Outside the Asylum

Category: travel

  • Japan

    I was in Japan recently for a holiday. This time it was longer than usual, 3 weeks. Chika went ahead of me and stayed an extra week too.  We traveled around together; 2 weeks in Osaka and 1 week in Tokyo. This was my first proper trip to Tokyo.  I love it!! I’d very happily live there.  Hopefully my career will take me there in the future.

    I dusted the camera gear off and took it with me. I mainly focused photographing all the food we ate. For me Japan is food paradise.

    I bought a new lens in Tokyo, the Canon EF-S 17 – 55 mm F2.8 IS.  This is a sensational lens for pics indoors without flash. Perfect for food pics 🙂

    This time i was introduced to properly good Izakaya(s). Also, we visited Tsukiji markets in Tokyo.  Check out the pics in the gallery (also linked at the top of this page).

    Here’s a sample

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  • Hunter Valley wineries

    Pictures from a recent trip to the hunter vallery visiting cellar doors.

    We visited our old favorites Moorebank and Petersons and 8 others. Standout new winery for me was Calais Estate. Most of the rest were passé. Still, you don’t discover good things if you’re not adventurous.

  • Fiji

    Flew into Fiji last night. 747 into Nadi then a puddle-jumper into Suva. Much safer here than I expected. The personal safety habits acquired in the Caribbean are overkill. Still, better safe than sorry.

    air pacific domestic baggage claim, SuvaHotel view, Suva

  • Tips when visiting Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo

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    From Kateigaho 2007 Summer edition

  • Lilianfels, Katoomba

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    We stayed at Lilianfels at Echo Point Katoomba this weekend. Dinner was at their famous Darley’s restaurant and again there for brunch the next day. I was very impressed with the whole experience and that doesn’t happen often. I’ve been spoiled in my travels. It’s the closest thing I’ve experienced in Australia to a stay at a good Ryokan in Japan [1] [2].

    [Gallery]

    As usual we forgot to take pictures until after the food was mostly eaten. I have no idea how proper food bloggers do it. When good food arrives, all thought of photography is gone!

    I didn’t take my proper camera gear as i thought it would be a bit cumbersome. Looking at the pics on the computer back home, its clear that small compact cameras, even with high megapixel sensors, just aren’t as good. Ah well, cant have it all.

  • Food in Melbourne

    We decided to see how good the food is in Melbourne.

    Hanabishi
    Formal restaurant, not cheap. Very good food but not the best value for money. The Tonkatsu was the highlight, they use “kurobuta” Black Berkshire pork. The best I’ve ever had. I must seek out a good Tonkatsu restaurant the next time I’m in Japan.
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    Shiranui
    I had no idea how far away from the City this place was (Glen Waverley). $50 in a taxi! ack! You’re very aware that you’re in the burbs here. The chef has kept his standards high though. The sushi is good; fresh fish and freshly cooked rice. If I lived nearby I’d go back, but I don’t think I’ll make the long trip out there again. Tried a new beer, was nice.
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    AY Oriental Tea House
    A-la-carte yum cha. Good service. Light and balanced flavors. Nice location. Reasonable selection of teas although not what you’d expect from a “tea house”
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    Cicciolina
    Fantastic modern Australian restaurant with Japanese and Italian influences. I was very impressed. The only let down was the vanilla ice cream which wasn’t nice at all. We’ll definitely go back next time we’re in Melbourne

  • Melbourne Trip

    We took a trip to Melbourne for a short break and to escape APEC. Turns out it was a good idea. Just crossing the road to go for Yum Cha was enough to get arrested.

    Grand Hotel seen from inside Southern Cross StationSouthern Cross Station

    Centre Pl off Flinders LnFlinders Ln

    I’ve never spent much time in Melbourne until this weekend. It was a great experience. The trains are clean and on time. The equivalent to Sydney’s Central station is fantastic; a wonderful spacious wavy roofed building. The alleyways have interesting graffiti that doesn’t get painted over. Lots of great places to shop and eat. We’ll go back again for sure, soon I hope.

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    We stayed at Hotel Lindrum in the south-east corner of the CBD. Highly recommended.