Observations of a Gaijin

Alexis de Tocqueville came to the fledgling nation of the United States shortly after its formation to get cultural insights into what was taking place in the Petri dish of the early formation of the country.  From his travels he wrote the book “Democracy in America”.  My anthropology professor in college discussed at length the…

The call of the road

It’s always easy to justify travel. Everybody has dozens of reasons why to do it. I’ve thought a lot about why it’s so important for me over the years. My most selfish reasons for travel are pure mental stimulation and fascination of constantly being confronted by new contexts. Since I was young, I’ve had an…

Vancouver

Explore the art of first nation people of Canada at the University of British Columbia or rent a bicycle to explore the dark forests of Stanley Park.  Then luxuriate as you cobble together a picnic from the abundant markets of Granville Island.  https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/vancouver/

Cuba

Hear the lilt of seductive Buena Vista Social Club musicians and visit the Spanish fort at the port of Havana.  You’ll feel as if you’re visiting Florida in the 1950’s as classic cars in mint condition still drive the roads of this beautiful Caribbean island. https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/havana/

Shanghai

Stroll an ancient Ming Dynasty garden with tea houses and ponds filled with carp fish.  Then walk a short distance to the heart of China’s largest metropolis.  Shanghai’s contrast of old and new co-existing is a wonder to behold.  https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/shanghai-2/

Manhattan

Visit the largest American botanical garden, stroll the financial center of Wall Street or take in the vast collections of the Metropolitan Art Museum in the largest city on the eastern sea board of the United States.  https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/new-york/

Fukui

Explore the coastal region of Japan, where I had the opportunity to live in a small town near the mist-castle of Maruoka. https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/fukui-japan/

Stockholm

Stroll the glowing orange streets of the capital of Sweden, where Nobel Laureates come to receive their recognition for mankind’s greatest accomplishments.  https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/stockholm/

Istanbul

Wander across the Bosporous.  Stand dwarfed at the foot of Turkey’s grand mosques.  Resist the temptation to sing in the echoing tile caverns of a Turkish bath house. https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/istanbul/

Prague, Czech Republic

Stroll along a 600 year old stone bridge or study the oldest working astronomical clock as you visit Prague’s historic old town.  https://leapingaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/prague/