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Filtering by Tag: Art

Singapore in Paris

The Globe-Trotters Collective

 
 
 

Featuring Intersections Gallery @ Art Paris Art Fair 2015

If you're in Paris and are in the mood for contemporary art, go to Art Paris Art Fair at the Grand Palais, from Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, March 29, 2015.  Singapore and Southeast Asia are this year's guests of honor so you can travel to Asia without getting on a plane!  Stop by Singapore-based Intersections Gallery at booth G19 and get to know talented emerging artists from Singapore and Myanmar.

ART PARIS ART FAIR
26 - 29 March 2015

Intersections @ G19 | Singapore Platform

Presenting
June Lee Yu Juan
Phyu Mon
Nyein Chan Su

Grand Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008, Paris, France

Intersections Gallery @ Art Paris | Grand Palais, booth G19 (photo courtesy of Les Echos)

Intersections Gallery @ Art Paris | Grand Palais, booth G19 (photo courtesy of Les Echos)

Opening hours
Thurs. 26 March: 11h30am - 8pm
Fri. 27 March: 11h30am - 10pm
Sat. 28 March: 11h30am - 8pm
Sun. 29 March: 11h30am - 7pm

Tickets
Adults & children > age 10: €22
Students & groups ≥ 10: €12
Free admission for children < 10

 
 

Press
Read about the artists featured in the Figaro Magazine, Art Actuel and Le Monde!

 

Stopover in Dubai

The Globe-Trotters Collective

dubai-vignette.jpg

Dubai is a great city to make a stopover if you’re traveling from the Americas to Asia (and vice-versa).  We stopped in Dubai for 2 days as we were moving from Singapore to Panama, and discovered that Dubai has far more to offer than we had expected.  Beyond its gigantic malls and exuberant architecture, Dubai has a fascinating history and a growing local art scene.  Our globe-trotting friends – Maru, Wolfgang and Andrés – who lived in Dubai, shared their favorite spots and helped us compose the following recommendations.

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT

Burj Khalifa (photo courtesy of Arabian Business)

Burj Khalifa (photo courtesy of Arabian Business)

Burj Khalifa
Tallest man-made structure in the world, 830 meters (2,722 ft). To visit the Burj Khalifa, you can either go to the observation deck called At The Top, or go for drinks or tea at At.Mosphere (the lounge) in the Armani Hotel, which is located in the Burj Khalifa. The best time for both plans is 5-5:30 (sunset) because you will be able to enjoy the view both by day and by night.
Note: it is important to make reservations in advance!

Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall (photo courtesy of Dubai Mall)

The Dubai Mall (photo courtesy of Dubai Mall)

The Dubai Mall
Biggest mall in the world. Connects to At the Top in Burj Khalifa, to the Dubai Fountain and Souk Al Bahar. Don’t miss the aquarium, the Level Shoe District, the Fashion Avenue and Kinokuniya Book World (nice, huge, bookstore).
Address: Financial Center Road, Near Souk Al Bahar Bridge, DownTown Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line)

Book World by Kinokuniya
Adddress: The Dubai Mall, Level 2, DownTown Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T: +971 4 434 0111

The Dubai Fountain (photo courtesy of Dubai Mall)

The Dubai Fountain (photo courtesy of Dubai Mall)

Dancing Fountains/Dubai Fountain
Similar to the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, they are the world’s largest dancing fountains. You can see the Dancing Fountains from the Dubai Mall or Souk Al Bahar. The show schedule is as follows: 1 & 1:30PM (except Fridays: 1:30pm & 2pm) and every 30 minutes from 6PM to 11PM.
Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line)

Mall of the Emirates
Our favorite mall, not as modern or big as the Dubai Mall but much more manageable. Ski Dubai is located in the mall. The concept is cool (an indoor ski slope) but in our opinion, not a must.
Address: Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates (Red Line)

Mall of the Emirates (photo courtesy of Dubai Metro)

Mall of the Emirates (photo courtesy of Dubai Metro)

Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Reproduction of a traditional Arabian souk. Beautiful! A Must!  Great restaurants are also there, such as The Meat Co. (steakhouse).  Located at the heart of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, the souk is open daily from 10am to 11pm.  To get there, you can take the Metro (Red Line) to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station and take a taxi from there.
Address: Interchange 4, Exit No 4, Jumeirah Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T:
+971 4 366 8888

Souk Madinat Jumeirah (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Souk Madinat Jumeirah (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Burj Al Arab (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Burj Al Arab (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Burj Al Arab
Its architecture is stunning however, the décor inside is very arabesque and in our opinion, a bit tacky.  Nevertheless, it is supposedly the most luxurious and only 7 star hotel in the world.  You can only go inside if you are staying there or have brunch/lunch/tea/dinner reservations.  For light snacks, afternoon tea or drinks, go to the Sky View Bar on the 27th Floor (be ready to spend money!).
Note: reservations are a must!  Best way to get there is by car/taxi/Uber.

Address: Jumeirah Beach Rd, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates  [MAP]
T: +971 4 301 7777

Dubai International Financial Centre (photo courtesy of Arabian Business)

Dubai International Financial Centre (photo courtesy of Arabian Business)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai’s financial centre.  Very trendy area at night.  The Ritz Carlton downtown is located here and there are a bunch of trendy art galleries and amazing restaurants such as Zuma, Roberto’s, La Petite Maison and Gaucho (all excellent, see additional details in the "Where to Eat" section below). 
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [
MAP]
Metro Station:  Financial Centre (Red Line)

Below are a few cultural sights worth seeing in Dubai’s historic district:

Dubai Museum (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Dubai Museum (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Dubai Museum
If you’re interested in finding out about the history of Dubai, check out the Dubai Museum.  You literally “walk through the years,” and get to see how Dubai grew from a small fishing town to a global city and commercial center for the Gulf Region. Really worth a visit!
Address: Al
Fahidi Fort – Opposite Grand Mosque, Near Arabian Court Hotel – Al Fahidi St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station: Al Fahidi (Green Line)
T: +971 4 353 1862
 

Al Bastakiya Historical Neighborhood
After the Dubai Museum, check out Dubai's historical neighborhood, located a few minutes away from the Al Fahidi Fort/Dubai Museum.  To get there, walk along Al Fahidi St., away from the Museum and towards the roundabout. The neighborhood is pedestrian-only and is a nice oasis of tranquility.  Look for XVA Gallery, stop by the café and try their legendary mint lemonade!  XVA Café is also a good spot to have lunch (tasty local food at reasonable prices).

XVA Café (photo courtesy of XVA Art Hotel &amp; Gallery)

XVA Café (photo courtesy of XVA Art Hotel & Gallery)

XVA Café
Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Address:
Al Bastakiya, off Al-Fahidi round about, Al Fahidi St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station: Al Fahidi (Green Line)
T: +971 4 353 5383

Gold Souk
A souk dedicated to gold.  Touristy but fun to see the daily gold rate that appears on digital billboards displayed along the souk.  Be ready to get hassled by vendors selling fake designer bags and watches (just act uninterested and they will leave you alone).  The souk is quite small and can be visited quickly.
Address: d – 24 D 85, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [
MAP]
Metro Station:
Al Ras (Green Line)

The Gold Souk

The Gold Souk

Deira Spice Souk
A short walk from the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk is a bit touristy but you’ll be able to see – and smell – all sorts of colorful and fragrant spices from the region.
Address:
D 85, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station:
Al Ras (Green Line)

The Spice Souk (photo courtesy of Dubai Tourism)

The Spice Souk (photo courtesy of Dubai Tourism)

If you’re into contemporary art and want to get off the tourist track, check out the Al Quoz Industrial Zone, where many local artists have their workshops and galleries.

Al Quoz Industrial Zone

Al Quoz Industrial Zone

There are many cool art spaces in Al Quoz and we only got to see a few because of time-constraints (our 2-day trip was too short!). 

We recommend that you check out
Alserkal Avenue where you’ll find art spaces, including galleries, workshops and collaborative spaces.  We also wanted to go to The Courtyard but didn't have time to make it there.

Alserkal Avenue
Address: Street 8, Al Quoz 1 (EXIT 43 off of Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T: +971 50 556 9797

At Alserkal Avenue, stop by A4 Space, a collaborative space for artists, writers and the culturally curious to create, connect and collaborate.  Check out the cultural library at The Loft and have a coffee at Appetite Café, both located inside A4 Space.  Look up the calendar of events to see what's going on while you're in Dubai!

To get to Alserkal Avenue, you can take the Metro (Red Line) to either Noor Bank or First Gulf Bank (Gold & Diamond Park) and take a cab from there.  Additional information on how to get there can be found here

Note: it can be difficult to find a cab in Al Quoz to make it back Downtown around rush hour (5-5:30pm) so make sure you plan ahead.

A4 Space / The Loft (photo courtesy of Alserkal Avenue)

A4 Space / The Loft (photo courtesy of Alserkal Avenue)

WHERE TO EAT

Wafi Gourmet / Dubai Mall Branch (photo courtesy of Wafi Gourmet)

Wafi Gourmet / Dubai Mall Branch (photo courtesy of Wafi Gourmet)

Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese)
Delicious and authentic Lebanese cuisine.  Serves a wide selection of mezze, kebabs and seafood.  The Dubai Mall branch is located a few steps from the Burj Khalifah and has a nice terrace, where locals have shisha while enjoying the view of the Burj Khalifa Lake.  Good spot for lunch or dinner.
Address: Lower Ground floor, Dubai Mall, Downtown Burj Khalifa [MAP]
T: +971 4 330 8297

La Petite Maison (photo courtesy of La Petite Maison)

La Petite Maison (photo courtesy of La Petite Maison)

La Petite Maison (French)
Very trendy. Located in DIFC (Downtown Dubai).
Address:
Gate Village No, 8, Dubai International Financial Center, 312th Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station:  Financial Centre (Red Line)
T: +971 4 439 0505

Roberto's (photo courtesy of Roberto's)

Roberto's (photo courtesy of Roberto's)

Roberto’s (Italian)
Delicious and trendy. Located in DIFC (Downtown Dubai).
Address:
The Bay Gate, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
Metro Station:  Financial Centre (Red Line)
T: +971 4 386 0066

The Meat Co. (Steakhouse)
Great selection of steaks but also serves fish. Located by the waterway in
Souk Madinat.  Nice spot for dinner.
Address: 
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T: +971 4 368 6040

MeatCo @ Souk Madinat (photo courtesy of The Meat Co.)

MeatCo @ Souk Madinat (photo courtesy of The Meat Co.)

Pai Thai (Thai)
Located in
Al Qasr Hotel, one of the boutique hotels in Madinat Jumeirah. Go to Souk Madinat and take a small boat that takes you to the restaurant.
Address:
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T:
+971 4 366 5866

Pai-Thai.jpg

Pierchic (Seafood)
Super romantic.  Expensive but has the best view of
Burj Al Arab.  Located at the end of the pier at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah.  Access from Al Qasr pool and beach area.
Address:
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T: +971 4 366 5866
 

Pierchic (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

Pierchic (photo courtesy of Jumeirah)

WHERE TO GO OUT

101 Lounge &amp; Bar (photo courtesy of One &amp; Only The Palm)

101 Lounge & Bar (photo courtesy of One & Only The Palm)

101 Lounge & Bar
Beautiful for drinks at sunset time 5:30PM. A Must! Located in the One & Only The Palm (Palm Jumeirah).
Address: West Crescent, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates [MAP]
T: +971 4 440 1030

The Act (photo courtesy of The Act)

The Act (photo courtesy of The Act)

The Act
Combines performances, music and good Peruvian food. Located in the Shangri-la.
Address: Shangri-La Hotel, 42nd floor, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Erimates [MAP]
Metro Station: Financial Centre
T: +971 4 355 1116

Globe-Trotting Contributors
Maru Velez and Wolfgang Harten, previously based in Dubai and currently living in Quito (Ecuador)
Andrés Pages, previously based in Dubai and currently living in Panama City (Panama)
Marie-Adélaïde Mol and Rafael Fernandez, previously based in Singapore and currently living in Panama City (Panama)

Maru + Wolfgang

Maru + Wolfgang

Andrés

Andrés

Marie-Adelaide + Rafael

Marie-Adelaide + Rafael

A Day in Teshima

The Globe-Trotters Collective

 
teshima-vignette.jpg
 

We found out about Teshima while visiting the Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima, where we came across photos of the Teshima Art Museum and other art installations on the island.  Our itinerary was very tight and we only had a day left in Naoshima but with the help of a very friendly receptionist at the Benesse House, we devised a plan to make a small detour via Teshima before heading to our next destination – Kobe.  Teshima is amazing and if you’re planning to go all the way to Naoshima, we really recommend adding a day in Teshima to your itinerary.

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT

Teshima Art Musueum (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Teshima Art Musueum (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Teshima Art Museum
The crown jewel of Teshima, this museum is one of the most extraordinary pieces of contemporary architecture in the world.  The Teshima Art Museum is the product of a collaboration between architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito.  As you approach the museum site, you will be drawn into an intriguing organic shaped structure that hugs the landscape around it.  In its interior, an incredible vaulted space will absorb you into a silent experience of reflection and contemplation of water droplets gliding through the concrete surface.  You can’t miss this architectural wonder.  [MAP]

Les Archives du Coeur (photo courtesy of Yasuhide Kuge)

Les Archives du Coeur (photo courtesy of Yasuhide Kuge)

Les Archives du Coeur
Located on the east end of Teshima,  Les Archives du Coeur (“Heart Archives") by French artist Christian Boltanski is an art installation dedicated to record and archive the heartbeats of all its visitors.  After recording your heartbeat, you will enter a chamber where the recorded heartbeats (including yours if you choose to) will be the focus of an incredible audio-visual installation.  A truly out-of-body experience!  [MAP]

Due to our tight schedule, we could only visit a few installations but you can find out about other art sites on Teshima via the Art Setouchi website. 

Note: some of the artworks such as Tom Na H-iu by Mariko Mori and Distant Memory by Chiharu Shiota’s are closed during winter (from mid-November to end of March).

WHERE TO HAVE A COFFEE (OR TEA)

Café Il Vento
What appears to be a traditional Japanese house on the outside, is in fact a café with a psychedelic décor in the inside.  The artwork/café, also called Was du liebst, bring dich auch zum weinen  (“what you love, will also make you cry” in German), was designed by German artist Tobias Rehberger.  A great spot to have coffee and delicious home-made cakes after exploring the island!

Café Il Vento / Was du liebst, bring dich auch zum weinen

Café Il Vento / Was du liebst, bring dich auch zum weinen

Teshima Art Museum Café (photo courtesy of Wallpaper*)

Teshima Art Museum Café (photo courtesy of Wallpaper*)

Teshima Art Museum Café
Designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa, the café is like a droplet of the Art Museum, very minimalist and zen. Try out their rice balls or their delicious donuts made with rice grown in the rice terraces of Teshima.

HOW TO GET THERE

From/To Naoshima
There is a ferry boat that runs between Miyanoura Port in Naoshima and Ieura Port in Teshima.   The boat ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs 600 yen/person.
[Naoshima/Teshima Ferry Timetables]

From/To Uno Port
The ferry boat from/to Uno Port makes stops at both Ieura Port and Karato Port in Teshima.  The boat ride takes from 40 minutes (to Ieura) to an hour (to Karato), and costs between 750 and 1000 yen. 
[Uno/Teshima Ferry Timetables]

Teshima Passenger Ferry Boat

Teshima Passenger Ferry Boat

Note:  You can find additional information on how to get to Teshima on the Japan-Guide site.
 

HOW TO GET AROUND TESHIMA

Teshima Local Bus (photo courtesy of Japan-Guide)

Teshima Local Bus (photo courtesy of Japan-Guide)

The day we went to Naoshima was rainy so we got around by local bus (200 yen/ride) and by walk.  However, if you’re there on a sunny day, another option is to rent a bike so you can explore the island on your own schedule (the local bus doesn’t come by very often).

Note: The Art Setouchi website recommends renting pedelecs (power assisted bicycles) due to the steep hills in some parts of the island.  Bicycles can be rented on the South Side of the Ieura port terminal building from 9:00-16:00 (1,000 yen for 4 hours; 100 yen every additional hour; 40 pedelecs.  Closed on Tuesday, or on Wednesday if Tuesday is a national holiday).


OTHER USEFUL TIPS 

Baggage Check
If you’re visiting Teshima on the go (with your luggage), there is a baggage check service (300 yen/bag) at the Ieura Port Ferry Terminal, from 8:30am to 5pm.  We used the baggage check service and it was great!
 

Globe-Trotting Contributors
Marie-Adélaïde Mol and Rafael Fernández

MA+RFA.jpg
 

Exploring Naoshima

The Globe-Trotters Collective

 
 

Naoshima is one of the most amazing places we've ever visited. After an epic journey by air, land and sea, arriving in Naoshima was like landing in an oasis of nature and culture. If you’re into architecture, art, philosophy, and want to get off the usual tourist track in Japan, then Naoshima is for you.  The trip can be long and arduous but the journey to get there is part of the experience.  If you can, we recommend staying at least 3 full days so you can also explore Naoshima's sister islands, Teshima and Inujima.

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT

Lee Ufan Museum

Lee Ufan Museum

Lee Ufan Museum
We arrived at the museum on a late morning, after getting dropped off by the Benesse House shuttle bus that stops at the different art sites on the island. Perhaps a prelude to the Chichu Art Museum, the Lee Ufan Museum can be found nestled in the hills between the Benesse House Museum and the Chichu Art Museum. This pavilion-size structure gives you a preview of Tadao Ando ’s ideas for the island's buildings as spaces of retreat and reflection.

 

Chichu Art Museum (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Chichu Art Museum (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Chichu Art Museum
A short walk from Lee Ufan, the Chichu Art Museum is the crownpiece of Naoshima Island. Also designed by Tadao Ando, the museum leads its visitors through a journey of art installations by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter de Maria.
What makes Chichu truly unique is that the museum was carefully designed by Ando to best exhibit the artworks. Each art installation was beyond our imagination and we were mesmerized by the perfect harmony between the space and the artworks. Exploring the museum is an exterior-interior experience realized by Ando through his masterful use of light and concrete.   The truth is that words don’t do justice to this place, and you have to go there to see and experience this one of a kind museum and architectural masterpiece. 

Art House Project (photo courtesy of Benesse House)

Art House Project (photo courtesy of Benesse House)

Art House Project
The Art House Project consists of a series of 1- or 2-storey traditional Japanese houses scattered among Honmura District, Naoshima’s main residential area. Stepping inside the traditional houses, you'll discover incredible modern art installations.

Start at Honmura Lounge & Archive where you can get your ticket (we recommend the option that gives you access to all the houses) and a small map to navigate the labyrinth of streets of Honmura. While visiting the Art House Project, we met a really cool couple of Columbia University Law Professors with whom we explored the different houses and art installations.  It was a blast!
 

Ando Museum (photo courtesy of Benesse House)

Ando Museum (photo courtesy of Benesse House)

Ando Museum
The Ando Museum is a great little museum that showcases Tadao Ando’s work as an architect, including hand-drawn sketches and models.  The museum is located in a traditional Japanese house, across from the Minamidera Art House. Definitely worth visiting if you want to learn more about the architect behind most of the buildings found on the Benesse Art Site. 

Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin

Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin

Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkins
There are two of Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkins on Naoshima: the Red Pumpkin is at the Naoshima Ferry Terminal in the Miyanoura Area, and the Yellow Pumpkin is near the Benesse House Park.  They are staples of Naoshima and nice spots to take photos!

Check out the Benesse House official website for additional information on the Art Site, and the Naoshima Travel Guide for additional sights and activities on the island.

WHERE TO STAY

Benesse House Oval (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Benesse House Oval (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Hotel Benesse House
The Hotel Benesse House is divided into three parts: the Park, the Beach and the Museum, which includes the Oval.  The hotel is architecturally exquisite,  every piece of furniture is well crafted and every detail has been well thought-out. We stayed at the Park and found it amazing, as our room was overlooking a garden of sculptures (a bit like Charles Trenet’s Jardin Extraordinaire!).  Yet, we were left wondering about the Oval, which is connected to the museum and is only accessible to hotel guests via monorail.  It was one of the best hotels we ever stayed at, and even though the rooms are pricey, we really recommend staying at the Benesse House.
Important Tip: make reservations well ahead of time because there are limited availabilities, especially at the Oval!

Check out the Naoshima Travel Guide for additional (and cheaper) accommodations on the island.
 

WHERE TO EAT

Issen Restaurant (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Issen Restaurant (photo courtesy of Iwan Baan)

Museum Restaurant Issen
Issen is located inside the Benesse House Museum.  To arrive at the restaurant, we walked across the museum until we reached one of the main galleries.  The setting was incredible, the service was excellent, and the food included a variety of Japanese traditional dishes that were both delicious and beautifully served.  After dinner, we were able to visit the museum in complete peacefulness. Note: you have to make a reservation.

HOW TO GET THERE

On our way to Naoshima on the JR Uno Line

On our way to Naoshima on the JR Uno Line

There are several ways to get to Naoshima. In our case, we were traveling from Singapore and decided to go to Naoshima straight from Narita Airport (may sound crazy but totally doable thanks to Japan's amazing railway system).  A great tip we received at Narita was to transfer from the Narita Express to a Shinkansen (bullet train) at Shinagawa Station, which is a smaller train station and therefore easier to navigate than Tokyo Station.  From Shinagawa, we took a Nozomi Shinkansen (the fastest train category) to Okayama, where we switched to the JR Seto Ohashi Line from Okayama Station to Chayamachi Station.  At Chayamachi, we transferred to the JR Uno Line that took us to Uno Port.  We then walked from Uno Port Station to the ferry dock, which are a few meters away from each other.  Finally, we took the ferry to Naoshima.  When we arrived in Naoshima, the Benesse House shuttle bus (free for hotel guests) was waiting for us at the Ferry Terminal and took us to the Hotel Benesse House. 

Note: the best thing about traveling by train - aside from the mind-blowing efficiency of the Japanese railway system - is that you get to see the country.  As we approached Uno port, the landscape really changed to a more rural scenery.  On the trains from Okayama to Uno Port, we were the only none-Japanese passengers, traveling alongside commuters and children coming home from school. When we were lost, people helped us find our way and made sure we didn't miss our stop at Chayamachi to transfer the Uno Line.  It's a great way to interact with locals and see the less traveled parts of Japan!

Below is a summary of our itinerary from Narita Airport to Naoshima:

Narita Airport
Narita Express
|
Shinagawa Station
Transfer to Nozomi Shinkansen
|
Okayama Station
Transfer to JR Seto Ohashi Line
|
Chayamachi Station
Transfer to JR Uno Line
|
Uno Port Station
Transfer to Ferry Passenger Boat
|
Naoshima
Total travel time: approx. 8 hours

Additional directions can be found on the Benesse House website. We also discovered an alternative route by boat from Awaji Island to Naoshima, which is part of a two day tour of Awaji and Naoshima offered by Awaji Yume Tours.

Arriving at the Naoshima Ferry Terminal

Arriving at the Naoshima Ferry Terminal

Globe-Trotting Contributors: Marie-Adélaïde Mol and Rafael Fernández, with the help of Mary Seto, our globe-trotting friend from Japan, living in Panama City

Hanoi 's Up and Coming Art Scene

The Globe-Trotters Collective

 
 

Hanoi's Art scene is booming and art spaces as well as artsy bars and cafés are sprouting throughout the city.  Below are a few of our favorites.  We also recommend checking out Hanoi Grapevine and Word Hanoi for cool events and exhibits.

BARS

Bar Betta (Ba Dinh District)
Old Hollywood-themed bar on Cao Ba Quat Street with a great rooftop to sip a margarita after touring nearby Fine Arts Museum, HCM Mausoleum or Temple of Literature.
Address: 34C Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
T: +84 165 897 9073

21 North (Tay Ho/West Lake)
New hip art space and bar directly facing the lake with outdoor seating to sip on some Ricard (zee-ka, in Vietnamese) at sunset.
Address: 49 Duong Ven Ho Tay
T: +84 (0)9 4670 8286

Tadioto (Hoan Kiem District)
Artsy bar and alternative art space near the Opera House. Perfect to relax with a book and a coffee by day, or with a drink after a long week. We recommend their passion fruit margaritas!
Address: 24B Tong Dan, Hanoi, Vietnam
T: +84 (0)4 6680 9124

CAFÉS

Cong Caphe (Ba Dinh District)
Cafe on Dien Bien Phu with funky art and a refreshing yoghurt coffee on ice.
Address: 32 Điện Biên Phủ, Hanoi
T: +84 (0)4 2247 0602

Manzi (photo courtesy of Hanoi Grapevine)

Manzi (photo courtesy of Hanoi Grapevine)

Manzi (Ba Dinh District)
Restored colonial house that’s been transformed into an independent art space, art shop and cafe.
Address: 14 Phan Huy Ích, Hanoi
T: +84 (0)4 3716 3397
 

CULTURAL CENTERS

Hanoi is home to many cultural centers that frequently host exhibitions.  Although it might sound strange to go to your home country's cultural institute while traveling in Vietnam, we recommend checking out what the cultural centers are up to as the exhibitions often aim to bridge their own culture with Vietnam's. Below are 3 of our favorite cultural centers in Hanoi.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Goethe Institute Hanoi (photo courtesy of Goethe Institute)

          Goethe Institute Hanoi (photo courtesy of Goethe Institute)

Goethe Institute Hanoi
Address:  56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
T: +84 (0)4 3734 2251

Japan Foundation
Address: 27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
T: +84 (0)4 3944 7419

Yayoi Kusama Exhibition at the Japan Foundation (June 2013)

Yayoi Kusama Exhibition at the Japan Foundation (June 2013)

Vespa Exhibition at Casa Italia (August 2013)

Vespa Exhibition at Casa Italia (August 2013)

Casa Italia
Address: 86 Le Loi (near the Metropole Hotel), Hanoi, Vietnam
T: +84 (0)8 3824 4286

Globe-Trotting Contributors
Pierre-Emmanuel Mol, Sara Lehman, Marie-Adélaïde Mol, Rafael Fernández

 
Pem + Sara

Pem + Sara

Marie-Adelaide + Rafael

Marie-Adelaide + Rafael