We hiked South Korea’s Jeju Olle Trail in March 2024. This post covers days 13-15, courses 14, 13 and 12, walking counter-clockwise. Highlights: Hyeopjae and Keumneung Beaches, artist village, and UNESCO Geopark…
Jeju Olle Trail: Daily Log Book Courses 11-10
We hiked South Korea’s Jeju Olle Trail in March 2024. This post covers our final two days on courses 11 and 10. Highlights: Mt. Sanbang, Alddreu Airforce Base, Songaksan viewpoint…
Jeju Olle Trail: Budget and Logistics
This post covers our budget breakdown for the Jeju Olle Trail in South Korea. We spent a total of USD$1,860 over 17 days of walking…
The Colors and Attitude of Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico
It seems everyone in Oaxaca de Juarez is both an artist and an activist, adept at expressing complex thoughts and emotions through art…
Mission in Oaxaca, Mexico: Learn to Love the Beach
We spent a month on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast. We learned to surf in Puerto Escondido and got PADI SCUBA certified in Huatulco…
Jungle Pools and Biodiversity in Copalita Ecology Park, Huatulco
The Copalita River tumbles down the mountain and spills into the ocean, creating a unique ecological zone just outside of Huatulco, Mexico…
Hierve el Agua and the Zapotecs
We booked a hiking tour to see the gorgeous pools of Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca; we gained a far better understanding of Mexico’s diverse indigenous population…
Winter in Kyushu, Japan: 17 Day Roadtrip
We spent 17 days road tripping around Kyushu in February, hiking in national parks and pampering ourselves with leisurely kaiseki meals and hot spring pools...
The Hellish Unzen Jigoku Hot Springs, Kyushu, Japan
“Jigoku” means “hell” and the geothermal hot spring fields in Unzen do create a surreal inferno-like landscape. From hot springs to castles to buried houses, there is so much to do in Shimabara and Unzen National Park!
Evening Kagura and Takachio's Gorgeous River Gorge
Takachiho’s legends — and the beautiful Gokase River gorge — have captured the imagination of curious travelers and manga lovers worldwide. The highlight is Takachiho’s Evening Kagura, a ritualistic performance with costumes, masks, and music…
Yakushima: Communing with the Giants
Yakushima’s semi-tropical forests, white sandy beaches, lazy monkeys, and memorable sunsets calmed our minds and renewed our spirits! The Yakusugi Old Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site…
Hiking, Kaiseki, and Hot Springs in Yufuin and Beppu, Kyushu
Our winter roadtrip around Kyushu, Japan, included several days of hiking, hot springs, and gluttonous kaiseki in Yufuin and Beppu in Kyushu’s Oito Prefecture…
Thrilling Active Volcano Hike: Mount Aso in Kyushu, Japan
Witnessing the enormous power of planet earth’s most primordial act of creative destruction is an unforgettable thrill! We hiked Mount Aso in Kyushu, Japan...
Steamy Kirishima Kinkowan National Park in Kyushu
Our final stop during our 17 day winter roadtrip in Kyushu, Japan. The highlight of this steamy landscape was Shankara Lodge…
Japanese "Love Motel" in Fukuoka, Kyushu
We stayed at a Japanese "love motel" in Fukuoka, an over-the-top experience. Of course, we didn't just go there for the kitschy accommodations...
A Message of Love from Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan
When we visited Nagasaki, I was prepared for a solemn day of dark tourism and reflection. What I did not expect was the inspiring message of love and hope that we also received from Takashi Nagai...
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.