Princess Mononoke Forest
One of my highlight experiences of my trip so far, hiking Yakushima. This southern island is the inspiration for Princess Mononoke. I saw the oldest cedar tree in existence, 10,000 years old and definitely a god. Lots of waterfalls. We at the most outstanding local sushi, local venison, and grilled fish. Hot springs and car camping. Just a packed and outstanding day. Please read and enjoy the pictures!
Haiku Collection 16-20
A collection of Haikus!
Dear Tony 13: EDC, Gravestones, Gifts
Some thoughts from EDC Japan and Tokyo. Just an amazing experience to have in another country. It made me think about the sort of person I want to be, in relation to myself, to others, and towards Gods.
Dear Tony 12: More Meals
Sorry I haven’t posted in a month! A few obstacles made it functionally impossible [Surface Charger broke and I needed a new one] Please enjoy this piece about my friends in Tsukuba and my friend in Maebashi!
H13
Written overlooking Sendai at the Date Masamune statue that overlooks a city he founded in 1604
Dear Tony 11: A Tale of Two Meals
Two different meals, radically different. Yet they still show how food brings people together, as an art form and an expression of love.
[Also sorry the delay in post. Pai has got me badly. Will be updating again in the coming days.]
Destinations and Journeys: The Canucks
Shout out to the Canadians who made Sapporo and Tokyo wonderful adventures. Kiah, Kail, Maddie! Thank you! A reflection on some of Tokyo and the chaotic thing I call life now.
Happy Birthday to me! It’s been a crazy hell of a year, and I take a little time to reflect, and mostly to look forward. Overall, I will say 26 was an exceptional year. But perhaps looking onward from 27 is a little more scary; even as I’m still in the midst of a fantastic adventure.
Non-Attachment
Taking a break from the Tony letters, I find myself thinking about how and why I’ve been traveling. What that has meant towards our ultimate goal of detachment of the things outside of ourselves while having the greatest adventures
Dear Tony 10: When a Chef stops you for lunch
I explore Sendai, and am invited to lunch by a Japanese chef. He cooks me a proper Japanese meal, and I am able to learn a little about him as a person and Japan as a culture. Great experience. Google Maps Review in the Blog
Unsurprisingly, no 4th of July celebrations in China. Still the Holiday is one of my favorites, Beer, BBQ, Fireworks, and America. I take some time to be grateful for what isn’t in America, and very apparent in China, and share those thoughts with you. Happy Fourth!
H8
Written while hiking down Mt. Hakodate at night
For the 1st Annual Bourdain Day, I write another letter to the legend, where a couple of South Germans and a wandering New Yorker find commonality on a Kyoto Rooftop; over beers, cigarettes, food, and eventually karaoke. Ft. Delicious okonomiyaki!
Dear Tony: A Day in Asamushi-Onsen
One of my favorite days abroad so far. A tiny Japanese town opens it’s massive human heart. It’s the most wonderful of days all together.
Late nights, Tiny Bars
The essence of Japanese
Found in translation
Dear Bourdain 7: Sleeping in a Public Park
My first, but not my last, time sleeping outdoors in Japan. It was a harrowing experience, more mental than anything else, but a worthwhile one. Also, pictures and adventures in Toya!