Reminded of the time in 2023 when I took a domestic #Japan ANA flight to Okinawa - had looked up that liquids were allowed on board/through security (so I didn't bother to check anything in; had looked up as I had wanted to pickup rum to bring back). Still I was quite boggled to see what the guy in the seat next to me got with him. His partner had similar luggage! (Turned out Ni-san is a sake label designer and musician). That was a trip!

#TravelTales

2/2 So getting was another adventure and different trails (lost again?) - ended up near a road way up above with great views then found my way back to the cable station. Didn't take the cable car right then opted for nextbin 30 mins, to catch my breath, wandered to other side of station was rewarded with more amazing views.
Back now to hotel (and that's for later). I've been up 14 hrs, almost 25K steps (10 mi/16 km) today. Need to walk to dinner now!

#Japan #TravelTales #Travel

I went to a trip to the border with #northkorea

We went to the third tunnel, one of five (officially) discovered tunnels out of an estimated 100+ which undermine the heavily guarded border. Designed to transport 30,000 troops plus artillery within one hour.

#TravelNotes #traveltales

I'm in #Seoul for #FOSS For All; I had the honor of giving the opening keynote about #FOSDEM

I took this photo in the restroom of the university. It's a soap bar. You wet your hands, rub the soap, and wash your hands.

As you're standing in line to wash your hands, the act of getting soap looks exactly as you'd expect it to look like.

#traveltales #travelnotes

Oh oh oh! Landed in Pittsburgh and I go to baggage claim with my ticket - just to check if they can track my bag. It's small carry on size but I bought a bottle and a few things - was prepared to pick it up later.
I expected it to come in later with my original flight - not the earlier one I managed to get into but nooo it's HERE!

(Need to find the lottery thing)

#TravelTales

Wait whaaaat? The gate guy takes my boarding pass and types something up and switches my seat as I go in. No trifecta - but now I'm at an emergency exit row window seat with lots of legroom...
(The gate agent was nice and we chatted when I asked about the switch and stand by in the first place - and didn't charge me (would be $75 he said when he started looking up)

(Do they sell lottery tickets on board?)

#TravelTales

Huh!
29th Sept
Gate A29
and seat I get assigned is 29e
Some kind of trifecta

#TravelTales

Overall, I didn't expect to be this impressed, but Taiwan did impress me. Seemingly solid social fabric, good maintenance, things are planned well. Quite efficient and effective.

There's an impressive level of non-predatory convenience built at least into Taipei. Stuff is where you need it, shops sprinkle the streets, pricing is reasonable.

And if you're a foody.. recommend.

#travelnotes #traveltales