Thailand is kind of a second home for me. I have been visiting the country for more than 40 years. Although Thailand receives so many tourists every year, I realise that most visitors have no clue about the etiquette and way of life of the Thai. This is a shame because they miss the essence of Thai […]
Read More Postcard from Thailand: ‘Thai people are the kindest in the world’
Tourist websites list no shortage of “things to see and do” in Japan that are no doubt all worth it. But after visiting Japan — most often Tokyo — annually over the last 20 years, I have made a personal list of recommendations — places to go in Greater Tokyo — that don’t always appear on these websites.
Read More American cultural geographer picks three favourite places to go in Greater Tokyo
Arriving in a new destination, travellers often scramble to get their bearings. One can read a map, identify key landmarks, get a vantage from someplace high such as a mountain or tall building or, if one is fortunate enough, meet a local who will help them. Orienting oneself is most challenging in large cities, particularly those […]
Read More Postcard from Vietnam: Guided by young people through Hanoi’s Old Quarter
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is … … affecting. Today was the first day of a 10-day familiarisation tour of the country hosted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). I am in Rwanda at the invitation of RDB, as well as “GT” Partners Red Rocks Rwanda and Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development. I will try to regularly post travel impressions […]
Read More Postcard from Rwanda: Ubumuntu
The Red Rocks Cultural Festival is a very relaxed affair. There are no madding crowds nor tour guide flags to make you feel like you’re part of a machine. Over the five days of the Festival, there are scheduled activities that are free to join. Or you can show up at Red Rocks Cultural Center independently, […]
Read More Postcard from Rwanda: A banana beer moment
It’s tidy. Singapore-level spotless. Communities get together on the last Saturday of every month to pick up rubbish. Even the popular President, Paul Kagame, joins in when he can, I’m told. As do other leaders. I arrived on the Thursday before the last Saturday in August and there seemed to be very little to pick up. […]
Read More Postcard from Rwanda: First impressions
