Cultural Journeys
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A Day at the Ball Park
Flat beer. Soggy hot dogs. Train conversations with strangers who feel familiar. A day at the ballpark and a reminder that we still have good things that connect us. Continue reading
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Flight Paths, Feelings, and the Quest for the Perfect Route to Japan, Part III
My trusty backpack has been with me through thick and thin and around the world a couple of times. What could possibly go wrong when two sleep-deprived people arrive at their final destination? Continue reading
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A World Beyond Borders
At moments like these, when our leadership makes threats of annihilation, we must stand together. Continue reading
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The Moment It Became Real
Reflecting on the emotional journey of purchasing a home, highlighting the distinction between imagined desires, reality, and the surreal moment of receiving official documents that marked the transformation of their dream into reality, culminating in an exciting new chapter. Continue reading
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From Dream to Deed: Buying a Home in Japan
The journey of purchasing real estate in Japan begins with navigating cultural differences and understanding the complex process of property acquisition. We faced challenges, particularly due to language barriers, but found support through specialized companies and the beginnings of a… Continue reading
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Embracing Change and New Adventures
As I gear up for 2026, I renew my decisions to write more, talk about the start of a new adventure, and wrapping up Thailand…for now. Continue reading
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Chicken Pox?
The Chicken Pox Saga Preparing for my move to Thailand involved getting all my travel vaccinations. Most were just boosters, like the flu, COVID-19, and tetanus, but a few were new: rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid, to name a few.… Continue reading
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Cultural Transition: My First Night in Don Mueang
Transitioning from the small town to the big city, I reflect on where I am and the small comforts of familiarity. Continue reading
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The Unknown Pilgrimage
What started out as a post-orientation field trip ended up being so much more. Continue reading
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A Moment of Reflection
One of my heroes, Rick Steves, offered some insight several years ago that I think is relevant today: “It’s good style to get to know people before you bomb them.” In light of recent events in the Middle East and… Continue reading
