Desert rose
We have an afternoon left to spend in Jordan before we head to Israel. We really want to see Wadi Rum desert, but time doesn’t permit to explore this unique and huge area. Is it possible to get a glimpse of it just for a few hours? We realize that the best way to explore this vast area is to camp under the stars for a few days and go on day jeep tours. Ali, our contact in Jordan regarding transportation, gives us hope: he promises to send one of his private drivers to show us some interesting rock formations before we leave for the Israeli border. Wadi Rum is…
Owls are not what they seem
There is an owl sanctuary in the heart of Akihabara, Tokyo’s manga and anime Mecca. There are cat, rabbit, and even reptile cafés in the city but Akiba Fukurou café stands out with its special inhabitants – around 36 owls, of different sizes and breeds, who meet visitors in half-asleep mode. The owls have very special names: Wizard, Peanuts, Squirrel, Shrimp, Snowman, Mr. President, Sweet Potato, Almond Caramel, Gorilla… The owner, Yasu, takes the owls home at night to feed them. Flash photography and video filming are not allowed in the café. Each owl is secured by a string on its legs. This ensures that the birds won’t fly around…
In Italy clichés can be wonderful
I avoided visiting Italy for a long time. The Italian propaganda lurks from every corner: Italy is one of the most touristy destinations, everyone goes or has been to Italy, ”Italian” pizza is everywhere, there are famous Italian neighborhoods (Little Italy) around the world, literally, everything screams ITALY! in your face. We often eat pizza and pasta at home. Italy is so popular that it has become a kind of a classic. I visited Venice and Verona on a guided trip as a part of a European excursion when I was 16. Since then I avoid guided tours like vampires avoid garlic unless a tour is the only way to see…
