On returning

Roaming Backpacks has gone on an extended hiatus for quite some time. In fact, it has been more than 2 years (!) since anything was posted here. And the post before that? October 2015! That almost feels like ancient history. So Cecilia and…

Returning ‘home’

I always thought the pedestrian crossing at the Hakata station bus terminal was narrow. There’s always a crowd of people trying to make the crossing, only to be met by a tiny doorway that was the entrance. The crowd inside was even…

Tales from Japan: “One-man Trains”

Our group is on a local train bound for Nakatsugawa, on the JR chuo-line. It’s one of the many local lines running across Japan, following the ancient Nakasendo connecting the imperial capital, Kyoto, to the shogunate in Edo during the Edo…

Tales from Japan: 90 years on the job

The screen door slid open, inviting a blast of cold air that was tempered by the warmth of the charcoal burning slowly in the middle of our hut. In came an old lady, carrying a heavy-looking plate of chicken that was to be part of our menu…

Buddhist Priest, Kiyomizu-dera

Buddhist priest walking along the hallways of Kiyomizu-dera （清水寺）in Kyōto, Japan's ancient capital. Founded during the end of the Nara Period in 778, much of current temple complex dates back to the 1630s. In 1994, it was recognised…

Tales from Japan: Packing Backpacks

We are about to go on a new adventure. Bernard, my other Roaming Backpack, together with four more merry backpack(er)s who have gracefully agreed to forsake suitcases ­– their usual choice of comfort – are joining me on “roaming”…

Foodtography / Food Porn

Consider this scenario: you are on a romantic dinner date at a swanky restaurant – the food arrives – and then what? Immediately reach for your phone, or your camera – anything – and take pictures, of course. Repeat for each dish.…

Respite in Concrete City

Looking out to Victoria Harbour and a gorgeous horizon beyond...well, almost. Places to relax and unwind are few and hard to come by in Hong Kong, not to mention those that actually have a view. Still, people make do, as they try to find peace…

The Five Fields, London

I know, this feels like shameless advertising. But we love food, and even more those who put their hearts and minds into creating a good meal. Food, after all, is the epitome of one's culture – you are what you eat. Besides, a good meal…