New Year’s in Japan, Through a Hawaii Lens
Growing up in Hawaii, I celebrated Japanese New Year traditions passed down through generations. Experiencing them in Japan gave those rituals new meaning.
Destinations
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Kentucky Christmas from KFC in Japan
There are many unique celebrations around the world, but one that I’ve always wanted to partake in deals with two of my favorite things – Japan & fried chicken! If you’re not aware of this one, you’re not alone! Just know that it’s not the most authentic way to celebrate Christmas in Japan, but due…
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North America by Train: the Most Scenic Amtrak, Brightline and VIA Rail Routes
I’ve always been fascinated by trains and the idea of rail travel, since we didn’t really have them in Hawaii (unless you count the now-defunct Sugar Cane Train). I’ve taken overnight and long train routes both abroad and within the US. With gas prices rising and TSA chaos at airports, I decided to focus on…
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A Unique Food Tour in Istanbul with Vines and Pearls
If you had to tell your life story through food, what dishes would you choose? A dish from your childhood. A meal that reminds you of your family. A street food you can still taste from a trip that shaped you. Something simple, something celebratory, something that makes you feel seen. That question stayed with…
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Best Turkish Breakfasts in Istanbul: Regional Specialties
If you’re a foodie visiting Turkiye, there’s no doubt that you’ve probably seen the classic photos of a Turkish breakfast spread (known as “serpme kahvalti”) where tiny, colorful dishes completely cover the table and compete for your attention – both your eyes and your taste buds! A classic Turkish breakfast is a must and many,…
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Kalamata Open Market Guide: What to Eat, Buy and Bring Home from Kalamata
With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey drawing new attention to Greece’s Peloponnese, there’s never been a better time to explore beyond the famous islands. If your travels bring you to Kalamata, don’t miss the city’s lively open market. Twice a week, the Kalamata Open Market (Λαϊκή Αγορά Καλαμάτας) spills into the square around the permanent agora,…
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Where to Stay in Kalamata, Greece: Best Areas & Hotels
With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey bringing new attention to Greece’s Peloponnese, more travelers are discovering Kalamata as a gateway to the region. Whether you’re here for the beaches, mountain villages, wineries, archaeological sites, or simply to experience everyday life in Messinia, choosing the right neighborhood can make all the difference. Despite being from Hawaii, I’m…
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Unique Things to Do in Istanbul for Photography Lovers
Most travelers come to Istanbul for the history and you absolutely can’t miss sights like the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet (the Blue Mosque), the maze-like Grand Bazaar, or a cruise along the Bosphorus, as those are all unforgettable experiences. But if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to go beyond the typical tourist stops, or…
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Best Parks in Istanbul for Nature, Picnics, and Seaside Walks
Istanbul is a huge, sprawling city with twice the population of New York City. When I first arrived ten years ago, I spent my time mostly on the European Side close to the historic center or maybe in Beyoglu or Karakoy. In my first few nights, I stayed near Taksim where it’s quite loud. There…
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Food Tours in Istanbul: Culinary Backstreets
When I first came to Turkiye as a visitor in 2015, I went looking for a new cookbook for my collection, since I usually buy a small one in each country I visit. Instead, I found Istanbul Eats: Exploring the Culinary Backstreets and I read it cover to cover in one sitting! Many of my…
