Year: 2017

Around the World in 53 Days

I started my journey around the Northern Hemisphere this morning: I walked to a number 2 bus which took me to a light rail station where I caught a train to the airport. Here’s the rest of my route: MSP–LAX–OGG (Kahului, Maui, Hawaii) OGG–HNL (Honolulu) Just one night. HNL–NRT–PVG (Shanghai) PVG–FUK (Fukuoka, Kyushu, Southern Japan) Jetfoil… Continue reading Around the World in 53 Days

Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood: Architectural Sculptures and Actual Buildings

Each week, I enjoy a walk or a cycle ride with a friend. This week we started at a street lined with twenty-four architectural sculptures on plinths. We had passed the end of this street many times, but had no idea these sculptures existed. Then we went on a hunt for some of the buildings depicted… Continue reading Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood: Architectural Sculptures and Actual Buildings

Long-Haul Journeys

Almost a year ago I learned I have high-grade prostate cancer. I’m surprised I’m not discouraged by surgery, radiation therapy, and the possibility of further therapies including chemo. My desire to travel is undiminished. 39 daily radiation sessions got in the way of a trip to Hawaii in January 2017. Instead, I planned a trip to… Continue reading Long-Haul Journeys

The Zen of Empty Shelves

My material needs for a month or two fit into a small backpack, end-on in an aircraft’s overhead bin. I find it satisfying to carefully select what I’m going to pack in my 35-liter backpack before heading out of town for a few weeks. I now want that same compact, lightweight, self-sufficient feeling with our… Continue reading The Zen of Empty Shelves

An Indoor 9-Mile Urban Hike

   A fierce rainstorm had hit California. People had died, a reservoir was bursting at the seams, evacuations had been ordered in several counties. The storm weakened as it crossed the Rockies on its way to Minneapolis and points east. On Monday, Presidents’ Day, the storm finally hit Minneapolis, dropping 0.6 inches of rain. This… Continue reading An Indoor 9-Mile Urban Hike

When Fear Rules

January 1990: I flew back home to Minneapolis after attending my father’s funeral in England. As the plane descended over Minneapolis my anxiety level rose, as it always did at this point in my journey back to the USA. Flying doesn’t bother me in the least. It was the thought of being questioned by an… Continue reading When Fear Rules

Inauguration Day 2017

  Today, Inauguration Day 2017, I did my bit to support artistic expression and local beer. Artistic expression is constitutionally protected speech. Art can express compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, but it can be annoying, uncomfortable, nihilistic. A crucifix immersed in the artist’s urine is not my go-to artistic experience, but neither is mind-numbing kitsch. Many of… Continue reading Inauguration Day 2017

How to Dispose of Unwanted Money

Tomorrow I’ll be stopping at the post office to drop off a box filled with foreign coins and banknotes. Last year, at Newcastle International Airport, I showed my nephews an easier way to dispose of foreign currency. I led them to a big, bubble-shaped currency donation bin, then handed them some UK coins. As you… Continue reading How to Dispose of Unwanted Money