Recent content by Jao Romero

My Mandarin is non-existent, is there one reliable app that works best offline for signs and menus.

It's much better than peak summer, but still busy. Go right when it opens to get close to the pit edges before the big groups arrive.

Trying to decide on a base, is Osaka more central for visiting Nara, Himeji, and Kobe?

Google Maps is your best friend, just follow its directions exactly, the lines are color-coded and numbered, so once you start using it, it clicks fast.

Need reliable internet for maps and rideshares, which carrier gives the best coverage across different states

Always go to the stalls with the longest lines, that means they have high turnover and locals trust them. You should be fine if you stick to the busy ones.

Hard agree. Nothing beats that smell of Glühwein and roasted chestnuts when it's freezing out. Have you been to the markets in Nuremberg or Dresden? They have that same amazing historic feel. Totally worth the trip.

The main issue is that Germany's rail infrastructure is really old and overloaded. They under-invested in it for years, so now they have to do massive, long-term construction projects on major routes (like the Riedbahn).

I totally get wanting to skip the crowds. Skip Skye and go to the Isle of Harris instead. The beaches there, like Luskentyre, are absolutely mind-blowing, pure white sand and turquoise water, but with way fewer people. The drive up is incredible too.

The show that totally blew me away was Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The way they did the effects and the staging was honestly unbelievable. It felt more like a movie than a play. Highly recommend if you like something super clever.

I loved that cruise! I did the sunset one and it was magical seeing the mosques light up. You're right about the bridges too, they are so huge when you're right under them. It's a must-do in Istanbul.

Yeah, the exchange rate being all over the place is tough. I noticed the same thing, especially when shops tried to set their own rates for Euros or Dollars. It's definitely best to use local cash from an ATM to avoid that kind of hassle.

It was exactly like that! The views are incredible, but you can't even look at them because you're worried about falling off a cliff or hitting a bus. I finally gave up and took the ferry. That was much more relaxing and you still get the amazing scenery.

A guide is 100% the way to go there. Without a guide, it's just old walls, but with one, you hear all the crazy history and imagine the gladiators. And seriously, skipping that line is worth the price alone. Totally agree.

Yes, that is the real deal, You found the key. The best paella is always outside the main streets in those small, dedicated places. The rabbit and snails version is the proper one, and when that rice is cooked right, nothing compares. I'm jealous!