Ok, let’s talk about comfort food. Sometimes you just need it, right? And the ultimate in comfort food for me is pasta. This recipe has it all – carbs, creaminess, the smokiness from the chicken…I could go on… It’s also an easy one to do when you’re on an adventure – as long as you have a gas burner, a frypan and something to cook your pasta in, you’re right. This should feed 4 people generously – or 6 if you’re not in quite that much need of comforting. You can usually get smoked chicken at most supermarkets, but if you can’t get it – or don’t want to go to the effort of it – a...…Ok, let’s talk about comfort food. Sometimes you just need it, right? And the ultimate in comfort food for me is pasta. This recipe has it all – carbs, creaminess, the smokiness from the chicken…I could go on… It’s also an easy one to do when you’re on an adventure – as long as you have a gas burner, a frypan and something to cook your pasta in, you’re right. This should feed 4 people generously – or 6 if you’re not in quite that much need of comforting. You can usually get smoked chicken at most supermarkets, but if you can’t get it – or don’t want to go to the effort of it – a...WW…

In a disturbing display of political opportunism, Sarah Huckabee Sanders has once again resorted to playing politics by exploiting the resignation of a senior military commander. Sanders claims that the Biden administration's policy allowing abortion access for members of the military was the cause of Colonel Dillion R. Patterson's resignation from his Arkansas Air National Guard command. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that Sanders is using this situation as a prevaricator to score political points and further her own agenda. The Department of Defense implemented a...…In a disturbing display of political opportunism, Sarah Huckabee Sanders has once again resorted to playing politics by exploiting the resignation of a senior military commander. Sanders claims that the Biden administration's policy allowing abortion access for members of the military was the cause of Colonel Dillion R. Patterson's resignation from his Arkansas Air National Guard command. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that Sanders is using this situation as a prevaricator to score political points and further her own agenda. The Department of Defense implemented a...WW…

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in American history. It is a make-or-break year for democracy as we know it. The stakes have never been higher, and the future of our nation hangs in the balance. The choice we make in this election will determine the direction our country takes for years to come. During his time in office, Donald Trump and his allies showed a remarkable capacity for weaponized cruelty. From separating families at the border to stripping women of their healthcare rights to undermining the Affordable Care Act, their policies have consistently put the most...…The year 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in American history. It is a make-or-break year for democracy as we know it. The stakes have never been higher, and the future of our nation hangs in the balance. The choice we make in this election will determine the direction our country takes for years to come. During his time in office, Donald Trump and his allies showed a remarkable capacity for weaponized cruelty. From separating families at the border to stripping women of their healthcare rights to undermining the Affordable Care Act, their policies have consistently put the most...WW…

The courtroom is often a battleground where legal professionals clash, and the defamation trial of former President Donald Trump, initiated by E. Jean Carroll, is no exception. Over the course of two intense days, sparks flew between Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, and the presiding judge, Lewis Kaplan. From heated exchanges to tense objections, this high-profile trial has captivated audiences and raised questions about the conduct of both legal teams. Today, we're looking into the dramatic courtroom proceedings, exploring the verbal sparring, emotional outbursts, and strategic maneuverings...…The courtroom is often a battleground where legal professionals clash, and the defamation trial of former President Donald Trump, initiated by E. Jean Carroll, is no exception. Over the course of two intense days, sparks flew between Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, and the presiding judge, Lewis Kaplan. From heated exchanges to tense objections, this high-profile trial has captivated audiences and raised questions about the conduct of both legal teams. Today, we're looking into the dramatic courtroom proceedings, exploring the verbal sparring, emotional outbursts, and strategic maneuverings...WW…

I’m often asked on how to stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan while on a budget after being quite shocked at the price while doing their research.  The thing is …. Ryokans are seen as luxury accommodation and the full getaway experience. For this reason, it’s common for most guests to stay from check-in right up until check-out to take in the whole experience ( also hardly any Japanese people stay at a ryokan for more than one night. It’s not really a thing.) That price is often per person and it includes not only the beautifully appointed room but also the stunning meals and service...…I’m often asked on how to stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan while on a budget after being quite shocked at the price while doing their research.  The thing is …. Ryokans are seen as luxury accommodation and the full getaway experience. For this reason, it’s common for most guests to stay from check-in right up until check-out to take in the whole experience ( also hardly any Japanese people stay at a ryokan for more than one night. It’s not really a thing.) That price is often per person and it includes not only the beautifully appointed room but also the stunning meals and service...WW…

I get this question a lot and so I wanted to make a neat little list of restaurants to eat Wagyu Beef in Tokyo that are also family-friendly.   I think it is worth linking to this article that states the differences between Kobe Beef and Wagyu.  TEPPANYAKI WAGYU WITH KIDS, AKASAKA *Please note that this restaurant only accepts children who are 6 years old and older and children will need to also order an adult sized course* This restaurant is called Ginza no Steak Akasaka Branch (it comes up Ginza Steak Akasaka on google maps.) This is an all you can eat steak restaurant or...…I get this question a lot and so I wanted to make a neat little list of restaurants to eat Wagyu Beef in Tokyo that are also family-friendly.   I think it is worth linking to this article that states the differences between Kobe Beef and Wagyu.  TEPPANYAKI WAGYU WITH KIDS, AKASAKA *Please note that this restaurant only accepts children who are 6 years old and older and children will need to also order an adult sized course* This restaurant is called Ginza no Steak Akasaka Branch (it comes up Ginza Steak Akasaka on google maps.) This is an all you can eat steak restaurant or...WW…

If you like to see updates and what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give me a follow on The Tokyo Chapter instagram here. Recently I’ve been asked this Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea question asked a lot. Especially when it comes to young families you are travelling to Tokyo for a limited time only and don’t have the luxury of trying on both theme parks for size. *Please note that the new section of TOKYO DISNEYSEA ( Tangled and Frozen and Peter Pan section called “Fantasy Springs” is opening on June 6th. If you decide to visit in June it can go one of two ways 1) If you are a...…If you like to see updates and what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give me a follow on The Tokyo Chapter instagram here. Recently I’ve been asked this Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea question asked a lot. Especially when it comes to young families you are travelling to Tokyo for a limited time only and don’t have the luxury of trying on both theme parks for size. *Please note that the new section of TOKYO DISNEYSEA ( Tangled and Frozen and Peter Pan section called “Fantasy Springs” is opening on June 6th. If you decide to visit in June it can go one of two ways 1) If you are a...WW…

I have written in great detail about different areas to stay in Tokyo with kids and also a list of my favourite exact hotels for families.   But I also realise that some families just need a really quick 101 style guide to the recommended Tokyo areas so they can start narrowing it all down quickly.  For a detailed list of options nearby certain areas, playgrounds, how long it takes to walk to the station from that area etc see this blog post on Hotels in Tokyo with kids here.  Why do I talk about areas in Tokyo that I like for families rather than just a huge list of...…I have written in great detail about different areas to stay in Tokyo with kids and also a list of my favourite exact hotels for families.   But I also realise that some families just need a really quick 101 style guide to the recommended Tokyo areas so they can start narrowing it all down quickly.  For a detailed list of options nearby certain areas, playgrounds, how long it takes to walk to the station from that area etc see this blog post on Hotels in Tokyo with kids here.  Why do I talk about areas in Tokyo that I like for families rather than just a huge list of...WW…

If you like to see updates and what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give me a follow on The Tokyo Chapter instagram here. I’ve decided to write this blog post after seeing many people feeling overwhelmed at the very early stages of planning a Japan holiday as a family or for one parent planning to vacation in Japan with children. I hope that this helps with that “where to start” overwhelm.   1.  Plan your dates you’re available to travel  The main holidays to watch out for in Japan is a string of national holidays in Spring called Golden Week (I’ve written...…If you like to see updates and what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give me a follow on The Tokyo Chapter instagram here. I’ve decided to write this blog post after seeing many people feeling overwhelmed at the very early stages of planning a Japan holiday as a family or for one parent planning to vacation in Japan with children. I hope that this helps with that “where to start” overwhelm.   1.  Plan your dates you’re available to travel  The main holidays to watch out for in Japan is a string of national holidays in Spring called Golden Week (I’ve written...WW…

  I guess I’m an old-fashioned kind of guy when it comes to cooking over a fire or on coals. There is simply one tool of choice, and that is the cast iron pot – or so I thought. During a recent conversation around a casual campfire a friend asked, ‘why do you continually persist to cook with – and carry around – a cast iron product when spun steel is now so readily available on the market?’ A good question – and one that I didn’t have the answer to. To be honest, I hadn’t heard of spun steel, but even if I had, there’d be no way it could replace the already tried and tested cast iron...…  I guess I’m an old-fashioned kind of guy when it comes to cooking over a fire or on coals. There is simply one tool of choice, and that is the cast iron pot – or so I thought. During a recent conversation around a casual campfire a friend asked, ‘why do you continually persist to cook with – and carry around – a cast iron product when spun steel is now so readily available on the market?’ A good question – and one that I didn’t have the answer to. To be honest, I hadn’t heard of spun steel, but even if I had, there’d be no way it could replace the already tried and tested cast iron...WW…