Category Archives: This & That

Various topics that don’t necessarily fit a box.

Enkai in Toyohashi

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Voices call out: O hisashiburi (a greeting acknowledging a long time of separation) as people pad across the tatami in the narrow room. They welcome me with bows, gifts and Canadian-style hugs, as our connection goes back almost 20 years. … Continue reading →

Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan | Tagged Japanese Enkai, Together with old friends | Leave a comment

Returning to Toyohashi

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Coming into Toyohashi Station without a pack of nervous teenagers dragging their suitcases behind me feels odd. I haven’t been here since the last home stay exchange program I coordinated in 2005. Too long. And though the building remains the … Continue reading →

Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan | Tagged coming home to friends, Kayoko Kumazawa, Toyohashi, Toyoko Inn Toyohashi | Leave a comment

Waiting for the Shinkansen in Tokyo Station

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I’m off to Toyohashi. As this is my first unaccompanied trip by Shinkansen (bullet train), I’m early. Just to make sure. My anxiety is rising. Departures are displayed in Japanese and English overhead, but the Kodama 647 isn’t up yet. … Continue reading →

Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan | Leave a comment

Osake Tasting at Restaurant 62

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Sunday (April 15) Restaurant 62 offered a tasting of three Osake brand wines from Granville Island’s Artisan Sake Maker Masa Shiroki. This wine, a handmade product, is not to be confused with the harsh and hot stuff that comprises the … Continue reading →

Posted in This & That | Tagged Abbotsford, Granville Island Osake Brand, Jeff Massey, Masa Shiroki, Restaurant 62, Sake rice growing in Abbotsford, Sake tasting | 1 Comment

A Private Ohanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I suppose the downpour which drowned it all in 2011 didn’t do much to spark enthusiasm among the planners. The “annual” Cherry Blossom Festival at Thunderbird Square in Abbotsford didn’t materialize this year. Not daunted by the absence of fellow revelers—quite … Continue reading →

Posted in This & That | Tagged Abbotsford, Cherry Blossoms, Ohanami | 2 Comments

A Wedding in Kamakura

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

We witness a wedding at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu in Kamakura. Continue reading →

Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan | Tagged Japan travel, Japanese wedding, Kamakura, Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, Shinto Wedding | 2 Comments

Kamakura Daibutsu: The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I’m left with a a heightened awareness of something more in a perception that first registers as less. Continue reading →

Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan | Tagged Japan travel, Kamakura, Kamakura Daibutsu, The Great Buddha of Kamakura | Leave a comment

Lone Wolf Review in The Globe & Mail

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Monday, March 18, The Globe and Mail ran my review of Jodi Picoult’s latest novel Lone Wolf. In spite of my reservations about the book, like others before it Lone Wolf is selling well. I suspect it strikes a chord with … Continue reading →

Posted in Lynda's Reviews, This & That | Tagged Book Review, Jodi Picoult, Lone Wolf, The Globe & Mail | Leave a comment

3.11.2012

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Posted in This & That | Tagged Japan 3/11, Memorial for Tohoku, Remembering 3/11, Remembering Tohoku 3/11 | Leave a comment

The Nezu Museum & Garden, Tokyo

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

The Nezu Museum is exactly the wonder I sensed it would be. Attractions aren’t always. Continue reading →

Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan | Tagged Architecture, Kengo Kuma, Mitsumasa Fujisuka, Nezu Museum | Leave a comment