TOKYO – If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki and his animated masterpieces (e.g. Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro) then this is truly the place for you.  More than a museum (quite Disneyesque, actually), visiting Ghibli is like walking into one of Miyazaki’s films.  You’ll get a fun and fascinating look into the Ghibli magic, from life-sized prop and [...]

  TOKYO – Known for ‘great tempura at an affordable price’ or – as some would say- for being ‘good and cheap,’ this original branch of the famous Tsunahachi chain serves up some pretty darn tasty tempura.  The seafood is fresh, the veggies seasonal and the final product, cooked in sesame oil, is crispy and light.  The menu is designed [...]

  BANGKOK – It was once known as the first western-style mega mall in Bangkok but nowadays MBK’s claim to fame is the rather unfortunate nickname “ground zero for all things pirated.”  Like Bangkok’s infamous Chatuchak market, I have a love-hate relationship with MBK – the swarm of families decked out in the latest knock-offs is enough to scare the [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON – I think the actual name of this place is The Light Restaurant and Bar, but no one I know calls it that – to us, it’s just “The Light”.   This is one of my recommended bars for folks finding themselves in Shoreditch or The City (which is nearby) looking for a good spot to [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON – Borough Market is London’s oldest food market and, hands down, my absolute favorite part of London.  It’s called a “foodie’s paradise” because of its abundance of fresh and prepared food stalls, but wine, beer and merchandise are also on offer here.  This was always my go-to spot to pick up my paella ingredients, as [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON - I always experience neighborhood envy in Spitalfields, and have pledged that I will someday reside on Folgate Street.  The atmosphere created by the juxtaposition of the area’s inescapable history, the nearby bustle of the City of London and the energetic buzz of the cafes and pubs is all rather irresistible. Spitalfields is an East End neighborhood [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON – I absolutely adore whiling away a morning at the Tate Modern.  And I do mean morning – this is the best time to go to avoid the crowds, largely comprised during the week of tourists and school groups. I won’t make any attempt to discuss the merits of the collection – I would just [...]

  BANGKOK – Love, love, LOVE the Metropolitan Bangkok’s Met rooms:  super spacious and modern, with soothing earth tones; big comfy beds (and lovely sheets to go with), huge bathrooms (shower, tub and silky smooth robes) and a full-on entertainment system (to watch all those pirated discs you ‘didn’t buy’).  The rest of the hotel – service, pool (which annoyingly, [...]

  TOKYO – Take it where you can get it.  Narita Express (NEX) may be transport of choice for going to and from Japan’s main airport but it’s also a prime opportunity for some quality RELAX TIME before dealing with the chaos of Narita or if arriving, before stepping into the Tokyo whirlwind.  A first (or last) row, single seat [...]

  BANGKOK – Need to feel worked, relaxed and refreshed?  Then call Silom Massage and ask for John.  His three hour Traditional Thai Massage session (anything less and you’ll want more) will renew your faith in this hugely over-exploited practice.  John, a Myanmar national, speaks little English but knows the body like all therapists should (and most don’t).  Usually one [...]