Review of Tsukiji Market Tokyo – Details

Location: Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome, 及び６丁目一部 (google pin)
Known for: Fresh seafood, traditional Japanese street food, and market-fresh snacks

Review of Tsukiji Market Japan – Highlights

• Diverse Food Stalls: Tsukiji’s outer market is filled with diverse stalls where vendors sell everything from freshly shucked oysters to grilled eel and octopus on sticks. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and each stall showcases a unique dish that captures Tokyo’s food culture. Sushi shops line the narrow lanes, with cuts of tuna, salmon, and uni (sea urchin) that taste as though they were caught hours ago.
• Street Food Gems: Beyond seafood, visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese street foods like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), onigiri (rice balls), and takoyaki (octopus-filled balls). For dessert, mochi and matcha-flavored treats are plentiful, adding a sweet touch to the culinary adventure. The market is particularly famous for tamago-yaki—a sweet, fluffy omelet on a stick, which is cooked in front of you for a unique experience.
• Experience and Atmosphere: Tsukiji Market remains bustling with energy, with vendors calling out their offerings and friendly staff eager to share recommendations. Unlike large restaurants, the market stalls offer an intimate, hands-on experience where you can interact with the vendors and learn about each dish’s origins. This lively yet compact setting lets you sample various items, making it ideal for adventurous eaters.

Review of Tsukiji Market Stalls – Things to Note

• Cash Preferred: Most vendors only accept cash, so come prepared with smaller bills for easy transactions. Although more and more are accepting credit card it makes it much easier and faster to pay with cash.
• Early Mornings: Arriving early provides the best experience, with fresh catches and fewer crowds. Lots of vendors sell out and the best, most popular menu options sell out fast so ideally be there before 12 noon. Most shops also close by 1-2pm.

Review of Tsukiji Fish Market – Tips

• Sample as You Go: Trying small items at multiple stalls allows you to experience a range of flavors without filling up too quickly.
• Try the Grilled Oysters: Freshly grilled and seasoned with lemon or soy, they’re a crowd favorite and showcase the market’s seafood quality.
• Check out our other reviews of Tokyo restaurants and cafes here.

Review of Tsukiji Market – Photos

For anyone looking to experience Tokyo’s street food culture, Tsukiji Market is a must-visit with its range of fresh, authentic flavors and friendly atmosphere.

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Review of Mouratoglou Tennis Academy – Details

Address: Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, 3550 Rte des Dolines, 06410 Biot (click here)
Tel: +33 4 83881430
Website: Mouratoglou Tennis Academy

Review of Mouratoglou Tennis Academy – Highlights

• Top-Notch Coaching: The camp features elite-level coaching tailored to each player’s abilities, from casual enthusiasts to competitive players. Each group is broken up into maximum 4 players for the group lessons. The groups are adjusted in the start of the week to account for each players ability.
• Comprehensive Training: Expect intense daily sessions focusing on technique, strategy, and fitness, with access to mental and physical performance experts. Each day focuses on different drills, such as fore hands, back hands, volley, attack and the signature Mouratoglou strategies.
• World-Class Facilities: The academy offers 34 tennis courts, a gym, and a spa for recovery, creating an ideal environment for improvement. There is also a full medical center which is on site, so any injuries during the week you can walk in or ask your coach for a consultation and they will address any situation that occurs. The recovery options are also vast including ice bath, pressotherapy and massages.

Review of Mouratoglou Summer Camp Tennis Academy – Things to Note

• All Skill Levels: Players of all levels are welcome, with personalized coaching ensuring growth for everyone. However at the same time as these are group classes, it can mean that you are above or below other players abilities, especially when it comes to the group fitness training, as this is done in larger groups.
• Intense Schedule: Be prepared for a full week of training that challenges both your physical and mental limits. If you wish to take a lesser load you can opt for the half day – on the other hand if you wish to go all out you can also add a full hour of private lessons each day. This was the most useful as you really focus on each days lessons to a deeper level.

Review of Mouratoglou Adult Camp – Tips

• Stay at the Academy Hotel: For maximum convenience, stay on-site to take advantage of all the amenities. If you take the half day, the recommendation would be to stay in Antibes or Cannes to be able to enjoy the coast especially as there are more food and beverage options available in the bigger cities.
• Pack Accordingly: Bring appropriate tennis gear for long, hot summer days on court.
• For other experience reviews please click here.

Mouratoglou Tennis Academy Review – Photos

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Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina

Your Guide to Providencia and Santa Catalina – Highlights

• One of the last untouched islands in the Caribbean provides visitors a glimpse to the past and natural beautify of how these islands and most nature were around the world before tourism and infrastructure development took over. Visiting the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina are truly the experience of a lifetime!
• The island is closer to Nicaragua but it is technically part of Colombia in the Caribbean. The presence of Colombian Air Force was seen during our visit most likely conducting drills and training nonetheless exciting and interesting to watch.
• As a remote island in the Caribbean access to supplies is limited and this under development makes it one of the most beautiful islands in the world and contain some of the most untouched natural beaches in the Caribbean. There are not even street lights on all areas of the single road that circles the island so at night it can get pitch black. A little scary when the crabs patrol the roads and can be bigger than your fist.
• The tiny 1 square kilometer island of Santa Catalina is an old pirate safe haven and the site of some of the most beautiful snorkeling and scuba diving one can do in their lives boasting the third largest coral reef in the world! You can climb to the top of the island though it is quite a trek, but the views (some pictures below) are worth it!

Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina – Where to Stay and Eat

• The charm is that the island is not touristy with the only accommodations on the island being guest houses and restaurant options very limited. Likewise the food options at those restaurants are limited to what is caught on the island. The locals enjoy fried plantains, coconut rice and freshly caught fish.
• The best restaurant on Providencia is run by husband and wife team and is called Cafe Studio. As well, both Miss Elma which has local cuisine and generous cocktails (ask for the Lulo juice!) and Restaurante Caribbean are popular.
• Monasteries del Vieto has 4 separate suites and provides guests the most resort feel on the island with a multitude of hammocks and lounge areas. Guests can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner if they choose on or facing the beach and can easily say this is the most relaxed option on the island. Quoted as being the best kept secret of the Caribbean.
• Deep Blue is the most luxurious hotel on the island which has a sweet water pool overlooking the ocean, with standard western style rooms with air conditioning and large king size beds. Truly an island retreat!

Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina – Things to Note

• There are a couple daily flights operated by Satena for about 75 USD each way. The flights are quite bumpy in a small 20 seater propeller plane that leave from San Andres. It is usually not possible to buy tickets online but can be easily purchased in San Andres in person.
• Getting to the island is no easy feat, it is safe to say it would take the average person at least 3 separate flights to arrive. For example we flew into Bogota, Colombia then onto San Andres and finally on the 30 minute flight to Providencia.
• The locals speak creole which is a mix of Spanish, English and French.

Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina – Photos

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Your Guide to 24 Hours in Yangon Myanmar

See below video clips on snippets to experience some of what Yangon has to offer and immerse yourself in a new culture:

Your Guide to 24 Hours in Yangon Myanmar – Things to Note 

• Yangon has a new international airport with about 30 airlines flying into it daily such as Emirates and their flagship carrier Myanmar Airways International (funny way to spell it as one would assume it should be Myanmar International Airways) which stands for MAI. You can see a review of the economy class from Bangkok to Yangon here.
• The city used to be called Rangoon and has a population of 5 million people and till date is the largest and most populous city in the country. It is known for its colonial architecture, remnants of a British past mixed with Chinese and Indian influences.
• The official currency is the Myanmar Kyat and it is best to keep cash on you as most places do not take credit cards. Thai bhat and US dollars are also widely accepted but not at the best exchange rates.

Your Guide to 24 Hours in Yangon Myanmar – Where to Eat and Drink

• The Strand Hotel for breakfast or lunch is situated opposite to the old port in the city center. The hotel is in an old colonial building that has been fully restored with vintage fittings. To soak in the early 1900’s visit the cafe on the ground floor for a light snack or coffee. A famous tradition is to have afternoon tea at the hotel which you can opt for either English or Burmese variety.
• Lunch or drinks the following day at the Governor’s Residence, which is another hotel, but located outside the city in a lush neighborhood. The residence is another example of a fully renovated colonial mansion though this was built in a more livable fashion. It is close to the Shwedagon Pagoda and managed by Belmond hotel group which is part of LVMH so you know you are in for a treat.
• A great spot for dinner is Ram Rau which is a hip Burmese Vietnamese restaurant in the old town. The team behind it used to work around the world and came back to Myanmar to set up their own restaurant operation. Excellent vibes with a small bar when you enter with friendly welcoming staff. A full review can be found here.
• There are lots of street restaurants and stalls to choose from as the restaurant scene in Yangon is still emerging.

Your Guide to 24 Hours in Yangon Myanmar – Things to See and Do

• Number one on the list is the Shwedagon Pagoda and for good reason, the temple is absolutely stunning. It is best viewed early morning at sunrise, so wake up and make the trek over. Bear in mind it will take a good 20 minutes from when you get your ticket to traverse up to the top of the temple. Also note that as is customary all visitors must remove their shoes and socks as a sign of respect. The entrance fee is 10 USD and it is best to get a guide for another 5 USD.
• The old town and port of Yangon are fascinating glimpse into how the city used to look under British rule. Most of the buildings are run down from the exterior but next to the Strand and General Post Office one can imagine how they will look when restored to their former glory. Best way to explore is on foot to walk around and take in the old town.
• This next one is a easier said than done, as you have to find out how and where to buy your tickets and which station to get on: heading to the central train station and catching a ride on the Yangon Circular Train to get a feeling for the people, culture and orient yourself around the city. It is super interesting to see what people get up to on the train and how people live in Myanmar. The cost is 200 Kyat and they do not take US dollars, so you need to bring local currency.
• A must visit is a Buddhist monastery and since over 90% of the population are Buddhist you can find a way quite easily. We did it with our driver, he took us to the monastery where he grew up. In Myanmar instead of school, children study in monasteries and then can decide if they want to stay or go study in college or high school. Monasteries are very peaceful to walk around and we were lucky enough to visit during lunch time and witness it.
• There are a few large open markets in Yangon where you can find local merchandise such as mother of pearl in all shapes and sizes, as art and decorative pieces or as utensils. You can also find other handicraft such as hats to go with your new colonial feel as you explore the city. See pictures below.

Your Guide to 24 Hours in Yangon Myanmar – Where to Stay

• If you want to splurge and enjoy the finest Yangon has to offer the two aforementioned hotels would be your best bet. Both the Strand Hotel and the Governor’s Residence offer luxury and the highest levels of comfort.
• For a more affordable option you can opt for the Melia Hotel in Yangon, which is located closer to the Shwedagon Pagoda. The hotel is modern and new with rates varying around 85 USD. A full review can be found here.

Your Guide to 24 Hours in Yangon Myanmar – Photos

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Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal

Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal – Highlights

• The number one attraction on every visitors list of things to do in Panama. A trip to Panama City is not complete without visiting the Panama Canal. The easiest way to experience the Panama Canal is by car via the Miraflores Locks (pictured below) and you can watch the ships traverse by.
• Vessels pass through the canal through a system of locks, which lower or elevate their sea level. It takes about 10 minutes for the locks to fill up with water so you can view the process with your own eyes. From one end to the other typically takes a ship about 9 hours.
• This is an architectural wonder of the world, stretching 82 km long connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The canal allows for ships to pass through without having to go all the way around the south tip of South America.
• Approximately 1 million vessels pass through each year. To learn more visit the Canal Museum at Cisco Antigua while you are there. At the museum there is also a small cinema where you can watch a 15 minute film about the construction of the Panama Canal.
• One in a life time experience to witness international trade and supply chain happening in real time in front of your eyes.

Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal – Things to Note

• You can simply hire a car or take a taxi (at a cost of around 12 USD) and visit the Canal directly. There are dedicated tours and museums you can visit as well.
• It costs 20 USD per person to enter to visit the Miraflores locks.
• The locks are open to visitors during normal business hours from 8am to 5pm.

Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal – Photos

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Review of Bahrain International Airport – Details

Address: Muharraq, Manama, Bahrain (Google pin)
Tel: +973 8000 7777
Website: Bahrain International Airport

Review of Bahrain International Airport – Video Tour

For a full video walk through of Bahrain International Airport departure terminal, please see the video below:

Review of Bahrain International Airport – Highlights

• The new Bahrain International Airport unveiled in 2021 is thoughtfully designed with modern touch and local flair. The entire arrival process is seamless with easy guidance and flow to the immigration, PCR arrival test and baggage claim. Likewise the process for departure is smooth and seamless with a dedicated wing for first and business class.
• This new terminal cost over $1 billion dollars to construct and grows the overall airport square footage by 4 times in size.
• The airport hosts a multitude of food and beverage outlets from healthy to fast food as well as cafes such as Illy and the only Al Baik chicken outlet outside of Saudi Arabia.
• The views from the departure terminal give aviation geeks an amazing view of all planes taking off and landing as well as the planes connected to the terminals through the large floor to ceiling (and its a high ceiling) windows along the airside strip.

Review of Bahrain International Airport – Things to Note

• Lounge Key, Priority pass or other lounge passes are not yet set up to work with the two lounges at the departure gate, Pearl Lounge and Falcon Lounge. These are currently set up only to accept ticketed business class passengers on affiliated airlines. This information is valid as of March 2021, one month after the new Bahrain International Airport officially opened.

Review of Bahrain International Airport – Tips

• If you are traveling first or business class there is a dedicated terminal for you on the left side of the departure gate. The setting is more lounge and 5 star hotel layout with a dedicated passport control and private dedicated security check point similar to a fast pass.
• If you are landing into Bahrain International Airport make sure you download the BeAware (link for iOS) application ahead of time to save time, as it will be mandatory as of 2020 and 2021 when you are landing. The application serves as your tracking device which will monitor if you came in contact with anyone with Covid-19. You will need to use the BeAware app to pay for your PCR tests on arrival and you can also use it to view your test results and book exit test appointments.

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