Kyoto, Philadelphia, London

Flight Upgrades, Summer In Canada

Author

David Rowe
April 01, 2025

“Life is short and the world is wide. The sooner you start exploring it, the better.”

In Today’s Newsletter:

Kyoto: A city where ancient temples, bamboo forests, and geishas in silk kimonos live side-by-side with cozy cafés and modern comforts.
Philadelphia: It’s got cobblestone charm, revolutionary roots, and enough personality to fill a stadium.
London: the kind of city that effortlessly blends royalty with rock ’n’ roll, centuries of history with cutting-edge cool.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is Japan’s timeless soul—a city where ancient temples, bamboo forests, and geishas in silk kimonos live side-by-side with cozy cafés and modern comforts. It’s peaceful, poetic, and packed with beauty at every turn.

Start with a sunrise visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of bright red torii gates wind up the mountain like something out of a dream.

Then wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks sway above you and time seems to slow down.

Kyoto is a city best explored slowly. Duck into quiet gardens, sip matcha at a traditional tea house, and stroll the stone streets of Gion, where you just might catch a glimpse of a geisha gliding by.

The attention to detail here—in food, design, and hospitality—is unmatched.

Hungry? Kyoto’s food scene is subtle but stunning. Try kaiseki (multi-course perfection), street food at Nishiki Market, or just grab a steaming bowl of udon and enjoy the moment.

Every season paints the city differently—cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maple leaves in fall, and temple rooftops dusted with snow in winter. It’s magic, plain and simple.

If Tokyo is Japan’s heartbeat, Kyoto is its soul.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the kind of city that doesn’t try to impress you—and that’s exactly why it does. It’s got cobblestone charm, revolutionary roots, and enough personality to fill a stadium (which, by the way, it also has).

Start your visit in Old City, where the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall remind you that America basically got its start here. Then wander into a modern-day art gallery or stumble upon a mural—Philly’s street art scene is one of the best in the country.

Hungry? Good. This city is serious about food. Yes, you have to try a cheesesteak (Pat’s vs. Geno’s is a whole thing), but don’t stop there—Philly’s got everything from incredible Italian to unbeatable soft pretzels and roast pork sandwiches that deserve their own fan clubs.

The city is super walkable, and each neighborhood has its own vibe—Rittenhouse Square is polished and pretty, Fishtown is artsy and cool, and South Street is delightfully weird. Sports fans, prepare for passion—Philly loves its teams loudly.

With its perfect mix of grit and heart, history and innovation, Philly feels real in all the right ways.

London, England

London is the kind of city that effortlessly blends royalty with rock ’n’ roll, centuries of history with cutting-edge cool. It’s massive, yes—but full of little neighborhoods and moments that make it feel personal and unforgettable.

Start your day with a stroll along the Thames, where ancient landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London sit proudly among sleek skyscrapers.

Hop on a double-decker bus, ride the Tube like a local, or just wander—you’ll stumble into cozy pubs, bookshops, and the kind of charming chaos only London can pull off.

Museum lover? You’re in heaven. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and Natural History Museum are world-class—and most of them are free.

Want something regal? Catch the Changing of the Guard, then wander through Hyde Park or admire the crown jewels.

And the food? Forget the old stereotypes. London’s food scene is now one of the best on the planet, with everything from Michelin stars to late-night curry on Brick Lane, fish and chips by the river, and food markets like Borough and Camden bringing global flavors to every bite.

It’s a little rainy, a little posh, and endlessly fascinating.