Getting to Rishiri Island via Wakkanai (northern Hokkaido) from Minneapolis is straightforward, with a few perturbations. A place where the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk collide is bound to have perturbations. An agent at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport warned me the flight to Wakkanai might have to turn back. I was sure…… Continue reading A Place Where Two Seas Collide
Category: Japanese Concepts
Small Experiences on a Big Journey
We stood behind a crowd at Edinburgh Castle waiting for the one-o’clock cannon to fire. Many eyes were fixed on cell phones to catch the moment to share on Facebook. Bodies in Edinburgh, minds in other places. Meanwhile, my nephews were determined to climb up rocks where climbing was not allowed. Last month’s trip…… Continue reading Small Experiences on a Big Journey
A Tale of Two Falls
At the start of today’s hike in Northumberland, England, we came upon a hiker who had slipped and made a faceplant on the street. He was elderly, and his vision was sub-par. He was bleeding from cuts beside one eye and on his wrist.My brother-in-law had a surprising variety of wound dressings in his pack,…… Continue reading A Tale of Two Falls
Lost Stories
My mother-in-law has acquired a photo mat with 17 cutouts. 17 just happens to be the right number for her to be surrounded by baby photos of her children, her children’s partners, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchild. 16 babies, one matriarch. My partner’s photo is a vertical-format portrait, which means he’s deprived of his cranium…… Continue reading Lost Stories
Travel Gear: Wot, No Passport?
On a recent flight from Tokyo to San Francisco, I found a Canadian passport. The owner of the passport would have been in for a surprise when he reached for his passport at US Border Control. Maybe he had a NEXUS card, or maybe United Airlines would have to fly him back to Tokyo where he…… Continue reading Travel Gear: Wot, No Passport?
Travel Gear: Hiking Pants
As I was stretching, clambering, grappling over rocks in Kirishima National Park, I replayed in my head the most recent encounter with a fellow hiker. The woman had made the usual greeting, then a look of dissonance flashed across her face. I’d seen that look before when I’ve thoughtlessly put a shoe on tatami, or…… Continue reading Travel Gear: Hiking Pants
Lava: It’s Scientific Fun!
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!
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