Microblog

Hints of fall on our Sunday morning walk.

Every now and then, when out cycling, I like to take in the latest exhibit at The Smallest Museum in St. Paul. The current show is “Paint it Before you Eat it” by local artist Lisa Burke who “loves the idea of art that can fit in one’s pocket, or in an Altoid box.”

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

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.

At the Guthrie tonight. “Vietgone,” playwright Qui Nguyen, “a story about love.” 1975, Saigon fell, Arkansas refugee camp, … . Comedy, rap, … still processing this excellent show.

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.

A moment of boredom motivated me to update the software in various devices, including the TV. Automatic updates are disallowed because if an update introduces a problem, I’ll want to know it’s the culprit.

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.

Enjoyed the last of melt-in-the-mouth Biscoff cookies with Delta’s logo. Whenever a flight attendant offers them, I always accept, then stuff them away to be savored later. The cookies have a cult following: Delta daren’t remove them from their regularly updated snack lineup.

Ham shank, cushioned by kale, awaiting inbound turnip and apple. Dinner tonight.

Posted Asia Beckons. I’ll be visiting Asia in October, but where in Asia? The Japanese government will decide.

Sometimes I overthink: today it was “how to boil eggs” (for potato salad). A Google search revealed passions for every possible variation. Ultimately, decided if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However I did learn a great way to peel the eggs: under cold water.

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.

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.

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

For two days, with my accent, I’ve avoided the inevitable conversation. At the supermarket I used self-checkout, but a kind employee appeared with an extra bag for chicken thighs; the conversation was inevitable. Kant concluded lying is never OK. Today, I concluded differently. (The UK’s Queen had died two days previously.)