Tips for running in Tokyo

Going for a run while you’re on holiday in another city or country is a great thing to do. You can fool yourself, for a short time at least, that you’re a local. You can also get to things you might not otherwise be able to reach at walking pace and have experiences beyond those normally associated with the usual business of travel.

Capital contrasts: Tokyo and Canberra – Part 2

Following on from Capital contrasts – Part 1, since returning home from a month-long holiday in Japan, I’ve been thinking about the differences I’ve noticed between life in Australia’s capital, Canberra, and Japan’s capital, Tokyo. These differences are by no means definitive, nor supported by any evidence other than my own observations as a resident of one city, and as a visitor to the other.

Capital contrasts: Tokyo and Canberra – Part 1

Recently I was lucky enough to spend a month pretending to live in Tokyo. Now that I’m home and settled back in Canberra, Australia, I’ve been thinking about the differences and similarities between these two great capital cities.

6 Essential Features of the Classic Australian Beach House

 We don’t own a beach house. We’re not even particularly beachy people, preferring to see the sea from afar (with a glass of something suitably refreshing in hand) rather than getting all sandy and salty. A stay in a beach house during Summer, however, is just an Australian ‘thing’. Growing up, extended family and friends had houses we used when they couldn’t. Now, we’re fortunate enough to be able to hire one out (usually through Stayz) for a week over Christmas every couple of years so.

This year, as I have gazed out over the coast, I’ve been thinking about what makes a good beach house. See if you agree.