Life on the Road
engagement photo

Life on the Road: Months One and Two

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Life on the Road: Of Weddings and Engagements

While Aussie on the Road has been doing the ‘on the road’ thing since 2007, the end of 2017 saw Adventures Around Asia and I trading our pseudo-permanent base in Beijing for the nomadic existence.

For Richelle, it means an end to nearly five years living and working in China. For me, it’s the end of two years back in China.

With no set destination and a desire to be digital nomads who live and work on the road, I’ve decided to create this Life on the Road series to document the next step in our lives together.

 

christmas tree with lots of presents
We made out like bandits!

Christmas in Australia

After our epic time hiking the Kumano Kodo Iseji in November, Richelle and I were well and truly excited for some downtime in sleepy Ben Lomond.

My folks have a gorgeous little hobby farm on the outskirts of the tiny little village, and the cottage they built a few years back was the perfect place for us to knuckle down and work on our sites and businesses.

(Oh, and play a shit tonne of Skyrim and Sims 4)

I’ve written before about why I love Christmas in Australia, and this year exemplified everything I adore about spending the holiday with my insanely big family. Seriously, there’s fifteen of us these days!

  • Delicious food? Check!
  • Plenty of excellent boutique beer in the fridge? Check!
  • Board games and movie nights with my brothers? Check!
  • A day of baking on Christmas Eve? Check!
  • Carols at Christmas Eve Mass? Check!
  • A mountain of presents under the tree? Check!

Richelle and I must have dropped around $2,000 on gifts for everybody, but we got some amazing gifts as well. Richelle got me a Nintendo 64 and a bunch of retro games, Dom got me some ‘sexy man candle’ cologne, Heather grabbed me a new Kindle case, Leigh indulged my nerdiness, and my folks sprang for a bunch of awesome travel swag and a private photography session with a local photographer.

There were the requisite socks, cans of Lynx deodorant, and mountains of candy too, of course!

All told, it was another epic Christmas for the books. The holiday was soured by one thing: the absence of my brother from another mother, Ben.

Missing Ben

My foster brother, Ben passed away suddenly in October after a long and painful struggle with terminal illness. While we’d always known his time with us was finite, it was a devastating blow to the family (and my folks in particular) when he succumbed last October.

Christmas was always Benj-Bob’s favourite time of year, and this year’s holiday was a bit of a tribute to him.

We exchanged gifts in Ben’s name, sang carols over his grave in the local cemetery, and shared teary-eyed reminiscences over Christmas dinner.

Ben was a part of our family for eight years, and I don’t think Christmas will ever be quite the same without him.

new year's green valley farm
Looking glowtastic and fabulous for New Year’s.

New Year’s at Green Valley Farm

Hot on the heels of Christmas, my family decided to pay another visit to Australia’s strangest theme park, Green Valley Farm.

After spending a few days there in early 2017, we decided to make it our New Year’s destination this year. All fifteen of us made the pilgrimage out to the dusty little corner of Tingha, took over five cottages, and proceeded to have a merry old time.

Three days of water slides, delicious BBQs, Cards Against Humanity, and a much needed digital detox. It was just what we needed after two solid weeks of Christmas chaos and frantic writing.

New Year’s Eve saw the boys with glitter-painted beards, champagne popping, beers flowing, and everybody in high spirits. Glow sticks and sparklers kept the little kids entertained while the big kids played What Do You Meme? and Cards Against Humanity.

It was a wonderful way to ring in the New Year. I’ve long since giving up on pursuing that perfect New Year’s in Fiji or Sydney. The family is where it’s at, for me.

green valley farm picnic
The whole Bush clan together again!

A Bellingen Escape

Mid-January saw Richelle and I in dire need of a wee break from the peace and quiet of Ben Lomond, so we packed up into Dad’s car and decided to head down to the Coffs Coast for a few days.

As luck would have it, one of my mother’s former students offered to put us up for a few days in the hippie town of Bellingen. We spent three laid back days enjoying beers and BBQ, browsing the famous Bellingen Community Markets, and catching up with old friends.

Of course, it wouldn’t have been a proper Aussie introduction for Richelle without some beach time, so we hit up Sawtell Beach.

Another highlight? Catching up with my old mate, Stu and his wife for seafood on the waterfront. I hadn’t seen the mad bastard since a friend’s wedding in 2014, so it was great to rekindle that old friendship.

I hadn’t been back to Coffs Harbour since my short-lived return to school, so it was nice to rekindle my love affair with the place and do a little scouting for… well, that’s a surprise.

coffs harbour foreshore
My old mate, Stu and his missus came up to see us while we were in Coffs Harbour.

Hitting the Road Again

Our six weeks in Ben Lomond passed all too soon, and we suddenly found ourselves trying to once again condense our lives into a single checked bag and carry on each.

We’d had a fantastic month and a half of backyard BBQs, day-long work sessions, and exploring my backyard by climbing The Brother and making the long walk to nearby Glencoe.

You always have so many plans when you come home after a long time on the road, but it seemed like we left with more undone than we had managed to achieve.

I’d not found time to paint some Warhammer miniatures or play my new Nintendo 64.

We hadn’t found time for a romantic dinner in Glen Innes or a day hiking in one of the nearby national parks, nor had we managed to get the hammocks out and do a little lazy reading.

Still, it was great to be home again, and we’re already looking forward to getting back this October.

the brother new england australia
Richelle and I conquering The Brother behind my village. It’s higher than it looks!

Old Friends in Sydney

The first stop on our big trip would be my former stomping grounds in Sydney.

My oldest friend, Magro and his wife were kind enough to put us up for a few days as we played tourist in the city.

We made the obligatory stops at places like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Manly Beach, caught up with a lot of old friends, and hemorrhaged money like it was going out of style.

Seriously, I forgot how f***ing expensive Sydney can be!

manly 4 pines brewing company
The gang reunited!

The Official Farewell

Every time I leave Australia (and that’s happened 7-8 times now), I like to do a little shindig before setting off. It can be hard as hell to meet up with everybody who you want to see in a limited time frame, so these gatherings have become something of a tradition.

After learning that Magro and Byron don’t actually like Korean BBQ (my usual go to) and having already met up with a long lost friend at Hart’s Pub, we decided to instead do something a little different by heading over to Manly and enjoying the beer and Sunday roast at 4 Pines Brewery.

It was a great afternoon out with old friends and blogging friends (shout out to the ladies from The Freedom Travelers for making it out), and Richelle and I even managed to sneak away for a romantic kiss and cuddle down on the very crowded Manly beach.

merewether beach newcastle sunset
Merewether at sunset to finish our Newcastle/Hunter Valley visit.

Wine in the Hunter Valley

Before we bid farewell to Australian soil for another indeterminate amount of time, we were lucky enough to pair up with Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours for a day trip to the beautiful Hunter Valley.

Ever since I lost my wine virginity back in 2014, I’ve had a growing love affair with all things grape. Richelle, being a die-hard wine drinker, has been slowly but surely indoctrinating me into her Cult of Red Wine too.

We had a great time on the tour, but you can read all about that here.

las vegas family holiday
Richelle, Mum, my brother-in-law, and I catching up in Vegas. Small world!

Viva Las Vegas

Our first stop in the US would be Las Vegas. While I’ve been twice before and Richelle had been as a kid, we were both pretty excited to explore Sin City together.

As luck would have it, my Mum and my brother-in-law would also be there for separate conventions, so it was a bit of a family affair.

Staying at Bally’s, we didn’t do a lot of gambling or drinking.

Instead, we went and saw two shows (Vegas! The Show and Zumanity), ate a lot of delicious food, caught some Pokemon in Pokemon Go, and wandered about showing my Mum places like Fremont Street, the Container Park, and The Strip.

I’ve written before out how to enjoy Vegas without drinking or gambling, and we once again had a great time without a single hangover or massive gambling loss.

hurricanes las vegas
Introducing my Mum to the humble Hurricane.
palm desert california indian ridge
Enjoying the simple things in Palm Desert.

Our Slice of California Paradise

After the hustle and bustle of Vegas, we traded the lights and noise for the quiet of Southern California.

Richelle’s folks hail from Seattle but spend their winters down here in Southern California where 60F is a cold day.

We’ve definitely loved having a quiet little spice of paradise to use as our base for a few weeks while we work, get back into running, and try to eat a little healthier.

Seriously, Vegas did a number on our waistlines!

It’s also been great to get to better know Richelle’s parents over a glass of wine or a delicious home-cooked meal.

temecula wine country wilson creek winery
An hour before I popped the question.

Valentine’s Day in Temecula (and a big question)

Valentine’s Day saw Richelle, her parents, and I heading out to Temecula Wine Country for a bit of a romantic escape.

Richelle’s folks had been kind enough to treat us to a night in a gorgeous little B&B and a delicious dinner at Wilson Creek Winery as a ‘thank you’ for us playing tour guide during their visit to China last year. Thanks, John and Nicole!

After a day of wine tasting, I invited Richelle out for a walk to ‘take photos of the sunset’.

Sadly, the sun was almost all of the way down by the time I got her alone, which meant she was more than a little suspicious of my motives.

Still, I offered her my coat when it got cold and asked her to pass me my phone from the pocket. There was no phone – just a ring.

I got down on bended knee, said a bunch of things I can no longer remember due to nerves, and made it official.

Richelle and I are getting married!

we're engaged
I liked it and put a ring on it.

Not so surprising

While Richelle didn’t know the when and where of when I’d propose, we both knew it was coming.

Ever since our anniversary last October, we’ve been talking on and off about our hypothetical wedding. Where we’d tie the knot, where we’d eventually live etc.

During our visit to Bellingen in January, we’d even started scouting out potential venues. I’d asked Richelle’s folks for permission and she’d helped pick out a few rings she might like.

In fact, in the two weeks since we’ve been engaged, we’ve already arranged the venue, printed save the dates, and started work on our wedding website!

I’ll let Richelle tell the story of our relationship, but suffice it to say, this feels like the most natural, stress-free thing I’ve ever done.

atlanta wedding king plow
Breanna, Sarah, and Richelle enjoying the open bar.

A Wedding in Atlanta

Not our wedding, don’t worry! That’s a way off yet!

February finished with Richelle and I flying to Atlanta, Georgia for her sorority sister, Caroline’s big day.

It was a unique experience for me being a +1, as I’ve never done that before. It was also a good chance for both of us to put on our wedding planner hats and steal ideas.

We’ll definitely be doing a pre-wedding brewery night and a first look after seeing how awesome they were at Caroline & Seth’s wedding.

It was also a fun experience to meet and interact with some of Richelle’s oldest friends. While I’d hung out with Breanna and Sarah before when they visited us in China, spending a few nights drinking and late night binge-eating with the girls was a really fun experience.

Meeting Richelle’s sorority sisters and their partners was also a lot of fun. I found a few kindred spirits when it came to avoiding the dancefloor, although 5 or 6 Canadian Club and Cokes saw me out there busting a move by night’s end.

engagement photo
One of the many fantastic shots our photographer friend took of us in Ben Lomond!

An Epic Two Months

As you can see, January and February were hectic and wonderful for me.

While I did have to endure having a tooth pulled and all of this travel ate into my savings like you wouldn’t believe, it’s hard to knock a time in your life where you get engaged, enjoy time with your family, make new friends, see old friends, and travel to such fantastic places.

Your Say

How has 2018 been for you so far? What have been the highlights and lowlights of the first few months of the year?

If you’re engaged or married, what’s the story of your proposal?

Have you been anywhere exciting so far?

If you have any questions about Temecula Wine Country, Bellingen, Las Vegas, Atlanta, or Sydney – don’t hesitate to let me know in a comment below. I’m regularly checking comments and will always reply.

Australia, Newcastle

Getting a Taste of the Hunter Valley with Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours

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Back to the Hunter Valley!

Ever since I first lost my wine tourism virginity back in 2014, I’ve had a growing love affair with all things grape.

I’ve gone on wine tours in San Luis Obispo and in San Diego wine country, started buying wine, and even sipping a good glass of red while binging Outlander with Adventures Around Asia.

So, when Suzanne from Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours got in touch about working together, I jumped at the opportunity.

Eager to show off Australia’s world-class wine scene to Richelle, we plotted a whirlwind trip to Newcastle so that we could join the fun.

HunterValleyPokolbin
Image courtesy of Tastes of the Hunter.

A Social Hunter Valley Wine Tour

 

The idea of wine tasting used to seem a bit ‘snooty’ to me. Swirling glasses while commenting on the nose and the colour always seemed pretentious.

My visit to Broke Fordwich in 2014 dispelled the notion that wine needed to be dry and dull, and Tastes of the Hunter definitely reinforced the idea that wine tourism is all about having a good time.

From the moment the bus doors opened, we were chatting away with Suzanne while the big screen played music videos from the likes of Katy Perry, Pink, and Adele. Right off the bat, it felt like a party.

This was only heightened when Richelle and I were joined by a quintet of birthday girls and a huge bachelorette party leaving me as the proverbial thorn amongst roses.

As the bus made its way from Newcastle out into the rolling hills and whispering groves of gum trees that typify the Hunter Valley, we were definitely feeling a day of fun in the sun.

The Wine

Obviously, the biggest draw for a Hunter Valley wine tour is the wine, and there was plenty of that in evidence.

Whether you were a seasoned wine connoisseur like Richelle, a novice like myself, or even a wine hater like some of the girls in our group, you were in for a treat.

With visits to Ernest Hill Winery, Capercaillie, and Briar Ridge, we were able to sample a wide variety of whites and reds, sweets and dries, and everything in between.

Suzanne’s connections at each place also netted us discounts when buying wine, so we weren’t able to resist grabbing a couple of bottles at Capercaillie to share with Richelle’s folks.

Each winery also offered a different experience. Where Ernest Hill saw us perched by giant oak barrels to sip our 10 am glasses of wine, Capercaillie had us being serenaded by a country musician. Each cellar door told a different story united under a singular theme: a love of good wine.

The Food

Of course, you can’t spend a day drinking wine in the sun and not line your stomach. It’s a recipe for a killer evening hangover.

The lunch stop is at the fantastic Matilda Bay Brewhouse, where we had an hour to sample a few ice cold beers and sink our teeth into a couple of delicious burgers.

This falls outside of your ticket price, meaning you’ll be digging into your own wallet, but with the variety of dishes available, you’ll want to do your own choosing.

Other food stops along the way include a stop at a local cheesemaker and chocolaterie, giving plenty of opportunities for impulse buys.

Richelle and I may have left with a sizeable bag of gourmet fudge to eat on the train ride back to Sydney…

Wine grapes in the famous Austrian winegrowing area Wachau (Spitz), Lower Austria

The Booze

While the Hunter Valley is best known for its wine, there’s more than just grape to be had on your Hunter Valley wine tour.

The lunch stop at Matilda Bay Brewhouse gives you an opportunity to indulge your inner beer snob with a couple of pints, and the generous sample platters make it easy to try all twelve of their draft beers.

The last stop of the day completes the alcohol trifecta, as you swing by Hunter Distillery to try their selection of flavoured vodkas and Schnapps. This was one of our favourite stops, as the test tubes of liquor further reinforced the ‘fun first’ feel of the whole day.

The Experience

One of the enduring lessons I learned from my first foray into wine tasting was that there is no right or wrong way to do it.

While some might find the idea of dwelling on the intricacies of the winemaking process and only taking the smallest of tastes appealing, I prefer enjoying good alcohol, good banter, and good weather with good people.

Tastes of the Hunter Valley Wine Tours embraces that fun style of wine tourism. Mixing things up with beer, spirits, and food means it’s a fun day out for everyone – not just the wine experts.

Why Take a Hunter Valley Wine Tour?

I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain this, but there are many obvious perks to taking a guided wine tour instead of trying to do it yourself.

1. Expert Advice

Unless you’re a local with an intimate knowledge of the Hunter Valley wine scene, you’re not going to know the ins and outs as well as an expert. Suzanne’s love of wine and the Hunter Valley is evident from the moment you meet her.

She’s been out to these vineyards and cellar doors to select the best examples of Hunter Valley wine, so you know you’re going to get the best experience possible.

The cellar doors we visited boasted great wine and service without getting swept up in the infamous Pokolbin crowds, so we got a Hunter Valley wine experience without dealing with Hunter Valley crowds.

2. A Designated Driver

The best part about a visit to wine country? The wine!

If you’re worried about staying under the limit, you’re not going to be enjoying the experience to the fullest.

Tastes of the Hunter’s big, comfy bus ferried us quickly and safely from cellar door to cellar door to distillery and all the way home, meaning we didn’t have to worry about how much we were drinking.

3. Discounts

Tastes of the Hunter has worked hard to build up a rapport with the cellar doors it visits, and this translates into discounted wine for you!

While the incentive is still there to join the vineyard’s wine club, we were still able to grab discounts at Capercaillie and Briar Ridge by virtue of being a part of the tour.

Try getting that on your lonesome!

Sobels-EmmaMumSuzShawn
Image courtesy of Tastes of the Hunter.

4. It’s Social!

Perhaps my favourite part of taking a group wine tour is that it comes with a built-in set of friends for the day.

Even if you’re traveling with your better half or a couple of mates, more people always spices things up a little.

We loved having the opportunity to talk travel with our fellow wine lovers and have somebody handy to snap cutesy couple photos of us.

Hell, by the time the day was done, we were singing along to Shaggy’s Greatest Hits together and on a first name basis.

But I Want to Plan My Own Hunter Valley Wine Tour!

If I haven’t managed to convince you why a wine tour is the best way to go, never fear!

Suzanne’s second site, Hunter Valley Insider, has all of the information you need to design your own Hunter Valley escape.

Whether it’s a day trip to drink with your friends or a romantic getaway, Hunter Valley Insider has plenty of information on accommodation, cellar doors, and activities in the region.

Your Say

Have you ever taken a wine tour? What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of a guided tour? Leave a comment below!

If you have any questions about Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours or the Hunter Valley as a whole, don’t hesitate to ask below. I’m always checking for new comments, so I’ll be sure to get back to you ASAP!

Accommodation, Japan

Experiencing Tokyo’s Artistic Side at Park Hotel Tokyo

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Finding a Base in Tokyo

When it comes time to plan your trip to Tokyo, the variety of Tokyo accommodation options can be dizzying.

From luxury brands to locally run ryokans like Andon Ryokan, you’re spoiled for choice from both a cost perspective and a location perspective.

When planning our Tokyo escape after finishing the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, Richelle and I were excited to experience the Park Hotel Tokyo.

We’d thought long and hard about where to stay in Tokyo, but after reading glowing reviews from the likes of I Am Aileen and seeing photos of their artist rooms, spending a few nights there seemed like a fait accompli.

 

A Fantastic Location

One of Park Hotel’s biggest selling points has got to be its location.

While names like Shiodome and Shimbashi might not leap out at first time visitors as ‘must see’, you’re at the beating heart of Tokyo – just a short subway ride from iconic landmarks such as the Tsukiji Fish Market, Akihabara, Asakusa, and Shibuya.

Getting There

Coming in to Tokyo on the JR train from Nagoya, we spent less than $15 USD to get from the station to the hotel.

With two subway stations (Shimbashi and Shiodome) also walking distance from Park Hotel, we could easily have saved ourselves some money if we hadn’t been wrangling so much luggage.

Dining

While Park Hotel has a number of dining options within the hotel proper, Richelle and I ate most of our meals in nearby Shimbashi.

If you’ve seen Blade Runner, you might be able to picture the buzzing neon, narrow streets, and bustling eateries set against the periodic roar and rattle of trains passing overhead.

The salarymen in their sweat-soaked suits throw back beer and sake while sucking fried morsels from skewers or slurping hearty servings of ramen, while girls in schoolgirl outfits and skimpy clothing try to lure punters into their basement bars.

It’s at once both seedy and charming – a snapshot of the various images of modern Japan that are prevalent around the world.

To be able to get a filling meal of fresh sushi, spicy udon, or greasy dumplings so close to your glamorous retreat is a fantastic contrast.

Playing Tourist

With Shimbashi and Shiodome subway stations both walking distance from the Park Hotel Tokyo, it’s criminally easy to get around and see the best Tokyo has to offer.

You’re a short subway ride from the bright lights and otaku culture of Akihabara in one direction and a slightly longer ride to the lolitas and madness of Harajuku in the other direction.

The popular Tsukiji Fish Market is almost walking distance, while you can take a longer ride to historic sites such as the Imperial Palace or Senso-Ji.

Put simply: Park Hotel Tokyo couldn’t be in a better location for exploring Japan.

With its proximity to Tokyo Station, and you’ve also got a perfect location from which to make day trips to places like Mount Fuji and historic Nikko.

The Luxury Experience

The Park Hotel Tokyo treats its guests to a western luxury experience while paying homage to its Japanese roots.

From the decor to the breakfast to the art that adorns every spare bit of space, the hotel caters to its predominantly foreign guests while making them at home in Japan.

Creature Comforts

Located on the 25th floor of a towering skyscraper, Park Hotel Tokyo seems a world apart from the city below.

Entering the vast lobby is like walking into an art museum. Sculptures and paintings adorn every spare inch of space, while guests lounge about reading the newspaper or enjoying a cup of coffee.

The smiling staff, all of whom speak flawless English, are quick to hurry over and welcome you.

After check-in, we’re shown to our stunning artist room (more on that later) and invited to enjoy complimentary drinks in the lounge.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine before heading out to explore Tokyo’s often dizzying nightlife.

park hotel happy hour
Being frightfully sophisticated

Exquisite Breakfast

‘Breakfast included’ is such a loaded promise. In so many instances, it equates to dry toast and a disappointing variety of cereals served with room temperature milk.

Sometimes, you’re lucky and they throw in eggs served with bad coffee.

The included breakfast at the Park Hotel Tokyo does not disappoint. A fantastic variety of both western favourites and Japanese delights.

You’ve got your cereals and your eggs and your coffee, of course, but you’ve also got cheeses and deli meats, build-your-own-miso, baked goods, fresh fruit, fresh seafood, and more are at your fingertips as you prepare to start your day.

Fitness and Wellness

While I didn’t avail myself of the spa or the gym offered at Park Hotel Tokyo, it would be remiss of me not to mention them.

No luxury hotel experience would be complete without working up a sweat in the gym and then unwinding with a massage, and Park Hotel Tokyo offers both a small gym and the lavish THANN Sanctuary.

geisha goldfish room park hotel tokyo

The Park Hotel Artist Room Experience

Location and luxury are both huge selling points of the Park Hotel Tokyo, but what sets it apart from the other luxury hotels in Tokyo is its dedication to promoting local artists.

Each of the Park Hotel’s artist rooms is a different window into Japanese art culture. From samurai to mythical beasts to breathtaking vistas to modern Tokyo, each room is an entirely different experience.

zodiac room park hotel tokyo
Rwar!

 

The Zodiac Room

Black and white needn’t be boring, and the Zodiac Room is a wonderful demonstration of how simple colours can be used to create something amazing.

With all twelve of the Chinese Zodiac on display, the room offers a whimsical interpretation of the traditional Zodiac. Horses gallop, pigs wallow, and cats prowl, with some of the room’s residents even seeming to burst out of the wall.

The mesmerizing view of Tokyo Tower from the room completes a stunning visual experience.

geisha goldfish room 2 park hotel tokyo

The Geisha Goldfish Room

Ever since she first read about the Park Hotel’s artist rooms, Richelle has been in love with their Geisha Goldfish room. Hell, her gorgeous tattoo takes a little inspiration from the brightly coloured, fan-tailed fish that adorn the walls and roof of this room.

A riot of bright colours that combines two enduring images from Japan, the Geisha Goldfish room was our base for two nights.

There’s something going on everywhere you look.

Fish swim overhead while a pair of maiko plays cat’s cradle on the wall. However, the alluring face of a geisha dominates the room much as a single glance from a geisha can captivate a man.

The Other Artist Rooms

While we had the pleasure of sleeping in two very different artist rooms, we were also afforded a tour of the many other rooms that make up the Park Hotel’s famed floor.

My personal favourite was the Yokai Room, where creatures from Japanese mythology frolic on the walls and roof while making their way towards a doorway in the sky. It put me in mind of Spirited Away!

Elsewhere, there were bright colours, elements of traditional Japanese culture, iconic landscapes, and more on offer.

You could stay in a different room every night for a month and have a totally different experience every night.

The Perfect Tokyo Base

We loved our stay at the Park Hotel Tokyo.

The super comfy rooms made a great place to get some rest after a long day of exploration, and we even spent an entire day just relaxing in the room and getting work done after our epic Kumano Kodo hike.

From the delicious breakfast to start our day to the complimentary wine to end the day, Park Hotel Tokyo was an absolute pleasure.

While it might be a bit pricey for budget travellers, its artist rooms make it a destination in and of itself.

Couple this with the great location and you’ve got one of the best bases you could want for exploring dynamic Tokyo.

Your Say

Have you ever stayed in a hotel that blended comfort with art?

All photos in this article are from Adventures Around Asia’s Park Hotel review. My photos weren’t nearly as good!

DISCLAIMER: Our stay at the Park Hotel Tokyo was provided in exchange for this review. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Life and Love on the Road
top of the rock view

My 2018 New Year’s Resolutions

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Whoops!

After making an annual habit of publishing both my year in review and New Year’s Resolutions posts each and every year, I somehow overlooked putting together my new year’s resolutions post at the end of 2016!

It’s a crying shame too, as I actually did really well at checking off resolutions that year.

With that in mind, I’ve combined 2016-17 into one year so that my 2016 Resolutions get a little bit of closure.

I’ve updated my bucket list with my progress and also included my 2017 resolutions.

male model
Did I mention that I tried my hand at male modeling in 2016?

How Did I Do in 2016-17?

I checked off 60% of my resolutions in 2016-17, and I’m pleased to say most of these happened in 2016 too.

While I wasn’t able to achieve my big productivity goals such as launching a podcast or finishing my novel, there were a lot of great personal steps forward that have really improved my life.

10. Launch a web series of podcast

9. Continue getting into shape

8. Visit 4+ new countries

7. Check off 10 more bucket list items

6. Cook more often

5. Be a better uncle and brother

4. Finish my accursed novel

3. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

2. Learn to speak another language

1. Be happier on my own

green valley farm waterslide
Rocking Green Valley Farm’s famous waterslide.

Successes in 2016-17

It’s ironic that in the year I stop having a ‘find a relationship’ goal and have a ‘be happier alone‘ goal, I manage to find myself a girlfriend.

Not just any girlfriend, either. The irrepressible, effervescent, beautiful, and superbly gifted Richelle from Adventures Around Asia. From the humble beginnings of a Beijing tryst to moving in together to plotting world domination as blogging’s next power couple, every day with Richelle in my life has been one filled with laughter. It’s hard to hope for more than that in a relationship.

kumano kodo iseji pilgrimage
Me and my better half, Richelle.

In addition to living with my new partner, I also had the pleasure of living with my brother, his partner, and my adorable nephew, Elliot for most of 2017. This certainly made my “be a better uncle and brother” goal an easier one to achieve.

kangaroo selfie
Hanging out with Richelle and the little dude (Elliot) with a joey.

I more than met my bucket list goals (see below) and managed to add Taiwan, Malaysia, the Maldives, and Japan to my ‘new countries’ list.

Other highlights of the year were my time working with the Sabah Tourism Board on their HelloSabah campaign, spending eight amazing days in The Maldives on assignment, gorilla trekking in Uganda, trekking the Kumano Kodo with Mie Prefecture Tourism Board, completing the Great US Road Trip, and traveling around China with both Richelle’s parents and my own.

grand canyon february view
Enjoying a chilly Grand Canyon view earlier this year.

What a year!

To top it all off, I’m in some of the best shape of my life due to multiple Wild Great Wall hikes and our Kumano Kodo shenanigans.

Failures

Every year I have to come on here and apologize for not finishing my novel. 2016-17 were no different, although I did make a lot of ground in developing the world of Dustbowl and fleshing out its races. I hired a talented artist on UpWork who has helped to bring some of the races to life wonderfully, and I’m confident I can see some actual pen to paper in 2018.

dustbowl fantasy illustration david joyce
Some of the races from my upcoming novel. Illustration by David Joyce.

My grand ambitions to launch a podcast or web series never eventuated, nor did I pick up more than 40-50 words of Mandarin despite living in China for the majority of two years.

Bucket List Update

I’d set myself a goal of checking off ten items from my bucket list in 2016 and definitely hit that mark. As we’re combining 2016 and 2017 for the purposes of this post, my total of 27 definitely meets both years’ targets.

Highlights for me were definitely completing the Kumano Kodo Iseji, going gorilla trekking in Uganda, spending a holiday in the Maldives, and going canyoning in Moalboal to try my hand at throwing myself off of waterfalls.

The obvious lowlight? Writing the eulogy for my foster brother, Ben when he passed away late in 2017.

#5 – Climb a mountain (Binshiyama and Yakiyama)

#62 – Go skinny dipping

#110 – Give a eulogy

#191 – Have something I do go viral.

#195 – Have a lover ten years my junior.

#225 – See gorillas in the wild.

#258 – See the Terra Cotta Warriors.

#278 – Visit Harajuku.

#325 – Abseil.

#362 – Try stand up paddle boarding.

#484 – Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

#506 – Explore Arishiyama Bamboo Forest.

#548 – Get my name on a wall for completing a food challenge.

#557 – Explore Tokyo.

#592 – Eat sushi in Japan.

#600 – Eat real ramen in Japan.

#666 – Visit Hell’s Gate National Park.

#677 – Spend a night in a ryokan.

#698 – Land in a sea plane.

#728 – Visit Jiufen.

#738 – Go on a food tour.

#807 – Holiday in the Maldives.

#834 – Jump off a waterfall.

#837 – Visit the Statue of Liberty.

#1003 – Walk the Kumano Kodo

My 2018 New Year’s Resolutions

Without further ado, I present my 2018 New Year’s Resolutions. Can I actually complete a year’s worth of goals?

10. Finish my novel

Let’s just get this one out of the way.

I want to say I’ll finish the first of the ten planned Dustbowl novels in 2018, but we’ll see how I go.

Richelle has been a huge help in guiding my world-building, asking pointed questions and getting excited for particular characters and storylines. It’s a huge help having somebody invested in the work I am doing, and hopefully that can translate into some real progress in 2018.

It’s frustrating to be very confident you’ve got a book that will get published but not be able to get the damned thing out of your skull.

9. Visit 5+ new countries

2018 already has something of a full dance card, as we trade Australia for the US in February and then Tanzania in April. I’m hoping that I can show Richelle around Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya while we’re in Africa, and I’d love to add Ethiopia to the list of countries I’ve explored.

We’re then planning to spend summer in Eastern Europe, where we’ll hopefully be able to finally take my Europe virginity. The idea of exploring Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Albania, Romania, and other European nations is super exciting to me.

And with my brother and his young family hoping to move to Vietnam this year, it’s a perfect excuse for me to finally get back to Southeast Asia and take care of unfinished business with Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.

8. Complete another ambitious hike

Finishing the 170km Kumano Kodo was one of the most thrilling and gratifying achievements of my life and it’s only got me thirsty for more.

Richelle and I have both been eying off other ambitious treks such as the Camino de Santiago, the Overland Trek, and the Appalachian Trail as things we’d love to do somewhere down the line.

While I’m not sure where or when we’ll find the time for another big trek, we’re both keen to give our hiking boots, hiking poles, and tents another spin.

7. Continue to grow my business

Aussie on the Road has, sadly, taken something of a back seat to my duties with Shadows of Africa in recent years. With my role there expanding from blogging to sales and business development for the Asia-Pacific, most days see me spending 5-6 hours on the safari business before I can even glance at my blog.

I’m hoping that in 2018, I’ll be more motivated to focus on growing my blog as well. While the safari business definitely provides the lion’s share (pun intended) of my finances, I’d like to not be so reliant on one revenue scheme.

With that in mind, I’m hoping to spend 2018 on growing the site’s bucket list focus (the South Korea bucket list, China bucket list, and Japan bucket list posts are my most popular) and expanding my safari content.

6. Attend a World Cup game

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is headed to Russia and it just so happens that Richelle and I plan to be just across the border in Kiev at around the time it’s happening.

While the logistics of entering Russia and buying a World Cup ticket are frustrating, it would be a golden opportunity for me to finally see my Socceroos at football’s premier event.

We don’t stand a chance in hell, but an opportunity to experience the pomp and circumstance would be amazing.

5. Check off 10+ bucket list items

I always set out to achieve at least ten bucket list items each year and this year is no different.

I’m actually planning to completely rewrite the 1,000 Things to do Before You Die section of the site this year, removing the more personal ones and instead making it a purely travel based list.

Don’t worry, though, my personal list will still exist on the site and be updated.

4. Get a regular D&D game running

This one is a bit out of left field but bear with me.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve found myself wanting to maintain connections to the hobbies and people who defined my youth. I’m not alone in this, either. Most of my closest friends have rediscovered their love of Warhammer and/or Warhammer 40’000 over recent years, and I type this post sitting next to a knee-high pile of Chaos and Imperial Guard miniatures crying for my attention.

For me, though, the days of my carefree youth are most closely associated with the swords, sorcery, and sexual puns of Dungeons & Dragons.

While I’ve been lucky enough to have sporadic games with my old crew over Skype in recent years, my constant travel schedule and their accursed ‘real lives’ have made it hard to maintain a game for long.

I’m hoping (against hope) that 2018 will see me able to get a regular fortnightly game going, especially since Richelle is so enamored of her character, Vesepia.

3. Get into better shape

While I’m in some of the best shape I’ve been in since 2010, I’m still eager to improve on that. My long cardio game is strong enough that I wasn’t tired on any of our hiking days on the Kumano Kodo, so I’d like to work on my short burst cardio.

Games like cricket, football, and squash definitely see me tired quicker than any day of 20+ km hiking in Japan did.

I’d also like to get those killer biceps and that six pack that I’ve always wanted…

2. Be a better friend

It’s somewhat sobering to get to a point in your adult life and realise that you haven’t spoken to the guys you consider to be your ‘best friends’ for weeks or months.

The growing reliance on social media to give me my friendship news meant that I missed out on big news like my mate, Magro taking a career break.

I’ve always been a person who values friendships but slips into the old habit of being a loner when friends are out of sight, and that’s been to my detriment.

How does the song go?

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle

because the older you get
the more you need the people you knew when you were young 

tragicoldphoto
Young me was so fashionable.

As I make my way inexorably towards my thirties, I realise how many of my ‘new friendships’ are superficial things built around drinking or blogging or occasionally crossing paths.

The likes of Schmo, Magro, Dave, Stu, Grant, Rob, Byron, and Steph are not only important connections to my past, but also people whose friendship has seen me through tough times and good alike.

I’ve been guilty of neglecting my own garden in that regard for some time now, and I’m hoping I can make more of an effort in 2018.

Whether it’s semi-regular Skype dates, paying them a visit wherever it is they’re calling home, or just keeping in better touch via Facebook, I’ve got a lot of improving to do.

1. Continue to grow my relationship

You know this one was coming, surely?

My relationship with Richelle is one of the best things going on in my life now and we’re excited for what our future together holds.

2018 is our first year of full-time location independence and we’re beyond excited to see where that takes us.

After surviving living together and hiking across Japan together, we’re pretty confident we’ve got what it takes to go the distance.

I don’t want to be guilty of getting too comfortable though. Even if it’s only a small gesture, I really intend to make the effort to make every day that little bit better for the woman who makes my life so much warmer and brighter.

Wish me luck!

cute couple selfie
Awwwww!

Your Say

What are your 2018 resolutions?

Japan
andon ryokan asakusa

A Tokyo Ryokan Experience with Andon Ryokan

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The Charm of Ryokan

If you’ve ever daydreamed about traveling to Japan, chances are that you’ve learned a little bit about ryokan: Japan’s charming interpretation on the bed and breakfast.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say that any Japan bucket list worth its salt should include the experience of spending a night (or more) sleeping on a futon in a tatami-floored room, soaking in a blissfully hot onsen bath, and dining on meticulously prepared ryokan style food.

There’s something distinctly Japanese about the whole experience. A completely unique accommodation style to anything we have in the west.

Ryokan aren’t hotels. They aren’t hostels or bed & breakfasts either.

They’re a unique and charming Japanese style of accommodation that I fell head over heels in love with while hiking the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route.

andon tokyo ryokan sandals
These were, hands down, the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn.

Finding a Tokyo Ryokan

When it came time to plan our visit to Tokyo, we didn’t want to spend our entire time in the Japanese capital in a conventional hotel.

As travelers, both Adventures Around Asia and I seek out accommodation that offer up a unique experience all of their own. Whether it’s the distinctive art rooms of the Park Hotel Tokyo, the opportunity to stay in a Maasai boma at Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, or glamping on the Serengeti, I live for the chance to try something unique.

And while there is certainly no shortage of Tokyo hotels, Andon Ryokan immediately jumped out at us as the perfect combination of facilities, ryokan charm, and affordability that we were looking for.

Why Stay at Andon Ryokan?

With the wealth of options in Tokyo, why is it that Andon Ryokan caught our eye and held it?

Why should you choose Andon Ryokan over the multitude of other options in Tokyo?

Let me count the ways!

andon ryokan room review
Making your bed is as simple as unfolding the futon and adding linen. Super comfy too!

1. Old Japan Meets New Japan

Richelle and I had the opportunity to stay in a number of traditional ryokan on the Kumano Kodo, but we were pleasantly surprised by the ways in which Andon Ryokan blended the traditional with more modern touches.

Our room was still very much in keeping with the ryokan style: a comfy futon bed, wooden sandals to wear around the building, tatami mat flooring, and an onsen on site.

But there were subtle variations on the theme that gave Andon a fun ‘old meets new’ fusion that we found enchanting. From the fact its onsen is a gigantic hot tub to its ryokan style breakfasts being western favourites such as French toast and a Full English, Andon did enough things differently to stand out from a conventional ryokan.

andon ryokan rooftop
Andon Ryokan’s rooftop terrace is a great place to soak in some sun and people watch.

2. Location, Location, Location

Andon Ryokan sits on a quiet street in the out of the way corner of Taito Ward, the ryokan is walking distance to picturesque historic districts such as Ueno and Asakusa, while also being close to districts more symbolic of modern Tokyo, such as Akihabara.

Nestled as it is in a quiet, residential neighbourhood, Andon gives you a real chance to soak in the local flavour away from the tourist crowds who tend to throng around major landmarks. Walking around the area, it’s easy to find hole in the wall izakaya and ramen joints, get a cheap shave, or do a little gift shopping.

The walk to the popular Asakusa district, which is home to both Senso-Ji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree, takes just twenty minutes and gets you nicely off the beaten track as well.

andon ryokan asakusa
Senso-Ji is arguably the biggest attraction in the area.

Getting Around

Out of the way doesn’t mean that Andon Ryokan is inaccessible. A subway station is less than five minutes walk away, and the front desk can sell you 24, 48, or 72-hour train passes that are invaluable in navigating Tokyo’s exhaustive subway network.

Local buses are also an option, and the owner was only too happy to offer us some suggestions on this front.

The best part? You’re less than ten minutes on the subway from Akhibara, which is a vital crossroads for getting to the rest of Tokyo.

andon ryokan tokyo sky tree
Another local landmark, Tokyo Skytree dominates the skyline.

3. Delicious Food

It wouldn’t be a true Tokyo ryokan experience without the signature hospitality that sets ryokan apart from traditional hotels and hostels.

While Andon Ryokan didn’t quite live up to the same culinary standards to which we’d become accustomed in Mie Prefecture, the daily breakfast was a filling and tasty treat before a long day of exploration.

Options include both western favourites and a daily Japanese breakfast.

There’s also complimentary tea and coffee for guests, which we definitely availed ourselves of on multiple occasions.

andon ryokan breakfast
Don’t mind if I do!

4. That Hot Tub

While not all ryokan come with an on-site onsen (many have them nearby), we were lucky enough to stay in a handful during our Kumano Kodo hike. There’s nothing quite like washing away the sweat and dirt of a long day’s hike and then submerging yourself in skin-tingly hot water.

Andon Ryokan continues its tradition of fusing old and new together with its unique take on the onsen concept. While every floor of the ryokan has traditional shower and restroom facilities, the top floor is home to a gigantic hot tub that acts as the onsen.

Bookings can be made at the front desk for your own twenty-five minutes in heaven, with late night bookings an option on the weekend in case you need to sweat out some of that sake.

andon ryokan hot tub onsen
A modern take on the onsen concept, Andon’s big hot tub is a real treat.

5. Activities and Hostel Charm

One area where Andon Ryokan really differentiates itself from other Tokyo ryokan is its fusion of the ryokan and the hostel.

I’m not talking about crowded common rooms or cramped accommodations, of course. I’m talking about the way hostels provide their guests with information, entertainment, and those little extras that make you feel welcome in a new place.

Andon Ryokan offers up daily activities to its guests such as Japanese cooking, sake tastings, origami lessons, and much more.

There’s also a charming hand-drawn map of the neighbourhood available for guests, the aforementioned coffee and tea station, and information on local sights, bus schedules, and much more.

While all ryokan tend to have this personal touch, Andon Ryokan differentiated itself with the sheer variety of activities and information available.

andon ryokan activities
While we didn’t have time to try out the activities, there were plenty to choose from.

—–

If you’re looking for a unique Tokyo ryokan experience or just looking for a place that is affordable without being dull, Andon Ryokan is a great fit for you.

While two nights of our stay were given in exchange for this review, we liked it so much that we paid for a third night!

andon ryokan tokyo review
We loved our stay at Andon!

Your Say

Have you ever stayed in a Japanese ryokan? What was your experience like?

Disclaimer: Our stay at Andon Ryokan was provided on a complimentary basis in exchange for this review. However, we liked it so much that we paid to stay a third night! All opinions are my own.

All photos courtesy of Adventures Around Asia.