Yeonsu, Sorae, and Wolgot
Walk, eat, repeat!
“Travel far, travel often, and travel without regrets.” – Oscar Wilde
Incheon Chinatown
Before heading off to Chinatown, where Caroline stayed her first week, I started the day at A Twosome Place café. I said hello to the young lady, then ordered cappuccino and carrot cake in Korean. We were on the same page until she asked in Korean if I wanted cinnamon. When I clearly didn't understand, she just said "cinnamon" in English. Hahahaha! I got cinnamon.
Soraepogu Neighborhood
Soraepogu is a port, which I love. A nautical theme runs throughout the area and this statue is located on the street near the subway.
Off to Incheon for Fall Foliage
I planned this trip for several reasons. First, I wanted to see my daughter Caroline and bring her winter clothes, including a heavy coat. Second, the only season I hadn't visited Korea was Fall. Finally, I love to travel and this is one of my favorite places.
Exploring London and Spirited Away
We spent the day meandering through London catching glimpses of Buckingham Palace, historic statues and buildings, and St. James’s Park (where we had ‘99’ ice cream with a flake). We went to Notting Hill and bought the most delicious navel oranges in the street market. We took pictures in front of the blue door (from the movie) and had bubble tea on the walk back.
Earl’s Court and Kings Cross
We found Earl’s Court to be the nearest Underground station. It was an easy walk from the hotel and surrounded by good food and shops. We had lunch at Nando’s and hopped over to King Cross to take photos at Platform 9 ¾, then on to Piccadilly Square. (Another photo opportunity with sites from Bridgette Jones and Bend it like Beckham.)
Arriving in London
London called! We answered! When we arrived in London, we were told we had no room because we should have checked in earlier. After a few phone calls that was sorted and we stayed on the top floor of a lovely boutique hotel. We spent the remainder of the day getting our bearings and walking through the city center.
Leaving Japan: Tips & Takeaways
We cleaned the condo, took one last selfie, and left in an Uber taxi for Shin-Osaka train station, where we went our separate ways to catch trains to different airports. By the time I got to Haneda my bags were getting heavy so I found a rolling cart (what a blessing!) and had one last tempura meal in the airport.
Kinkakujicho-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
On our last full day in Japan, we took the train to Kyoto where we had lunch near the Happy Terrace at the top the sky dining hall. I love the little restaurants where you have a heated grill between you to cook your meal. We had a delicious beef rice (that reminded me of a dish my mother used to fix) and grilled veggies.
Chuo, Osaka & Hedgehog Café
Today we got a late start and had lunch of soup, rice, pork cutlet, and barley water in the Chuo district of Osaka. Our first stop was at the Harry Wood hedgehog café, where we spent a half hour with Brûlée, our sweet little hedgehog. We watched him sniff, eat worms, and sleep (great life!).
Dōtonbori, Osaka
We spent several evenings in the Dōtonbori (or Dōtombori) area, which is the shopping and neon-lit nightlife district in Osaka. We could walk there from our condo, so we kept going back for all the touristy stuff.
Tsūtenkaku Tower & Osaka Castle
We finally got to Tsūtenkaku tower, which was walking distance from our condo in Osaka. The skies were clear and the views lovely. We could see the top of the Golden Pavilion, which we plan to visit on our last day.