Asia
Oh the places you will go...This website contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
35 years later I return to Japan (日本)
More than thirty years after my first exchange trip to Japan, I’m finally returning. From Hokkaido school days and government exchange programs to teaching English in Sendai, Japan became a second home during my youth. This August, I’ll be sharing that world with my daughter as we reconnect with lifelong friends, revisit cherished memories, and explore both familiar and new corners of Japan.
It’s a little thing called being respectful
Etiquette and respect are highly valued in Japan, and misbehaving tourists are increasingly causing frictions. In order not to annoy or offend the locals, foreign visitors should be familiar with at least the basic rules…
Matsushima Bay (松島) Pine Islands
Matsushima has been written about in poetry since ancient times. Its 260 small pine-covered islands arising from the pale blue sea leaves people at a loss for words.
Following Snow to Yokohama (横浜市)
Who did we follow to Yokohama you may ask? Well, we went to go see Snow, the Canadian reggae musician, rapper and singer. His 1992 single “Informer” spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. That’s right, the Canadian Vanilla Ice.
Overnight Trip to Nikko (日光)
The protector of travellers and children, a series of nearly 100 small stone effigies of the Buddhist at Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss. Nikko is a truly diverse destination. Ornate shrines coexist with towering peaks, dramatic waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs and sublime cuisine.
Day Trip to Kamakura (鎌倉)
What do you get when you cross an 80s inspired rockabilly pompadour with a rat tail in the front over the forehead? Japanese High School boys hairstyles in the 90s. It was the most rad thing ever.