In April, I visited the Haruki Murakami Library at Waseda University. Officially The Waseda International House of Literature, the building serves as a shrine to one of Japan’s most famous authors, Haruki Murakami. As well as housing first editions of all his literature published all over the world and a recreation of his writing space, …
The next post will be after I return, notebook full of observations and enjoyments. First, a poem from Mizuharo Shuoishi: The bush warbler. The rain wouldn’t let up. The travel clothes. 鶯や 雨やむまじき 旅ごろも Uguisu ya/ Ame yamumaziki/ Tabi-goromo
Tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s Day and a great send off for any journey. From Seamus Heaney’s Station Island Poem: “Let go, let fly, forget. You’ve listened long enough. Now strike your note.”
There is a saying on the Camino de Santiago – “The Camino will Provide” – which encapsulates the idea that once you are on your journey, the road will rise to meet your feet and what needs to happen will happen. What would it mean to take a “camino will provide” attitude to daily life? …
With only three days left, it is time to enjoy. I have always considered preparation and travel to be part of the journey. As I look over the last 100+ days of writing and reading, I smile at how enjoyable the whole process is. Just like the marathon, the last week before the event can …
Since starting the countdown to my journey to Japan 104 days ago I’ve started, or continued, some healthy habits that I hope will make my journey better. Exercise in the morning (and sometimes evening). Even if it is just a couple miles, I have done some exercise every morning ranging from light runs to marathons …
ANA, All Nippon Airways, operats a Boeing 787-9 in an R2-D2 Star Wars theme. Apparently the announcements and sounds of the aircraft reflect that theme as well. It flies ten different routes for a total of 22 different flights, one of which is my flight from San Francisco to Haneda, meaning there is about a …
I was looking through my 3DS the other day and found some classics – Japanese Rail Sim: Kyoto and Airport Hero: Narita. Both games are simple and straightforward sims from Sonic Powered, that let you conduct and fly vehicles around Japan. The guidebook feature also lets you learn about the stops that you go to …
The art of Japanese gardening has a long and fascinating history, with its roots dating back to the Asuka period (592-710) when Japan was heavily influenced by Chinese culture. It was during this period that the practice of Buddhism was introduced to Japan, which heavily influenced the design of Japanese gardens. The use of gardens …