Our lives and travels
The day's itinerary included a visit to the Globe Theatre, exploring Shakespeare's legacy, followed by a stop at Borough Market for delicious food. Chris and Chantal then toured the Royal Observatory of Greenwich, significant for its Prime Meridian and timekeeping history. The day concluded with dinner at an artistic restaurant before heading home.
The journey from Isle of Skye to London included stops at Eilean Donan Castle, rich in history and intrigue, and Glencoe, site of a notorious massacre. Chantal sought connections to the MacNaughton clan near Dunderave Castle. After a stop in Langbank before, we finally arrived back in London.
Today’s adventure included a visit to the National Museum of Scotland followed by a ghost tour in Edinburgh. After exploring the breathtaking museum, which featured exhibits like Dolly the sheep, we joined a lively ghost tour led by a humorous guide. The day concluded with a meal at Dunedin restaurant.
On the third day of the trip, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast with our friend Kath and explored Manchester, guided by her. We visited Afflick's market, admired the city's beauty, and noted its bee-related symbolism. After a quick stop in Carlisle for lunch with Nikki, we drove to Edinburgh, amazed by the wind turbines along the way.
The holiday in the UK started with an early morning pick-up of a rental car. The first stops included Oxford and a brief exploration and Stratford-upon-Avon for lunch and a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. They missed the upcoming birthday celebrations but enjoyed the charming streets before heading to Manchester to visit a friend.
On the first conference day for Chantal, Chris explored Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, appreciating their tranquility and beauty. He witnessed a Buddhist ceremony at the nunnery before visiting Kowloon Walled City Park, rich in history. Later, he reunited with Chantal for a spicy noodle dinner, ending the day with ice cream.
Chantal attended a PhD Day at the conference in Hong Kong, while Chris explored vibrant areas like Sheung Wan and Mong Kok. They reunited to navigate the crowded Ladies Market, assessing its offerings and enjoying a quiet rooftop retreat.
The final days in Kyoto were spent shopping and relaxing before traveling to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we visited the famous Gotokuji temple known for its thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues. However, our experience at the massive Shinjuku station was marred by confusion and difficulty, leaving us tired and stressed.
While visiting Kyoto, we relaxed with a massage and explored a nearby garden. Later, we indulged in a rejuvenating massage before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant. The meal featured shabu-shabu and delightful yuzu sorbet.
The overnight trip to Nara included visits to Nara Park, the Nara National Museum, and encounters with friendly deer. The museum showcased impressive Buddhist art, and the park was filled with deer eager for snacks.
Chris and Chantal 