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Last Fall, I was lost in my thoughts, exploring some quiet back lanes in Istanbul I’ve seen described as “gritty.” Just as I was about to walk into a busier area, someone tugged on my sleeve, stopping me in my tracks.    A bizarre scene unfolded in front of me. First some men in suits… Continue reading Now and Then: Guns n’ Cigarettes

My SIMs from UK, Japan, USA, Turkey Once, while traveling in the UK, T-Mobile billed me $400 for 25MB–that’s $16,000 per GB! This was a surprise as, under that same plan, I had not been charged for data use during previous overseas trips. I asked T-Mobile to waive the charge (they did), but I cancelled… Continue reading Travel Gear: Mobile Internet

I noticed the woman when I was riding the Busan (South Korea) subway at morning commute time, earlier this year. She was middle-aged, and quite unremarkable until she started her morning makeup routine. Seated in the crowded carriage, out came her creams, brushes, and other makeup paraphernalia. She then painstakingly, unselfconsciously transformed her appearance, right… Continue reading Travel Gear: Makeup and Mirror

Minnesota in the summer is just too lovely, so I won’t be traveling far this month. That doesn’t stop me thinking about the mechanics of travel. When I was in Japan earlier this year, handheld electronics hugely contributed to my ability to navigate the geography and the culture. Or, to be more precise, the software… Continue reading Travel Gear: OpenStreetMap

2013 Fearless Bellying up to the bar with Grandma 2011 2009

1. Figuring out how to navigate the day was like solving a puzzle. That was most satisfying. 2. Being able to hop on and off trains anywhere, having paid once for my Japan Rail pass. 3. Knowing when to get off the train simply by looking at my watch. 4. The sheer predictability services will… Continue reading 30 Reasons I Like Japan

The trails around Otaru are still buried under snow drifts, so time for plan B: Museum Day. Otaru (Train) Museum Otaru had the first railroad on Hokkaido. One of the many snow plows on display I wanted to take this home with me Sapporo Beer Museum The old Sapporo brewery (now a museum) There’s something… Continue reading Hokkaido Museum Day: Trains and Beer

Trailhead: Seibu-Chichibu Train Station April 4, 2013 I stayed at a hotel two blocks from the station and walked directly to trails. Cherry blossoms, rice paddies There were several shrines Trailhead: Mitake Train Station April 5, 2013 I put my backpack in a locker, and set foot from the station. Great views, had it not… Continue reading Tokyo Hiking Trails