The Zuiryuji Temple in Takaoka – a hidden gem
In spring we spent several months in Japan researching for a guidebook update – and still found some (unexpected) highglights …
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Osorezan – the gates to hell on the Shimokita Peninsula
The world’s northernmost colony of monkeys lives near Wakinosawa on the Shimokita Peninsula in North Japan. It’s a rather far-off …
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Washoku – the art of Japanese food
Japanese food – washoku – has been named an intangible world heritage in 2013 for its rich traditions. These traditions …
Eating out at the Trattoria Ponte Verde in Berlin
As we are nearing Treptower Straße and looking out for the vegan Pizzeria, we pass a young guy in a …
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Eating out at Mama Africa in Neukölln
Considering that Africa is such a huge continent and that it is, compared to let’s say Asia, not that far …
Eating out at Cafe Vux in Berlin
Over the last year or so, several vegan cafés and restaurants as well as a vegan supermarket have opened in …
A winter visit to Wittenberg – Luther without heating
In a cold and drab Berlin winter, we find that we need to get out for a weekend. We decide …
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Happy New Year 2014 – Year of the Horse
When the Chinese envoy Zhang Qian brought these “Heavenly Horses” home from the Central Asian Fergana Valley, his Emperor Wu-Di …
The scenic view of Matsushima Bay
Matsushima means “pine island” and there are more than 260 of pine-covered islands that dot the Matsushima Bay. It is …
The Chimgan Mountains near Tashkent – a guidebook research day trip
Although we had an early start in Tashkent, it is already noon by the time we arrive at the Bolshoi …
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