Charles A. Ray is a retired U.S. diplomat and former ambassador to Cambodia and Zimbabwe. Before joining the Foreign Service, he served 20 years in the U.S. Army. Over his diplomatic career, he held key positions including Deputy Consul General in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Deputy Chief of Mission in Sierra Leone, Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs. He is a prolific … [Read more...]
Japanese Fabric Banshu-ori – Explore Nishiwaki’s 200-Year Textile Heritage
Japan is home to many famous destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. Step beyond these classics and you’ll discover lesser-known regions and cultures with their own allure. This time I visited Nishiwaki, Hyogo, a town celebrated as the birthplace of Banshu-ori textile weaving, where a distinct heritage and craftsmanship thrive alongside daily life. In this article, I’ll share a hands-on trip through under-the-radar spots—from … [Read more...]
Is Japan About to Be Gifted With Our Greatest Strength™?
Originally published via Armageddon Safari: On account of grim demographic trends and unyielding pressure from the West, Japan may be about to get a lot more colorful, in a manner of speaking, and culturally enriched. Related: Polish High Court Rules National Sovereignty Supersedes EU Authority, EU Sues Via Newsweek (emphasis added): “Japan logged its fewest births on record last year and more than twice as many deaths, according to a … [Read more...]
Samsung and I Paint the Town Red: The Tuk-Tuk Hustle
Originally published via PJ Media: What follows is a (mostly) unedited excerpt from my critically acclaimed, gold-standard expat travel memoir/existentialist treatise, “Broken English Teacher: Notes From Exile”: The degenerate felon with whom I had come to briefly reside in South Georgia in 2006 through a series of unfortunate events, in my younger years, asked me for a cigarette. Tyrone had none because he refused to buy … [Read more...]
Penang Hill or Bust & the Lights of Kek Lok Si Temple
My friend dropped me off at the base of Penang Hill. He had strongly recommended I climb this in the early morning, but the night before we were out until nearly midnight enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities. Borrowing his umbrella, a lifesaver from the hot tropical sunshine, I set out on the Heritage Trail. This path, founded in 1890, led nearly straight up the mountain, climbing some nearly 800 meters to the top. It followed the funicular … [Read more...]
The Laid-Back Charm of La Union
The morning sun casts its golden rays across the South China Sea, surfers dot the horizon at Urbiztondo Beach, their silhouettes dancing atop the waves that have made La Union the undisputed surf capital of Northern Philippines. Located approximately 280 kilometers north of Manila in the province of La Union, this coastal paradise has transformed from a quiet fishing community into a vibrant beach destination that perfectly balances rustic charm … [Read more...]
Bataan: Where History Meets Natural Beauty
The morning sun cast long shadows across the Mt. Samat National Shrine as I stood at its base, gazing up at the towering Memorial Cross that has become synonymous with Bataan. This peninsular province, merely a few hours drive from Manila, holds within its borders both profound historical significance and remarkable natural beauty. My journey through this historic region would prove to be an enlightening exploration of the Philippines' past and … [Read more...]
Wine Tasting in India?
When I told my brother in law that we were visiting Nashik in India to try their wines, his response was something like, "when I was growing up in Chennai, Indian wines were not considered very good". That was in the 1970s and 1980s. Things have changed in this regard with a select number of Indian wineries having elevated viticulture practices and winemaking, Chandon India being on the forefront of doing so. I arrived in Mumbai from Bangkok; … [Read more...]
The World’s Most (and Least) Powerful Passports in 2025 — Henley & Partners
Singapore reclaims its crown as the most powerful passport in the world with visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide, leaving Japan as runner-up with a score of 193, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, which ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations they can access without a prior visa, and is based on exclusive official data from the International Air Transport Association … [Read more...]
Visiting Macau – What To Know and Where To Go
Macau is often referred to as the Las Vegas of China, but it's so much more than that. Macau can be found an hour to the West of Hong Kong and is a destination for those who love unique culture, delicious cuisine, gambling, and beautiful architecture. Here's what to do and see and what to know before you visit. Macau’s Key Points ● Macau was once a Portuguese colony and that cultural influence can still be felt in the region. ● Macau’s … [Read more...]
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