Each trip I take presents unique challenges. Sometimes I’m stymied by logistics – like transfers that don’t go well, leaving us to haul our luggage while I stare at the GPS. Sometimes the issue is drivers that bring extra passengers along on private rides to try to sell us jewelry or my failure to rent […]
Category: Uncategorized
Dragging my own little tour group around
One thing that’s hard about being on a tour is lack of control – over hotel choice, tour pacing, site selection etc. This being my first trip to Japan, I’ve been really grateful for the safety net provided by being in the safe hands of Shizu and Gate One. But I was definitely ready to […]
Striking out on our own in Kyoto
On our last day of touring we were taken to Nara, which is a town with a gorgeous Buddhist temple – Todai-Ji Temple. This building is from 1692. Contained inside is one massive Buddha: It’s all gorgeous, but I don’t think my troops cared anymore, generally. As you approach the temple, you need to walk […]
Ron finds an unexpected snack ally
Japanese things I have gotten the gist of: Tokugawa Shogunate was a military government that existed between 1603 and 1867, according to Wikipedia. The Shogunate put together some nice buildings but we have to take our shoes off to tour them, which gets to be a hassle after awhile. Samurai is a word that comes […]
Travels with Valerie 