Travel

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?”

Travel · Treasures

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)

Expat in Korea · My Makes · Travel

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

Expat in Korea · My Neighborhood

Daegu cafรฉ 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 cafรฉ and yarn shop + weekly prompt: “Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore?”

Bloganuary

Bloganuary: โ€œWhat are the pros and cons of procrastination?โ€

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: โ€œWhat are the pros and cons of procrastination?โ€

Bloganuary

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 · Travel

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

Bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi

Today's Bloganuary prompt is challenging for me, as I can't exactly say that I have "conquered" any fear, but I have definitely tamed a few. Some fears are hungry bugbears that need habitual discipline to keep them at bay. I am writing to you from my vacation digs in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I arrived solo… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi

Bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia

This WordPress question is really timely, since I am gearing up for a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam in about 48 hours. Unfortunately, I have had a splitting migraine since yesterday, and I am just this morning out of the fog enough to answer this one (and get back to packing). The short answer to this… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia