Travel Gear: Makeup and Mirror

I noticed the woman when I was riding the Busan (South Korea) subway at morning commute time, earlier this year. She was middle-aged, and quite unremarkable until she started her morning makeup routine. Seated in the crowded carriage, out came her creams, brushes, and other makeup paraphernalia. She then painstakingly, unselfconsciously transformed her appearance, right… Continue reading Travel Gear: Makeup and Mirror

Travel Gear: OpenStreetMap

Minnesota in the summer is just too lovely, so I won’t be traveling far this month. That doesn’t stop me thinking about the mechanics of travel. When I was in Japan earlier this year, handheld electronics hugely contributed to my ability to navigate the geography and the culture. Or, to be more precise, the software… Continue reading Travel Gear: OpenStreetMap

True Escape

Tomorrow, Friday, back home. Haven’t had a conversation with a Westerner since Hawaii 24 days ago. Only Korean and Japanese. True escape.

Tokyo Hiking Trails

Trailhead: Seibu-Chichibu Train Station April 4, 2013 I stayed at a hotel two blocks from the station and walked directly to trails. Cherry blossoms, rice paddies There were several shrines Trailhead: Mitake Train Station April 5, 2013 I put my backpack in a locker, and set foot from the station. Great views, had it not… Continue reading Tokyo Hiking Trails

Categorized as Asia, Move