Banff National Park is home to the Banff Centre, a conference center which houses, along with many other things, an international mathematics research center. The sole purpose of this center is to host week-long mathematics conferences and workshops in one of the most beautiful places in the world. My advisor organized a conference there and … Continue reading Banff National Park: Math Conference
This was a trip to visit my sibling R. in Europe while they was studying abroad in Saarbruecken, Germany. Day 1 and 2: I flew first class with American Airlines from Seattle to Dallas, then from Dallas to Frankfurt for 62,500 AA miles. The Seattle to Dallas domestic first class was not great. The seats … Continue reading Germany, England, and Greece: more specifically, Saarbruecken, London, Athens, Chania, Elafonissi, Heraklion
We loved Kyoto. If I had to live in a large city in Japan, this would be it! Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji): This is hands down the best tea garden I saw all throughout Japan. It was everything I ever imagined a tea garden to be, and it was so peaceful and beautiful. Go early in … Continue reading Japan: Kyoto
After Takayama we headed to our last mountain town: Mt. Koya (or Koyasan). Koyasan is the headquarters of the Koyasan sect of Shingon Buddhism and has a rich 1,200 year history. The town is made up of many Buddhist temples which will gladly host tourists, but for a high price. It was really strange to … Continue reading Japan: Koyasan
After Jigokudani, we got on the train to Takayama. Takayama is a small town nestled in the mountains with many well-preserved buildings from the Edo period, making it quite popular for tourists. I must confess, most of my pictures from here are the food! Takayama is famous for its Hida beef, which is similar … Continue reading Japan: Takayama
After Tokyo we headed to the small town of Yamanouchi-machi to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park. Yes, it's just what it sounds like. Jigokudani is an outdoor park in the mountains where wild monkeys live and hang out in the hot springs, and silly tourists like me can take photos of them! They were so cute, … Continue reading Japan: Jigokudani Monkey Park
We were in Tokyo for three days and it was a blast. Kikanbo Ramen is the best ramen I have ever had in my life. Get the pork tonkotsu. Meiji Shrine is a breath of fresh air and greenery in bustling Tokyo. There's also a famous lucky well (Kiyomasa Well) in the park. You're supposed … Continue reading Japan: Tokyo
American bank cards won't work with most (practically all) Japanese ATMs. Most places do not accept credit or debit cards, so as soon as you get off the plane, get some cash. There are 7/11s everywhere and there is even a 7/11 bank in Japan. These are the only reliable ATMs that consistently work with … Continue reading Japan: General Tips
NB: I am writing this post one year later... so I may forget some details! Tim and I took an epic spring break trip to Japan this year. This was our first international trip that we funded using credit card churning. Credit card churning refers to the process of signing up for credit cards in … Continue reading Japan: Churning and Business Class
WanderLiz 