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Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen
TESSEI Shinkansen Cleaning Crews
Watching these human cleaning-bullets in action—and timing them to see whether the seven-minute bit is true—adds a little bit of show business for the passengers who otherwise might chafe at having to wait those extra seven minutes before boarding. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Japan travel, JR Railway, Shinkansen cleaning crews, TESSEI
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Food Poisoning and an Earthquake
If this escalates into an emergency situation, I’m hiding right where I am. They’ll have to break down the door and drag me out even though dying on a Toto is a pretty ignoble way to go. Continue reading
The 2014 Sake Rice Crop in Abbotsford, BC
Optimistic and pragmatic, Masa Shiroki sees rice production in Canada not only as a way to use land now lying fallow, but also to take advantage of global warming. Continue reading
The Heart of Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Five of Five
Tanigumi Kegonji temple is the final destination on a renowned 33-temple pilgrimage. Here pilgrims can search the cave below the temple for a smooth stone. If they find it, they have touched Buddha’s heart. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Buddha's heart, Gifu Japan, Japan travel, sacred journey, Tanigumi Kegonji
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Into the Underworld of Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Four of Five
Now the blackness here in the belly of the earth is complete. I cannot see the fingers I wiggle in front of my face. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, sacred journey, Tanigumi Kegonji
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The Ascent Toward Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Three of Five
The moment my right foot hits the top step, gongs sound and the monks begin to chant. Everything vibrates with energy like a rocket lifting off. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, Tanigumi Kegonji
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Along the Avenue to Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Two of Five
Pausing at shops and a restaurant along the broad avenue, we work our way up the steady incline toward Tanigumi Kegonji temple. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Chrysanthemum stone, Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, Kika seki, Konnyaku Potato, Tanigumi Kegonji
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On Our Way to Tanigumi Kegonji: Part One of Five
We are lost. Not exactly lost as our driver and the rest of us know are in Gifu on our way to Tanigumi Kegonji. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, sacred journey, Tanigumi Kegonji
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Ise Jingu, Grand Shrine of Ise
Famous people—Nobel laureates, historians and writers—have remarked on Ise Jingu’s palpable power as well. I too feel that neck-prickling force which prompts spontaneous tears. Continue reading
3. 11. 2014
We cry out for what we have lost, and we remember you again. ~ Leonard Cohen ~
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
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