Since 2013 I’ve been posting something positive (usually) about each day. In recent years, each December, I’ve selected one Micropost from each month of the past year to include in an omnibus Post The main theme of this Blog, “Journeys,” is what primarily inspires my choices for Microposts. I’m grateful my health journey continues to…… Continue reading 12 Months of Microposts: 2025
Author: Tom Wilson
Temple plumbing 2025
I’ve often posted about the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, a 700-mile circular route around Shikoku, one of Japan’s main islands. Over the years, I’ve hiked to 31 of its 88 temples, some multiple times. This year, I visited temples 71 through 75 for the first time.
A rural train station in a 7-mile tunnel
Rain this morniing, time to ride the rails and find a place Instagram influencers have yet to over-love: Tsutsuishi Station, on a rural line, approximately 60 riders a day (mainly school kids), in a 7-mile tunnel, 130 feet underground, no elevator. Click through for a photo journal.
12 Months of Microposts: 2024
Since 2013 I’ve been posting something positive (usually) about each day. In recent years, each December, I’ve selected one Micropost from each month of the past year to include in an omnibus Post. Here’s my 2024 roundup: All Microblog Posts | All Blog Posts | All Journeys
Summer of Declutter
Back in the summer of 2017 we found ourselves with a tight two-month deadline to declutter our home. We’d listed our house for sale and anticipated a quick sale, leaving us little time to downsize into a rental apartment with half the square footage. We knew we’d be living in that apartment for about 15…… Continue reading Summer of Declutter
Temple Plumbing 2024
On my Shikoku 88 temple visits, I have a tradition of photographing the temizuya (purification stations). Here’s the crop from my most recent trip to Japan.
Applying a Large Language Model to Travel
These days, navigating a massive Japanese train station with its multi-level tracks feels less like studying a map and more like following a personal guide. Google Maps provides step-by-step instructions, delivered straight to my wristwatch. A gentle vibration tells me when to turn, making the journey to the exit for my hotel less stressful. This…… Continue reading Applying a Large Language Model to Travel
When Google Maps Knows Ramen
A craving for ramen hit me as I stood outside Hakata Station in Fukuoka. The drippy, gray weather just amplified my desire for a steaming bowl of Hakata ramen—perfect for a day like this. Now the challenge was to find a decent ramen restaurant. Google Maps came to the rescue.
A Surprise “Sea Cruise”
I’d been looking forward to the lovely views from the 8-mile Great Seto Bridge crossing the Seto Inland Sea from Shikoku to Honshu. The thought of my first bullet train ride on this trip to Japan gave me joy. But it was not to be… .
A Month in Honolulu
So we finally did it: a month in Honolulu, Tourist Central. Mostly our stay was not about visiting interesting places. Ma, the space between, the quiet moments, made this a fine experience. But interesting places there were: Battleship Missouri Memorial (Pearl Harbor) Bishop Museum Byodo-In Temple Foster Botanical Garden Honolulu Museum of Art Kanealole Trail…… Continue reading A Month in Honolulu