Well, the day for our next adventure has arrived.  We leave on ANA for Tokyo, spend a few days in Yokohama, then board the Diamond Princess. From  Conde Nast : Once again, Japan tops the list of the   world's best countries , according to our   Readers' Choice Awards , which means our readers believe that the best time to visit Japan is simply “always.” It makes sense: With an abundance of trailblazing restaurants, mouthwatering street food spots, unique shopping experiences, rich craft and heritage histories, hikes out in nature, and   hotels   that represent the pinnacle of hospitality, there's a curated escape to Japan for every type of traveler. After all, there are   over 14,000 islands   in this archipelagic country, so you're bound to find one strip of land that will fulfill your travel needs. We do return for our final three days in January to stay at the Tokyo Westin Hotel, which keeps  my bottle of Nikka Yoichi 20 year old ....

Conde Nast  recently said  These are the Safest Countries in the World in 2025 .  They consulted the 2025 Global Peace Index.   1 is most peaceful, 5 is the least. Where was the USA?  #128!!! My impression was that  Conde Nast  and the Institute of Economics and Peace ( they report on that GPI)  likes cold weather countries.  Or maybe there is something about chilly conditions that keep people home to avoid danger. So anyway, the top ten. #10  Finland ( 1.42 )  Famous for also being the happiest country in the world. #9   Slovenia ( 1.409 )  Has extremely low crime rates and terrorism risk, with the best castles and lakes. #8  Denmark ( 1.393 )  Dropped six spots from 2024, having something to do with militarization. #7    Portugal ( 1.371 )  Is a beacon of economic resurgence and low crime rates.  Many from Europe retire there. #6    Singapore ( 1.357 )  The only Asia...

Today I continue my  nostalgic  Pearl's Ashes  series , focusing on  Bangkok .  But there will be a few informational detours, leading to a nightmarish journey to my hotel in Tokyo, and finishing with a hint of what will be my posting next Tuesday. I flew first class, and left Honolulu on 1March2011, 24 hours later arriving at my favorite hotel in Bangkok, the Sheraton Grande Sukhamvit. My philosophy when flying is, "if free, every drink not drunk is money wasted."  I'm not sure my body, and liver in particular, would agree, but it makes for an enjoyable flight. Go to my posting that day for the details , but I had 16 different alcoholic drinks getting from Honolulu to Bangkok. I selected the  Grand Palace for Pearl's Ashes #15 . Here is a  short video of this attraction . Official residence of the Kings of Siam, now Thailand, since 1782, until 1925. Over 8 million visitors/year. One of Pearl's very favorite spots on Earth is the   Grand Pala...