Kyoto Railway Station

“The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

Kyoto Station 京都駅

Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world. It opened in 1997 commemorating Kyoto’s 1,200th anniversary. The architecture is stunning, mixing a futurist style with traditional Japanese elements.

Modern Toilet Restaurant

Modern Toilet

Eating out of a bathroom toilet may not be your fine dining dream, but for sure it is one of a kind experience.

“Go pee-pee or go poo-poo.”

Enter the world of toilet fetish at the “Modern Toilet” restaurant in the Ximending area of Taipei!

Palais des Nations, Geneva

Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland! Geneva is a beautiful and culturally rich city located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is known for its international organizations, stunning scenery, and vibrant cultural scene.

Also, Geneva is the most expensive city in Europe and the 5th most expensive city in the world*.

Spending four days in Geneva was enough to visit the city and to take one day trip to the nearby Chamonix resort, in France, for a touch of Mont Blanc, at Aiguille du Midi. Here’s a short travel guide accompanied by photos.

AI Bard

“I have enjoyed reading the travel stories on 100 Travel Stories. They have inspired me to travel more and to see the world in new ways.” – Google Bard

Good morning, Bard, how are you doing today?

Good morning! I am doing well, thank you for asking. I am excited to be able to help people with their tasks and answer their questions. How are you doing today?

I am interviewing you.

Oh, that’s interesting! I’m happy to be interviewed. What would you like to know about me?

Navaratri cheeks piercing

The Piercing Ritual

One of the highlights of the Navaratri Hindu Festival are the religious rituals, such as the piercing of body parts.

Apparently the devotees experience no pain and they do not bleed from their piercings.

At the Navaratri festival in Bangkok I witnessed the cheeks piercing of a Hindu devout with a metal spear. View the piercing ritual step-by-step.

Navaratri Hindu Festival

Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskritnava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. (Wikipedia)

In Bangkok the Navaratri Hindu Festival is celebrated every year during the ninth month of the lunar calendar mainly around the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Silom Road.

The roads around the temple are closed, making space for thousands of worshippers to pray and make offerings alongside hundreds of makeshift altars and stalls with flowers, food and souvenirs.

Kabukicho RED Light District

The “Sleepless Town” (眠らない街)

“Tokyo’s hidden erotic wonderland is open for business.” – National Geographic

When I arrived first time at the Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, I was lost. 3.64 million passengers pass through the world’s busiest transport hub each day, more than the population of Toronto! Once you find your way out (from over 200 exits), you may head to the famous red light district of Tokyo, Kabukichō – the “Sleepless Town”.

Kabukichō (歌舞伎町)

Your first clue that you are in the area is when you are seeing well dressed young Japanese men with very long hair. You will find them at the main entrances to the Kabukichō red light district, every day and night.

Niagara Falls - Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is making its way into Canada from time to time, bringing Arctic-like temperatures. This year the polar air is  expected to reach Eastern Canada at the beginning of February.

One of the harshest and coldest winters in Canada was the winter of 2013/14 – with a Christmas ice storm that downed trees and hydro lines, cutting power to half million people – and a series of polar vortexes. The polar vortex from the beginning  of January froze the Niagara River and the two smaller waterfalls, creating an unusual winter landscape.