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    <title>Sleepless in Singapore - Episodes Tagged with “Bhutan”</title>
    <link>https://www.sleepless.sg/tags/bhutan</link>
    <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2024 21:00:00 +0800</pubDate>
    <description>As night falls, join me on 'Sleepless in Singapore' for a laid-back journey through my daily life in Singapore and tales from travels around the world. Then, fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Goethe, Schiller, or Kant being read in a calming voice.
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Let my voice be your guide to a restful night.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Julian Lindner</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>As night falls, join me on 'Sleepless in Singapore' for a laid-back journey through my daily life in Singapore and tales from travels around the world. Then, fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Goethe, Schiller, or Kant being read in a calming voice.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:keywords>Sleepless in Singapore, Relaxation Podcast, Sleep Aid, Tranquil Narration, Storytelling, Travel, Cultural Exploration, Food and Travel Podcast</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Julian Lindner</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>julian@lindner.earth</itunes:email>
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  <title>Episode 17: Bhutan</title>
  <link>https://www.sleepless.sg/17</link>
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  <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2024 21:00:00 +0800</pubDate>
  <author>Julian Lindner</author>
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  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Julian Lindner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of 'Sleepless in Singapore', I recount my thrilling and culturally rich trip to Bhutan, from the breathtaking landing between the mountains at Paro Airport to exploring serene monasteries, engaging in local customs like chewing betel nut, and embarking on challenging hikes including an ascent to the iconic Tiger's Nest, all while savouring the unique local cuisine and experiencing profound moments of quiet beauty and deep spirituality.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:09:51</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;p&gt;Landing in Bhutan was like entering a new world, nestled between towering mountains at Paro Airport, where the intricate architecture hinted at the cultural richness waiting to be discovered. Our arrival was marked by traditional white scarves and local rice wine, setting a welcoming tone for our adventure. As we journeyed through the lush landscapes to Thimphu, each sight—from the serene local temples to the vibrant markets—offered a deeper understanding of this quiet yet profoundly spiritual country.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Exploring further, we encountered the unique traditions and daily life of Bhutan. Hiking through the Himalayas was challenging but rewarding, revealing breathtaking monasteries perched in the mountains, each adorned with colorful wall paintings and golden Buddhas. The tranquility of these sacred spaces, combined with the natural beauty of the trails and the genuine hospitality of the Bhutanese people, left us with a profound sense of peace and a deep respect for this secluded kingdom. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Sleepless in Singapore, Podcast, Bhutan, Airbus A319, Paro Airport, Bhutanese culture, betel nut, Thimphu, momos, Bhutanese pizza, chili cheese, monasteries, hiking in Bhutan, Tiger's Nest, meditation, Bhutanese traditional clothing, Bhutanese art, Zong, prayer flags</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Landing in Bhutan was like entering a new world, nestled between towering mountains at Paro Airport, where the intricate architecture hinted at the cultural richness waiting to be discovered. Our arrival was marked by traditional white scarves and local rice wine, setting a welcoming tone for our adventure. As we journeyed through the lush landscapes to Thimphu, each sight—from the serene local temples to the vibrant markets—offered a deeper understanding of this quiet yet profoundly spiritual country.</p>

<p>Exploring further, we encountered the unique traditions and daily life of Bhutan. Hiking through the Himalayas was challenging but rewarding, revealing breathtaking monasteries perched in the mountains, each adorned with colorful wall paintings and golden Buddhas. The tranquility of these sacred spaces, combined with the natural beauty of the trails and the genuine hospitality of the Bhutanese people, left us with a profound sense of peace and a deep respect for this secluded kingdom.</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Locolust" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.locolust.com">Locolust</a> &mdash; A weblog about the joys of travelling. By yours truly.</li><li><a title="Druk Air Official Website" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.drukair.com.bt">Druk Air Official Website</a> &mdash; The national airline of Bhutan, known for operating in challenging conditions and offering routes to and from Bhutan, including business class services on modified planes for landing in mountainous Paro.</li><li><a title="Welcome to Bhutan" rel="nofollow" href="https://bhutan.travel/">Welcome to Bhutan</a> &mdash; The official tourism portal of Bhutan providing information on travel, accommodations, and local customs such as the use of traditional welcome scarves.</li><li><a title="Betel Nut" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/betel-nut-dangers">Betel Nut</a> &mdash; An article discussing the impact of betel nut chewing, including cultural significance and health implications.</li><li><a title="Zombala2 Restaurant" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/Zombala2/">Zombala2 Restaurant</a> &mdash; A popular restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, noted for its delicious momos and unique chili fries.</li><li><a title="108" rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/108_(number)#Buddhism">108</a> &mdash; The meaning of the number 108 in Buddhism – and elsewhere.</li><li><a title="Six Senses Bhutan" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/bhutan/">Six Senses Bhutan</a> &mdash; A luxury hotel known for its exquisite service and dining options, including local and international cuisine.</li><li><a title="The Tiger’s Nest" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/the-tigers-nest">The Tiger’s Nest</a> &mdash; One of Bhutan’s most revered and iconic landmarks, perched on the cliffs above the Paro Valley.</li><li><a title="Kira (Bhutan) - Wikipedia" rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kira_(Bhutan)">Kira (Bhutan) - Wikipedia</a> &mdash; Provides information on the traditional national dress for Bhutanese men and women, including the significance and occasions for wearing the dress.</li><li><a title="COMMENTS" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sleepless.sg/17">COMMENTS</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Landing in Bhutan was like entering a new world, nestled between towering mountains at Paro Airport, where the intricate architecture hinted at the cultural richness waiting to be discovered. Our arrival was marked by traditional white scarves and local rice wine, setting a welcoming tone for our adventure. As we journeyed through the lush landscapes to Thimphu, each sight—from the serene local temples to the vibrant markets—offered a deeper understanding of this quiet yet profoundly spiritual country.</p>

<p>Exploring further, we encountered the unique traditions and daily life of Bhutan. Hiking through the Himalayas was challenging but rewarding, revealing breathtaking monasteries perched in the mountains, each adorned with colorful wall paintings and golden Buddhas. The tranquility of these sacred spaces, combined with the natural beauty of the trails and the genuine hospitality of the Bhutanese people, left us with a profound sense of peace and a deep respect for this secluded kingdom.</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Locolust" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.locolust.com">Locolust</a> &mdash; A weblog about the joys of travelling. By yours truly.</li><li><a title="Druk Air Official Website" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.drukair.com.bt">Druk Air Official Website</a> &mdash; The national airline of Bhutan, known for operating in challenging conditions and offering routes to and from Bhutan, including business class services on modified planes for landing in mountainous Paro.</li><li><a title="Welcome to Bhutan" rel="nofollow" href="https://bhutan.travel/">Welcome to Bhutan</a> &mdash; The official tourism portal of Bhutan providing information on travel, accommodations, and local customs such as the use of traditional welcome scarves.</li><li><a title="Betel Nut" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/betel-nut-dangers">Betel Nut</a> &mdash; An article discussing the impact of betel nut chewing, including cultural significance and health implications.</li><li><a title="Zombala2 Restaurant" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/Zombala2/">Zombala2 Restaurant</a> &mdash; A popular restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, noted for its delicious momos and unique chili fries.</li><li><a title="108" rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/108_(number)#Buddhism">108</a> &mdash; The meaning of the number 108 in Buddhism – and elsewhere.</li><li><a title="Six Senses Bhutan" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/bhutan/">Six Senses Bhutan</a> &mdash; A luxury hotel known for its exquisite service and dining options, including local and international cuisine.</li><li><a title="The Tiger’s Nest" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/the-tigers-nest">The Tiger’s Nest</a> &mdash; One of Bhutan’s most revered and iconic landmarks, perched on the cliffs above the Paro Valley.</li><li><a title="Kira (Bhutan) - Wikipedia" rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kira_(Bhutan)">Kira (Bhutan) - Wikipedia</a> &mdash; Provides information on the traditional national dress for Bhutanese men and women, including the significance and occasions for wearing the dress.</li><li><a title="COMMENTS" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sleepless.sg/17">COMMENTS</a></li></ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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<item>
  <title>Episode 15: World Trip I (pt. 7) – Japan</title>
  <link>https://www.sleepless.sg/15</link>
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  <pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:00:00 +0800</pubDate>
  <author>Julian Lindner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/fb1edc68-94ae-4250-800b-c5f95dfcaaaf/d01809ca-68e0-4253-8af4-cbb0cf5bd519.mp3" length="51084633" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Julian Lindner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of 'Sleepless in Singapore', I recount my previous travel experiences in Korea and Japan, sharing details from emergency preparedness in Korean subways, to the unique culinary and cultural discoveries, including the serene yet bustling life in Japanese cities and the indulgence of authentic Kobe beef.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>53:12</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the transition from Korea to Japan, starting with a curious encounter with a kimchi pastry in Busan. This prelude to our travels led us to a ferry ride to Fukuoka, where Japan presented itself not with the anticipated high-tech spectacle but with serene, orderly streets and an unexpectedly quiet ambiance.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Settling into our modest accommodations, we dove into the local cuisine with a bowl of hearty ramen and marveled at the advanced features of Japanese toilets. The culinary journey peaked with our first taste of Kobe beef, an experience marked by its subtle, buttery texture and rich flavors, highlighting the unique culinary heritage of Japan and setting the tone for a trip filled with surprising discoveries and quiet reflections. &lt;/p&gt;
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  <itunes:keywords>Sleepless in Singapore, Podcast, Bhutan, Japan, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nara, Kobe, Koyasan, Tokyo, ferry, kimchi, emergency supplies, temples, sushi, Kobe beef, Shinkansen, bullet train, Japanese trains, maid cafe, matcha, Asahi, cultural experiences, traditional Japanese cuisine</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of &quot;Sleepless in Singapore,&quot; I recount the transition from Korea to Japan, starting with a curious encounter with a kimchi pastry in Busan. This prelude to our travels led us to a ferry ride to Fukuoka, where Japan presented itself not with the anticipated high-tech spectacle but with serene, orderly streets and an unexpectedly quiet ambiance.</p>

<p>Settling into our modest accommodations, we dove into the local cuisine with a bowl of hearty ramen and marveled at the advanced features of Japanese toilets. The culinary journey peaked with our first taste of Kobe beef, an experience marked by its subtle, buttery texture and rich flavors, highlighting the unique culinary heritage of Japan and setting the tone for a trip filled with surprising discoveries and quiet reflections.</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Beetle Ferry Service" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jrbeetle.com/en/">Beetle Ferry Service</a> &mdash; Official site for the Beetle ferry that operates between Busan, South Korea and Fukuoka, Japan, providing schedules, ticket information, and booking options.</li><li><a title="Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum" rel="nofollow" href="https://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng">Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum</a> &mdash; Official website for the museum in Hiroshima dedicated to documenting the atomic bomb's impact on the city and promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.</li><li><a title="Koyasan Shukubo Association" rel="nofollow" href="https://eng-shukubo.net">Koyasan Shukubo Association</a> &mdash; Provides comprehensive travel information about Koyasan, Japan, focusing on its spiritual significance, accommodations in monasteries, and cultural experiences.</li><li><a title="Japan Rail Pass" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/">Japan Rail Pass</a> &mdash; Official site to purchase the Japan Rail Pass for tourists, which offers unlimited travel on Japan Rail national trains for a fixed period.</li><li><a title="Asahi Breweries" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asahibeer.com/">Asahi Breweries</a> &mdash; Explore the range of beers offered by Asahi, one of Japan's leading beer brands mentioned for pairing with meals in the podcast.</li><li><a title="Tsukiji Outer Market" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/">Tsukiji Outer Market</a> &mdash; Information site for the famous market in Tokyo, which although changed from its original form, still offers a variety of fresh seafood and produce.</li><li><a title="Akihabara Maid Cafes Guide" rel="nofollow" href="https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-akihabara/article-a0003247/">Akihabara Maid Cafes Guide</a> &mdash; Portal to maid cafes in Akihabara, Tokyo, where staff dressed in maid costumes serve guests in a unique, themed environment.</li><li><a title="COMMENTS" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sleepless.sg/15">COMMENTS</a></li></ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of &quot;Sleepless in Singapore,&quot; I recount the transition from Korea to Japan, starting with a curious encounter with a kimchi pastry in Busan. This prelude to our travels led us to a ferry ride to Fukuoka, where Japan presented itself not with the anticipated high-tech spectacle but with serene, orderly streets and an unexpectedly quiet ambiance.</p>

<p>Settling into our modest accommodations, we dove into the local cuisine with a bowl of hearty ramen and marveled at the advanced features of Japanese toilets. The culinary journey peaked with our first taste of Kobe beef, an experience marked by its subtle, buttery texture and rich flavors, highlighting the unique culinary heritage of Japan and setting the tone for a trip filled with surprising discoveries and quiet reflections.</p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Beetle Ferry Service" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jrbeetle.com/en/">Beetle Ferry Service</a> &mdash; Official site for the Beetle ferry that operates between Busan, South Korea and Fukuoka, Japan, providing schedules, ticket information, and booking options.</li><li><a title="Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum" rel="nofollow" href="https://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng">Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum</a> &mdash; Official website for the museum in Hiroshima dedicated to documenting the atomic bomb's impact on the city and promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.</li><li><a title="Koyasan Shukubo Association" rel="nofollow" href="https://eng-shukubo.net">Koyasan Shukubo Association</a> &mdash; Provides comprehensive travel information about Koyasan, Japan, focusing on its spiritual significance, accommodations in monasteries, and cultural experiences.</li><li><a title="Japan Rail Pass" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/">Japan Rail Pass</a> &mdash; Official site to purchase the Japan Rail Pass for tourists, which offers unlimited travel on Japan Rail national trains for a fixed period.</li><li><a title="Asahi Breweries" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asahibeer.com/">Asahi Breweries</a> &mdash; Explore the range of beers offered by Asahi, one of Japan's leading beer brands mentioned for pairing with meals in the podcast.</li><li><a title="Tsukiji Outer Market" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/">Tsukiji Outer Market</a> &mdash; Information site for the famous market in Tokyo, which although changed from its original form, still offers a variety of fresh seafood and produce.</li><li><a title="Akihabara Maid Cafes Guide" rel="nofollow" href="https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-akihabara/article-a0003247/">Akihabara Maid Cafes Guide</a> &mdash; Portal to maid cafes in Akihabara, Tokyo, where staff dressed in maid costumes serve guests in a unique, themed environment.</li><li><a title="COMMENTS" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sleepless.sg/15">COMMENTS</a></li></ul>]]>
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