I am back home now. I woke up in the middle of the night trying to figure out which city I was in. Was I in Kyoto, Koyasan, Osaka, or Miyajima? Or was I in Tokyo or back in Tsukiji at Kazuko's apartment? Gradually, I figured out I was back [...]
Last night was our last night at the monastery in Mt. Koya. Mt Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism, a sect introduced to Japan in 805AD by Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. Mt. Koya is also the site of Kukai's mausoleum [...]
We've had so many experiences here in Japan. Our guide, Chiaki, seems to say everyday, "Today, you have another highlight!" And it's true! Everyday seems to bring on another grand adventure and unique experience. One of our highlights was the afternoon we went to Gion, the geisha and entertainment district [...]
Six years ago, I wrote a blog post about Peace Park in Seattle. If you blink you will miss this gem of a park because it is so tiny. The park embraces the story of Sadoko, a short term survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. Below is what I wrote six [...]
Rick lived in Himeji for over thirteen months. He spent a lot of time walking around the moat, admiring the castle, photographing it and the surrounding grounds in all seasons. He was hired by the city of Himeji to write all the English signage on the castle grounds and within [...]
