Author Archives: debbie

The Senses of Japan

Posted on October 27, 2019 by debbie

Japan is not just about the visual. All my senses are engaged as we travel. We smell soy sauce each time we pass the corner shop near our hotel in Kyoto and the aroma intrigues us. They are brewing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Koyasan

Posted on October 24, 2019 by debbie

First a taxi, then a fast train, then a slow train, then a train that gets split in two part way through the journey, then an inclined train and finally a bus. This is what it took for us to … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Zen Gardens, the Philosopher’s Path and a Geisha

Posted on October 22, 2019 by debbie

Ginkakuji Temple is our first stop today. It is a popular one, so we get on the road, bus actually, early to beat the tour buses. The temple is known for its gardens, and it does not disappoint. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hiroshima

Posted on October 18, 2019 by debbie

Hiroshima is an important stop for me on our journey through Japan. In fact, every traveller to Japan should stop here and experience the Peace Memorial Park was created to remind people about the atomic bomb that was detonated over … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Off the Tourist Track

Posted on October 16, 2019 by debbie

Today we spend most of the day driving from the middle of Shikoku Island to the city of Matsuyama on the west coast. We get off the tourist track by following less traveled routes. The roads are winding and sometimes … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Iya Valley

Posted on October 15, 2019 by debbie

Today we start our drive across Shikoku Island. We leave Tokushima about 10:00 and slowly make our way into the forest and up in elevation. As we climb, the road gets curvy and the mist gets thicker. The vegetation is … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Indigo Dyeing

Posted on October 14, 2019 by debbie

Our first stop today is the Aizumicho Historical Museum, the former residence of a very wealthy indigo merchant. Inside the museum we learn how awa indigo was cultivated, processed, sold and used in dyeing. The indigo was grown in rows, … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

Posted on October 12, 2019 by debbie

We stay at Guesthouse Geragera in Kobe the night of the typhoon. We have a great view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. R and I are, of course, fascinated with it. Here is a day in the life of the bridge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Super Kabuki Super Typhoon

Posted on October 11, 2019 by debbie

I woke up excited today. Today is the day we are attending a Kabuki theatre production.  Months ago, while searching for “things to do” in Tokyo, I stumbled across a website showing Kabuki productions playing and there was one during … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Unusual Critters

Posted on September 28, 2019 by debbie

The other day, I mentioned in the post that I hoped to see unusual critters when we dive in Lembeh. Right now I am stunned by how many weird, creepy, surprising and unknown creatures we saw on our first two … Continue reading →

Posted in Indonesia | Tagged , , | Leave a comment