Asia

July 23, 2024

Summer Olympics: My memories from Sydney, Beijing, London

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During my 40-year sportswriting career, I covered six Olympics. With the Paris Olympics opening Friday, I thought I’d share memories of the three Summer Olympics I covered in Sydney, Beijing and London. They range from covering Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals to riding on the back of a monk’s motorcycle to his hilltop monastery for tea.

April 23, 2024

17 hours in Shanghai: Dumplings, Bund and a lot of concrete capitalism

On our way back from Japan recently, China Eastern Airlines stuck us with a 17-hour layover in Shanghai. But with China’s handy 24-hour airport visa, we could get a glimpse of the world’s third-largest city. We had a great authentic Shanghai dumpling dinner then were amazed at the Bund and Lujiazui, the city’s areas with the spectacular trademark skyline. But too much concrete. Too much smog.

April 16, 2024

Japanese cuisine: Tasty, healthy and — yes! — cheap

Eating healthy while traveling can be challenging. Eating unhealthy in Japan is almost impossible. During our visit three weeks ago, Marina and I ate mostly raw fish, grilled fish, vegetables, rice, noodles and teriyaki. It was not only tasty and healthy but, thanks to the yen tanking, mostly cheap.

April 12, 2024

Kyoto good and bad: From tourist traps to a quiet garden and a room with a view

Kyoto may be the most beautiful city in Japan and its 2,000 temples and shrines attract millions every year. But the overload has produced two major tourist traps that we fell into. Fortunately, nearby were quiet sanctuaries where we could escape the crowds. This was the worst and best Kyoto has to offer.

April 9, 2024

Kyoto: Chasing cherry blossoms in the land where the sun did not rise

I waited 45 years to see cherry blossoms again and when I came to Japan last month I was greeted with the worst spring weather the country’s seen in 10 years. However, I found three places in beautiful Kyoto where cherry blossoms were in full bloom. It was the highlight of Japan’s most star-crossed city, one battling for balance in the world of tourism.

April 5, 2024

Japan’s bullet train puts travel in the fast (200 mph) lane

One incentive to spending my birthday last week in Japan was riding its famed bullet train. Called the Shinkansen, it’s the fifth-fastest train in the world at 200 mph. The train stations are confusing but once you settle into your comfy seat, the Japanese countryside goes by in a flash. Don’t blink.,

April 3, 2024

Japan: A travel tale from hell on a journey too short

We went to Japan for a week to celebrate my birthday Friday. On our way to Kyoto to see the cherry blossoms, we had two nights in Tokyo which were spoiled by a horrible cough, terrible weather and worse views. Our tiny hotel room with a rooftop bar consisting of a vending machine didn’t help.

February 7, 2024

Baku: The war is over and the city’s flames rise again

On our way to Tbilisi for a travel bloggers conference, Marina and I stopped off in Baku, Azerbaijan’s gleaming capital. It’s a fascinating mix of Middle Ages antiquities with leftover Soviet drabness and 21st century architecture. It lived up to its hype and our hotel in the heart of Old Town only helped.

January 30, 2024

Republic of Georgia: A hike through wine’s birthplace is a yummy treat but Georgians would like a bigger bite

I’m in Azerbaijan on my way to the Republic of Georgia, which I visited six years ago. It was one of the most wonderful surprises of my 46 years traveling overseas. Since I’m out of Rome, I’m re-posting the first blog I wrote about Georgia. I wrote about his pleasures, but also its problems.

August 8, 2023

My 10 favorite trips: From Nepal to French Polynesia

Being a former sportswriter, I’m into top 10 lists. Top 10 restaurants. Top 10 wines. Top 10 travel tales from hell. With my annual trip to Skopelos, Greece, approaching, I thought I’d do my top 10 trips of my life. I’ve traveled for 45 years and been to 110 countries. This lists stretches from Ecuador to French Polynesia.

March 28, 2023

Traveling in Muslim countries: Today’s trip to Istanbul reminds me of what lures me back to land of Islam

I’m going to Istanbul today. Turkey is one of 17 Muslim countries that I’ve traveled in, much to the chagrin of many Americans. I love traveling in Muslim countries for a variety of reasons, from the history to the architecture to the fact that they are just so different. I give 10 reasons why I’m lured to the land of Islam plus some travel tips for worried travelers.

March 27, 2023

Asia: Three countries you have to visit before you die

Asia is not only the world’s biggest continent, it’s also the most diverse. Cross a border and you’re in a totally different world. It has something for everyone: foodies, budget backpackers, adventurers, history buffs. Guest blogger Elizabeth Long talks about three of her favorites: Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

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