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Northern Japan: Part 1

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Spring Journey Through Northern Japan: Hokkaido and Northern Honshu This spring, I traveled through Northern Japan, exploring both the northern reaches of Honshu and the island of Hokkaido. From spectacular cherry blossoms to snow-capped mountains, historic parks, and vibrant cities, the journey offered some of the most beautiful scenery I have experienced in Japan. Hakodate: Hokkaido’s Southern Gateway Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate serves as the main gateway connecting Japan’s northern island to the mainland of Honshu. Known for its stunning natural scenery, hot springs, and fresh seafood, Hakodate was a highlight of my trip. I visited in late April, during the peak of cherry blossom season. The city was awash in shades of pink, creating a magical spring atmosphere. One of the most memorable experiences was taking the ropeway up the mountains overlooking the city. From above, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Hakodate Bay, forests dotted with cherry blossoms, and di...
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Caribbean Series 3: Martinique

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Martinique: When the Sun Slows You Down, Culture Steps In By the time I reached Martinique, my pace had already been decided for me. A stubborn sunburn—earned from climbing hills and braving the steepest zipline in Sint Maarten, and long beach days in Antigua—forced me to rethink my usual rhythm. What felt like a setback turned out to be a quiet gift. Because Martinique is not just about beaches. It’s an island layered with culture, history, and soul—and slowing down allowed me to truly see it. A Cultural Welcome in Fort-de-France I began in Fort-de-France, a city that feels alive with history at every turn. My first stop was the Schoelcher Library. From the outside, its intricate architecture immediately draws you in—ornate, almost whimsical against the Caribbean sky. Inside, it transforms into a quiet sanctuary of creativity, where local art—especially vivid acrylic paintings—tells stories of island life, identity, and heritage. (I found myself lingering here longer than expec...
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Caribbean Series 2: Dominica & Dominican Republic

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Two Islands, Two Lessons: Reflections from Dominica and the Dominican Republic People often confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic, but they’re two different countries that offer very different experiences. Dominica: Letting Nature Lead My first visit was to Dominica — often called the Nature Island. I arrived, admittedly, with a familiar Caribbean image in mind: white sand beaches and calm turquoise water. Instead, I found black sand — volcanic, dramatic, and unexpected. At first, I felt a quiet disappointment. The beaches didn’t match the postcard in my head. But that initial reaction became its own lesson: sometimes we miss the power of a place because we are comparing it to something else. Dominica is not curated for comfort. It is shaped by volcanoes, rain, rivers, and time. Rain kept me from hiking deep into Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rugged volcanic terrain and dense rainforest. The closest I reached was Trafalgar Falls, ...
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