Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture

Keeping Busy and Staying Bright

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

I’ve been busy–considering that many venues I would enjoy have shut down–but things also take longer here. Everything from negotiating basic communication with Google Translate to preparing simplest food in my tiny kitchen (thought it’s the best of the ones … Continue reading →

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The Call to Come Home

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

Trudeau’s call for citizens abroad to return to Canada probably makes sense for people who are on short-term business trips or vacations.  Though it’s more complicated than usual, that’s easier if you are among the snow birds driving back from … Continue reading →

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Rain. Snow. Chores. A Day in Tokyo

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

Yesterday Tokyo temperatures hovered around two degrees and the pelting rain was laced with snow. Last weekend I braved the nasty weather to check out the new Shibuya Square. However, nothing could entice me into the frigid downpour. Though I … Continue reading →

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I Rented an Old Man

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

I’ve taken the train to Shimokitazawa, an area of Tokyo that is an eclectic mix of alternative, creative culture which is renowned for coffee, art on its shutters, vintage thrift shops and a vibrant music scene. I want to check … Continue reading →

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Getting Cozy

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

After a rather intense and topsy-turvy start to the week, things settled down and jetlag lifted by Friday. I wasn’t inclined to push myself to energy depleting levels. With two months ahead of me and fewer classes than I’d originally … Continue reading →

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A Picture of Love

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

It might not be immediately obvious, but in this photo is evidence of love. Within 30 hours of reading an email from a friend in Yokohama, a gentleman from Yamato Transport was at my door with a beautiful bag. K … Continue reading →

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One Hundred Hours In

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

Day four is always the worst for jetlag. This is my brain at day’s end. Continue reading →

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On the Ground in Tokyo

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

Day one (and two counting the International Dateline) the Air Canada Flight 003 pilots got us into Narita on air like glass. No one sat in the two seats next to me; therefore, I spent 5 of the 10 hours … Continue reading →

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Up and Away: Thoughts Before Flight

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

No day comes with a guarantee that anyone anywhere will live through it. That alone is enough to make the mundane miraculous. Continue reading →

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Living My Dream: Tokyo 2020

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Lynda Philippsen

The other day, after waiting in a short checkout line at Canadian Tire, I put my purchases on the counter and greet the woman across from me. Good afternoon. How are you today? Living my dream, is her deadpan reply. … Continue reading →

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