Jane Travels: Oahu

Recently, I got the opportunity to travel to Oahu. One of the islands in the state of Hawaii, it also is the most populated and the most with a "city life." Hawaii is a state I could go back to again and again. The food is such an amasing fusion of different Asian influences as each of the different countries immigrated to the islands. The beaches are absolutely lovely, with the water so warm and clear.

Hawaii is a place where there is so much to do if you love the outdoors. You can hike up trails and there are hidden beaches you can go and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks.

If there is one thing that is a must-do, that is to go to the beaches. The water in the beaches are absolutely clear; it's the clearest beaches I've seen, even beaches in SE Asia. The one thing I will have to say is to be sure to apply sunscreen *before* you get to the beach, as there really is no good place to apply it there. And the sun is very hot and strong, regardless of the year, and you will get a nice tan if you're not careful.

Also, depending on the beach, the sand can be very silky or very rough; I highly recommend bringing a pair of flip flops if you plan to go beach hopping.

One thing I love about Hawaii is the local food. If I had a friend who visits Hawaii for the first time, there are a few items I would recommend:

1) Loco Moco: I know this is *the* local food people tend to know about but if you can get a good loco moco in Hawaii, get it. The brown gravy and the charbroiled meat patty over rice and topped with an egg is the most unimaginable yet perfect combination. A definite must.

2) Zippy's: This is a fast food chain and I absolutely love their food.  Their chili is really different and something for which they are known but, if you can, get the Portuguese sausage. The Portuguese sausage in Hawaii is a unique item and I haven't really found a good place in the mainland that carries this.

3) Plate Lunches: Plate lunches comes with two scoops of rice and mac salad. You pick the dish that you want with the rice and salad. I know there are plate lunches in the mainland but I generally find they are not as tasty as the ones in Hawaii. Get this and enjoy the food coma later.

Whilst this isn't the most extensive list of things to do in Hawaii, I wanted to share a little of my trip to you. I do hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time, xo Jane.

Jane Travels: Beppu, Japan

Today, I thought I would talk about my recent trip to Beppu, Japan. A sleep beach resort, Beppu is in the southern tip of Japan and is famous for their hot springs.  When I was there, loads of Korean and Chinese tourists were there, so be cognisant that the tourist generally will trend towards the East Asian.

Beppu at night

Jigokus, or geyers, are prevalent in that area and when you take a bus around them, you can see steam coming out of pipes that create such a surreal look. It reminds me of what I would imagine how the factories looked like during the Industrial Revolution but obviously much much cleaner.

Since Beppu is known for its onsens, or hot springs, that is the one thing you must do. One thing, however, you must be aware is that the public onsens require you to go in the water in the nude. Which is why, if you can, do find a hotel that has a private onsen or has an onsen in your room.

One of the jigokus of Beppu, Yes, that is the actual colour of the geyser. Amasing.

Japan, like Switzerland, is expensive. Everything is expensive. Beautifully packaged, but expensive. If you're looking to find a way to cut costs, I recommend grabbing food at the convenience stores. I went to the 7-Eleven that was close to our hotel and grabbed some onigiri, beef and ume, as well as cup ramen. Not gonna lie, it was delicious after soaking in the hot springs.

There are restaurants and even a place that allows you to steam your food in the onsen water. Depending on where you go, the price for the meal *will* be pricey. I feel like, for that area, food is not what they are known for, unlike other areas of Japan, and you will be fine just eating simply. Spend your money in areas known for their food. That said, if you eat sushi there, which I did, it will  not disappoint. It was v v good. 

The sushi was so fresh and Oishii!!!

Whilst there, do go to jigokus, especially the Eight Fiery Hells. Each are unique and beautiful in their own way. There *is* an entrance fee but I believe you can get a package deal.  Also, while you're there, take a day trip to Yufuin. It's really touristy but I really did like walking to the lake and back. There are a lot of shops and if you're a girl, there are some cool things to eat and also buy.

Yufuin. Even on a cloudy day, the lake does not disappoint.

Beppu is a small town, and like any small town, there are both the good and the bad. There is one Starbucks, inside the main department store, and is where most people wait for the bus to take them to Oita airport.

If you can, do go to Oita airport. It's a tiny airport and I loved it. I loved how small it was and yet, unlike the smaller airports in the US, the food was so good and there was so much to buy and see. On the third floor, there is a ramen shop, a sushi shop, and a Japanese "fusion" shop. All were packed. You can also go outside and see the airplanes fly off, which is awesome.

One of the art exhibits at Oita Airport.

Speaking of airports, if you're coming from Incheon (ICN) there is a direct flight to Oita, but it is not everyday, as this is a smaller airport compared to Narita, as I mentioned. Most people come out of Fukuoka and take the local train, which is what we did coming to Japan. I highly recommend getting the bento box from the Fukuoka train station. It was kind of pricey, I believe it was approximately USD$14.

Get the bento!!! There is one line for fish, another for meat. SO GOOD!!

This is just a little tidbit of some of my experiences in Beppy, Japan. If you want to hear more about this trip, or any other trips, do let me know!

Until next time, xo Jane.