The sky was a pale blue, with airplane contrails criss-crossing the frozen winter air high above, and a bright, shining sun. It was a great day to visit one of Tokyo’s most peaceful places, the huge gardens of the imperial palace, and residence of Emperor Akihito of Japan. The first important thing to know – … More An Illustrated Visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Ueno area is known or its large, beautiful park. It has some of the most beautiful green areas and temples in Tokyo city (better, I thought, than the Imperial Palace). But outside of cherry blossom, and in the cold days of winter, what is there to do? Toshogu shrine and Kiyomuzi Kannon are year … More Walking Ueno Park in the Winter
One of Tokyo’s most iconic sights is the famous Shibuya crossing. This spectacular neon-lit intersection transforms when the pedestrian lights turn green, and up to 3000 people swarm across the road at the same time! But, as one of Tokyo’s most celebrated (and crowded) nightlife spots, there’s plenty more to see nearby! Let’s have a … More The Amazing Shibuya Scramble: Tokyo’s Heart of Entertainment
Shinjuku is Tokyo big city life all rolled up into one lively ward. Shopping, eating, drinking, flashing neon signs, giant crowds in suits; it’s all here, right next to the world’s busiest train station. Shinjuku is a big economic hub in Tokyo, and a wonderful jumping off point into the neon-lit megacity madness that many … More Must-See Shinjuku For First-Time Visitors
Japan was one of most wonderful destinations we had ever been to. I always imagined two sides of Japan – the historical and traditional Japan of temples, torii gates and elegant geishas, against the hyper-modern cities, cartoons and robots. Inbetween it all, there are so many tiny quirks and conveniences that are the cherry on … More The Little Things That I Love About Japan
Langkawi, a popular holiday island in the north-west of Malaysia, is made for scootering around. A great network of local roads can take you all around the island; and with so many beaches to see, mountains to ride up, and shortcuts to take, two wheels is the only way to go. Renting a bike in … More Exploring Langkawi by Scooter (and Boat)
There was something strangely relaxing about the mosquitoes bouncing off my face with faint tic – tic sounds, as our motorbike spluttered between rice paddies on the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Island life The rural scenery was beautiful, and at dusk, very quiet. The dessicated skins of snakes and frogs lay comically flattened on the … More Some AirBnbs Are Much More Amazing Than Expected
Kuala Lumpur is not an instant charmer. Dirty, smelly, hot and (sometimes) smoggy, for many people it falls into the category of just a transit hub to other destinations. I’ve visited KL many times, whether it be on a holiday, or as part of a layover, and I’ve grown more and more in love with … More Why Kuala Lumpur Might Be My Favourite Transit City
A big transition is afoot. This blog is changing from a travel blog to an illustrated travel blog. It will be a slow transition, because illustrating is a slow process. Goodbye photos, hello coloured pencils. But beneath the surface, there is a lot to consider. Here are some simple steps to think about when changing … More Changing The Niche Of Your Blog
Well, that’s it! I’ve finished publishing all my stories from my Africa travels. And just in time, too, because a new journey is just beginning, involving me leaving my home for a new life in Europe! And to accompany it, a complete revamp of my blog to incorporate my artwork is also coming. Please visit … More My Blog Is Evolving
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