Tag: travel sketching

かわいい原宿クレープ 笑顔のイチゴ

Harajuku's Crazy Crepes – The Sweet Treats You Have To Try

May 12, 2020

Harakjuku crepes are some of the most eye-catching sweet treats in Harajuku. You can’t miss them; Cream-filled, brightly-coloured, packed with strawberry and chocolate and slices of cake! This Japanese version of the French crepe are synonymous with Tokyo’s centre of youth culture – they’re sweet, over the top, and fun! They’re served rolled up in … More Harajuku's Crazy Crepes – The Sweet Treats You Have To Try

かわいいイチゴ 日本の白いイチゴ 漫画 コピックマーカー

The World’s Most Expensive Strawberry – Japan’s White Jewel Strawberries

May 5, 2020

Japan has a reputation for growing interesting fruits. Some of the most interesting creations are fruits given as a gift, such as square watermelons, pretty red santonishiki cherries, luxury Yūbari King melons, and white strawberries. The White Jewel strawberry White strawberries are known in Japan as the Shirou Houseki variety, or ‘White Jewel‘. They have a … More The World’s Most Expensive Strawberry – Japan’s White Jewel Strawberries

Illustration of Icelandic lopapeysa travel sketching blue lagoon Reykjavik

Iceland’s Iconic Sweater – the Lopapeysa

April 28, 2020

If Iceland had a national garment, it would surely be the ubiquitous Icelandic sweater, or lopapeysa. Any visitor to Iceland will surely have noticed the rough wool sweaters, with their earthy tones and distinctive geometric designs radiating from the collar. They’re earthy, comfy, and are synonymous with Iceland. But what makes the lopapeysa so popular, … More Iceland’s Iconic Sweater – the Lopapeysa

Drawing of a couple having a romantic christmas date in tokyo

Christmas in Kyoto – What to see, do and eat

April 21, 2020

Winter illuminations, KFC buckets, and romantic dates! Christmas in Kyoto is filled with Christmas spirit, even though it is not a national holiday. All around the country, Japanese people love to celebrate this unofficial holiday with their own unique Christmas traditions in true Japanese style. In Kyoto, there are lots of little charms that make … More Christmas in Kyoto – What to see, do and eat

Sketch landscape of an offroad vehicle in the Namibia desert highway

Africa Overland – An Epic Road Trip from Cape Town to Zanzibar (and Back)

March 17, 2020

This epic road trip through Africa, in a high-clearance 4×4, took myself and two companions six weeks to travel through seven African countries. The objective was to drive from Cape Town to Zanzibar island off the coast of Tanzania, and back again, an epic distance of more than 12,000kms (7,500 miles). It was a daunting … More Africa Overland – An Epic Road Trip from Cape Town to Zanzibar (and Back)

Illustration of beautiful colourful Taipei manhole cover with Taipei 101 design

Exploring Taipei’s New Artistic Manhole Covers

March 2, 2020

Taipei has some very cool manhole covers on the streets and sidewalks. They’re subtle, but once you start noticing them, there are some really artistic designs. They’re not as widespread as Japan’s famous manhole cover artwork, but if you look closely you’ll find some interesting examples. Brand new Taipei manhole cover designs unveiled! Taipei began … More Exploring Taipei’s New Artistic Manhole Covers

Illustration of a custard-filled cake made only on the island of Miyajima

Japan’s Momiji Manjū – The Delicious Treat from Miyajima Island

February 24, 2020

This little maple-leaf shaped cake is called a momiji manjū, and it comes from an island in Japan called Miyajima. It is made of buckwheat and rice, with the choice of various fillings, like chocolate, red bean, matcha, or custard. They’re spongy, delicate, and delicious! Miyajima’s traditional cakes Anyone who knows the delicious Japanese street food taiyaki … More Japan’s Momiji Manjū – The Delicious Treat from Miyajima Island

Drawing of a man taking a break on a jungle walk

Revisiting my old backpacking days: My sweaty visit to Kuching

February 18, 2020

Today, I like decent hotel rooms and charming restaurants with delicious local specialities, and splashing out some money on cool activities. Back in 2012, I was on a shoestring budget, staying in mosquito-ridden hotel dorms and eating cheap pineapple curry from local diners. My electronics didn’t work, and my bag packing skills were atrocious. When … More Revisiting my old backpacking days: My sweaty visit to Kuching

Front entrance of Haarlem station stained glass window artwork

Admiring Haarlem’s Beautiful Art Nouveau Station

January 28, 2020

Haarlem Station is an under-appreciated architectural gem in The Netherlands. I was sitting on a lacquered wooden bench, a Hema coffee in one hand, and I couldn’t help admiring one of The Netherlands’ most beautiful stations. It is airy and serene, the only Art Nouveau-style station in the country, and a pleasure to travel through. … More Admiring Haarlem’s Beautiful Art Nouveau Station