Words, of course, are the most powerful drug used by mankind.
- Rudyard Kipling
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Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen
All I wanted was directions
It suddenly occurs to me that he is not only a traffic cop, but also a member of the self-appointed diction police. He is correcting my pronunciation. I’m mangling the name of the temple—two long o vowels, not short. Continue reading
Lighting up the night
I love the way light—even one candle—changes everything about darkness. Continue reading
Second Sake-rice Harvest in Abbotsford
Artisan Sake Maker Masa Shiroki brings in the sake rice harvest 2012, Continue reading
Toronama Donuts
We eat all day. I start with a big breakfast as I know we’ll be driving about, and I travel better on full stomach. After visits to various people, suddenly it’s time for lunch–a large bowl of noodles and vegetables … Continue reading
A Visit to Tokujyo with the Tanaka family
Opulent draperies, colourful banners and golden bells glow in the natural light streaming through the surrounding clerestory windows, a startling contrast to the dark and deeply shadowed Japanese temples and shrines I have seen before. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
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Language Exchange
Walking toward Thunderbird Square outside City Hall the other evening, a few meters ahead I notice a man examining the sole of his shoe. Dog doo? I wonder. A woman waits beside him on a bicycle. As I come alongside them … Continue reading
Posted in Around Abbotsford
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High Summer Still
Today a brisk wind all day until mid-afternoon. Steady at 30 kilometers per hour with gusts to 40. Very fresh air before what they say will be another heat wave. I’m glad. Bring it on.
Posted in Around Abbotsford, This & That
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It Has Been a While
How much can happen in almost two months between posts? Lots. A post-leak & restoration project in my condo segued into eye surgery for cataracts and a complete reversal of life as I have known it since Grade 2. Myopic … Continue reading
Posted in This & That
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Korankei Momiji Matsuri
The Harada family (who were my host family some years ago) and I clamber into the van of their friend and chauffeur for the day, Kanago-san. With the GPS chattering and auto-TV going simultaneously, we head out of Toyohashi toward the … Continue reading
Omiyage: Ritual Gift Giving in Japan
A special kind of agony in travelling to Japan—especially if one has numerous friends—is ritual gift-giving. The need to bring a souvenir omiyage is problematic for non-Japanese (NJ) on several levels.