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Kristofor Mallegrom
Kristofor Mallegrom

Kristofor Mallegrom

Long term travel enthusiast entering a new phase of travel with a young family of three boys ages 7, 5 and 1. Læs mere🇦🇺Melbourne
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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    Exploring Kyoto

    31. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Today we had a full itinerary exploring Kyoto with our G Adventures tour. We got started with our first destination of the day, the 'Golden Pavillion' or Kinkaku-ji.

    The site of Kinkaku-ji was originally a villa called Kitayama-dai, belonging to a powerful statesman, Saionji Kintsune. Kinkaku-ji's history dates to 1397, when the villa was purchased from the Saionji family by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and transformed into the Kinkaku-ji complex.

    On July 2, 1950, at 2:30 am, the pavilion was burned down by a 22-year-old novice monk, Hayashi Yoken, who then attempted suicide on the Daimon-ji hill behind the building. He survived, and was subsequently taken into custody. The monk was sentenced to seven years in prison, but was released because of mental illnesses. Subsequently, his mother committed suicide due to the shame of her son. Grim tidings. The reconstructed building itself was spectacular though the site was the most crowded attraction we'd seen so far.

    Our next stop, the Daitokuji Busdhist Zen temple was an entirely different experience. This location was quiet and serene with little in the way of tourists. This was a large temple complex with mossy gardens and shrines aplenty. There were no photos allowed inside, but that's okay with me. It gave us a chance to sit in peace, enjoy the sun and the location. Many temples in Japan have fell victim to fire and destruction over the years but this one remains intact, exactly as it was hundreds of years ago. I really appreciated the philosophy of some of the zen pieces, so much so that Nat and opted to buy one.

    The final stop of the day was the Nijō Castle. It was built by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1601 and it the place where the shogun period started and ended. It was a really fascinating place, with some striking artwork and architecture mostly for me in the various meeting rooms of the Ninomaru Palace where feudal lords would wait to meet with the shogun. We were even fortunate enough to see a large heron in the surrounding gardens. The sun sets early in Japan and 3.30pm feels like dusk, so by the time light started to fade at 4.30 upon our exit, it was time to return to the hotel.

    We spent the evening exploring the city centre of Kyoto. Wow, what a huge place.. markets, shops, dining areas seemed to stretch for miles. Nat and I eventually decided to break off from the group and do our own thing. We found a fantastic place called Nick Stock Grill which was outstanding, with by far the best Japanese beer iv had so far, a craft beer called Nagahama IPA special. We managed to negotiate our way back to the hotel easy enough by public buses. Tomorrow we're going to use our free day to get to Himeji Castle!    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    Arrival in Kyoto

    30. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Kyoto is regarded by many as Japan's most beautiful city. It's where we'd spend the next three nights, just a short journey from Hiroshima. It took us just two bullet trains (or Shinkasen) to get there, one around 90 minutes to shin-Osaka and then after a quick change, just another 10 minutes to Kyoto proper.

    It didnt take long to be impressed by Kyoto. I'd be fairly comfortable in suggesting that the train station itself was the most awe-inspiring and inpressive train station (for architecture) I've seen anywhere in the world without a doubt. Photos dont really seem to do it justice. It was a towering open steel windowed structure 12 stories and 12 escalators tall with a sky garden terrace. The station cost 1.25 billion to construct back in 1995.. Wow. Lunch was near the top, a Ramen based foodcourt. Ramen has fast become a favorite.

    We spent the rest of the afternoon at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famed for its "thousand torii gates", amidst shrines and temples up to the summit of Mount Inari. We explored the area for a few hours, and a stroll turned to a walk to the highest viewpoint, to a hike to the summit. It was a peaceful, picturesque and tranquill place shrouded in thick forest with many nice views of the forest. Apparently wild boars live there but we didnt see any.

    We've just returned from dinner at a chicken barbeque restaurant. I tried some Asahi black and our guides favourite local beer called Yebisu. Both pretty good. My proudest discovery however was "Citris infused Plum Wine" on the rocks. Delicious. Tomorrow we have a full day exploring Kyoto before a special off tour expedition on Wednesday.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    A Day at Miyajima Island

    29. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Nat and I agreed that today was probably our favourite place in Japan so far. We spent the vast majority of it at Itsukushima, more commonly known as Miyajima Island about 45 minutes from Hiroshima.

    The day didnt start great, it was one of those mornings where you're late and everything seems to be going wrong. We'd heard that the closest typhoon had diverted away from us, but nonetheless the rain was relentless. We trudged through it on foot, train and ferry to get to Miyajima island.

    Miyajima Island is widely regarded as one of the most scenic spots in Japan, a sacred spot on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. It is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Grand Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th-century. 

    The downpour and sticky humid weather conditions made our first couple hours here a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately however, as we finished exploring the Itsukushima Shrine (mostly indoors), the rain eased and clouds lightened. From this point on the day just continued to improve.

    After a curry tonkatsu lunch, our destination was up towards the summit of Mount Misen. First to Momijidani Park where a couple of ropeways would take us some of the way. This park itself was a pretty place with wild deer roaming freely about. The whole island is actually full of them, even about the town and market by the ferry terminal. They walk around with impunity, looking for anything they can eat (including train passes). They have no objection to being touched and zero fear of people. They are still very gentle.

    The cable car took two stops first a small car to Kayatani station and then a second larger one to Shishiiwa. We took this journey with our Swiss group companions Matthais and Sabrina. Whilst Shishiiwa station itself offered spectacular enough viewing, there was now a further steep 30-40 minute walk to the summit of Mount Misen, a World Cultural Heritage Site. On the way we also saw the Eternal flame temple, where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) conducted a 100 day Goma fire ceremony around the year 806AD. It is said the flame that burns there today is the same, having been protected for over 1200 years.

    The summit of Mt Misen offered spectacular panoramic views of Miyajima. Nat and I decided rather than return via cable car, to hike the entire way down from summit to pier via tge forest. It was a long, steep decent but we made it back a couple hours later just before dusk.

    By the time we'd returned to the hotel there wasnt even time to really change before dinner. My feet are wrecked with blisters so I've grabbed some boot insoles from a chemist.
    Dinnee was a mixed grill affair with the group. Tonorrow we're off to Kyoto!    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    History of Hiroshima

    28. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    After two trains, we arrived in Hiroshima early afternoon. There were concerns we might be greeted by another typhoon, but to our relief it was only a gentle drizzle we had to contend with, almost refreshing after a couple hot and stuffy train rides (Japan aircon hasnt really existed thus far in our trip).

    Our itinerary today would focus primarily on the most noteworthy historic event in Hiroshima over the last century, the catastrophic devestation of the atomic bomb dropped here at 8.15am on 6 August 1945. The firsr stop was the famous peace memorial museum, which largely lived up to expectations. A little small (as half was subject to renovations) and very crowded, but well laid out and informative (as well as obviously a little harrowing and confronting). Most interesting were artifacts and items retrieved from the incident such as clothes, a melted lunchbox, a watch stopped at 8.15 and more.

    From here we wandered around the surrounding gardens and memorials, most noteworthy the shell of a famous domed building (used as a hall) left as it was after the nuclear blast. We managed to get around just before the rain intensified and all kept relatively dry. A short but crowded tram ride soon had us back at New Hotel Hiroden which was the largest and nicest hotel by far in Japan so far.

    Dinner tonight wasn't too far away and it sure was a tasty one. A real 'Hiroshima speciality' called Okonomiyaki, basically a big savoury pancake with cheese, cabbage, meat and other things (of your choice) cooked on a grill before you. Absolutely delicious. The drinks to follow in a small laneway were the first time Ive felt 'ripped off' in Japan so far. The whole thing was seedy and overpriced.

    Tomorrow, weather permitting, we're hoping to visit Miyajima island. Stay away typhoon! Fingers crossed.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    A Sunny Day in Kanazawa

    27. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Perfect weather today for our adventure around Kanazawa - blue skies, sunshine and 21C. We were a bit late to get going this morning and missed breakfast, but no matter - a hot canned coffee from a vending machine would rectify that problem.

    Following a stroll around the samurai district, our first major stop of the day was at Myōryū-ji (Ninja Temple). We had a 11am tour here. Whilst the vast majority of everything (including our guided tour) was in Japanese only, we did get a few English notes. It was an amazing place really - basically everything inside moved (walls, panels, windows) and there were hidden hatches, trapdoors, openings and secret passages and rooms everywhere!

    Next, the fish markets in the city centre to explore and find some lunch thereabouts. There were plenty of weird and wonderful things on display here - crabs, squid, big fish, small fish, eels, a giant fish head and more. We grabbed some apple slices and then opted to try some grilled eel on skewers. It was absolutely delicious.. one of the tastiest fish Ive had. The marinade on it made it even better. Later, we also decided to try some sea urchin. It was a lot better than expected!

    From here we continued on by bus and foot to the Kanazawa castle ruins. Most of the original structure was destroyed here but a few buildings have been restored as they were. It was an impressive structure with remarkable craftsmanship, moat, walls and defenses.

    Just next door was the Kenroku-en gardens, one of the "three great gardens of Japan" set up in the 1620. It was a pretty spot where we wondered about for an hour or so. Having arrived at 3pm, I felt the lighting didnt quite do it justice, being a bit on the dark/shadowy side. The sun really starts to set at 3ish and by 5 its quite dark. It was still a pretty, albeit crowded place.

    We're back at the hotel getting ready to head out to dinner. A few other points about Japan as we come up to the week point of our trip -
    - Politeness and courtesy here is really second to nowhere else on earth. People also seem extremely genuine about this.
    - I'm yet to see any drunken or unruly behaviour
    - Japan has no public bins... anywhere. A few of us today had to carry rubbish around with us for hours. Even at the markets there were no bins?..
    - ...and yet Japan is the cleanest country I have ever seen by miles.. We've barely seen any litter and no graffiti or vandalism. The ground nearly anywhere (streets, shopping centre.. etc) looks clean enough to eat off.
    - I've found hotel rooms small but comfortable. Matresses are generally very comfy and there's usually a single, hard (awfully uncomfortable in my opinion) pillow.
    - Japan is not a place for tall people.. but we all knew that. I've had to walk around hunched and ducking alot!
    - there are vending machines everywhere (which have preheated hot items)
    - toilets are always impressive with dozens of buttons, lights and options..
    - trains run on time to the minute.. all the time.. (no really)
    - You're going to sit on the floor.. a lot.. and take your shoes off.. a lot. The floor thing gets a bit tedious and uncomfortable. I understand thats a cultural difference and something you'd have to get used to.
    - Theres very little English tour/attraction translation (much less than anywhere I've ever been). Many museums, temples, the zoo etc. Dont have English subtitles at all. Which is fine, just frustrating at times
    - The "salary man" culture is dominant. Japan must sell more "standard size, standard black" buisiness suits than anywhere in the world. Seems a little pretentious (with heirarchies, excess work hours and status) to me.

    ***Again just reiterating these photos are just a couple random mobile snaps at this stage as it's an extra effort to move photos from my SLR memory to my tablet, and then individually sort and convert them to JPG's as required by this website.. I think ill just keep using mobile photos and update/create an album of quality SLR photos on my return.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    Geisha in Kanazawa

    26. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    We woke early for a quick return to the morning markets in Takayama to pick up a couple souvenirs. We also grabbed a random breakfast from a small food stand. Fish shaped pancake like pastries, with a variety of fillings including apple, cream, almond paste and a berry jam. Delicious!

    Once back at our ryokan, it was time to grab our backpacks and begin our three train transfer (two local trains and one bullet train) from Takayama to Kanazawa. The journey would take a total around three hours and go snoothly enough. There was plenty of nice mountainous scenery and whitecap mountainscapes to enjoy on the way, along with a hot, canned, white coffee from a vending machine!

    We arrived in Kanazawa by early afternoon. A much larger, more westernized city than Takayama, only an hour from the Sea of Japan. After another delicious spicy ramen lunch (my new Japanese favourite), we headed to a Geisha show nearby (felt like an art/theatre venue). This show lasted an hour and we were traditionally entertained by some Geisha ladies. Initially this consisted of dancing and music but soon became very interactive, with games and audience participation. When Nat and I were called up to play a "paper scissors rick.. type game" I started my humiliation early by cracking my head on one of the side panels on the way to the stage (much to the horror and concern of the crowd). I survived with shreds of my dignity intact.

    We spent the remainder of the afternoon around the Higashi Chayagai (Geisha) district. This included many original buildings from the mid 1850's. Whilst the atchitecture here was fascinating, the area really had a touristy feel about it. Our afternoon was rounded off by a short tour and demonstration of gold leaf production and craftsmanship.

    Following that, a cheap Italian themed dinner and separate desert, we're now settled in to our hotel for the next two nights - the APA Hotel, a Western hotel which is small but comfy enough. We've a big day around Kanazawa ahead tomorrow.

    ***I have many nice photos of the city and Geisha district (taken on my SLR) that need to be converted to jpg that will be added later. Heres some random mobile snaps.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    Exploring Takayama

    25. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    We woke this morning to the sound of rain. Heavy, relentless rain. A shame really, given we'd spend just about the entire day walking. It still turned out to be an thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day.

    Equipped in our hiking boots and rain jackets with borrowed umbrellas we set out into the wet to begin our full day of exploring Takayama. First up was the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine near our Ryokan. The wet rainy, forested backdrop made for a serene visit. From there, we wandered the morning markets and had a simple but delicious toast and fruit breakfast before jumping on a minibus up to the nearby Hida Folk Village.

    The Hida Folk Village was a reconstructed historical museum. Most countries seem to have them; rebuild homes from different time periods and an insight into historic culture and past lifestyles. It was a really nice museum, even with the rain. Complimentary and optional gumboots helped me keep dry.

    After a udon curry noodle lunch (with my first sake experiences; a hot one I wasn't much fond of), we had a free afternoon. Being free and close, Matthais, Sabrina, Nat and I opted to explore the Takayama museum of history and art, allegedly famed for its collection of katanas and historic artifacts. It had some impressive pieces, most for me a shimmering spear and worlds largest (and probably oldest) wooden water pistol.

    From there I decided to try find the ruins of the Takayama castle. After much searching we found Daryuji temple and Shiroyama park and gradually climbed to the summit to the castle ruins. There wasnt much to see but the surrounding forest was really pretty. Along the way I drank some strange white spring water.

    Once down from the castle ruins we followed the trail via several ninja temples, followed the rivers, and guided ourselves back eventually to the hotel. Dinner was a variety of rice, beef steak, schnitzel, salad and mountain specialities. Following another communal bath, we're now packing for our trip to Kanazawa tomorrow.

    ***Pictures to come. Pictures featured on this blog arent necessarily my best. I take photos with my Nikon D90 SLR and mobile. My SLR photos need to be converted to upload on this site which is a pain and time consuming so many photos that feature here are mobile snapshots.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    To the Japanese Alps

    24. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Today was largely a travel day, but the first real adventure outside of Tokyo. After breakfast, a morning stroll around Ueno (to get cash out at the post office), and receiving our 14 day J-Rail Pass, we were packed and ready to board the first of 3 trains to get us to our next destination in Takayama. Today the final two members joined our group; Mark and Aleta, an elderly couple from Melbourne.

    Our route was as follows -
    - J Line Metro to Tokyo station (regular metro train) for 20minutes.
    - Bullet Train (upto 300km/p/hr) to Nagoya for 1 hour 40 minutes
    - Express Train to Takayama for 2 hours 20 minutes.

    The journey itself was comfortable and tremendously scenic. From the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, to smaller towns, to lush green forests and mountainscapes. The peaks and turquoise rivers and streams were stunning. One of those "you had to be there" experiences that blurry train window photos dont do justice.

    Upon arrival we were transported by minibus to our traditional Japanese Ryokan accomodation at Iwataya. This included; shoes off at the door, tatami floors, sliding room doors, futon beds, yukata robes and communal onsen bathing. Usually I know people for more than 48 hours before we get naked together but the occasion demanded an exception. I was in there a lot longer than expected, the bathing pool was a perfect temperature.

    This evenings dinner was in the town at Tenaga Ashinaga. Nat and I ordered a beef and stirfry dish with carrot and beanshoots. Seaweed on the side and misu soup. I also got to try a local craft beer for an all round enjoyable evening.

    Sunset here is around 5pm, so not much in the way of photogenic opportunities for the scenic beauty we saw. Hopefully, with luck our full day in Takayama tomorrow will be different.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    Zoo and Tour Start

    23. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Over the years, Nat and I have made a habit of visiting local zoos on our travels. We love animals and most of the time it makes for an easy going, fun and uplifting day. Id read mixed reviews about the Tokyo zoo at Ueno so I hadn't designated the location as a priority.

    However, when it turned out that the zoo was a mere 15 minute walk from the hotel and meeting point for our G Adventures tour, I figured I'd seize the opportunity to transform a 'hotel transition day' into something more fun, uplifting and memorable one.

    We negotiated our way from Roppongi to Iriya station (via Hibuya line Metro) easy enough. Arriving at the hotel 3 hours before check in, we opted to just store our bags, and set off for lunch, and zootime.

    Lunch was a random find. We walked past a place called Ton Kotsu Ramen, and with alluring enough pictures (no English) decided to venture inside. Turns out, at this establishment, all orders are taken via vending machine. It was a matter of finding a picture of food you liked, matching its cost and image to a button, inserting cash credit, making your selection, retrieving change and a ticket, and handing the ticket over to your waiter. Our meals were a bowl of soup, and a bowl of noodles and meat that are mixed to form the delicious combination of Ramen!

    With full bellies we wandered through sidestreets and park to find the zoo. A mere 600¥ entry fee gained us admission. Initial impressions of the zoo were quite positive. Most review complaints stemmed from issues with its size and enclosure quality and size. The map showed this was a huge two part zoo, separated by a long bridge and by all accounts animals appeared happy, healthy and comfortable. This zoo had an excellent giant otter exhibit and the best collection of large prey birds and owls I've ever seen, including a showpony Andean Condor! There were some awesome exotic birds, gorillas, bears (brown and polar), lions, seals and more.

    After yesterday's Typhoon Lan, today was a stunningly perfect day for a stroll through park and zoo. Not a cloud in the sky. As we crossed the bridge to the other 'older' side of the zoo we understood peoples negative reviews. Most of these exhibits were very old, and small. They looked 70s style. Giraffe, Hippo and Rhinos lived in far too tiny and desolate cages which closer resembled prison cells than enclosures.

    Tired feet found our way back to the hotel for a meet, greet and dinner with our tour guide Mari and eight of the 10 tourists to join us (two arriving tomorrow) as follows - Nigel (US), Ramesh (Auckland), Mara (London), Tony (West Australia) and Matthais & Sabrina (Switzerland). Nigel, Tony and Ramesh were a fair bit older (50+) and the other three probably around our age. Dinner was a fantastic feast of various Japanese tapas; croquettes, noodles, salad, fried chicken, cook your own meats, beer and even a sushi boat.

    Tomorrow we have a quiet morning before we begin our 4-5 hour journey to Takayama.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    Drowning at Disney Sea

    22. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    I thought it would be a nice, gentle, relaxing way to start our Japan trip - a wholesome carefree day at DisneySea. I figured I'd avoid queues and book it in advance. Unfortunately I booked it for a typhoon day..
    It was to be one of, if not the wettest day I've ever seen anywhere in the world, in my entire life. It was pouring when we woke up and it was pouring when we got back to the hotel just now. Whilst still tepid warm in the morning, it seemed to get colder and windier as the day progressed...

    Part of the initial appeal of DisneySea was its relative proximity to our first hotel in Tokyo, less than an hour away via the Metro Hibuya Line and JLT Rail. Further, DisneySea was a Disney park with unique features and attractions and itd be fun to compare with Disneylands we've seen in the US, Paris and Hong Kong.
    Gumboots appear to be relatively popular and fashionable in Tokyo and I see why. Our choice of footwear today wasnt ideal for the weather. If not for the umbrellas we borrowed from our hotel, things would have been much worse. By the time we arrived at Maihama Rail Station, opposite the Disney Land park entrance there were warnings of severe storms and typhoons and winds had picked up. Just a 15minute walk to DisneySea.
    By the time we'd entered DisneySea my feet were soaked. Nothing to do but try enjoy the day as much as possible. Thankfully most rides were undercover and the weather meant smaller (but not always small) lines for rides.

    We trudged through the downpour and winds with our umbrellas (mine nearly snapped several times) and got through all the major rides one by one - Tower of Terror (a free fall drop ride), Turtle Talk (a Finding Nemo theatre show), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (an underwater submarine themed adventure), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (a mountain themed roller coaster), Nemo & Friends Searider (a '4D' Theatre simulator that moves), Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (an adventure roller coaster/jeep ride) and Raging Spirits (a faster roller coaster rail/mine ride with a 360degree loop).
    We still had a fun day, but left the park with drenched, sore feet.

    Dinner was an amazing find! Ikinari Steak House, just 2 minutes walk from Roppongi station and our hotel. You basically choose your own cut, style and weight of meat, and you pay by the gram. Once you've made your choice, the chefs cuts it for you and checks all is okay. They cook it up in full view and serve on a hot plate with onion and corn. Delicious tap beer also on offer. Service and meat quality was absolutely outstanding. I daresay that meal will be hard to beat the entire trip. A fine conclusion to a great day. Tomorrow we leave Roppongi to meet up with our G Ad ventures tour group at 5pm.    Læs mere

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  • Kristofor MallegromJapan Trip 2017Rejsende

    The Worlds Busiest City

    21. oktober 2017, Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Its just about to hit midnight on Saturday and we've just collapsed at our hotel the Remm Roppongi. Its been a long day. For the most part, its all gone smoothly.
    There was an incident with Nats phone.. We'd cleared customs in Melbourne and arrived at our boarding gate when Natalie realised her shiny new mobile was missing. We called the phone to find it'd slipped out of her bag at a cafe 'High Tide' where we'd had breakfast earlier. Lucky for Nat, it'd been turned in by an honest person, and the cafe could hold it for us.. but how to collect it? We raced back against the tides of people to customs. Again lucky enough, the head of security agreed to have someone collect it for us and deliver into Nats grateful hands. Crisis averted. After all that rushing, our flight was delayed around 90 minutes in the end.
    The flight was comfy enough, with a couple tasty meals and movies the 10 hours didnt feel too bad.
    I was expecting an almighty challenge negotiating our way from Narita to our hotel in Rommpongi but that wasnt to be the case.. it couldnt have gone smoother. I found a decent package for the airport "skyliner" express, return, plus 48 hour metro ticket to get us around Tokyo until our tour start Monday evening which cost us a total ¥10,500 ($115AUD). 1 AUD = 89¥. Id anticipated $30each, each way from airport to city.
    Train times were perfect we basically rolled up 5 minutes before the skyliner and 5 seconds before the connecting metro train.
    Early impressions of Japan; friendly people who understand at least a little English willing to help with a smile, polite people conscious of others around them, crazy amount of advertising, giant maze metro subway (well signed, colour coded, easy to follow despite size), English subtitles on everything (including some English announcements like train arrivals), very orderly and clean. We arrived Saturday night and there was no ruckus or drunks anywhere.
    Stepping out at Roppingi at 10.30pm had a bit of that 'wow factor'. There was a buzz about the place. Bright lights, crowds, advertising boards and most places still open and busy. We found our hotel quickly enough, checked in, showered and headed out to find some food!
    The room is very nice, with an amazing shower and fancy Japanese toilet! Its small but clean and comfy.
    We dont exactly know what we ordered for dinner, little fried balls of something seafood related, with egg and cheese and Japanese beer? We stood in there and enjoyes enough :)
    Now were exhausted. Time to sleep and recharge before exploring more tomorrow and visiting DisneySea. Its drizzling rain tonight and a storm is projected so hopefully we dont get soaked tomorrow. Despite the rain the weather is pleasantly warm and a little humid. What a day, looking forward to the trip ahead!    Læs mere

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    Melbourne (Trip Start)

    21. oktober 2017, Australien ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    This year hasn't exactly gone to plan. In January I was planning a trip to Madagascar. By February I was excited and looking forward to the birth of our first child and being a father. In March, we were off exploring the South Pacific on a baby-moon cruise. At the end of April our son Hendrik was born too soon and we lost him. It was the worst thing that's ever happened to me. The winter to follow has been extremely tough to say the least. We're trying to be positive now and look to the future. We have the unfortunate opportunity now to get away to enjoy a new adventure and experience together. It's necessary. I have a feeling it's going to be good for us.

    I've seen a lot of the world, but there's still much I'd love to see - The Final Continent (Antarctica), Alaska, Canada, more of the US, and certainly Japan. I always figured many of these could be completed easier with children or later in life. Places like Egypt, Central Africa and now Madagascar with it's 'Black Plague' may now have to wait a while... (I'm actually thankful I didn't end up booking to go there this year).

    Every trip I've ever done, every place I've ever been, I've recorded with a Travel Blog, including journal entries, maps, names of places, people met, flags, photos and more. From 2006 to 2016, I used the site www.travelpod.com. Early this year, we spent around $800 to have all my blogs made into hard copy books, a priceless life-travel souvenir. Sadly, in March this year the site was 'bought out' by Tripadvisor and closed down. I managed to migrate all my blogs to an archived site which can still be viewed and accessed in their original format at /http://www.travelark.org/traveller/tofor85. Whilst it's great to still have all the blogs online, that archive can't be edited going forward and of course I can't use the Travelpod site to make any new blogs. I scouted around, and was shocked to find how few decent looking Travel Blog websites there are out there. I finally decided on this one, at https://findpenguins.com/tofor85

    This site is a little different, and uses something called 'Footprints' to mark where you are in the world. I've taken the time to go back and put 'Footprints' in for each and every place I have ever been. From 2006 onwards the dates are relatively accurate even. I'll continue to cross-link my blog entries of previous trips (located on TravelArk) to this website and try to add a few photos for a glimpse of visual representation of footprints taken around the world. This site is a work in progress, and I'll continue to filter blogs, photos and stories across. It's the sole site I'll use for the Japan adventure ahead.

    The trip ahead will be about 3 weeks. We set off 10.30am on Saturday morning, October 21st and return Wednesday night, arriving home Thursday morning 9 November in Melbourne. We're flying direct from Melbourne to Tokyo return with Qantas. We'll start off with a couple days by ourselves in Tokyo. On Monday night, the 23rd we mete up with a G-Adventures Travel Group (12-16 people) which takes us from Tokyo to Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Mount Fuji and back to Tokyo. We then have 3 nights/ 4 days by ourselves at the end of our trip based in Tokyo. I'll do my best to post live journal entries, photos and updates on this site as much as is possible. If there's a delay in internet, I will be writing entries on my Samsung tablet and uploading at the first/easiest opportunity.

    To navigate this site -
    - Click on 'Trips' under my profile picture to sort my travel by trips taken.
    - Click on 'Countries' under my profile picture to see where I've been in the world.
    - Click on a Footprint to see more information on that trip (if available), as well as photos. You can leave comments on each footprint.
    - For previous Trips (prior to Japan) I have included at least an initial and final blog entry list (to take you to TravelArk) for further information/blog entry/photos.    Læs mere

    Se oversættelse
  • Kristofor MallegromMap South Pacific 2017Rejsende

    Trip Start (South Pacific)

    24. marts 2017, Australien ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
  • Kristofor MallegromMap South America 2016Rejsende

    Melbourne (End)

    11. april 2016, Australien ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

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