Julio Moreno of California U.S.A.

34.  Featured Traveller 
 Julio Moreno

English Teacher : Traveller

California USA

"Seeing the world, one world heritage site at a time"

It is with great pleasure to introduce a Mexican-American friend from Los Angeles, California who teaches English in South Korea. Julio was born in Mexico. He moved to the United States with his family at a young age of 3.

Flag of the USA

Aside from Mexico, South Korea and the United States which are destinations he has lived in, he explored other countries and has travelled to Canada, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Italy, Vatican City, the Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Peru and Indonesia and hopes to one day visit his top five of his dream destinations, namely, the Maldives, Palau, North Korea, India and Antarctica.

Julio admits he is a penny pinching accountant when it comes to travel, and according to him, it is not about getting the cheapest thing, it is about the best value. He continues by saying that he knows few people who are as thorough with planning and budgeting as he is. "Let's start with planning. I plan everything, including bus schedules, special activities, quickest routes, best things to see, things to eat, etc. Then, once everything is planned, I keep the plan in my back pocket. It is like my own personal guide book, but I am by no means tied to it. If I find something better, I am definitely willing to change plans", he adds.

As of this writing, Julio is due to be back from his third trip to Japan. It is a week of discovering Tokyo and its neighbouring cities. On his return, I am pretty sure he has many more stories to tell about this country. Meanwhile, let's join him in reminiscing his experiences with the friendly people of Osaka and its neighbouring cities.

Connect with Julio and read more about his Travel World Heritage by following him on Facebook.

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My favourite place that I have visited is Japan, so I would like to run you guys through why I think it is such an awesome country.

First and foremost, my idea of a perfect destination is kind of an illusion. I want to find a place that is unique by developing independently of the outside world, but at the same time welcoming of outsiders. Imagine being a traveller in those old medieval movies (minus the bubonic plague and all) where you arrive in a new town and someone offers to show you around, despite being a complete stranger. Japan is the closest to that in my opinion. It is built with its own agenda of weird and unusual trends by our standards, yet it is very much welcoming to visitors.

Downtown Osaka JAPAN

In September of 2012, I took a trip to Osaka with the intent of visiting the World Heritage Sites of Kyoto, Nara, and the Horyu-Ji temple. By my third day, all of the locals I had met had been overly polite and helpful. Maybe it was because I had just come from Italy (yeah I said it), but I was impressed. When I arrived at Nara, a 70-year old woman named Keiko approached me and asked if she could show me around. She insisted that she didn't require any money and just wanted to kill some time. It turned out, her husband was a biologist studying the area, and she had to tag along.

The Joy of Walking a Mile in Kobe

I find Kobe a memorable experience. Streets are busy and the city is between mountains and the oceans. The mountain seems close to the city. And the streets will give you a picture on how downtown Kobe looks like.

Come along with me. Let's take a walk.

Oh yes, I had fun wandering the streets of Kobe, especially the shopping and the entertainment areas. It was nice to see a different view - something new! I had to go up and down the steps of too many overpasses.

I already did a lot of walking, didn't I?

Review: Himeji Castle is beautiful ~ but be prepared!

Yes, this is either a good review or not-so-good situation to any tourist. Himeji Castle is a castle in its own right. There are so much to see and explore. You will spend so much time going around depending on your curiosity and interest. Prepare yourself for a minimum of an hour and a half to complete your tour. You need to walk a lot and climb the stairs. Not a single elevator is installed within the castle as almost everything you will see are preserved and original.

Moreover, as I mentioned above, it takes more than an hour to spend in the castle. You will spend another one and a half hours wandering around the vicinity like the Nishioyashiki
Garden, Shirotopia Memorial Park, and the three museums namely, Literature, History and Art.

Marie Rea of Port Huon, TASMANIA

5. Featured Traveller

Marie Rea
(Port Huon, Tasmania) 

Editor/Web Administrator/Journalist/Columnist

Financial Manager of Family-Owned Rea Software Pty. Ltd.

Holidaying without breaking the bank! 

Marie believes that travelling and spending quality time with her loved ones make for a closer relationship with her kids, no matter what.  She said, often times, they are the only ones you can rely on through thick and thin.  "Be flexible when you travel, make the most of your time in a foreign place," she added.

Mount Fuji, JAPAN

Marie has travelled to a considerable number of countries in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.  She has been to Italy, Greece, UK, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Netherlands, Ireland, United States of America, Canada, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Philippines, Hong kong, and Taiwan.  She hopes to visit in the future countries like, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and other Scandinavian countries, and the Galapagos Islands.

Horseback Riding in Santorini Island, GREECE

As an author, she is completing a manuscript which will be used to publish a book dedicated to her fellow global Filipinos and OFWs, who are the inspiration for her book on modern and classic Philippine cuisine.   She explains further, Philippine dishes are said to be unhealthy, unappealing, among many negative criticisms.  She will debunk this belief and show the world our cuisine can be at par with international cuisines or even greater in terms of flavour and variety.  

"Our regions and islands are blessed with natural resources which are perfect ingredients for a most satisfying yet delectable meals," she continues.  Marie has almost forty years experience in Philippine cuisine and as a traveller sailing on luxury cruise ships sampling dishes all over the world which most often have been actually prepared by who else? Filipinos of course!  

She hopes that readers of this blog will continue supporting her on the launching of her first book.  

Marie is born in the Philippines and has been living in Sydney with her family.  Here is her story.......(An update: Marie has since moved from Sydney to Port Huon in Tasmania, a place she now call home. This writer will request Marie to write about her new found Paradise, Tasmania). Stay tuned!

Formal Party with My Family

Sydney, Australia is a haven of bliss for my family of four ~ myself, my almost perfect husband David and my two sons Thomas and Lester.  I invite you to join me as I share with you the best places and wonderful experiences that await you in your visit to this "lucky country."

Indeed, Australia has even weathered the global financial crisis gripping most of the world for the past couple of years now!  Why is that so?  Well, Aussies just think differently in my view.

Dining at Dixon Street, SYDNEY

Anyway, let's start with our locale: My family and I live in tranquil settings amidst wide open spaces and yet near amenities ~ shopping centre, banks, dining options, leisure centre, etc.  On any given day, here, we don't need to use our car as we are 1000 metres from the nearest shopping area where I can get fresh fruits and vegetables and other everyday items.  The famous Parklea Markets are also just nearby.  The renowned Blacktown Olympic Sports Centre is also a stone's throw away where local sports competitions are held.  The Leisure Centre with its own modern library where you can borrow more than 10 books, CDs, magazines are also with walking distance.  Also beside it is the Aquatic Centre with its indoor wave pools, jacuzzis, sauna, gym, and indoor basketball courts. Yet, there are parks with lovely gardens, water features, hundred year old trees that give you a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and many more places to unwind at the end of a stressful day.

Opera House, SYDNEY

When we have guests overseas we take them first to the world famous Sydney icons ~ the superb Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum among many places of interest in the city of Sydney which is less than an hour from us!

A View in SYDNEY

Three Sisters in Katoomba

But our favourite places to take them is at the awesome Blue Mountains where you can find the legendary Three Sisters and around this you will find a huge National Park filled with amazing flora and fauna, among them the Wollemi Pine said to have co-existed with the dinosaurs during pre-historic times!  Go bushwalking and experience the beauty that is the Blue Mountains.  Ride the cable car and walk literally among the tall gum trees and other old-age trees as you enjoy the verdant valleys and fresh air!  Go spelunking at Jenolan Caves where pioneers discovered more natural treasures showing the geographical formations thousands of years ago undergone by this spectacular nation.  You can also go apple picking at Bilpin, part of the Blue Mtns National Park, and sample freshly made products like apple pies, honey, preserved fruits, jams and jellies of all kinds, among others.

Playing in the Sand in Gerringong Beach

Last but not the least, you will find anywhere you go in Australia particularly Sydney that the best thing about this region is the people ~ they make Australia what it is today too ~ who are they? Filipinos, around 20,000 of them live near our area alone, and in New South Wales, just one state of Australia, there are about 200,000 or so Filipino-born Aussies or those with Philippine ancestry.  Aside from them we have Chinese, Indians, Vietnamese, Japanese, Europeans, Australians of course with New Zealanders, English and other western heritage.  Hence, there is a multicultural community that is uniquely Australian and that's why we have the best the world has to offer!  So come and visit our Sydney, so we can personally tell you. "G'day mates!!!"

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Are you a traveller who would like to share your travel story with our blog and our readers?  Then, I'd love to hear from you!  Please email me at fromatravellersdesk@gmail.com

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Watch for these blogs! 
They all have been travelling for many years and I can guarantee that all of them have travel tips that all of us can learn and benefit from.  I have to thank all other fellow travellers who have responded to my invite.  I will definitely publish your stories as soon as I have completed the details.

Where is Osaka?

Where is Osaka?  How can I go to the city of Osaka from Kansai International Airport?

Small Bridge in Osaka Near the CastleNan

These are the two questions that I will answer momentarily. But first, I want to tell you that the city of Osaka is a city that is full of life.  I find it modern and business-like.  Subway stations are almost always crowded especially Umeda Station which is at the centre of many businesses and tour establishments.  There are so much to see in Osaka.  That must be the reason why you are directed here to my blog.

To make your entry to Japan convenient and your stay comfortable, I am giving you ideas on how to go around Osaka.

The city is situated in the Kansai region of Japan’s main island of Honshu.  The third largest city by population after Tokyo and Yokohama.  Come to Osaka through the Kansai International Airport which is about 50 kilometres away from the city centre. Upon arrival, you will be on the 2nd floor for Immigration Formalities. Then you will have to go down to the 1st floor for Baggage Claim, Customs Inspection, and Arrivals Lobby.  The International Arrivals Gates are both the north and south ends of the terminal. These are convenient places to arrange to meet friends and family.

You can take a bus, ferry, or taxi from the airport to the city centre but the most practical means of getting to Osaka is by train.  All trains leave from the Kansai Airport across the road from the arrivals hall.   

Take the Japan Railways (JR) or the Nankai Railways.  

By Japan Railways (JR)

"Haruka" limited express trains (tokkyu) connect Kansai Airport with Tennoji Station (30 minutes), 1760 yen by unreserved seat, about 2100 yen by reserved seat) and Shin-Osaka Station (50 minutes, 2470 yen unreserved, about 2800 yen reserved).

Rapid trains kaisoku connect the airport with Tennoji Station (50 minutes, 1030 yen) and Osaka Station (70 minutes, 1160 yen). The ticket prices here are good at the time of writing.  

The cost of Japan Railway Pass has been changed and will be effective March 8, 2017. If you are headed to Japan during this period, click all the new information in the link
For more news on Japan Rail Pass, click here. This update was made by this blog today, January 9, 2017.

By Nankai Railways:

"Rap:t" limited express trains (tokkyu) take 30 minutes and cost 1390 yen (all reserved) from Kansai Airport to Namba Station, while express trains (kyuko) do the same trip in 45 minutes and for 890 yen.  For more information on Nankai Railways, click here.

By Bus
Airport Limousine buses leave for various destinations throughout Kansai from the 1st floor directly outside the arrivals hall. The cost is slightly higher than the train, but the buses go directly to some major hotels and can be faster than the train for some destinations (eg. Kobe) in good traffic.

The bus is also the only practical option for connecting to domestic flights from Osaka's Itami Airport.

By Ferry
Kaijo Access run directly to Kobe's airport. Ferries run roughly every 45 minutes and take 29 minutes one way (¥1500). Via the ferry, shuttle bus and the Port Liner AGT line, Sannomiya (central Kobe) can be reached in one hour.

By Taxi
Taxis are very expensive. Going to Osaka will cost you a minimum of ¥16,000, while reaching Kyoto will rack up closer to ¥32,000.

If you are in the country for the first time, my advice to you is to take a taxi going to your hotel.  You don’t want to be waiting for long hours for the next bus or train for your connecting trip, right?  There is a challenge that you as a traveller will face ~ the language barrier.  Communication is a bit of a problem although you will see the effort of the locals in trying to help you.  Most of the time, I cannot see and feel this as a problem at all because of the gesture and expression of local's genuine hospitality.  So, I want you not to worry about the money, you only do this on your arrival.  Once you are used to the roads, you may start using all their transport facilities available throughout the city.

Now that I have given you the way to Osaka, I would advice that you arrange with your hotel for your next day sightseeing tour of the city. Familiarize yourself immediately and upon arrival.  Feel free to visit my blog again about the city.  Next series, I will be giving you all the information based on my tour, thereby giving you the  “must see places in Osaka.”

From the desk of: 

Freddie Miranda

A blogger and a Canada-based freelance writer. He shares the value of his travel experiences and discoveries with his friends and fellow travellers. Share your passion, join and visit him. Send a message @ fromatravellersdesk(at)gmail(dot)com.