TANKS Travel Tales - a travelogue.......

One Trip, Multiple Destinations....... Those who know me know that I usually do not packed too many destinations into a single trip whenever I travel. I typically planned my itineraries such that I do not travel to more than 2 cities within a single trip. Usually, my trips were planned around a single city. This is because I definitely prefer to have sufficient time to explore the destination, to sit and people-watch, enjoy a cuppa at local cafe, to visit the local markets and eateries and to observe how the locals live, rest and play. The serene and tranquil neighbourhoods of Omihachiman with its traditional houses dating back to the Edo Period of Japan's history was an amazing personal discovery when I was in Shiga, Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, Japan (2018) However, in my most recent trip to Japan in early April, I did what previously to me was the unthinkable. I actually broke all my personal rules and traveled to multiple destinations within the 12 days of

Both a national treasure to Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Himeji Castle and its complex stand tall and proud on a hilltop overlooking the city of Himeji in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture.  Completed in the year 1609, the Himeji Castle complex originally comprised more than 80 different buildings spread out over the complex area and interconnected by winding paths while at the same time, separated by gates.  Visiting the castle complex for the first time in April, I was awestruck by the magnificent castle, its surrounding buildings and well-manicured gardens. This is truly one historic castle complex that made me literally hold my breath as I marvelled at its architecture and grandeur. I shall be following up with a more detailed blog post on my visit to Himeji Castle. But until I get around to writing that article, here is a photo of Himeji Castle that I took with my iPhone X which I would like to share with all of you. Using both my DSLR camera and my iPhone

When I travel, I have always enjoy staying in rural areas which are off the beaten track. During my trip to the mountains of Takayama in Okuhida in the autumn of 2014, I had to travel from Tokyo all the way to my destination. The travel alone took up an entire day of my itinerary. Of course, the travelling was a sight-seeing adventure all by itself as the scenery changed from the crowded cityscape of Tokyo to the rural and mountains terrain of Hida-Takayama. Locally-grown crops, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014) Prior to my arrival in Japan, I worked out the travel itinerary from travel guides and tried it out  for the first time when I landed in Tokyo. Not all the information that I had gathered from the guides were accurate and I had to make minor adjustments along the way with some help in direction finding from the locals. That was the fun part of the trip and I must admit that I did get lost along the way before I eventually arrived at the family-run ryok

The Merlion is a mythical half lion and half fish creature. It is both the icon and mascot of Singapore's tourism promotion activities. Over the years, the Merlion has come to symbolise Singapore and is a widely recognised icon of the city state. Merlion, Merlion Park, Singapore (2014) The Merlion "officially" resides at the Merlion Park at One Fullerton, near the Central Business District and overlooking Marina Bay. For tourists looking to visit the Merlion, it is located just next to the Fullerton Hotel. Ask any friendly locals around the area where the Merlion is and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. The Merlion statue stands majestic over Marina Bay and spouts water from its mouth into the Marina Basin; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At night, the Merlion lights up in a kaleidoscope of colours. The one minute video in this blog post was taken with my iPhone X on 31 March 2018. It provides a preview of what you can expect to see when you