Travel in Style-Part One

Travel evokes a profound sense of reminiscence, a feeling that lingers in the corners of our memory. Since the Post-Covid era, I’ve embarked on a few solo trips, primarily across Australia and Japan. It might sound like a broken record, but my life often revolves around discipline and structure. Travel , however ,whisks me away from routine, landing me in a blank slate where I exercise my creative muscles to depict the utopia I envisaged. That being said, I also surrender to serendipity and mysticism, embracing the elements of the unknown and uncertainty that sporadically unfold on the road.

In 2024, I designed my second trip of the year—a bit scattered, perhaps—but uniquely meaningful. It kicked off in Hong Kong, whirlwind through Karuizawa and Kusatsu Onsen, and culminated in Tokyo for an epic reunion with a dear friend. Along the way, as I shared moments of sheer joy with her , she described me (and I quote) as someone who “travels in style.” That simple yet striking phrase served as a stroke of genius, igniting me to write my first travel piece exploring the full spectrum of experiences

My recollection of each trip is an intricate tapestry of multi-dimensional experiences, encompassing layered sensory moments and multifaceted aesthetics.  I find myself marveling at architectural masterpieces and standing in awe of nature’s grandeur.

Style, to me, is not merely about appearances; it reveals the potential matrix of my reality—a realm where I summon the courage to expose myself to foreign lands, albeit ephemerally, while encountering human connections imbued with humility and grace. As I put myself out into the world, it reciprocates with moments of beauty and meaning. I carve out each once-in-a-lifetime style journey that is perpetually archived and cemented in my memory lane. If I do live up to the standard of traveling in style to some degree, I feel compelled to share evocative vignettes from my adventures.

Chapter 1 – A Tale of Two Hotels 

Timeless Elegance and Enduring Allure: The Upper House & Kerry Hotel by André Fu

In a recent interview, André Fu revealed his top three elements that contribute to a unique hotel experience. First and foremost, timelessness is key in hotel design, given the substantial investment involved. The second element is a sense of comfort, as people come to hotel spaces to rejuvenate. The final element is the sense of relaxed luxury, which is signature to Fu’s design language. Luxury, he explains, is no longer about formality or ornate décor; it’s about the guests' feeling of relaxation, with the sense of luxury emanating from within. I can see how he has masterfully incorporated all three elements into his design approach, from inception to the future.

Chapter 2 – Life is Architecture

Exploring I.M. Pei’s Exhibition and the Hiroshi and Senju Museum at the Intersection of Architecture, Art, and Nature.

I am inherently drawn to exhibitions—containers that encapsulate the essence of a notable character through artistic form and chronological perspective. The sentiment derived from each exhibition often remains inexplicable yet palpable. 

I also reflect deeply and gain flourishing benefits—reframing my mindset, gaining a unique worldview, and discovering the strength to carve out a life worth living. These talents not only reshaped the world’s presence but their lofty ambitions also illuminate our future. At its core, it is the spirit that prevails over social upheaval and personal turmoil. In this prevailing, it roars as the engine of human evolution. By taking inspiration from and inheriting the core spirit of our predecessors and peers, it breeds aspirations and resilience that yield joy and hope!

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