Sky high

Let it go
Another trip up into the skies, this time on top of the Tokyo Sky Tree. Openend in 2012, it is the second tallest structure in the world, after the Burj Khalifa, coming in at 634 meters. It became necessary, as the Tokyo Tower, surrounded by numerous high buildings, could no longer transmit a full terrestrial […] Read More

Overwhelmed

Let it go
I’m slightly overwhelmed by the first days in Tokyo. The city is everything, and all at once. From my quiet, more residential neighborhood with its tiny streets without cars to the mega-pedestrian crossings of Shibuya, the mega-shopping streets to tiny pedestrian zones, shrines and parks, hanami parties, fertility festivals and Japanese weddings… I met up […] Read More

Road trip budget

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And with the last bills paid, here’s the budget for the 16-day road trip through New Zealand. All in all I spent 1615 € in 16 days, which is basically the budget foreseen. 685 €  Hotels and Accommodation 435 €  Eating out & drinks 260 €  Cultural activities, entry fees, etc… 140 €  Supermarkets 50   €  other expenses […] Read More

Tokyo by night

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Got a bit lost between the metro and the trains, and instead of going downtown Tokyo I decided I’ll pay a visit to the Tokyo Tower. Constructed in 1958, it’s reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, even higher than its French counterpart with 333 meters. But somehow it looks smaller. Maybe because there are buildings around […] Read More

Hanami

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After the rain yesterday, Tokyo showed its most beautiful side today, with deep blue skies. Perfect to walk along the neighboring Meguro River, that runs through the neighborhood and gives it its name. The river is heavily landscaped, it looks more like a canal now, but has nice cherry tree lined promenades on each side. […] Read More

Tokyo in the rain

Let it go
The rain was really torrential. All day long. To a point where you really do not want to set foot outside. Even in a new city. I got TV, high speed internet, who cares, there’s lots to watch. But, curiosity won. At least I wanted to go see the Tokyo Metropolitain Museum of Photography, it […] Read More

Speechless

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Literally. I knew I was not going to understand much, but being faced with it is a different thing… I landed and it all went smooth through immigration and customs. My host Sugi had mailed me instructions for different ways to get into the city, as the airport is 60 km outside of Tokyo. I […] Read More

Absolutely Auckland

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And here’s my best-of-Auckland: Best part/scene/place: Ponsonby. Probably the best mix between residential, restaurants and nightlife. Although much more quiet than Melbourne’s Fitzroy, it has it’s charm. Best drink (alcoholic): I didn’t experiment much. Just some local Kiwi brews. Auckland wasn’t cheap to go out, and I needed to save some money. Best restaurant: Xio Dan in Auckland. […] Read More

NZ99

Let it go
I had a great seat with extra legroom and a window… not for free, Air New Zealand makes you pay for that privilege, but I thought for an 11 hour flight, that’s worth it… The flight was good, even though we had to wear the seatbelt a lot flying through some ultra-high and grey clouds. […] Read More

Up north

Let it go
Time to say good-bye to Te Waipounamu, the South Island. I’m flying north to Auckland for one last night at the airport, before taking the morning flight to Tokyo the day after. Here are the flight statisticss: Flight 17 to Auckland Date: 01/04/2014 Code: ANZ648 from ZQN to AKL Airline: Air New Zealand Plane: Airbus 320 Distance flown: […] Read More