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Category Archives: This & That
Where–How–Why–to Begin?
In Joke Show on Netflix, comedian Michelle Wolf said that a blog is conversation that no one wants to have with you. Hmm. While that made me wince, it’s like that. With a few exceptions, I haven’t even been able … Continue reading
Christmas Lights Butchart Gardens
The closest thing Victoria has to rival the Christmas lights of Japan is the show on view at Butchart Gardens. Keen to view the displays as close to Christmas as possible, I ventured out yesterday around 4 o’clock thinking I … Continue reading
My Love Affair with the Christmas Tree
I must have inherited my love of Christmas trees from my paternal grandmother who kept hers up until Orthodox Christmas in January. After everyone else had taken theirs down and boxed all the baubles and tinsel, the magic continued at … Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That
Tagged Christmas tree, Christmas trees in Tokyo
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4.20 You in Ikebana: Experiments in Personal Expression
In November 2018, I completed Level 4 of the Sogetsu School’s course in ikebana studies in Tokyo. That achieved, I was asked to choose a flower name and granted certification. Afterwards I returned to Canada, bought and moved into my … Continue reading
Tokyo Is Safe–And It Isn’t
Depending on which source you consult, Tokyo, a city of 14 million, boasts distinction as the safest city in the world. Provided that I use common sense and remain aware as I would do anywhere, I am free to enjoy … Continue reading
Cultural Habits From Japan: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down
After traveling extensively through Japan and living in Tokyo for several months at a time, I’ve integrated a number of habits acquired there with my life in Canada. However, some things done in Japan simply do not fly with me. … Continue reading
Baisoin: Aoyama Neighbourhood Buddhist Temple
I walked the bamboo lined approach to Baisoin Temple on my way home between Gaiemmae Station and my apartment in Nikko House too many times to count the first three months I studied in Tokyo. However, in spite of my … Continue reading
Lessons in Waste Disposal Japanese Style
Recent news stories have covered nations refusing and returning contaminated materials intended for recycling to their countries of origin. In addition, multiple municipalities have begun to ban single-use plastic bags. Until recently, in my area of Canada clean plastics and … Continue reading
Tadaima! I’m Home.
A long hallway with blond wood floors and white walls leads from the entrance to a doorway which opens to the studio section of my furnished Tokyo home. From this hallway doors open to the shoe closet, the laundry area, … Continue reading
The Way Home
A few days ago a note from a friend (who has also moved recently and like me is settling into her new locale) spoke of feeling a little unsettled now that the feverish busyness has passed. She put her finger … Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That
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