• Lake Como
    Europe,  Italy,  Lake Como

    Lost at Lake Como

    A minute before we rolled into Varenna Esino station where we wanted to start our day at Lake Como, an announcement came up about walking to the front of the train as the railway was shorter at the station. We were at the last cabin of the train, and the announcement in English was broadcasted just as the train rolled to a stop.

  • Venice
    Europe,  Italy,  Venice

    A Christmas Weekend in Venice

    We had high expectations for Venice, and the island did not disappoint. It was a surreal experience being in a city that "floats" without a single car or bus. But instead, waterbuses and water taxis were used. Just like a kelong - but bigger, grander, and way cooler.

  • San Gimignano
    Europe,  Florence,  Italy,  Pisa,  Siena

    First Time in Florence

    We only spent 3 days in Florence - definitely not enough for a 'proper' visit to the beautiful capital of Italy’s Tuscany region! So we stuck with the top sites recommended by trusty travel sites and forums since we had so little time in the city. We'll definitely be back!

  • St Peter's Basilica
    Europe,  Italy,  Rome

    Roaming Rome Over 4 Days

    So many things went wrong at the start of our very first trip since the COVID-19 pandemic hit 2 years ago. We received the news that Italy had banned Singaporean travellers from going into the country during our flight to Milan - on the very day we were arriving. Thankfully we managed to get through immigration without anybody stopping us! We were expecting to be turned back at the gate!

  • Beautiful beach in Phuket
    Asia,  Phuket,  Thailand

    Phuket: The Last Trip for a Long While

    After trying a few times, WJ has learnt that he's bad at keeping secrets from me. So the location of my birthday trip this time wasn't a secret, but he managed to surprise me by getting my sister and her boyfriend to fly to Phuket on an earlier flight!

  • Shikisai no Oka
    Asia,  Hokkaido Region,  Japan

    Hokkaido: Stop and Smell the Roses

    Probably best known for its ski slopes in winter, Hokkaido has always been high on our list of must-go places, but we never could go at the right time (winter for snow, or summer for flowers). And although we could only go in late September this time, we booked the tickets anyway!

  • Gukje Market
    Asia,  Busan,  South Korea

    Busan: Vibrant City

    The main reason that drew us to Busan? The colourful Gamcheon Culture Village! And while we visited the village, the place that struck me most was the Jagalchi Market with its lively atmosphere and fascinating sea creatures.