The journal / Visions of Asia

Stories & observations

Chinatown girls

Chinese New Year in Bangkok

Over the past five years, I managed to see a number of celebrations of Chinese new year in Bangkok. While similar to some degree to the traditional Chinese festival, they differ too. Indeed, the Thai version has a more marked Buddhist flavor to it. Of course, this goes together with the Thai syncretism and the […]

Double-decker bus in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year fireworks cancelled in Hong Kong after deadly bus accident

On Sunday 11 February one of the most serious bus accidents ever took place in Hong Kong. A double-decker bus overturned, killing 19 passengers and injuring scores of others. While social media have been rife with rumors about the accident, some even alleging the driver committed the accident on purpose. While the investigation goes on […]

Two young girls in kimono

Japan: a visit to Sensoji shrine

When you visit Tokyo, a must visit if you are in the area of Asakusa is certainly Sensoji, the oldest shrine of the city. A visit to Sensoji shrine is not only the occasion of watching Japanese and their beliefs which intricates elements of Shintoism along with Buddhism. It is also the occasion of watching […]

The Blue Mosque of Istanbul

A layover tour in Istanbul

I am currently on my fourth trip paid uniquely with American Express card points thanks to a partnership with Zuji. Basically, you could book trips to various locations around the world for 30,000 Amex points (+ taxes!). My previous trips were to Kaohsiung and to Korea. This time, it is a trip to Barcelona (of […]

Dronie

A drone flight and a barefoot hike around Ma On Shan park

Weeks go ahead, and I try to go regularly out for a barefoot hike. Lately, I acquired a Mavic Pro drone, and while still learning to function with it, I combined a drone flight and a barefoot hike around Ma On Shan park.   Barefoot hike around Kowloon Peak My barefoot hiking started originally around […]

Kowloon peak by drone

A stark warning for Suicide Cliff

Today, as I was passing on Fei Ngo Shan road, I found a new message affixed at the bottom of the stairs leading to Kowloon Peak. This is a stark warning for suicide cliff, a hike that has seen recently at least one death and several rescues every month. A useless warning? This warning has […]

Train to busan

Train to Busan

  “Train to Busan” always evokes a famous Korean zombie movie, which also is a sort of satire, criticism of social inequalities in Korean society. But such was not my purpose in this post, which is mainly to recount my train travel from Seoul to Busan, and my first impressions of this Southern city. There […]

Shibuya crossing

Japan: Shibuya crossing

A major place to visit upon any visit to Japan is the Shibuya crossing. Popularized and made iconic by countless photographers and/or instagram posts, the Shibuya crossing is famous for the sheer amount of people crossing the streets at any time during the day. Hachiko Shibuya crossing is also near to the famous Hachiko statue. […]

Japanese Beauties in hanbok

Seoul: a walk through Bukchon Hanok and Gyeongbok

When in Seoul, an obligatory part of your visit as a first-timer, should be the traditional village of Bukchon Hanok and Gyeongbok, the old Korean Royal Palace. With the majestic background of the Bukhansan mountain, this palace is in a magnificent position. The Blue House, the presidential palace is also located in the same area, […]

Drone view of the Dragon's back ridge

Happy New Year: ending 2017 with a barefoot hike on Dragon’s Back!

Ending the year with a barefoot hike on Dragon’s Back Originally, before starting on my barefoot hike on suicide cliff, I had planned on starting barefoot hiking by a first barefoot hike on Dragon’s Back. The reason being that the Dragon’s back is fairly easy and straightforward and has none of the habitual dangers associated […]