It’s time to make some changes. I feel like I’ve been going a bit too gung-ho on my blogging, so I’m going to ease it back just a tad.
Switching Things Up
Moving on up!
This week will be a quick one, as I have been working my tail off making a few changes behind the scenes. The good news is this should open up a lot of opportunities for both you and me, and I’m very excited to be finally rolling these out. The bad news is you might experience a bit of digital dust as I get everything settled.
New: Maps!
In the spirit of exploration, you can now wander through my many blog posts through interactive maps. Find the link under the Aimful Wandering menu tab, and see all the places I’ve been. These will be updated regularly as I add new posts. Enjoy!
Come wander with me…
Join me for all things wandering: travel, hiking, local adventures. I am always out and about, exploring places near and far, from my own backyard to destinations halfway around the globe.
Join me in my adventures, and let me know where you think I should go next! (more…)
New Year, New Look!
It’s a fresh year, so I wanted to hit the ground running!
First, you’ll notice a completely new look to my site – and I now have my very own URL! Check out the home page; it’s really quite spiffy. (more…)
Merry Christmas!
I usually post on Fridays, but seeing as how I’ll be knee-deep in waffles, wrapping paper, and spiked egg nog, I’m posting a bit early this week. I also didn’t wish to encourage blog browsing on a day of friends and family.
A Taste of Japan: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A visit to Kyoto isn’t complete without a trip through the stunning bamboo grove of Arashiyama. There is nothing more humbling than acres of majestic trees towering above your head, cutting thousands of completely vertical lines 115 feet into the sky.
Bamboo has been revered for its durability for centuries, and it grows incredibly fast, making it a popular renewable resource; the wood is used in thousands of applications. It is particularly important to the Japanese, who view it as a symbol of prosperity and see its simplicity as representing purity. Bamboo is unique in its elegance, which is why stalks frequent many zen-hopeful desks, but they are seldom seen in such magnificence.
A Taste of Japan: Old Meets New
Japan is full of some of the most amazing culture and fascinating history. With a civilization many centuries old, Japan has had a lot of time to evolve. However, they staunchly retain the rich past that defines their architecture, shrines, attitudes, and traditions. They respect each other and have an incredible work ethic. They impress the world every year with their technology, yet they loyally maintain structures that have been in existence for over 1300 years.
A Taste of Japan: Nighttime Shrines
I only have a few more of these highlights before I get into the real meat of our trip. This week has understandably been busy catching up from our vacation and preparing for another over Thanksgiving. I know you’re anxious for the full daily accounts, but I’m afraid I’ll have to tease you for just a short while longer…
When you visit Japan, unless you try explicitly not to, you’re bound to wind up at a few shrines. Fortunately, that’s ok, as every one is unique in their own way. If you really want to mix it up, try visiting them after dark. Check to make sure they’re accessible after hours, but if they are, this can provide a great opportunity to beat a lot of the crowds at some of the more popular destinations. (more…)
A Taste of Japan: Street Food
Some of the best meals we had in Japan came from small street vendors. We’re no strangers to personal proprietors specializing in a single dish (or few) from a small booth on a street corner; Portland’s food cart culture is renowned. While we feared these establishments would be less adept at English, they actually proved easier when it came to ordering. With only a few items offered – most physically present behind a glass pane – it was a simple matter of pointing and holding up two fingers. And very like the much-loved, tiny food vendors at home, their business only survives if they’re really good (as patrons frequently have plenty of alternate options).