I am writing from the seat of my Delta flight back to the U.S. after a simply breathtaking two weeks in Japan that, in the rear-view mirror, feels simultaneously like it lasted both an entire lifetime and only six minutes. Such is the case with these experiences that you anticipate for so long, invest a …
One Meal to Rule Them All
Paresh and I have treated ourselves throughout this vacation to a number of souvenirs—me more than him, surprising nobody—but we've tried to manage our luggage space by leaving the acquisition of trinkets for friends and family to the end of the trip. That time that once seemed like a distant moment on the horizon in …
Tokyo Tour
Our precursor to the day's exploration was a stop at BunCoffee, a small (and I mean small) kiosk specializing in pourover coffee and Australian pastries called lamingtons, which are small layer cakes coated in a thin layer of chocolate and finished with coconut flakes. The table—which I hesitate to even call a table—was better suited …
Electric Town
I will likely have less to write today, as we spent a good deal of time on the train to Tokyo and doing hotel check-in logistics, etc. But I wanted to still get some highlights down. We traded the slow hum of Kanazawa for a return to the crowded buzz of Tokyo this afternoon. After …
Beauty & Memory
It has been a pleasing discovery that specialty coffee appears to be thriving in Japan. The country is home to several world-class competitors in coffee artistry, there are a variety of modern brewing methods that see a lot of airtime, and many if not most of the cafés we have visited are roasting their own …
Omicho, Oh My
Today's escapades followed a regimented pattern of eat-rest-eat-rest-eat-rest, likely the best thing for us as our maladies turn the corner towards an improving trajectory. Tomorrow will be dedicated to seeing more of the sights that have made Kanazawa a sought-after destination for visitors. Our first meal was a simple starter at Café Tamon, a breakfast …
Kanazawa or Bust
Aside from a touch of malaise, Paresh and I are doing fine. We are choosing our exertions carefully but also mindful that this experience has an expiration date, so we have to balance that against our instincts to go full R&R mode. I have received several messages of concern (hi, Mom), and I appreciate them. …
Deer Tales
Today's festivities took a little longer to get rolling because both of us seem to be a little under the weather. It's nothing too serious, but when you're in a different country and the conditions have been so relentless, it is important to listen to your body and take time to ease into things when …
No Go in Kyoto
Coming down from the high of our Universal Studios day, we started our day with a bit of a ritual that hasn't yet seen its time in the spotlight in this blog, which is a morning 7-Eleven run. Those who have been to Japan will know that convenience stores (and not only 7-Es) are a …
DKC2025
I am writing under the effects of a type of exhaustion that follows only superlative days. When I began to plan this trip in my Wanderlog app back in February, I titled the itinerary "DKC 2025"—for Donkey Kong Country—because I anticipated that this day would be a keynote experience even amongst the many incredible things …
Where the Waterfalls Mean Home 