Visiting cool neighbourhoods before they were cool

[Travel Newsletter 27 September 2024] Northern Ireland, the Celtic Camino, Expo in Osaka, Moo Deng.

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I’ve lost interest in the “Top 50 Places” listicles that come out yearly as they are just random destinations pulled from a spreadsheet. This annual neighbourhood list by Time Out at least requires some research. Some of these places I am familiar with, and they have been known to be “cool” for years. Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City is featured on the list, which I wrote about in 2017 (and badly needs a major rewrite).

I’m in Chiang Mai this month and recently wrote about the Nimman neighbourhood. That area was cool years ago though. I’ve been exploring another area this week where I have noticed that a scene is developing. I thought to myself that this area would be featured on a “Coolest Street/Neighbourhood” list in the next 5 years. I will write about it soon.

“Forget about retinol night creams, researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) believe travel could be the best way to defy premature ageing.”

• I can’t believe I’m in the same country as Moo Deng, who is now an international celebrity.

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James Clark - Nomadic Notes.