How to visit Bethlehem as a day trip

How to visit Bethlehem as a day trip

We were not sure of Bethlehem during the planning. It is just 8 km outside Jerusalem within the Palestinian controlled West Bank area. Most tourists would take local tours because of security concerns. Have doubled checked with tourist office, we were convinced that we could make our own way there.

Hassock to Lewes – The South Down Way

Hassock to Lewes – The South Down Way

South Downs way is a 100 miles hiking route from Winchester to Eastbourne. On a windy summer day, we took the train from London Victoria and hiked the Hassocks to Lewes section. The hike is overall fairly easy. A short but steep ascend outside Hassock landed us on the South Downs Way trail, and the route stays high and flat all the way till Lewes. For the major part of the trail passes farmland and woodland, with continuous great views over the villages in the valley. But our biggest highlights are the blackberries! At the end of the hike we had collected our smoothies and berry compote for the following week!

The best places to visit in Jerusalem – part 2

The best places to visit in Jerusalem – part 2

Temple Mount, the legendary platform built to support the Second Temple, now where Dome of the Rock mosque stands, has very restricted opening time for non-Muslims everyday except Fridays and Saturdays. Arrive early in the morning, we accessed the ground via the elevated walkway next to Western Wall Plaza. It was such a stark view shift. A moment ago we were watching Jewish people, some of them now wearing a Tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) praying in front of the Western Wall, the next second we have the imposing domed mosque arise from the horizon.

How to find Wagu Beef in Yakushima

How to find Wagu Beef in Yakushima

I have to write a special post just for the best beef I ever had, the Wagu beef in Yakushima. We had incredible luck to try this famous delicacy at its birth place without paying a premium. On the way back from Jymon Sugi trail