Ready for some fairytale castles? This post provides the historical context and cast of characters behind two of Germany’s most famous castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, near Füssen in Bavaria, Germany.
Hida-Takayama: Living History and Rural Charm in Japan
Hida-Takayama is one of those rare destination gems that reward the intrepid traveler. Its commitment to cultural and historical preservation educates and inspires. Surrounded by mountains, it’s also a gateway to the natural, untainted beauty of Japan.
UNESCO Gassho Farm Houses in Shirakawa and Gokayama, Japan
Japan’s unique Gassho villages are an excellent example of emergent adaptation to natural environment, isolation, and economic necessity — earning them the status and protection of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Far more than just Instagram-worthy, they offer an experiential snippet of living history…
5 Day Trek in the Japanese Alps
This post series details our 5-day high altitude hut-to-hut trek in the Japan Northern Alps in late September 2023. Our trek started at Murodo and ended at Shin-Hotaka in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, covering 40 miles and loads of ascent and descent…
Japan North Alps: Budget and Logistics
Japan Alps: This post provides cost, budget and logistical details for our 5-day hut-to-hut trek in the Japanese Northern Alps.
Stage 1: Murodo to Goshiki-ga-hara Hut
Day 1 of our five day Japan Alps Trek started at 8,000+ feet above sea level, with no acclimatization. It was up-and-down over steep, rocky terrain for the next several hours, with swirling mist, rugged ridge tops, and juniper-covered Alpine meadows…
Stage 2: Goshiki-ga-hara Hut to Yakushi-dake
Day 2 of the Japan Alps Trek was the longest and most strenuous section, with several rock scramble peaks, steep descents, and a final ridge-back climb to Mt. Yakushi, one of Japan’s “100 Most Famous Mountains”…
Stage 3: Yakushi-dake to Kurobegoro-dake
Day 3 of the Japan Alps Trek was the highlight of our trek, traversing broad highland meadows with magnificent views. A long descent into the cirque of Mt. Kurobegoro was brilliant with the first blazes of the Fall foliage. Lots of photos in this stage…
Stage 4: Kurobegoro Hut to Sugoroku-goya Hut
Day 4 of the Japan Alps Trek was short and wild as we hiked through gale force winds in a whiteout! Sugoroku-goya Hut offered a festive, safe shelter to weather the storm…
Stage 5: Sugoroku-goya Hut to Shin-Hotaka Onsen
Day 5 of the Japan Alps Trek was a descent to Shin Hotaka hot springs resort area, with a fantastic cloud show and a peak at Yari-ga-dake…
Kamikochi in Chubu-Sangaku National Park
Kamikochi in Chubu Sangaku National Park is the most iconic tourist destination in the region. We spent our last day in the Japan Alps walking a forest path, soaking in the sights, and planning our return trip…
Day Trip from Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
North and South Korea are, technically, still at war. To appreciate Korea's recent history and internalize the tense relationship with North Korea, a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Panmunjeom is essential. Organized tours provide a one day trip from Seoul…
A Day of Solitude on Muui Island
Muui Island (무의도 "Mu-ee-do") is just across the bay from Incheon airport, but totally immune from Seoul's urban vibe. This tiny rustic island is a terrific place for a day of rest or exercise, with beaches, hiking trails and incredible sunset views.
Off the Beaten Path Day Trip from Seoul: Ganghwa and Seokmo Islands
There are a series of little islands just west of Gimpo that offer fresh air, calm natural beauty, naval history and UNESCO world heritage dolmens. Ganghwa Do and its satellite islands are definitely off-the-beaten tourist path, but accessible via bus, car, and ferry from Seoul or Gimpo.
Explore the Past and the Present at Gyeomjae Jeong Seon Art Museum (Seoul)
Jeong Seon pioneered the notion of realistic “true-view” landscape painting in Asia. For viewers in the modern age, his paintings provide a glimpse back in time. See also the companion exhibit by contemporary digital artist Lee Lee Nam.
Two Days in Gyeongju, South Korea
If you like history (or a calmer quality of life beyond Seoul), you will LOVE Gyeongju! This area was once the capital of the Shilla Kingdom, where King Munmu in the 600 AD period was able to unify three kingdoms into one central state. Tomb parks, temples, beaches and food!
Weekend Zen in Suncheon
A weekend of relaxation and contemplation is just 3 hours from Seoul on the KTX high speed train to Suncheon, in South Jeolla Province. This get-away is zero stress! Activities include deeply inhaling the sweet smell of pine, listening to the entrancing sway of bamboo, sipping green tea, and embracing silence.
Yucatan Road Trip: Playa del Carmen
Our 10 day Yucatan road trip officially started in Playa del Carmen, where we had the opportunity to live like a local. In this post, we detail some of the more local, off-the-beaten path spots in PDC, Mexico - and share car rental logistics in Mexico…
Yucatan Road Trip: Taak Bi Ha Cenote Stop
First stop on our 10 day Yucatan road trip was a cool dip in Taak Bi Ha underground cenote, near Tulum…
Yucatan Road Trip: Valladolid
Valladolid is a colorful but sleepy little town west of the Mayan Riviera and our home base for several nights while we explored surrounding sites. We came here for the food, but fell in love with the slow pace, night market, funky art shops, and street carts…