Mercury Retrograde (MRx) affects everything approximately 12 weeks/year, so it’s important to know how to ride this cosmic wave, so you can come out sailing…It’s especially relevant for Travelers, because Mercury governs travel, as well as transportation, technology, communication, education & speed. As an Astrologer & avid traveler, I’m sharing these 14 Do’s & Don’ts on Travelling during MRx. What is Mercury Retrograde (MRx)? With MRx, it appears (an illusion) to be going backwards in the sky due to Earth’s orbit passing by Mercury. Astrologically, this disrupts all energies relat ..read more

On Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido “North Sea Province,” is a dramatic landscape, known for its volcanoes (6 are active), hot springs (onsens) and rugged coastlines. In April 2019, I explored 3 top attractions on this intriguing island: Cape Kamui on Shakotan peninsula, Toya-Usu Global Geopark and the charming port city, Hakodate. I. Cape Kamui on Shakotan Peninsula Jutting out into the Sea of Japan along the rugged coastline is the Shakotan peninsula with its 3 great capes: Cape Kamui, Cape Shakotan and Cape Ogon. Its transparent waters are renown for a beautiful “Shakotan Blue.” I ..read more

Holistic Sunscreen Care is a topic not only for you, but also our planet. Skin is your largest organ, where signs of premature aging surface and chemicals absorb into the bloodstream. The best sunscreens for all of us are also “Reef Safe.” Dive in and read about these 7 tips to learn about how to choose the best sunscreen for you and the planet: 1) Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide- These sunscreens are natural and form a physical barrier, reflecting the sunlight away from your skin and immediately protective. Zinc Oxide is healing for the skin: reducing acne, inflamm ..read more

Nestled in the center of Japan’s largest island is the majestic Ryohaku Mountains, aka “Japanese Alps.” Approaching this region on road, I feel myself slipping into a dream, as though I am no longer in the “Land of the Rising Sun” and have mysteriously ended up in Switzerland. The snow-capped mountains overlap into the clear blue sky like a painting for me to immerse all my senses. I arrive to spend a day at the traditional village, Shirakawa-go a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Shogawa River valley. Shirakawa is best known for its unique buildings called Gassho-zukuri, with A-framed, thick ..read more

Acupuncture points are accessible for everyone as way to put the body in balance with the technique of Acupressure. My aim for this article is to share 10 Power points for you, the Traveler, so you can optimize your health and well-being to fully enjoy your next journey with Acupressure. Health is wealth, especially when you are travelling. So, read on and find out how simple it can be to use these tips for your wellness & healing travel. The Acupressure points mostly lie on one of the 12 major Meridians, each corresponding with an organ. (See right Image) When adding pressure, you can ..read more

Every spring in Japan, cherry blossoms elegantly illuminate, as a prism from which to experience the essence of this Buddhist country. Being here during Cherry Blossom (aka Sakura) Season opened my mind to the infinite possibilities of their pink splendor. One can ride the delicate wave of “Kaika” or full bloom for 3 months throughout this archipelago, beginning in February in the tropical island of Okinawa until May in the northernmost island, Hokkaido. I was blessed to experience many moments of pink glory as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea from March to May in Japan, connecting me to the essence ..read more

Visiting South Korea would not be complete without going to one of their 900 traditional, Buddhist temples. Most of them are nestled in mountains according to the harmony of pung-su or feng shui and provide all visitors an opportunity to unplug from the modern WIFI world to connect with nature and the humbling principles of Buddhism for serenity. During my 2 spring days (at noon so photos not the best) in the panoramic port city, Busan, I spent each day at a Buddhist temple: Haedong Yonggungsa by the sea and Beomeosa in the mountains. Most temples in Korea end in -sa meaning temple in Sino ..read more

Jeju, is often called, “Honeymoon Island” as many South Korean newlyweds have their honeymoon here. This subtropical island feels like a romantic sanctuary, alone, on the Korean Strait. It was formed by volcanic eruptions 2 million years ago, sculpting a wild, volcanic landscape of basalt and lava. As a complement, there is an elegance of indigenous flora and beautiful gardens cultivated amidst the rocky shores and extinct volcanoes throughout the island. From my cruise ship, I enjoyed a day on the southern part of the island to see waterfalls, gardens, a Buddhist temple and the intriguing ..read more

As the eastern terminus to the Trans-Siberian Railway and gateway for Pacific ships, Vladivostok is a vital port for transportation and international trade. I was surprised to wake up on my cruise ship to a bright sun sparkling upon the dramatic Golden Horn Bay, with the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway Station, just outside our ship’s terminal. With minimal expectations and preparation, I set off solo on foot to make the most of my 1 day in Vladivostok. Vladivostok is the capital of the Primorye district, in a unique place being where Russian, North Korea and Chinese borders converge. Vladivost ..read more

Jeju, is often called, “Honeymoon Island” as many South Korean newlyweds have their honeymoon here. This subtropical island feels like a romantic sanctuary, alone on the Korean Strait. It was formed by volcanic eruptions 2 million years ago, sculpting a wild, volcanic landscape of basalt and lava. As a complement, there is an elegance of indigenous flora and beautiful gardens cultivated amidst the rocky shores and extinct volcanoes throughout the island. From my cruise ship, I experienced 2 day trips from Jeju City, enjoying the first going to the Spirited Garden and Glass Castle Theme Park ..read more