Listening
It was one of these days that just turn out differently than you thought when you got up. First of all, it was grey and cold in the morning. No beach or park. I headed to Joe’s Bar as every morning for my coffee, croissant and wifi, and then decided to go downtown to SAM, the […] Read More
Montréal-Lachine Bixi Ride
Finally a sunny day again. Joel and I were getting ready for a ride along the Lachine canal. I first wanted to rent a real bike, but with prices of 25$ a day, I opted for a Bixi bike instead, the rental bike system in Montreal. 15$ get you a 3-day-pass, with all rides under 30 […] Read More
Baffled in Jerusalem
Today, we took the bus to Jerusalem. We only have this one day, as Susanne’s time is limited, but we wanted to maximize everything we could see. We’re both history geeks, Susanne being a real expert in British history (she can easily name the kings of England and Great Britain, explain the stories, feuds, heirs, traitors….) […] Read More
Beach days
My friend Susanne from Brussels has arrived on Thursday. I know her for about ten years, and it’s fun to catch up, and enjoy Tel Aviv together. We first walked around the craft market and the Carmel street market, and got some cherries and a 4-kg-Melon, for the beach. The beach was our main destination […] Read More
Yummy Kadiköy
On the last day in Istanbul I decided to make it over to Kadiköy on the Asian shore. It’s supposed to have a great market on Tuesdays, although I did not make it there in the end. They have moved the market further from the ferry, so I just strolled through the Balik Pazari, the […] Read More
Shitennō-ji flea market
I wanted to go to a flea market. And ended up in a temple. The Shitennō-ji Buddhist temple, the first Buddhist temple in Japan, dating from the 6th century (albeit rebuilt), holds a flea market and produce market on the 21st and 22nd of each month. I love flea markets and it wasn’t far, so off […] Read More
Kyoto, with a difference
Honestly, after seeing temples and shrines in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nara, I wasn’t that keen on seeing Kyoto anymore. Call it temple fatigue. If JR had announced a major breakdown of their lines and I could not have gone, I wouldn’t have fussed about it…. But I went, nonetheless, and I have spent a whole […] Read More
Shimokitazawa
Today I went to Shimokitazawa, often simply referred to as Shimokita. This is yet another side of Tokyo, only two train stops from the Shibuya craziness. The houses are small again, yet the whole area is full of shops. You won’t find any international chains though. Second hand, mostly – one shop appropriately called Ashbury Haight – then record […] Read More
Ameyoko Market
Tokyo is perfect to just stroll and discover. When I wanted to visit the Museum of Western Art in Uemo Park, I ended up spending hours in Ameyoko Market. It’s full name is ameyayokocho, which means “candy shop alley”. However, today it is simply called ameyoko (アメ横). And it sells so much more than candy. Nestled under and […] Read More
Salamanca Market
I love the markets. This one was recommended everywhere, and I expected a little local market, but it was indeed big, all along the Salamanca Market front and up the street along the park. Mostly local produce, berries, honey, vegetables, and local craft… Tasmania is big into wood, so there were lots of stands with […] Read More