Sagano Romantic Train and Arashiyama

Nothing says Japan like a row of overweight raccoons in sombreros.

Kyoto temples and city culture

I just can’t get over the perpetual “cuteness” permeating Japan. Street signs are cute, construction barriers are cute, billboards are cute, and middle-school girls are made of pure confectioner’s sugar.

Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle

How did I accidentally get in a tour group? By not understanding Japanese, that’s how.

Religions and Relationships

In the whole scheme of things, what I am responsible for boils down to me and my short life, which, when all is said and done, is done.

Shinkansen from end to end

I hadn’t even time to settle into Iwakuni when it was time to hit the road again. Or, should I say, hit the rails, because I traveled by train. The Shinkansen is called the bullet train for good reason. It’s FAST! I envisioned spending my day leaned back in a comfortable seat, gazing out the […]

Shinjuku, then Iwakuni

I was never so glad to have an actual bed, rather than trying to sleep upright in cramped airplane seats.

Hoffman as Salesman

I throw my hands in the air. I would have no resistance whatsoever. Take me, art. Take me and use me, I am yours.

Campers vs. obnoxious huge bass system

I was so devastatingly tired I was ready to ford the Sandy River and go strangle JoeBob, BettySue, AND Lady GaGa. Rah rah ah ah ah!

Death, Prom, Japan and other minor happenings in my life

I choose to engage with everything that comes along. I feel all the requisite emotions (and then some), I participate whenever possible, and you guessed it: I am often exhausted.

Friends make my world brighter

There is an insecure 7th grader inside of me that is delighted and relieved when I spend time with a girlfriend who loves me as much as I love her back.