For work, I travel frequently by myself.
On excursions, more often with someone else.
I enjoy the company, but think that, perhaps, alone time is preferable. No schedules, no pressures.
No other need than what might strike your fancy in the moment.
Blog
Train travel
I’ve taken trains in a number of places – Northeastern US, for example. Through Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
I’ve ridden the historic Skagway line in Alaska, and several scenic rails.
And of course, Japan.
One trip I’ve considered for awhile is the cross country Amtrak – from coast to coast across the US.
Moving this way is different, slower, and gives you more opportunities to appreciate place.
Time passing
I don’t know that we realize how quickly time can move. What seems like a moment, suddenly a year is gone.
And the past year has been no different. There is so much still to do, but only so much time to squeeze it into.
Make sure to make time for the important things.
More on Mt. Fuji
My brother and I knew we were in trouble when, not 20 minutes up from the fifth station, we were already sucking air.
Neither one of us might be in the best shape of our lives, but we are fairly fit.
Still, the elevation caused notable shifts and breathing, and that walk was indeed arduous.
A time shift
Being in Japan, trying to assimilate to the time change. Not sure what day is what.
And still trying to write, though fitting in the routine is certainly a challenge.
The Mountain God
Back down from hiking Mt. Fuji, I’m struck by a number of things.
First, that is a walk. I am beat.
Second, there’s a mix of hikers on these mountain trails.
Young, old, men, women, curious, and devout.
To step towards the heavens, I suppose, is to step towards divinity.
Haiku
In the spirit of my travels, I’ve composed one or two haiku.
It’s the collection of a feeling in such a short space.
Does it convey the moment?
Stray beam of sunlight / Glints upon an inner wall / Move, it vanishes.
Invitations
When one is offered, be certain you’re okay with it being accepted. Because obligation has a way of reshaping everything it touches.
Customer Service
One aspect of Japanese travel is, well, the locals tend to be nice. Nicer than people back home. Nicer than in a lot of other countries. That isn’t to say there aren’t people who aren’t nice — they’re here. They’re everywhere.
But, on average, an interaction in Japan with a stranger tends to follow a semi-formal, polite, and overly convivial pattern.
When they say “welcome,” you feel like they mean it.
Except for the one guy in the pharmacy I stopped at, who was quick to tell me “I speak English” — with the unspoken part being “idiot.”
Yeah, but I like speaking Japanese. Even if I’m not all that good at it.
Find your subject
Generally I don’t want to talk about myself. Not really. I don’t mind mentioning myself when in reference to the subject. But the subject, I am not.
Thus, I came to te realization. When framing out the story, the post, the idea, it has to be about something external. It can relate to the internal, to myself. But the subject has to be what I focus on.
Which I’ll try to implement, I’m sure…
Michael's Musings 