What to Pack to Move Abroad to Japan
Tips, tricks, and a packing list for moving abroad.
Maris Around the House: An Update
Not traveling, just at home and reflecting + hopeful for the future. The world is in a global pandemic, fires blaze near my hometown, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen the exposed lower half of a non-family member’s face in person. I feel cautious and guarded around other people, have used more
Fenjing Water Town: Shanghai Day Trip
Overview: Where can you go to escape the crazy crowdedness of Shanghai? The answer is a short bus ride away to the town of Fenjing. Getting There: In southwest Shanghai, the ancient water town called Fenjing quietly lies. We traveled by bus to this old town, arriving an hour and a half after departure, the
Chongqing Hot Pot
The next stop on our China adventure was Chongqing! After navigating the massive airport and riding a bus for forty minutes, Mom and I arrived at Chongqing City Proper, home to more than 8.5 million residents. Given that it was noon time, our group was given 1.5 hours to roam the streets and grab a
Unearthed Warriors
Today was awaited with much anticipation as it was our chance to visit the famous Terracotta Army Museum! Our bus brought us near the entrance of the museum, but after unloading, we took a golf cart to reach the heart of the excitement. As we made our way to Pit 1 (the largest of the
Rickshaws in the Hutongs
Day four in China! Today we had the opportunity to visit Beijing’s hutongs – narrow streets and alleyways lined by traditional courtyard residences. We made our way through the cramped streets by electric rickshaw, where unlike those in Japan that are powered by guides running on foot, these were hooked up to a nice electric
Beijing Night Market: Feat. Creepy Crawlies
After visiting a few of Taiwan’s most popular night markets, I was eager to see how the ones in China would compare. A handful of us from the tour group ventured out to explore the night life as it was just a quick subway ride and walk from our Beijing hotel. The short journey brought
Beijing Olympic Village
“Beijing 2008, the Olympics. USA, Gold, Michael Phelps. Water Cube, Bird’s Nest, Opening Ceremony of a lifetime. China, medals, athletics….” These words swirled in my mind as we headed towards the Olympic Village stationed in Beijing. As our bus neared the area, my heart leaped when I saw a monument bearing the Olympic rings in
The Great Wall of China
After such a great breakfast the day before, I was excited to make my way to the buffet a second time. I indulged in potstickers, rice porridge with condiments (congee), sweet glutinous rice balls (zongzi), and a couple of crackers with cheese. Fueled up and full, I gathered with our group in the lobby and soon