We walked on lava through fern forests down to two calderas. We rested on chunks of lava with steam rising around us.Our nephews (7 and 8) were in good spirits but they got a little bored towards the end. To distract I demonstrated how to make a whistle by clamping a grass leaf between the…… Continue reading Lava: It’s Scientific Fun!
Category: Japanese Concepts
Seeking Order in a Chaotic World
A few books linger on my office bookshelves.I’ve tossed many of my business books into the recycling bin, including unread 1980’s editions of In Search of Excellence. Managers passed out copies, and it would have been impolite to decline.In the absence of competent leadership, it seemed futile to spend time reading a book about leadership.…… Continue reading Seeking Order in a Chaotic World
Imperfect Walk
End of my Walk Around Newcastle, 4 miles short of goal. I may finish it when a tunnel under the river reopens.
Wabi-Sabi Lessons for Imperfect Journeys
“Wabi-sabi represents the exact opposite of the Western ideal of great beauty as something monumental, spectacular, and enduring. Wabi-sabi is not found in nature at moments of bloom and lushness, but at moments of inception or subsiding. Wabi-sabi is not about gorgeous flowers, majestic trees, or bold landscapes. Wabi-sabi is about the minor and the…… Continue reading Wabi-Sabi Lessons for Imperfect Journeys
Wabi-Sabi Lessons for Imperfect Journeys
Posted Wabi-Sabi Lessons for Imperfect Journeys.
Travel Gear: Clean Clothes
For me, freedom is traveling light with just one change of clothes. That still translates into wearing clean clothes every day. The downside is doing a bit of laundry each day. The upside is traveling with just a carry-on: I walk past the check-in lines and straight to Security. My 35 liter backpack easily fits…… Continue reading Travel Gear: Clean Clothes
Personal Space in Economy
I love to fly, even in Economy. Fellow passengers are almost always considerate, showing respect for personal space. They might even have interesting stories to tell.But I do have a few requests for my seat-mates.Please do not tug on my seat.If you only follow one request please follow this one: when getting out of your…… Continue reading Personal Space in Economy
Travel Gear: Buying the Wrong GPS
Whether it’s investments or stuff, I’m a buy-and-hold kind of person. I’d had my handheld GPS (a Garmin, function-key-driven GPSMAP 6OCSx) 8 years when I lost it on a trip in January 2015. I was not ready to replace it because it still performed well relative to current units. But now I had no GPS. I…… Continue reading Travel Gear: Buying the Wrong GPS
No Hike Today
The rain was bouncing off the platform and I could hear thunder. I abandoned my hike and took the next train back.
An Unplanned Night in Houston
Well, I didn’t get too far today.The plan was to get from Fort Lauderdale to Kirishima, southern Japan. Instead I got as far as Houston.My United flight from Houston to Tokyo was repeatedly delayed: something about a problem under the floor, eventually traced to a cargo door.I retreated to the KLM club where I’m grandfathered…… Continue reading An Unplanned Night in Houston