As we near the end of our visit to Japan, I’ve been going through our photos looking for examples of “only in Japan.” Ryokan, Yufuin, Northern Kyushu A ryokan is a traditional Japanese guest house. Multi-course dinners and breakfasts were served in our room. After dinner, the table was moved and futons and duvets were… Continue reading Only in Japan
Author: Tom Wilson
Nagasaki Origami Peace Cranes
Temple Plumbing 2019
Whenever I visit the island of Shikoku, Japan, I like to walk to some of the 88 temples of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage. This year, my partner and I walked to temples in the Matsuyama area, following in the footsteps of many pilgrims over the centuries. I also followed in my own footsteps as I… Continue reading Temple Plumbing 2019
Japan 2019
Tomorrow we go to Japan. I’ve been visiting Japan annually for several years as a solo traveler. I’m grateful my recently post-work partner now has the time to travel with me. We’ve managed to duck Typhoon Hagibis, Japan’s most powerful typhoon in decades. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected. Last year I managed… Continue reading Japan 2019
Opportunity for All
On a sunny June day in 2014, I walked over to Lake Harriet Bandshell to listen to the President. I felt a common bond, believing if we become a more inclusive society, the economic pie gets bigger, and everybody wins. Fast forward to October 10, 2019 to a grey, drippy day in downtown Minneapolis. The… Continue reading Opportunity for All
Snapshots: Superior Hiking Trail 2019
This week, blue daubs guided us, as they do every year around this time. We stayed on the North Shore of Lake Superior in two lodges (at Lutsen and Tofte) and hiked sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. The plan for each day was simple: take to the trails after a cooked breakfast. Two days… Continue reading Snapshots: Superior Hiking Trail 2019
St. Anthony Falls Laboratory
Across the Mississippi from our home, we can see the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. This week we got a chance to peek inside. The building, pictured at the top of this post, was funded by the WPA (Works Progress Administration), a Federal New Deal program to put people to work. The power… Continue reading St. Anthony Falls Laboratory
A Shout-Out for Japan Rail Passes
This coming week a FedEx envelope will arrive containing two vouchers I’ll exchange for Japan Rail (JR) Passes. In October we’ll fly into Matsuyama MYJ on the island of Shikoku, Japan, at the end of a series of flights from Minneapolis MSP. At Matsuyama’s main train station, we’ll exchange the vouchers for JR passes valid… Continue reading A Shout-Out for Japan Rail Passes
The Heart Sutra with Tooltips
In October I’ll be going on my annual trip to Japan. My partner will be joining me, now that his work life is in the rearview mirror. I’m planning to introduce him to many adventures I’ve figured out over the past few years. Doubtless, we’ll also find new adventures. At the beginning of our trip,… Continue reading The Heart Sutra with Tooltips
Remotely Managed Gardens on Wheels
It’s not a great way to end a trip to be greeted by desiccated or drowned houseplants. Travel and houseplants don’t get along terribly well. My partner, Dwight, enjoys long winter trips and growing things. I enjoy long winter trips and playing with tech. When it comes to indoor gardening, it’s a match made in… Continue reading Remotely Managed Gardens on Wheels