Chiang Mai – First Impressions

This was my second visit to Thailand. My first trip was to the hustling and bustling metropolitan city Bangkok. I had mixed feelings for that city probably because I was never a huge fan of big cities, crowds, pollution and skyscrapers. But Chiang Mai hit all the right spots and has surprised me way beyond …

Kumamoto Foods: The Strange and the Bizarre

When we talk about Kumamoto, first thing comes to mind is the “Kumamon” – a cartoon character of the rosy-cheeked, stoned-looking black bear mascot with a which is seen plastered and advertised everywhere from billboards to merchandises. And then there is the Kumamoto Castle which suffered some moderately severe damages during the earthquake last year. …