One of my favorite areas in Tokyo is the quiet, residential, historic enclave of Yanaka (谷中). Three years ago, I took a wonderful guided half-day tour here (see my post from Feb. 2020), and was fortunate to have the guide all to myself. That day, I was able to visit the extraordinary Nezu Shrine, the… Continue reading Tokyo cameo – Yanaka, Ueno
Author: pammiemk
Teacher, Artist, Traveler, Auntie, Dog Mom
Crane origami + WP daily prompt: “If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?”
My first thought on today's WP question is that if I ruled the world and had linguistic omnipotence, I would never presume to ban any words from general usage, even if they are words that I don't like or that have the potential to offend someone (in English or another language). Banning a word leads… Continue reading Crane origami + WP daily prompt: “If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?”
Making paper in Japan + daily prompt: “What is something you learned recently?”
This WP daily prompt is so timely, as only 24 hours ago, I returned from a weeklong trip to Tokyo. It was an adventure packed with sights, tastes, and sounds that are unique to this fascinating place. People close to me know that I rarely take the kinds of trips that feature mai-tais and lazy… Continue reading Making paper in Japan + daily prompt: “What is something you learned recently?”
Adventures in origami 2.0: Tokyo paper crawl (shopping)
After three years of being away from Japan, I'm back for a week of good eating and cultural appreciation in the amazing capital city. Much of my fun in Tokyo will center around some of Japan's signature arts and crafts, including many forms of creativity that use paper. One of my favorite ways to use… Continue reading Adventures in origami 2.0: Tokyo paper crawl (shopping)
Thoughts on masks + Japan travel
The Covid era is slowly drawing to a close in the Far East (but its not over, yet). Almost two weeks ago, South Korea lifted its indoor mask mandate in most public places. That includes shops, restaurants, and gyms, but masks on public transportation are still required. Korea has been one of the last holdouts… Continue reading Thoughts on masks + Japan travel
Daegu café and yarn shop + weekly prompt: “Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore?”
I am deep into my winter break in South Korea, and between trips - just coming from one in Hanoi, and preparing for another in Tokyo next week. Last month I participated in the WP Bloganuary challenge, and had fun writing a blog post every other day or so. I probably won't be able to… Continue reading Daegu café and yarn shop + weekly prompt: “Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore?”
Bloganuary: “What are the pros and cons of procrastination?”
It seems appropriate to post at the 11th hour of Bloganuary on this question. Everyone derides procrastination, yet everyone does it. Yesterday, I put off writing this very post, because I was a little too weary after an afternoon spent at the immigration office, and I just hadn't yet been able to spin out a… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What are the pros and cons of procrastination?”
Bloganuary: “What is a song or poem that speaks to you and why?”
This question is both easy and hard, as I could go in so many directions. I was surrounded by literature and music as a child and have carried some favorites with me throughout life, revisiting as one might a smorgasbord. I recently got to thinking that it's almost time for me to enjoy my yearly… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is a song or poem that speaks to you and why?”
Bloganuary: “How do you show love?”
This question had me first think about the pop psychology book on five love languages, but I think the question is broader than that. What ways do I show love on a daily basis, across my relationships? is how I interpret this. The primary way I express love is through acts of service. This could… Continue reading Bloganuary: “How do you show love?”
Bloganuary: “What’s your favorite meal to cook or eat?” + Vietnamese cooking
When it comes to food, I can't play favorites. I'm a very adventurous eater, and I'm not afraid of the exotic. Food is one way I learn about a culture and people when I travel, and connect with friends and family at home. I've been called a foodie, and I'd agree, except that it sounds… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What’s your favorite meal to cook or eat?” + Vietnamese cooking
The Frill Seeker 