Simple Living

Trying a Japanese Twist on the Old Fashioned I've always wanted to try an Old Fashioned after seeing Don Draper enjoy so many of these on the show Mad Men . While out on the town with friends, the bartender offered a variation on the Old Fashioned that featured Japanese whisky and different types of bitters. A Unique Flavor Profile This Japanese version was quite good, offering a distinct taste that set it apart from the traditional cocktail. It was a refreshing change and definitely beats a plain Scotch on the rocks. Future Comparisons I will likely ask to try a traditional Old Fashioned to compare it with this Japanese version. I'm sure both will be excellent choices, each offering its own unique character and flavor.

A Pleasant Surprise at a New Coffee Shop It's funny how life works. I was heading to my regular Starbucks, but it was closed for renovations. So, I continued down the road and decided to try a different coffee shop. To my delight, they offered a unique rendition of a cappuccino. Experience and Presentation The cappuccino was paired with a glass of sparkling water and some bitter chocolates. This combination not only elevated the coffee experience but also added a nice touch to my afternoon. Affordability and Enjoyment At just $4, it was quite an affordable treat. I savored the drink while continuing my journey through re-reading Tolstoy's War and Peace . The unexpected change in plans turned out to be a delightful experience.

Nostalgic Desk Setup from 2012 Browsing old photos, I came across a picture of how I set up my desk in my bedroom back in 2012. It’s remarkable how time flies. Those were good times filled with energy and excitement. Reflecting on that period brings back memories of a simpler time, where my focus was on personal projects and hobbies. The setup was functional yet inspiring, allowing me to be productive and creative. It’s interesting to see how much has changed since then, both in terms of my workspace and my interests.

Weekend Break at Starbucks Drink: I treated myself to a Starbucks ICM (Iced Coffee with Milk and no Sugar), which was refreshing and the perfect companion for a relaxing weekend. Headphones: To enhance my experience, I used my Audio Technica MSR7 headphones. They provided excellent sound quality, allowing me to immerse myself in music while I read. Pen: I brought along my favorite Platinum #3776 Century fountain pen. There's something truly satisfying about writing with a quality pen, especially when jotting down thoughts or notes in my book. Book: I spent some quality time with Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." This classic novel has been a great read, and it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend. Reflection It was a wonderful day to unwind, indulge in my hobbies, and escape into the world of literature. There's something special about enjoying a good book while sipping a coffee and listening to music—definitely a great way to recharge for the week ahead.

Flight Review: Korean Air on the Boeing 737-900 Route: PUS (Gimhae International Airport) to KIX (Kansai International Airport) I recently flew on Korean Air using their Boeing 737-900 , and this trip marked my first experience with this specific series of the 737. The layout felt quite similar to Air Busan’s A321 , featuring a single aisle with three seats on each side. Aircraft Overview Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-900 Configuration: Single-aisle layout with three seats on either side, providing a familiar and comfortable travel experience. In-Flight Experience Seating: I secured an exit row seat, which offered fantastic legroom—definitely a plus for taller passengers like myself! Meal: The meal served was the standard box lunch provided by Korean Air. While I appreciate the simplicity, I couldn’t help but wish they had offered their delicious Musubi instead of the cold ham sandwich. Beverages: Korean Air also serves beer, which is a nice touch, but I opted for a cold orange ju...

Flight Review: Air Busan on the Airbus A321 Route: CTS (New Chitose Airport) to PUS (Gimhae International Airport) I recently had the opportunity to fly with Air Busan on their Airbus A321 , and I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. I booked a last-minute ticket for just $125 USD , which was a steal compared to the nearly $400 fare from Korean Air for the same route. Aircraft Overview Aircraft Model: Airbus A321 Configuration: Single-aisle layout with three seats on each side, similar to the Boeing 737. In-Flight Experience Service: The flight crew was friendly and efficient, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere. Meal: A simple yet satisfying hot meal was served— Seafood Fried Rice —which I found enjoyable. The meal was well-prepared for an economy flight. Beverages: I also had coffee, which was reasonable in taste and complemented the meal nicely. Overall Impression The entire journey was smooth, and the aircraft was well-maintained. For the price, I would definite...

Coffee Break at Angel-in-us Coffee Angel-in-us Coffee is one of the popular coffee shop chains in South Korea, and it’s become a go-to spot for me when I’m out exploring the bustling shopping districts or malls. Experience The atmosphere at Angel-in-us is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to take a break from shopping. They offer a wide range of coffee options, from classic espresso drinks to unique seasonal beverages, as well as a selection of pastries and snacks.

Brief Layover at Kansai International Airport (KIX) During my travels, I had a short layover at Kansai International Airport (KIX) , another one of Japan's famous man-made island airports. While it’s impressive, I found myself preferring Nagoya's airport with its unique Sky Town Concept . KIX felt more like a giant airport set out at sea rather than an engaging travel hub. Dining Experience With limited time, I opted for a quick meal of sushi , which turned out to be quite decent. The price, including a beer, was reasonable at 1,800 Yen . It was a satisfying way to experience some local cuisine, even if just for a moment. Feeling Under the Weather However, I was feeling a bit woozy, as if I was starting to catch a cold. To combat this, I immediately downed a Vitamin C drink , which seemed to help stave off any serious cold symptoms. Although the wooziness lingered for a couple of hours, I was relieved to avoid a full-blown cold. Conclusion Overall, my brief stop at KIX was e...

Starbucks Japan: A Taste of the Sakura Blossom Cream Japan is known for its delightful and whimsical culture, and this extends to its Starbucks offerings as well. During my time at New Chitose Airport , I spotted a drink called the Sakura Blossom Cream , available as either a Frappuccino or a Latte. Experience I decided to try the Sakura Blossom Cream Frappuccino , which was a bit pricey at 570 Yen for a Tall size. While it was a splurge, I felt compelled to sample this unique offering that isn’t available in the States. Taste and Texture Overall, the drink was quite good! The sakura flavor provided a lovely floral note that made it a refreshing choice. However, I found it to be too sweet for my palate. After one taste, I felt satisfied and content, but I probably wouldn’t order it again. Conclusion While it was a fun experience to enjoy a signature drink from Starbucks Japan, I think the Sakura Blossom Cream is more of a novelty. It would be interesting to see this drink introduced...

Capsule Hotel Experience at Nicoh Refre in Sapporo During my brief stay in Sapporo, Japan, I opted for the Nicoh Refre Capsule Hotel , located about 20 minutes south of Sapporo Station . For 3,300 Yen (approximately $30 USD), I enjoyed a comfortable one-night stay on the 7th floor. Having seen videos and read about capsule hotels beforehand, I had a decent idea of what to expect, which made my experience smoother. Capsule Hotel Overview Do's and Don'ts Before diving into the review, it's helpful to know some etiquette for staying in a capsule hotel: Wear Hotel-Issued Pajamas: Guests must wear the provided pajamas in communal areas such as the lounge, bath, restaurant, and sleeping quarters. This policy helps maintain a relaxed and uniform atmosphere. Review of Nicoh Refre Capsule Hotel Pros: Budget-Friendly: The capsule hotel is an excellent choice for travelers on a budget or those only staying overnight. Onsen Access: The onsen (Japanese hot spring) is a significant h...

Brief Taste of Sapporo Life During a 15-Hour Layover Although I wouldn’t exactly call this a “trip,” my 15-hour layover in Sapporo due to a flight delay turned out to be a valuable opportunity to explore the city and get a feel for local life. This experience has ignited a desire to return for a more extended visit, ideally for several days or a week. Key Takeaways from My Layover 1. Getting Acquainted with the Airport and Transit Navigating New Chitose Airport was relatively straightforward, thanks to clear signage and helpful staff. I took advantage of the JR Train system, which made getting into the city center easy and efficient. The trains were clean, punctual, and well-maintained, providing a good first impression of Japanese public transportation. 2. Winter Walking Essentials One of the most critical lessons I learned is the importance of packing warmer clothes for the winter climate in Sapporo. The cold can be biting, and staying warm is essential for enjoying the city. Add...

Layover Experience at Narita Airport - Travel Pay Lounge During my seven-hour layover at Narita Airport, I took advantage of the Travel Pay Lounge located in Terminal #1 next to Gate 26. For just 1200 Yen ($12 USD) , I enjoyed access to this comfortable space for the entire day. It’s a fantastic option for travelers with extended layovers! Benefits of the Lounge One of the biggest perks is the unlimited free coffee, water, and soft drinks . However, the true value for me was the ability to relax in a comfy chair away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. The airport can be chaotic, with many people rushing around, and I often found myself dodging travelers who would bump into me or speak to me in different languages, which added to the stress. A Productive Environment In the lounge, I managed to get a lot of reading done. The relaxed atmosphere made the time pass quickly, allowing me to focus without the distractions of the noisy terminal. After enjoying a bowl of ramen noodles ...

Flight Review: Boeing 767 from MNL to NRT For my return flight from Manila (MNL) to Narita (NRT), I was on a Boeing 767. While the plane and its decor felt somewhat dated, it was well maintained, and I found everything I needed for a comfortable journey. The touchscreen entertainment system was user-friendly, and I appreciated having a USB charging port at my seat. Service and Food The service was excellent, which elevated the overall experience. In terms of food, I have to say this was the best economy fare meal I’ve had so far. One standout feature was the availability of Asahi Beer, which I thoroughly enjoyed with my meal. Smooth Flight The flight itself was silky smooth with no turbulence at all, which contributed to a pleasant atmosphere. To top it off, we arrived early—giving me an extra 30 minutes to enjoy in Japan. Final Thoughts Overall, this experience made me more inclined to travel with Japan Airlines (JAL) whenever I can. It's easy to see why JAL flights are so popular...

Travel Diary: Manila, Philippines - February 2017 I just returned from my second international trip of 2017, this time to Manila. It was an awesome and eye-opening experience, especially since it was my first venture outside the relative comfort of Japan or Korea. The Philippines felt like a logical choice for me since English is widely spoken, which helped navigate the city and culture more easily. Day 1 - Going to MNL I opted to fly with Delta, which still operates 747s. There's just something charming about these older planes that I love, especially since most airlines have shifted to 767s, 777s, or A330s. This might even be the last year Delta flies the 747. After nearly 18 hours, I finally arrived in Manila, followed by an intense two-hour ordeal with the infamous Manila traffic before reaching my hotel. I was too exhausted to eat, so I opted for a couple of Johnnie Walkers instead. To my surprise, the price of JW Blue Label was only 700 PHP ($14 USD), while JW Black was 350 P...