Golden Gai: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Tokyo's Nightlife

Nestled in the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Golden Gai stands as a captivating testament to the city's post-war charm. This unique neighborhood, comprised of six narrow alleys packed with over 200 tiny bars, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Tokyo's vibrant nightlife scene.

A Labyrinth of Tiny Bars

As you wander through the slightly sketchy streets of Kabukichō, Tokyo's famous red-light district, you'll stumble upon Golden Gai – a stark contrast to the neon-lit surroundings. The area's mismatched, tumbledown bars lining the alleyways create an atmosphere that's both mysterious and inviting.

Each bar in Golden Gai is a world unto itself, with unique decor and themes ranging from medical macabre to 80s and 90s nostalgia. Some notable spots include:

• Tachibana Clinic: A hospital-themed bar for those seeking a dose of the unusual.
• Bar Plastic Model: An homage to 80s and 90s pop culture.
• La Jetée: A tiny space famous among filmmakers and cinephiles.

Navigating the Golden Rules

While the allure of Golden Gai is undeniable, it's essential to keep a few guidelines in mind:

• Respect signs indicating "no foreigners" or "regulars only."
• Be aware of cover charges, which are usually clearly marked.
• Avoid taking photographs, especially of people's faces.
• Be a considerate patron to ensure a welcoming atmosphere.

Top Picks for First-Timers

For those feeling overwhelmed by the choices, here are a few recommended spots to start your Golden Gai adventure:

1. Albatross: A stylish two-floor bar with a unique blend of Edwardian and Gothic decor.
2. Kenzo's Bar: Known for its friendly host, leopard-print wallpaper, and 80s music.
3. Ace's: A tourist-friendly spot with no cover charge and English-speaking staff.

Beyond the Bars

While drinking is the main attraction, Golden Gai also offers some culinary delights. For a quick bite, head to the second-floor noodle joint Nagi for some tasty niboshi-based ramen, or try Bistro Pavo for homemade pasta and risotto.

Planning Your Visit

Golden Gai comes alive after dark, with most bars opening around 8 PM. To get there, take a 10-minute walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. Look for the lantern-lit lane on the left side of Yasukuni-dōri, just past the Mr. Donut.

As you explore Golden Gai, you'll discover a side of Tokyo that feels frozen in time. It's a place where celebrities, artists, and writers mingle with tourists and locals alike, creating an atmosphere of endless possibility and unexpected encounters. Whether you're a night owl seeking adventure or a curious traveler looking to experience authentic Tokyo nightlife, Golden Gai promises an unforgettable journey through the city's past and present.

Photo by ayumi kubo on Unsplash

Hammock Cove Antigua - A Luxury Romantic Caribbean Bliss

Hammock Cove Antigua: A Serene Resort Escape

Nestled on the stunning island of Antigua in the Caribbean, Hammock Cove is a tranquil resort that offers a harmonious blend of luxury, nature, and relaxation. With its picturesque location and exclusive amenities, Hammock Cove is the perfect destination for travellers seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Unparalleled Natural Beauty

One of the highlights of Hammock Cove Antigua is its unparalleled natural beauty. Situated on a secluded peninsula, the resort boasts breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Guests are treated to mesmerizing sunsets that paint the sky in a myriad of colours, creating a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere.

The surrounding lush tropical landscapes add to the resort's charm, and guests can explore the nearby nature trails to experience the island's diverse flora and fauna. The resort's commitment to preserving the environment ensures that guests can enjoy the natural beauty of Antigua responsibly and sustainably.

Private and Luxurious Accommodations

Hammock Cove Antigua offers a range of luxurious and private accommodations to suit every traveller's needs. Each villa and suite is elegantly designed, featuring modern amenities and lavish furnishings. The use of natural materials in the decor complements the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Guests can indulge in spacious private plunge pools overlooking the sea or unwind in their personal hammocks, taking in the gentle ocean breeze. The resort's dedication to privacy ensures that guests can relax and unwind without disturbances, truly embracing the serene ambience of the island.

Exquisite Dining Experience

Dining at Hammock Cove Antigua is an exquisite experience that satisfies every palate. The resort's restaurants offer a diverse selection of international and local cuisines, prepared by talented chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Guests can choose to dine al fresco, enjoy a romantic meal under the stars, or opt for a more intimate setting within the elegant indoor dining areas. The resort's commitment to exceptional service ensures that every dining experience is personalized and unforgettable.

Wellness and Recreation

For guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Hammock Cove Antigua offers a range of wellness amenities. The tranquil spa provides a variety of treatments that blend traditional and modern techniques, leaving guests feeling revitalized and refreshed.

The resort's fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for those who wish to maintain their active lifestyle while on vacation. Additionally, Hammock Cove offers various recreational activities, such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, and sailing, allowing guests to explore the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

Hammock Cove Antigua provides guests with opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture. From interactive cooking classes that showcase Antiguan cuisine to engaging in traditional dance performances, guests can gain a deeper appreciation for the island's rich heritage and traditions.

For those interested in exploring beyond the resort, guided tours to nearby historical sites and local communities are available, providing an authentic insight into Antigua's history and daily life.

Environmental Stewardship

Hammock Cove Antigua is dedicated to environmental stewardship, implementing eco-friendly practices to preserve the natural beauty of the island. The resort actively participates in community initiatives, supporting local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.

The resort's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint extends to energy-efficient operations and eco-conscious construction practices. By staying at Hammock Cove, guests can be assured that their visit contributes to the preservation of Antigua's unique and precious ecosystems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hammock Cove Antigua offers a serene and luxurious escape where guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Caribbean and indulge in exclusive amenities. From private and luxurious accommodations to exquisite dining experiences, the resort caters to the diverse needs of travellers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and immersive cultural experiences, Hammock Cove Antigua sets itself apart as a destination that not only provides a memorable vacation but also contributes to the preservation of the island's natural heritage.

Things to do in Roatan

There is plenty to see and do above the water and away from Roatan’s popular beaches. Take the time to seek out the Island’s hidden corners, or some of its hidden luxuries. Spend the afternoon finding a deserted stretch of beach, the best seafood on the island, or a lazy tropical spa.

Road Trip

Rent a jeep or a truck and head out to the less-developed East End of Roatan. You’ll come across isolated beaches, small fishing villages dotting the coast and always some interesting characters. Be sure to stop at The View; a great restaurant just after French Harbour with vistas along the north shore. Getting from the airport in Roatan is easy with Roatan Transfers

Mangrove Tunnels

From Oak Ridge, a water taxi can take you through a series of tunnels, carved through the mangrove forests many centuries ago. You’ll pass by some of the oldest settlements in the Americas, built on stilts over the water. Be sure to stop off at the infamous “Hole in the Wall” for a drink, a seafood buffet, or to meet some of the Island’s quirky ex-pats.

Scuba Diving

Roatan has some world-class scuba diving right from the shore if not very short comfortable boat rides away. With great sea life where you can spot anything on the right day, it continues to draw divers from around the world. If you want to learn more about it then we recommend you take a look at https://roatan-diving.com for the best sites, shops and resorts that fully cater to your needs.

Fishing

please comment below if you know of good Roatan fishing opportunities. In the easy Camp Bay there are some resorts that cater to Tarpon anglers.

Botanical Gardens

Nature lovers and birdwatchers will enjoy a stroll around Carambola Gardens, located just above Anthony’s Key Resort. Learn about the many different tropical plants and flowers. Climb up to the lookout above the Gardens and you’ll see the whole jungle and reef laid out before you.

Canopy Tours

There are now a number of eco-adventures featuring zip lines through the jungle canopy. With safe, professional guides you can fly through trees filled with wildlife, orchids and exhilarating views. We recommend GumbaLimba Park, just outside West Bay (504 965-2135) or South Shore Canopy Tour ((504) 904.7855 or (504) 967.1381).

Horseback Riding

Best done in the cooler hours of the early morning or sunset, you can ride along the beaches, through the forests and along the ridges of West Bay. We recommend Keifito’s (504 978-4472).

Prices are reasonable and the horses are well cared for. You can catch a water taxi from West Bay Village to the Keifito’s stables and then set out.

Spas and Massages

There are some excellent massages available, and for therapeutic work we recommend Edgar Rodriguez (504 958-4673), a certified masseuse. For the full spa treatment, complete with poolside drinks and service, pedicures, manicures and speciality treatments we recommend a fantastic retreat in Sandy Bay called Baan Suerte (504 445-3059). The innovative “Mayan Hot Stone Massage” is a must. Go on, treat yourself.

Seaplane Adventures

We are sorry to say that Bay Island Airways is no more.

Other Places of Interest

There is an Iguana Farm near French Harbour, a sanctuary for these endangered Island creatures. Don’t miss feeding time! There is a Butterfly Garden near West End and you can learn more about the island and its people at the museum at Anthony’s Key Resort. Also, you can have fun with paintball.

Roatan is still largely undeveloped, and with a little effort, you can see the Caribbean as it was in the days before tourists and cruise ships. The real charm of Roatan Island is still hiding out there. Step off the beaten track and make some discoveries for yourself!

How to Make Money from Travel

 

How to make money while you travel

I was asked once, why a guy who had many followers on a Facebook group wasn’t making any money. I took a look at what products he was offering and the answer was what I had expected.
He had some very well-placed products on his page that had been linked from Facebook, products included ebooks and calendars and that should be fine right. Well, the problem is that people seldom click links in blogs and they are not likely to be interested at that very moment in buying that product. This is affiliate marketing and unless you get many thousands of visitors you won’t make any significant money, certainly nothing that is interesting compared to the time you spend.

Understand that strangers and even friends rarely share your content and stop dreaming of going viral.

There are two scenarios here I suggest.

1) To improve this traffic to those levels and get that traffic (not the best way) you are selling someone else’s products you are a middleman. This is never ideal and in today's world, it happens far less than it used to in the business world. Of course, it's great for the people selling the product not from the perspective of the products getting sold but what they get is link traffic which helps them in Google, its virtually free advertising.

2) (Recommended) The better approach to making money while travelling is to create your own product! That product is the written experience, your brand name (your name) and reviews or things you promote.

Keep hold of the rights to this product and build up your name and your brand. Have a long-term patient goal to rank organically for traffic. To do that learn or employ SEO on your blog or website. SEO at the heart is finding out what is popular content online (in your niche) and then targeting that search term for yourself with your own website. There is a lot to learn from SEO so honestly look at getting some affordable SEO help.

One place you can do this as they allow you to keep your content with their rights policy (you create your own you keep you promote) is https://landed.at a travel portal that was founded by a backpacker who knows travel.

Yes, they will benefit from your content but they have a very nice attitude of not being a corporation that get rights to your content and ultimately doesn’t give you any money back.

Trip Advisor- for some it's enough to get kudos and help people on these forums. But really in my opinion you should be better rewarded.

How much did Facebook end up giving you for your articles and group? Landed allows you to specify links to your own blogs and websites allow you to have your twitter updates appear and even allows you to place google ads which you put your name on the cheque!

But how is that making me money? Well they have a system of payment that is reflected in the site traffic that comes to your articles so it works all around. This is managed and arranged in a direct relationship with earnings that happen on pages that your articles appear on.

Sponsored 

Take the hassle out of haggling at the airport for your transfer to your resort. Book ahead in your own currency and save time. The best transfers are those that provide water and clean comfortable vehicles with a smile.

Best Antigua knows this and provides the best Antigua Transfers.


You create a page, and they create advertising (not just affiliate marketing) depending on the article and the client's need. Any revenue generated from that page earns you up to 70% of the net profit. This is very beneficial and very targeted due to the manual method and non-spammy manner. Build your followers and friends through your profile which works very much like Facebook and you will increase advertisers’ interest in your pages. Imagine having British Airways looking at your stuff and your social network on landed and saying we need to be advertising there! Your name is on the bottom of that.

So go get yourself a membership at https://landed.at and join the group ‘make money through travel’ and go from there. Why blog anywhere else?

Scuba Diving in the Caribbean for the NON Diver

by Calvin Crane


With the whole world at my fingertips (YES I know I am lucky) I keep coming back to the Caribbean for my travel. So I have to ask myself why I never get to Truk Lagoon, the Philippines nor back to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia? And let’s not forget the Red Sea as well– a world class dive destination.

The Caribbean for Diving doesn’t get the best diving in the world badge. But you typically dive for an hour and a half of the day then some more time on the boat and your back – but where are you back to. Not to mention 2 days of travel for me to get to the barrier reef (the great one as we have one in the Caribbean ;) )

So the argument is that it’s not just your holiday its also your families. Unless you are all nuts about diving then chances are they are not going to let you dive every day as tours run on a schedule as well. But my argument is not just about what can you do outside of your dive time ! In fact I proffer that the diving is actually very very good. Some of the target places to dive are:

• Tobago – Amazing drift diving is just the start of the variety.
• Bahamas – A great place to dive if you are a shark enthusiast.
• Tobago Cays (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
• Mexico (Cozumel)
• Barbados
• St Lucia
• Belize (Check out the blue hole)
• Roatan (Amazingly cheap place to learn to dive)
• Bonaire (dive with a pick up truck)
• Grenada – with the regions biggest wreck dive the Biannca C

I was fortunate to be stood knee deep with a rum punch in hand on one of Antigua’s best beaches and was chatting to a chap from LA. It was an eleven hour trek to Antigua – so it’s quicker to get there from the U.K. for some visitors but generally the North Americans (that includes you Canucks) can get to a range of islands easily. This is also defining the season to some extent as it gets cold up there the winter migration begins ! It happens to be outside of Hurricane season as well as that is tailing off after November. All the boats come out of the dry docks refurbished for the season to come.

If your not a diver already then you won’t have been spoilt and the amazing 30ft visibility in ‘winter’ will make you feel like you’re diving in an aquarium ! With the chance to see some amazing species of fishes like parrot fish, moray eels to turtles is really a special time.

If you are new to diving then why not visit Caribbean Diving and see their guide to learning to dive with PADI. It really is as easy as sinking and breathing..You will never be asked or tasked to do something you don’t feel comfortable doing.

It really is step at a time. Starting off with theory and shallow work in the pool or confined water (like a swimming pool).

If I have something to say about learning to dive is that I wished I had done it earlier !

Calvin Crane is a PADI divemaster who knows a lot about the Caribbean in general and loves nothing more than ‘harassing’ the underwater zoo.

Places to go backpacking

Embarking on a backpacking journey is akin to opening a treasure chest of experiences, unveiling the world's hidden gems, one step at a time. The allure of this adventure lies not just in the thrill of exploration, but in the profound connection it fosters with nature, culture, and one's inner self.

Picture this: Wearing your trusty backpack, you'll venture into remote landscapes, traversing rugged terrains that defy the comforts of civilization. It's a baptism into simplicity, a symphony of self-reliance where each step is a reminder of the untamed wilderness that lies in wait. The earth beneath your boots becomes your compass, and the rustling leaves your lullaby.

In your nomadic odyssey, you'll discover the beauty of solitude. Far from the madding crowd, the cacophony of everyday life recedes, replaced by the harmonious hum of nature's rhythms. The tranquility is like an elixir, soothing the mind and invigorating the spirit. Amidst towering trees, beneath expansive skies, you'll find a sanctuary of silence.

Backpacking isn't just a journey outward; it's a journey inward. Stripped of excess baggage, you'll unearth your inner reserves of resilience and adaptability. Every challenge is an opportunity, every obstacle a lesson. As you navigate the unknown, you'll redefine your limits and forge a profound connection with your core self.

Moreover, backpacking is a cultural immersion like no other. Each encounter with local communities reveals a tapestry of traditions, stories, and cuisines that paint the world in vibrant hues. Breaking bread with strangers becomes a gateway to empathy and understanding, bridging cultural chasms one meal at a time.

Ultimately, the call to backpacking transcends mere wanderlust; it's a beckoning to reconnect with the essence of life itself. As you step into this world of wonder, know that you are not just an observer but a participant in an epic narrative where the chapters unfold beneath your very feet. Embrace the journey, for it's not just a physical expedition; it's an odyssey of the soul, an awakening to the boundless beauty that our planet holds.

Lets discuss some places that I personally recommend and why.

1) Australia. If its not on the East coast North coast South coast or West coast its to the centre of the biggest island in the world to visit Ayers Rock. I didn’t make Ayers rock myself as I was under too much budget pressure and yes its amazing but it felt as far away as New Zealand. Australia though has cities with dynamic nightlife for the young great wines for the old some of the most fun hostels you are ever likely to find and surf galore. This is what keeps making it the go to destination for many a Backpacker. Its also got massive kudos and you can’t call yourself a backpacker if you haven’t been!

2) Japan. The first myth is that its expensive – not so and the youth hostels or just plain hostels (house some oldies like me now) in style with private rooms and sturdy lockers its all very Japan works every time. Ride across the swathes unique and interesting countryside in the Shinkanson at break neck speed while the crew serve up service with a bow. The karaoke bars are amazing fun. Check out the natural north at anytime of year but in winter you had better go for the powder. Its like no other on earth. Sapporo is the main city in the north. Tokyo will be your gateway and it’s a neon lit treasure trove. You see the greatest thing about Japan is that something every half an hour will amaze you.

3) France. Inter-railing brings many through France often from Spain up from Barcelona they hit Montpellier for its cultural student feel with fun summer nights out or Marseille for its industrial feel old port and calenques (small pristine beaches with the bluest water in the med). Nice is strangely the logical spot most hit and good for day trips into Montpelier. The beach is pebbly but it has such a hub of backpackers passing through you will get hung up in the courtyards of your hostel swapping travel stories then heading down to the pebbles to try it on with that Danish blonde.