An Ayutthaya day trip is a must for any visitor to Bangkok. Ayutthaya was the second capital of Thailand from the 15th to 18th centuries. (Sukhothai was the first – you can read about that ancient city here.) During its heyday, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Sadly it all came crashing […]
Day Trip
One Fine Day in Verona, Italy
Verona, Italy is perhaps best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But there are much more interesting things to do in Verona besides visit Juliet’s House. The ancient city is remarkably well preserved, with many Roman and medieval structures still standing. One day in Verona is enough to explore the major attractions […]
Sausalito, a Dreamy San Francisco Day Trip
Sausalito, California is a small town located directly across the bay from San Francisco. On a clear day, the view is postcard worthy, with the city skyline towering over the infamous prison island of Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge stretching across the horizon. Of course the view was obscured by fog during my visit, but […]
Nara Day Trip: One Day in Japan’s Deer City
Nara, Japan is one of the most unique destinations in the world. The ancient city predates Kyoto as Japan’s first capital. It boasts many important temples and shrines, including eight UNESCO sites and one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. But it’s Nara’s welcoming committee that makes a visit here memorable. Nara […]
Himeji Castle Day Trip from Osaka – Is it Worth It?
Himeji-jo is widely considered to be the best of Japan’s remaining original castles. UNESCO praises its masterful wooden construction and gleaming white walls. Locals lovingly call it the “White Egret Castle,” since the 400-year-old main keep perched atop a hill is said to resemble a bird in flight. Himeji is 100 kilometers from Osaka and […]