Thailand Diary 03: Halloween Under the Palms
November 1, 2026
Halloween at Marriott Merlin Beach in Phuket: Anneliese’s giant six of hearts, a fire show and a cheerful farewell under the palms.
Stories
Encounters, detours and new beginnings. From my life and from people finding their own way. There is still much to discover in the second half of life.
From the road and from life
Thailand Diary 02: Yesterday a Deluge, Today Summer Again
October 30, 2026
Phuket, 30 October 2026: Torrential rain gives way to sunshine. Yesterday brought work, books and a terrific band; today is for a little work, the pool and the beach.
Thailand Diary 01: Diving In After Japan
October 25, 2026
A new chapter after Japan: from Tokyo via Bangkok to Phuket. Anneliese and I leave the motorcycle miles behind and begin our time in Thailand.
Japan Diary 34: Tokyo Turns Up the Colours for Our Farewell
October 24, 2026
Our last full day in Japan takes us from Hakone back to Tokyo. One more journey on the Shinkansen, and time to reflect as this special trip draws to a close.
Japan Diary 33: Five Floors of Art and Ice Cream with a Footbath
October 23, 2026
Deutsch | English Hakone is wearing clouds today. We begin with a “Western breakfast”. The quotation marks are essential: this is the Japanese interpretation of a Western breakfast. Even the
Japan Diary 32: Tokyo at Full Speed, Hakone at Our Own Pace
October 21, 2026
Through Tokyo Station with far too much luggage, a tight connection to Odawara, and finally KAI Hakone. Today, just a few hours separate the crowds from a peaceful retreat beside the river.
Japan Diary 31: Kanazawa – Samurai, Sweets and a Moment of Stillness
October 20, 2026
Deutsch | English 20 October 2026 · Kanazawa After yesterday’s long excursion, Anneliese and I wanted to take things a little more slowly in Kanazawa today. And it turned into
Japan Diary 30: World Heritage, Garden Beauty and a Little Roly-Poly Doll
October 19, 2026
19 October: Shirakawa-go, Kenroku-en, golden treasures and a little roly-poly doll, with 20 original photographs.
Japan Diary 29: Kanazawa – Well Rested and Ready to Explore
October 18, 2026
Deutsch | English 19 October 2026 · Kanazawa · Morning diary The breakfast room with colourful art at the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa. Monday morning in Kanazawa. For the first time
Japan Diary 28: Eight Minutes and Four Tickets
October 18, 2026
Deutsch | English 18 October 2026 · Kyoto – Tsuruga – Kanazawa Anneliese and our luggage in the station hall. Today we said goodbye to the Hyatt Regency in Kyoto.
Japan Diary 27: Zen, a Little Italy and Farewell to Kyoto
October 17, 2026
Deutsch | English Kyoto · Sunday, 18 October 2026 · Before travelling on Sunday. Almost cloudless again, a pleasant 25 degrees—Kyoto is not making it easy to leave. From our
Japan Diary 26: Matcha, Kimonos and Five Stars?
October 17, 2026
Kyoto, 17 October, evening: a friendly matcha class, a different expectation and an uncomfortable request for five stars.
Stories from our readers
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