Trains were cancelled because of high winds, so I had to change my route to Oita today. I describe the replacement journey in a blog post, A Surprise “Sea Cruise”.
Category: Wabi-Sabi
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… .
The Weakest Link
My bike ride came to an abrupt halt when the rear derailleur locked up. A link in the chain had failed. Pushed my bike two miles to Freewheel Bike, near our home, where bike technician Martin replaced the chain on the spot in five minutes flat.
Not Instagram
Looked down as I walked out of Five Watt Coffee after sipping an Americano.
Iterative Travel
I don’t do bucket lists. If a place intriques me, I want to return. I reduce the pressure to do and see everything on a trip by telling myself it’s only a prototype. It’s sufficient to experience enough to whet my appetite for the next iteration, er, I mean visit. Just as well I held… Continue reading Iterative Travel
Mexican Calories
Cycled with a friend through South St. Paul intending to refuel with Mexican ice cream. The store was closed although we were there during posted hours. Fresh pastries at a nearby Mexican bakery saved the day.
Wet Walk, Lucky Brides
On my drippy walk, “spose bagnate, spose fortunate”—wet brides, lucky brides. On Stone Arch Bridge a wedding party assembled under umbrellas. Later, a different bride leapt out of a car, dashed past me, and disappeared into the Guthrie, presumably abandoning outdoor photography.
Vacation Rentals: Embracing Imperfection
We’re in Tucson, hiking wonderful trails, with trailheads just minutes from where we’re staying. Our legs aren’t quite as supple as they once were, so we’re having a rest day. We’re relaxing in a rental apartment and contemplating a short walk out to lunch. Vacation rentals are great value, especially now, with hotel room prices… Continue reading Vacation Rentals: Embracing Imperfection
The Last Incandescent Bulb
With a high of -4°F, stayed in, continued my home energy review. All our lights are LED… except this holdout in the clothes dryer. Decided to keep the 10 watt incandescent bulb because it’s only on for a few minutes per week. Besides, it lets me healthily embrace imperfection.
Wrong Tom Wilson
Sometimes I receive emails meant for other Tom Wilsons. Today, received a $100 Amazon digital gift from a complete stranger. Thinking it was a scam, pasted the code into my Amazon account: it worked. It took several emails to convince the sender she might want her money back.