shopping along the Portobello Road Market or just drinking in the city view from your London hotel, you’ll find yourself quickly falling for London.

Paris

Sexy, romantic and aloof: Paris is dubbed the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the city’s artery of Les Champs Elysees, get lost for hours in the prominent Musee de Louvre or climb up the Eiffel Tower and steal a kiss or two with your loved one. There are endless choices of things to do in Paris – but remember to bring your partner along!

Rome

One of the oldest cities in the world, Rome is studded with priceless monuments and valuable testimonies to history. Every street corner opens up to a majestic Roman ruin – be it the Foro Romano (Roman forum/marketplace), Fontana de Trevi or the Vatican San Pietro Basilica. There are no other cities like Rome and it’s easy to see that once you’re here. Over tens of thousands of Roman sites to visit and rows upon rows of charming restaurants to unwind in, Rome makes for a perfect city getaway.

Singapore

The economic hub of Southeast Asia is not just sky-soaring buildings and hectic commercial districts – Singapore is also filled with bouts of ethnic culture and tradition. Outside of the futuristic city center, you’ll find traditional Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Muslim mosques and Catholic churches. In a multi-racial society like this, food is diverse and rich: sample colorful and flavorful Singaporean dishes like chilli crabs or fried oysters.

Tokyo

There are few cities in the world as futuristic, energetic and modern as Tokyo. At the busy traffic-junction of Shinjuku, over thousands of people cross each day. Neon lights fill the night skies in the technological district of Akihabara, while the crowded shopping district Shibuya is littered with cute, little boutiques. Don’t forget it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the world, so watch your pocket!

Dubai

Middle East’s cosmopolitan hub, Dubai, is not just any other metropolis. With the world’s only 6-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, rising through its sea, Dubai has a wealthy economy that is progressing so rapidly that few other cities can catch up with. But besides the sophisticated high-rises, there are plenty of traditional sights to see – like the Jumeirah Mosque and Gold Souk. A little outside of the city is the golden desert, book yourself on a camel safari and within an hour you’ll be right in the heart of the desert.

Photo credits: All flickr photos above by Stuck in Customs except London(Anirudh Koul), Singapore (Nellie Huang) and Dubai (Crazy Diamond).

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10 of the Safest Destinations to Visit

Nellie Huang — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:37:00 +0000

While I’m out and about exploring my new city Seville, Bryant from Gustey.com is filling in as a guest blogger, rounding up 10 of the safest cities to travel.

Some travelers still have qualms about traveling to certain destinations. For some, it is a priority to know that the country you’re in is safe or that the honeymoon you have always wanted is in a location with a good track record. With the help of CNN and MSNBC I have picked 10 of what I deem the safest cities in the world to visit. The factors going into these choices are natural disasters, social unrest, terrorism, and crime.

1. The Dutch ABC Islands

The Caribbean Islands have a reputation that can be shaky at times. There have been violent crimes and political unrest in Aruba, but the other islands in the group are doing well in terms of security and stability. Crime rates on the ABC Islands are comparatively low. There is no political unrest (as far as we know) and they are away from the usual hurricane route. They get a top vote for a heavenly combination of security and natural beauty.

2. New Zealand

All in all New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world. No one really knows why. It might be due to its size and population, or maybe its isolated distance from the rest of the world that the country is generally peaceful, calm and stable. With organized cities and tranquil rural settings, New Zealand definitely makes for an excellent security hub for travelers.

Flickr photo by kiwinz

3. Ulster, Ireland

The Irish have always gotten a bad wrap for being fighters, drinkers, and the early mafia. Their gruff reputation should be overlooked when looking at Ulster as a travel destination. The Emerald Isle was just voted by the WHO as the least violent country in Europe. So don’t judge a clover by its leaves or Ulster might have to arm wrestle you for it.

4. Cyprus

Cyprus is another place that has had its poor reputations. This reputation has since been bunkified. With its booming economy and Orthodox churches at the center of its culture, Cyprus makes the list, and has evolved into a haven for travelers. This Eurasian island located in the East Mediterranean packs both the laid-back beachfront lifestyle and a low cost of living into one treasure trove.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland it is one of the richest countries in the world – divided into three main linguistic and cultural regions. Famed for the Alps, chocolate and high standard of living, Switzerland is often on the dream list of those chasing after the high life. Whether you’re here for a winter break or a new permanent home, the security will definitely make you feel at ease.

Flickr photo by Juan Rubiano

6. Singapore

Singapore makes a clean and safe destination thanks to its extremely low crime rate and stringent law. Its track record is impeccable since the ruling of first Prime Minister. Singapore is a place worth visiting not just for its safety but also its myriad of mixed ethnics and traditional heritage. With such diversity, there is much to explore and learn in the economic hub of Asia.

7. Seattle, USA

Seattle is a tourist-friendly city, with well-equipped hostels, gorgeous scenery, and some of the best outdoor recreations in the country. A city that takes good care of its bike paths and recreational facilities deserves a nod for the world’s safest cities. In every corner there is a café or pub for visitors to hang loose and unwind.

Flickr photo by Bala

8. Luxembourg

The crime rate in Luxembourg is one of the lowest when compared to other European countries. Typical crimes are petty theft or infrequent break-ins. It has topped the list of world’s safest cities for years and deserves a visit for the traveling perks and well-developed infrastructure.

9. Helsinki, Finland

For a capital city, Helsinki is voted by many as the safest city in the world. It has a large enough population to warrant areas to steer clear of especially at night, but generally speaking, it is a safe city for travelers. There is an unlimited array of fun activities to do, outdoor exploring, and overnight trips. Often a city overlooked by most travelers, Helsinki definitely deserves to be in the limelight.

Flickr photo by Taiva Salla

10. Tokyo, Japan

Ranked 35^th on the Mercer stats for safest cities, Tokyo ranks top in the list of safe Asian cities to visit. Much like Seattle in its urban influence, the city has a powerful economy and commercial strength. Its population is huge, its area expansive, but it still remains a secure society.

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Bryant writes for Gustey.com about low cost travel insurance and traveling abroad. Currently a travel group visiting Patagonia with Gustey had their short term travel insurance cut short and had to return home before the anticipated departure date.

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8 of the World’s Most Beautiful Coastal Towns

Nellie Huang — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:32:49 +0000

Stunning views of the cliff, with gorgeous beach houses dotting the coastline and narrow highways meandering close to the rocks beneath — Coastal towns bring a whole new meaning to seaside lifestyle. There is a certain allure about these coastal towns, be it in Africa or Australia; their elegance and disarrayed beauty tend to make you fall unknowingly for their charm. What’s special about them is their geographical edge blessed by forces of both nature and man, making them unique and visually enticing.

Read my full article on Bootsnall.com!

From the epitomy of beauty in Santorini, Greece, to the Southern tip of Africa, Cape Town, I will bring you along the ride meandering through the curved cliffs and shapely hills, cruising along the sea to get to these gorgeous Coastal Towns. Surprise Surprise, you might even find one right in the heart of Japan – just 1 hour away from bustling Tokyo! The Americans fret not, there is always a winning town in sunny California to bring you some Coastal beauty. My favourite would have to be Tunisia, North Africa where Arabic and Mediterranean architecture fuse into a unpredictable concoction!

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7 of the most Bizarre Asian cultural habits

Nellie Huang — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:33:26 +0000

It all started when Alberto began asking me questions, on why Asians always eat with our mouths full, or why we never bother asking ‘how are you?’. I was always intrigued by how he saw us as Asians. Even as a foreigner who’s been throttling in and out of Asia for the past 5 years, he is still amazed by the stark differences and just how odd some of our behavior would be deemed in the western world. This article is basically inspired by him, to showcase some of our most Bizarre cultural habits.

Anyone who’s been to China would have seen the locals spitting openly on the streets, or even indoors in nice restaurants. It’s quite a hideous sight, and you just can’t stop wondering why they incessantly do that.

In many Asian countries, it is typical for people to grow long fingernails, especially on their small pinkie. Wanna know why? Read my article here.

And from Japan to India, it is a standard practice to remove shoes at home in most of the Asian countries. Again, there are always some cultural beliefs that lead to such practices.

From the Japanese’ habit of slurping noodles loudly, to the Chinese’s spitting habit along the streets, I bring you on a journey through the weird and bizarre Asian customs that might just make you feel, tad bit, odd.

Read my full article on the 7 most Bizarre Asian Cultural Habits here.

Additional photo credits:
Noodle slurping: Wootang01 on Flickr , Removing shoes: Amirjina, No Spitting.

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A walk thru’ Japanese culture in Kyoto

Nellie Huang — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:17:00 +0000

A lil girl dressed as a geisha stood by the street
transporting us back in time,
to the ancient traditional times of Japan..

Kiyomizu temple overlooks the city..

with our kawaii Japanese friends..
it was funny speakin to them in Spanish, in Japan.
Heiko absolutely loved the kneelin part of Japanese traditions..

An extremely touristic picture of us n the geisha..

Byo-do Inn
shimmerin under the evening sun..

A great restaurant for Yakitori (bbq skews)..

Beautiful ladies clad in Kimonos

we dig these Tatami styled restaurants..

SAKE! We all loved it!
what better way to indulge in some true Japanese culture?

TOKYO RAIDERS

Nellie Huang — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Awesome Shabu Shabu
(thinly sliced beef soaked in light soup)
and Sukiyaki for the rest.
Food glorious food!

Wide spread of delicacies at Miho’s place

Anime dressing

Tokyo’s nightview

One of the coolest restaurants in our trip
Inspired by the ‘Kill Bill’ setting,
it’s a traditional old Japanese dwelling
restored to suit modern tastes..

Walkin along the streets of Shinjuku