Up in Takayama

The weather gods continue to smile on us (Ginny says it is because she bought an umbrella in Nagoya) despite predictions to the contrary.  Perfect weather for us travelers.  Takayama… Read more »

Nagoya & Ise

Ise and Nagoya are the yin and yang of Japan:  Nagoya, an industrial capital and heart of the Toyota enterprise, and Ise, the most ancient sacred heart of  Japanese culture. … Read more »

Heavenly Hakone

The most iconic image of Japan is of course that of Mt. Fuji but I had never been fortunate enough to see the great mountain in person on any of… Read more »

Tokyo Time

We have arrived into the intensely busy crowded metropolis of Tokyo — but our ride from the airport into town is eerily quick and trafficless as this is Golden Week,… Read more »

Japan 2018

I am off again, this time with 5 good friends, on a 18 day visit to some of the highlights of Japan, from the urban metropolis of Tokyo to the… Read more »

Sri Lanka Hills to Sea

I have only a distant memory of Kandy from 1976 and what I remember is colonial-style buildings and a great green lawn.  Now, as might be expected, there are additional… Read more »

Sri Lanka in Style

We are driving in the hills of Sri Lanka toward the city of Kandy, at this country’s central heart.  It is the essence of tropical, with great soaring coconut palms… Read more »

Kochi Contrasts

The old fort area of Kochi, the former Cochin, remains a peaceful enclave of tourist sites, hotels, and the remains of the traditional way of life.  The military are based… Read more »

Kerala Backwaters

It is early morning, 6:30 am, on a backwater inlet in Kerala and I am sitting on the prow of our houseboat, listening to Sanskrit chanting from a Hindu temple… Read more »