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Travel Travel highlight

Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Registan Square

Registan Square at nightfall is a sight to behold. Samarkand, Uzbekistan was the last stop on our travels along the Silk Road, and we knew seeing this mythical square would be an unforgettable experience. Without cell service, internet or a map, we set out from our hotel before sunset. All we had was a few […]

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Travel snaps

Tokyo: skyscraper views in Shimbashi

One of our first memories from our trip to Japan was the view from our hotel room in Tokyo’s Shimbashi district.  When we opened the door to our room, the curtains were closed. Probably to take advantage of the element of surprise. The Japanese certainly have a sense of showmanship. As soon as we pulled […]

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Travel snaps

Bukhara, Uzbekistan: turquoise reflections

The Poi Kalan Complex, a true architectural gem in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, consists of a harmonious mixture of influences from Arab, Turkish and Persian art. In this monumental square, you will find a great mosque (16h century), a medersa (Quranic school, from the 16th century), and a tall minaret (12th century).   The Kalan Mosque is the second […]

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Travel Travel highlight

Khiva, Uzbekistan: the Mysterious City at dawn

Exploring the cobbled streets of the walled city of Khiva at dawn was the highlight of our trip to Uzbekistan. Golden light, soft cotton clouds, (almost) deserted streets, not a sound apart from birdsong: in these exceptional conditions, the sleeping city seemed almost like a mirage in the middle of the desert.  Khiva was a […]

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Food Restaurant

A Japanese restaurant in Strasbourg: Yuki

Yuki Café Restaurant isn’t your typical Japanese restaurant, the kind you usually find in Europe. There is no industrial sushi or ramen here. On the contrary – everything is fresh, and house made according to Japanese tradition. A unique culinary experience that will delight the senses. Originally from Osaka, chef Asumi shares her passion for […]

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Travel Travel highlight

Mount Koya, Japan: a unique atmosphere

Exploring Mount Kōya, and more particularly Oku-no-in cemetery, was one of the highlights of our second trip to Japan. Here is a look back on an incredibly moving and memorable experience. Located about a hundred kilometers north of Kyoto, Mount Kōya, also known as Kōya-san, is the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism. It has been a UNESCO […]

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Travel

Unique things about Japan

Japan is a complex and multi-faceted place. Its ancestral heritage and age-old traditions are the foundations of its rich culture. Some of the distinctive characteristics of the Japanese archipelago pose a striking difference to the European continent, and to France in particular.  As a complement to our Travel diary, we’ve made a list of uniquely […]

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Travel

Japan: our travel diary

Exploring Japan was one of the most memorable travel experiences of our lives. We were inspired, bewildered, enchanted, and fascinated, all at once. Our first trip captivated us so much that we chose the same destination for our honeymoon the very next year. Several years later, we still love taking a walk down memory lane, […]

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Food Restaurant

A Japanese restaurant near Strasbourg: HiBiKi

HiBiKi is nothing like certain sushi shops you can find elsewhere. This restaurant offers a foray into authentic Japanese cuisine. A culinary trip across the world without ever leaving the country! The restaurant has a selection of dishes and 3 set menus: “Hibiki” (3 starters and 2 mains), a “Dégustation” tasting menu, and a vegetarian […]