Life, Travel, GRACE

Sometimes Plan A doesn't work out, and you simply have to make the best of Plan B. My Hokkaido trip at the end of May and beginning of June was actually a replacement for my planned Camino de Santiago. I cancelled my Emirates flight because of the uncertainty in the region, and Hokkaido became the alternative. Not a bad Plan B, I must say. With a Hokkaido Week Pass in hand, my route was Sapporo → Hakodate → Furano → Wakkanai → Sapporo. Hokkaido is huge, so one week was definitely not enough. There were many places I had to leave for another trip. First stop: Sapporo. Despite being a major city, Sapporo didn't feel overcrowded. At times, I actually wondered, where are all the tourists? One place not to miss is Odori Park and the iconic Sapporo TV Tower. And then there was the Hokkaido muskmelon. Soft, juicy and very, very sweet. So sweet that you might wonder whether you're eating fruit or dessert. The next day, I took the train to Hakodate—a three-to-four-hour journey. Rig...

After spending a day exploring the vibrant city of Changsha, we boarded a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, watching the scenery gradually shift from urban landscapes to dramatic mountain views. The journey itself felt like the beginning of an adventure. The next morning, we made our way to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and nothing could have prepared us for the sight that unfolded before us. Towering limestone pillars rose majestically from the mist, creating a surreal landscape that felt almost otherworldly. It was one of those moments when photos simply cannot do justice to what the eyes see. In the afternoon, we headed to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where impressive man-made structures blend harmoniously with the surrounding cliffs and greenery. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the zipline ride across the canyon. Soaring above the vast expanse with the wind rushing past was pure exhilaration — though in the thrill of the moment, we forgot to capture a single photo! (Photos taken...

As 2026 begins, everyone is looking forward to a bright and promising year ahead. For me, I hope it will be filled with meaningful travel experiences. Over the past two years, I have visited China three times: Yunnan (again), Changsha, and Beijing. This time, I’d like to share my journey to Changsha and the national parks of Hunan.  We arrived in Changsha in early April, when the weather was just beginning to warm up. Some of the must-visit spots included Yuelu Academy and the Young Mao Zedong statue on Orange Isle. At first impression, Changsha felt like just another ordinary Chinese city, seemingly with little to offer. But perhaps that judgment was premature - sometimes, it is only by slowing down and exploring more deeply that a place begins to reveal its true character. Pavilion in Yuelu Academy compound.  Yuelu Academy, with lots of tourists. Young Mao Zetong statue. Lots of tourists were taking selfies or wefies with the statue.