Singapore Walking Tour (1)

Guide to Little India & Chinatown

Experience the incredible duality of Singapore as we blend historic heritage with modern luxury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoekN0V_fFI

Singapore's Best: Botanic Gardens - National Orchid Garden

 UNESCO

Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1483/

Peaceful Escape in the City

Singapore Botanic Gardens and its National Orchid Garden together is a peaceful escape in the city — Lush lawns, lakes, rainforest patches, and themed gardens create a calm, cinematic environment perfect for walking, filming, or relaxing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muvGEHWuoYk

Narita to Ginza: Taking the Keisei Skyliner to KOKO Hotel Tsukiji | Tokyo 2026

 We made it to Tokyo! 🇯🇵 Choosing the Keisei Skyliner was a total game-changer for getting into the city—so fast and smooth.

Is This the World's Best Business Class? | ANA "The Room" 777-300ER Review

Step inside "The Room"—ANA’s revolutionary Business Class on the Boeing 777-300ER

SPECTRA – A Light & Water Show | Marina Bay Sands Singapore | Full Show (January 2026)

Experience the nearly 15-minute performance of Spectra

I Thought This Was a Resort … It’s an Airport! #singapore #singaporeairport

 

How To Say Askusa Like Local

 How To Say Askusa like a Local

To say Asakusa like a local, pronounce it "ah-SAH-ksah," making the first 'A' soft, the 'SAH' strong, and the final 'u' almost silent or a quick, breathy sound (like 'ah-SAH-ksah' or 'ah-SAH-k-sa'), avoiding the over-pronounced "ah-sa-KOO-sa" and stressing the second syllable. Think of it as "Ah-s-ah-k-s-ah" with the 'u' fading out quickly, a common Japanese sound feature

Breaking it Down:

A (ah): Like the 'a' in 'father', but short.

sa (sah): Like the 'sa' in 'saw', but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

ku (k-): This is the key part; the 'u' is often unvoiced or devoiced, so it's more of a 'k' sound followed by a breath.

sa (sah): Again, like the 'sa' in 'saw'. 

Tips for Locals' Pronunciation:

Shorten the 'u': Don't round your lips for the 'u'; let it disappear.

Pitch Accent: Japanese has pitch accents; the 'sa' in 'Asa-sa' gets the emphasis, not the 'ku'.

Practice: Say it quickly: "Ah-s-ah-k-sa," letting the 'u' fade. 

By focusing on that soft, almost swallowed 'u', you'll sound much more authentic when asking for directions to Tokyo's famous temple district!. 

In Japanese, when the letter "U" is squeezed between certain "voiceless" consonants (like K, S, T, P, and H), the "U" sound almost disappears. It becomes a whispered breath rather than a full vowel.

• Standard spelling: A-sa-ku-sa
• How it's actually pronounced: A-sa-k(u)-sa --> sounds like "Ah-SAK-sah"

You’ll notice this in other common Japanese words too:

• Desu (to be): Pronounced "DESS" (the 'u' is silent).
• Sukiyaki: Often pronounced "S’kiyaki".
• Shinjuku: Pronounced "Shin-joo-koo" (The 'u' here stays because 'J' is a voiced consonant, so it doesn't disappear!).

The Rhythm (Pitch Accent)

Unlike English, which uses stress (making one syllable louder/longer), Japanese uses pitch (high or low tones).

• For Asakusa, the "A" starts low, and the "SA-KU-SA" stays relatively flat or slightly higher.
• 
  
• English speakers often want to say "Aa-sa-KOO-sa," but in Tokyo, it’s a quick, clipped "Ah-sak-sa."

One final tip: When you get to Tokyo, if you listen to the automated announcements on the subway, you will hear a very clear, polite voice say, "Next station is, Asaksa." It’s a great way to train your ears!

Three Perfect Days: Tokyo, By Hemispheres

Source: 

https://www.united.com/en/us/hemispheres/places-to-go/asia/japan/tokyo/three-perfect-days-tokyo.html

 

"Tokyo is a futuristic playground, where ancient temples live alongside neon worlds and culinary artistry."

Hemisphere Staff

September 6, 2024

Continue reading here:

Day 1

Ancient architecture, poetic gardens and famous foods

https://www.united.com/en/us/hemispheres/places-to-go/asia/japan/tokyo/three-perfect-days-tokyo.html#day1

Day 2

Trains, rooftop adventures, immersive art and sushi

https://www.united.com/en/us/hemispheres/places-to-go/asia/japan/tokyo/three-perfect-days-tokyo.html#day2

"The Yamanote line is the most popular and goes in a circle around the center of Tokyo."

Sensoji in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple. Photo courtesy of Eric Rubens and Shutterstock.

"There are also a variety of temples you can visit, but we recommend, at the very least, seeing the oldest temple in Tokyo: Sensoji in Asakusa. After you’re done at the temple, it’s worth sticking around this part of town. Asakusa has a lot of small booths and food stalls that you should stop by."

"In terms of food, day two is sushi day. If you’re looking for a place tourists love, check out Sushiro. You order on a tablet, and your sushi will come straight to you on a conveyor belt. There are both traditional rolls and fusion rolls, like pancetta and broccoli. If you want a fancier meal, stop by Sushi Mitsukawa for a 14-course sushi omakase."

Day 3

Shopping, temple cats and unique foods

The Gotokuji temple in is a must-visit for cat-lovers. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

"If you want to shop while you’re in Tokyo, you need to go to Ginza. This area is known for its glamor, but it’s also where you’ll find antenna shops. At these stores you can find local goods from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. This includes Hiroshima’s momiji manjū, maple leaf–shaped pastries, Ishikawa sake and Okinawa pottery.

For a temple to visit on day three, go to Gotokuji. This temple is peaceful even though it’s still part of Tokyo city. It's also home of maneki-neko, or the lucky waving cat statue.

If you need a jolt of energy for an activity-packed day, head to Café de L’Ambre for coffee. People travel from all over the world just for this cup of joe, and it’s well worth it."

O Holy Night - Sarah Bodle (Soprano) | "Winterzauber" Recital in Omaha

Thank you all for listening to Sarah’s performance! 🌟 This 'O Holy Night' was a highlight of her Winterzauber (Winter Magic) recital here in Omaha. It’s a beautiful contrast to her previous video, 'I’ll Be Home for Christmas.' While that song captured the 1940s wartime longing for home, this piece brings us back to the soaring operatic roots of the 19th century.

I'll Be Home for Christmas (If Only In My Dreams) Performed by Sarah Bodle

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a poignant Christmas song, popularized by Bing Crosby, sung from the perspective of a soldier serving overseas who is dreaming of returning home for the holiday, but acknowledges that he will only be home "if only in my dreams"

3 Hours in The MET! The ONLY Way to See the Temple of Dendur, Tiffany, & More

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The MET, is an incredible place and an absolute must-see in New York City. With collections spanning 5,000 years of art from across the globe, it's easy to spend days there and still not see everything.

Early in October 2025, I was in New York city, while we had approximately 3 hours of free time, we went to visit The MET, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I had wanted to do for several years. 

I totally enjoyed the experience!

The MET Highlights: Medieval, Tiffany Glass, and an ANCIENT EGYPTIAN TEMPLE in NYC!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU9ZxAcCJVw

The Best Market in Portugal? | Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal

The University That Was Closed for 200 Years | University of Évora Tour

The Best Meal in Portugal? Lunch at O Faroleiro in Cascais

Princess Cruises Announces Key Updates (July 2025) for 2026

Following table illustrates the difference between the Princess Plus and Princess Premier, effective January 14, 2026

Princess Cruises announced subtle but important changes on July 25, 2025. These updates — including tweaks to package perks and pricing — officially roll out on January 14, 2026. This video breaks down what’s new, what it means for future bookings, and how to plan ahead.

Reference: http://princess.com/cruisepackages

To find out more about the latest update on the Princess packages, watch this YouTube video

Goodbye VIFP Club? Carnival's Big Loyalty Program Overhaul (June 2026)

Carnival Cruise Line is shaking up its VIFP loyalty program, replacing it with Carnival Rewards starting June 1, 2026. This isn't just a new name – it's a completely different way to earn and keep your loyalty status! Warning to Carnival Cruisers: Your Loyalty Perks Are Changing!

 

Lisbon Panorama: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara | Best Viewpoint & ...

Get ready for an immersive visual experience from one of Lisbon's most spectacular vantage points: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara! Join us for a captivating tour of this beautiful, centrally located garden viewpoint.

As "The City of Seven Hills," Lisbon offers countless breathtaking vistas, and this miradouro is a true standout. From its two levels, you'll witness expansive panoramic views of the city's charming neighborhoods, the historic São Jorge Castle standing proudly, and the majestic Tagus River winding its way through the landscape.

Praça do Comércio: Lisbon's Grand Gateway to History

What you'll see in this video:

• Panoramic views of Praça do Comércio from the Tagus River

• The iconic Arco da Rua Augusta

• The statue of King José I

• Historic images of the Royal Ribeira Palace (pre-1755 earthquake)

• The story of Lisbon's revolutionary grid-style urban planning

• Insights into the buildings surrounding the square

• Proximity to Time Out Market and Lisbon cruise terminal

• Personal travel insights

Recent Change Princess Cruises Making to Casino

 

Alisha dos Santos' Article: 

June 7, 2025

Princess Cruises making big casino change passengers demanded

🔗

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/princess-cruises-making-big-casino-151027674.html

Key Takeaways

1. Princess Cruises is making changes to their casino policies in response to passenger demands for non-smoking areas.

2. Celebrity Cruises stands out in the industry for maintaining fully smoke-free casinos on all of its ships, while other cruise lines are starting to offer designated non-smoking areas within their casinos.

3. Princess Cruises is listening to passenger feedback and will be expanding non-smoking areas in their casinos on upcoming ships, although smoking is currently allowed in designated slot machine sections.erience

One Day In Lisbon, Portugal - What To Do?

Maps Included

Lisbon is a city full of charm, history, and vibrant culture, making it perfect for a one-day adventure. 

Here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day:

Morning

1. Start at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon as the city wakes up.
2. Explore Alfama District: Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, admire the azulejos (hand-painted tiles), and visit landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle.
3. Praça do Comércio: Head to this grand square by the waterfront for stunning architecture and a relaxed vibe.

Afternoon

4. Lunch at Time Out Market: Sample local dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) and pastel de nata (custard tart) at this popular food hall.
5. Visit Belém: Discover iconic sites like Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém, and don't forget to try the original pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

Evening

6. Chiado and Bairro Alto: Stroll through these lively neighborhoods for boutique shopping, street performances, and a taste of Lisbon's nightlife.
7. Dinner with Fado Music: End your day with a traditional Portuguese meal accompanied by soul-stirring Fado music.

Map and Tips

You can find a detailed map and itinerary here or here. These guides include walking routes, transportation tips, and hidden gems to explore.

Lisbon's compact size and efficient public transport make it easy to navigate, even in just one day. What part of this itinerary excites you most? Or would you like me to tailor it further for your interests?

Links:

Kevmrc.com - Your free walking tour of the City Center of Lisbon, Portugal

Ausra | https://www.theroadreel.com/one-day-in-lisbon-itinerary/

Emily | https://emilyembarks.com/one-day-in-lisbon/