Jony

Stilt houses, with all the modern comforts. The surprise effect wears off pretty quickly, though. In the end, you don't really get to enjoy the setting all that much. It probably would have been better to have more isolated houses, with private terraces, to really feel the immersion.

The main city in Crete has the charm of the old world. Small stone alleyways, old churches, old palaces, ancient fortifications... The walks are interesting. For drinks or food, you will have a wide choice of cafes and restaurants.

Right by the sea, just a 1-hour train ride from Tokyo, the seaside town of Kamakura is a great spot to spend a relaxing day that is a nice change of pace during a trip to the bustling Japanese capital. Things to see: temples, the giant statue of the Great Buddha, gardens, the beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Prices are a bit high, but I thought this excursion was worth it. The round trip by train from Tokyo is super easy to do in one day.

I had a layover in Rabat when I first arrived in Morocco. I took 2 days to visit the country's capital and I have to admit I was disappointed. I expected more. A lot of the area is uninteresting. The souk is interesting, but small. Same thing, the old casbah was small. Certain parts were closed to the public. But I saw tourists paying the police officer to get past the barrier (not for me, thanks). The coast is not set up for tourism, except maybe in private, paid areas. In short, maybe if you are accompanied by the right guide and the right checkbook, the city will reveal its treasures, but for everyone else, just keep moving.

Chefchaouen, that is a Moroccan city I hadn't planned on visiting at first. In the end, it was only once I was in Morocco that I decided to make the trip, based on the advice of some Moroccan friends. I absolutely do not regret it. The old town, with its steep streets, small shopkeepers, and different shades of blue, is a real discovery. You love getting lost in it, the people are warm and help you without any hidden financial motives, in short, an authentic experience.

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by my discovery of Lisbon. I wasn't expecting so much life, so much variety in the architecture, the neighborhood vibes, and the locals themselves. This city is worth visiting for a few days.