Travel Cred

Click here for the interview.

A friend I exchanged opinions about some of the topics discussed.  She's in gold.

Good insights, I thought. He described the Japanese train experience perfectly! 

Interesting, too, how the life of a salaryman is described.  Sounds super stressful.  Another example of how we look at things through the eyes of expats and tourists, yet everyday life could be hell.  I will say, I give you a hard time (in some cases, very justified lol) for quick trips and not doing things, BUT the fact you walked through the Shinjuku area, got on those trains, and jostled with the maddening crowds, you get major travel cred.  Everybody needs that rush.  Impressed.

Thanks for that! I am so glad that I spent that time in Japan! Really an amazing place in many ways, though not perfect, as he said.

The best part about traveling is that you can see the great stuff going on in the world and maybe incorporate it into your life, wherever you are.  Another good thing is seeing the bad parts and better appreciating what you have.

Small Bangkok Park

 

It's not far from the Grand Palace and Khao San Rd.  I've thought about going down there very early one morning (6 or 7 AM), then going to a couple of historic coffee shops.  I may try it this year.

"Vegas of the East"

Not sure what new Macau is - I guess an area they are hoping to build up to a Vegas level.  When I was there in 2002, it was already known that Macau was the "Vegas of the East." However, as you know from traveling to Las Vegas itself, it's a monumental stretch to put the two in the same category.  I remember a few nice casinos with smoky lounges and floors.  But the surrounding areas were kind of like Kowloon, at least in some places.  If smart, and with all the money they have, China will make a new Macau - probably more of what you're seeing.  Lots of buildings need to be torn down.  Hope it can rival Vegas, but Las Vegas is special, as you know.  

- comments to a friend who was traveling around Macau and Hong Kong in 2018

Yarowat Advice

Some advice I gave to someone in Dec. '22 about Chinatown (Yarowat) in Bangkok:

Chinatown is worth a 4 pm - late day, and possibly another day.  4 would be when you leave your room.  I think bangkok areas are ideal for walking around and hour two before sunset, then remaining another hour or two.  The street restaurants in Chinatown won't be buzzing until 6 pm or after.  You could eat, then explore some side roads (sois) and bars.  Take MRT and BTS there and back.  Taxi drivers in Chinatown (and Khao San), especially late at night, might scam you.

Mexico City - First Full Day

 

Mexico City - 2nd Day