Practiced slurping ramen at Zen Box Izakaya. Earlier today, Japan’s Prime Minister announced his country will be open to independent tourists, starting October 11. Two weeks after that I get to use a ticket to Tokyo purchased optimistically in February.
Category: Place
Finding Stories
Explored St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. Found some gems: the former Hollyhocks Club, a 1930’s-era gangsters’ hangout; impressive landscaping and construction at the former Ford Plant; the 1871 Mattocks School, a one-room schoolhouse, now a Spanish immersion classroom.
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
The maneki-neko, Tori 44, Minneapolis, May 2019. 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…… Continue reading Asia Beckons
Chicago Day Trip
Flew to Chicago for the day with a friend. Rode the L out of Chicago for a few miles, cycled back towards Downtown along the lakeside. Waves from Lake Michigan sometimes washed our path.
Ready for Pre-Dawn Getaway
My new daypack, pregnant with bicycle helmet, ready for a pre-dawn getaway tomorrow. A friend and I are off to Chicago for the day, taking advantage of a cheap fare. The old pack was beyond worn out; when we arrive back at MSP at 10:00 pm, we’ll be likewise.
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
View from an Abandoned Truck Scale
On my somewhat random ride, stopped to nose around the exterior of the long-abandoned Fruen Mill. Here, I’m looking up, standing on a truck scale where cereals were loaded.
Five Watt Mouse Door
Finally noticed this mouse door near the entrance to Five Watt Coffee. It’s probably been there for years, so much for mindfulness. The local artist, Mows, has hundreds of these doors with different designs, placed around the world through collaboration and travel.