Words, of course, are the most powerful drug used by mankind.
- Rudyard Kipling
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Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen
Travel’s Serendipitous Surprises
Often (sometimes multiple times a day) something unexpected and special takes me by surprise when traveling through Japan. Out of curiosity, I’d gone to Jizo Dori mainly to check out the “Harajuku for grandmothers” and “aka pantsu.”
An Unforgettable Christmas
That year snow began falling during the Christmas Eve service. Afterwards, groups of men worked to shove each car through the nearly 12 inches of heavy white stuff. Fortunately a snow plow had passed along the Island Highway while we … Continue reading
Ho! Ho! Ho! & Happy Humbug!
Greater Victoria, my new home-city, goes all out during the Christmas season. The Legislature Buildings, Government House, Empress Hotel, Butchart Gardens, as well as numerous local establishments light up. Carolers wander the downtown streets and musicians perform in various plazas. … Continue reading
Not so Hot: Trying to Stay Warm under the Kotatsu
What’s not to love about Japan? Plenty. Like any other nation and culture it has flaws and problems galore. Even though I don’t have blinkers on, my purpose in writing about my journeys and adventures in Japan is not … Continue reading
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Alone and Homeless in Tokyo
I vividly recall feeling alien, and adrift—as if I were an insignificant insect who belonged nowhere crawling along the city’s sidewalks. Continue reading
Why Japan?
People often ask me: Why Japan? How do you explain falling in love? Continue reading
A Word for Leonard Cohen
There’s a blaze of light / In every word… Continue reading
Tourist or Traveler: Which are You?
Are you a tourist or traveler? Does the distinction matter? Continue reading
Nai tokoro: the not state or place
At the moment I have moved to the place of no words. Although that creates a void, a retreat into this period of silence also feels right. Continue reading