I love listening to podcasts to pass the time on my commute to and from work and now use them for pretty much any time I am waiting – at airports, in waiting rooms, at the hairdresser, even while having a massage. I use the Pocket Casts app which is reliable and easy to use. […]
Arrivals and Departures
We all have people come and go from our lives, but this effect is magnified for expats who need to not only make friends each time they move to a new country (usually fellow expats) but also cope with constant departures of fellow expat friends. There are definite advantages to having a group of expat […]
Why Do I Cry on Flights? On irislillian.com
Ever find yourself tearing up unexpectedly at the in-flight movie? Don’t worry, it’s normal.
Tokyo Tips
I love Tokyo. It is one of the few cities we have returned to multiple times, and know that we will visit again. See my Modern Traditional Tokyo article for more information on Akihabara electric town, Sumo, Harajuku, Meiji-jingu, Tsukiji central fish market, Ninja Akasaka, Shibuya crossing, the Hachiko statue and Tokyo Sky Tree. For […]
The Carry-on Conundrum – Electronic Devices on irislillian.com
Flying from Africa or the Middle East? Here’s what you need to know about the new restrictions on carry-on electronic devices.
Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong
It’s currently ghost month in Hong Kong, the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar (August 3rd-31st in 2016). Ghosts fearsome and friendly roam among us. The gates of hell are open allowing restless spirits to haunt the living and the gates of heaven have also been thrown wide allowing benevolent spirits to visit family. […]
Is My Airline Safe?
Flying on airlines from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA and Canada, passengers can generally assume airline safety. However, when your travels take you to places like Indonesia and Nepal, and you have a choice of carriers you may want to do a little research before buying that ticket.
Hong Kong Reads – Books set in Hong Kong
Whether you live in Hong Kong, are planning a visit or just want to imagine you are there, there’s a book below for you. From 1840s Hong Kong in Tai-Pan, to the 1940s-60s Hong Kong of Gweilo, Noble House and The Piano Teacher to modern day Hong Kong in The Expatriates and Misfortune Cookie. For […]
New York Tips
I love New York. It is one of the few cities we have returned to multiple times, and will visit again. Here are my tried and tested New York tips.
Neon Museums – Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Warsaw & Hong Kong
Neon signs are an iconic feature of many cities, but what happens when they reach the end of their commercial lifespan? In Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Warsaw and soon in Hong Kong, signs are being collected, preserved and displayed in neon museums where they can be enjoyed by the public.