Spent the afternoon researching 2023 travel and booking fragments of trips: two hotels, a one-way flight, and a round-trip ferry.
Category: Practices
Soaking Feet, Smoking Volcano
After a day of walking, gratefully steeped my feet in the volcanic warmth of an unusually long (100 meters) footbath. Watched a plume rising above Sakurajima, a volcano that regularly rains ash on the city of Kagoshima.
A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands
Hiking doesn’t need to have purpose apart from the obvious act of putting one foot in front of the other while staying upright. Sometimes, though, I like to have a theme underpinning a hike. For example, here’s themes I’ve taken up for each of Japan’s main islands. Kyushu: Matsuo Bashō, 17th Century Traveler and Poet.… Continue reading A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands
A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands
Hiking doesn’t need to have purpose apart from the obvious act of putting one foot in front of the other while staying upright. Sometimes, though, I like to have a theme underpinning a hike. Here’s a hiking theme for each of Japan’s main islands. Kyushu: Matsuo Bashō, 17th Century Traveler and Poet My go-to guide… Continue reading A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands
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
Travel Predictions
I’m betting Japan’s prime minister will announce this week when the country will open for independent travel. Booked MInneapolis to Tokyo in June for us, a nephew, and his dad. There’s one other passenger on the outbound, and no-one else on the return flight. That will change and prices will rise.
Asia Beckons
Posted Asia Beckons. I’ll be visiting Asia in October, but where in Asia? The Japanese government will decide.
Asia Beckons
Sometimes, when I need a little Japan fix, I walk to neighborhood Zen Box Izakaya or cycle to Moto-I or Tori 44. As I walk in to any of these establishments, the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) always beckons. Although the maneki-neko is a Japanese creation, it has been adopted all over East Asia. Right now it’s… Continue reading Asia Beckons
Isabella’s Korean Journey
Plotted a route by British explorer Isabella Bird who visited Korea four times in the 1890’s, soon after Korea opened up to the world. I’m trying to reconcile geographical names in her 1897 book, “Korea and Her Neighbours,” with today’s names. In 2016 I traveled part of her journey in Hokkaido. In October I may… Continue reading Isabella’s Korean Journey
Lolling
Today I sound like a glum Harvey Fierstein, low energy, raspy throat. Grateful it’s only a cold, my first in over 2½ years: Covid tests were negative. It hurts to postpone getting with friends and fulfilling commitments, but it’s a day for lolling on the couch.