Nagasaki Now

It is both unfortunate and important that Nagasaki is probably most remembered as a target for the atomic bomb that ended WWII. It is as much a part of the city’s fabric as the charming hilly landscape, winding sidewalks, and welcoming, friendly people. Detonated at 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945, Fat Man, the name…

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The Soul of Seoul

Flashing neon lights on the ceiling and colorful upholstery banners over each seat of our tour bus, embroidered with “Have a Nice Day”, were sure signs that South Korea was a happy place with friendly people. Our charming tour guide pointed out that, unlike China, sculptures and dieties in Korea were always depicted smiling and…

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Shanghai Delights

If China is a country of contrasts, Shanghai is all that in one fabulous city. And, if the architecture in Singapore is on steroids, Shanghai has overdosed. Home to the world’s second tallest building at 121 floors (first is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai), The Shanghai Tower forms a trio with it’s neighbors, the Shanghai World…

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Pearl of the Orient

Hong Kong has many nicknames…Asia’s World Capital, City of Life, Fragrant Harbour, even The Big Lychee. But it’s most historic and romantic moniker is The Pearl of the Orient, and indeed it is. On an island of just 410 square miles, this vibrant, bustling, modern, densely populated city and former British colony on the South…

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Singapore Fling

Singapore has been described as “Asia for beginners” because it is too safe, too clean, too air-conditioned. Having never been to Asia, I will take that at it’s word. It is all that and more. The people are polite and cordial, English is commonly spoken, the economy is strong (translate that to mean “expensive”), and…

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