Serena & Kyle are back! 686 days apart.Now, REUNITED. The last time we saw each other, January 21st, 2020, no one knew a thing about any COVID-19 or pandemic. Don’t give up, don’t ever give up…
Tag: Adventures
The Triumphant Return, Part II (November 26th)
Quarantine Day III The Triumphant Return, continued from yesterday Pudong Airport Pandemic Protocols 8.Pre-checkpoint for “Health Quarantine” zone (right where we used to all shoot down escalator to show passports) >> lab results checked 9.Checkpoint for Quarantine —15+ thermograph temperature check cameras in front of us. Every single airport employee from customs and immigration to…
How is New Zealand Different?
Running down the trail, sulphur fumes permeate my nostrils. Steaming gases rise in the distance. Blackened craters spew acidic steam. Just down the road, a traditional Maori village welcomes foreigners to watch–and learn, for men–the Haka war ritual. Sacred Maori lands are home to Middle Earth, where I ran as close to Mount Doom as…
Are 11% of Americans Drug Addicts? And Assorted Other Chinese Questions, Part I
What are some questions Chinese people who’ve spent their entire lives–in most cases–in mainland China have for an American? I’ve asked a number of folks in Shanghai, men and women–although most responses below are from women. A sampling, in no certain order [translated from Mandarin by me if not using ” “, sent to me…
Lessons Learned: Yokohama Marathon, November 10, 2019
Here’s the story, in short (in no particular order)… 1. Japanese volunteers, race officials and spectators are more vocal on the whole than perhaps any spectators I’ve encountered this side of Boston. 2. Japanese spectators outstretch their hands more for high-fives than anywhere else I’ve seen. 3. At 28k, there are gorgeous Carnivalesque dancers clad…
This is the Chinese Dream
I’m living it… Saturday, October 19th on the East Bund Cruising, relaxed, from Rob’s Tower to within .8km of the East Bund’s terminal northern point. My longest training run in China. It’s one of the world’s nicest urban waterfronts. On Sunday, nothing like a trip to Disneyland with my wonderful girlfriend:
Philippines Adventure
Can’t forget that ladder is behind me, dark open water below. Bamboo scaffolding on each side of this boat, speeding out to Osbol. We’re searching for dolphins, will later swim with sea turtles…and, before that, the almighty whale shark. Guilin and I arrived in the Philippines five days ago. It’s been a grand adventure ever…
A Year in China, III
9/15: That was eerily rational. Chinese folks, at least 4 at once, stood fast as several of us exited the train at South Shaanxi. Wow. 9/16: Tired but less humidity, breezy, good air. I’m heading to InterSport. 4 classes today but felt like 2. 3 were 80 minute periods. But these sixth graders are great….
A Year In China, Dammit!
9/10: Well, thought computer saved my last week’s worth of entries. Maybe not. No time to check now. If not, I’ll have to recap later. “You’re face looks weird,” sixth grade Brian just told me bluntly. I think he meant well, maybe. I think he meant younger now than I shaved (??). Middle schoolers. Tonight’s…
What if I Fall?
I could fall straight down Through to oblivion Crumpled, broken at the bottom Fuck that! I’m moving up! This thing is bigger than each of us Trashed, abandoned, hopeless (?) Never Catch yourself Allow yourself to be caught Never lose sight of the One… There is a passage ahead Get back into it Hold each…
Where to Find Great Vegan Food…
Hoping to help travelers searching for great vegan eats in the following locales: Seoul-Tokyo-Koyasan-Kyoto. By no means exhaustive, it’s up to date at present time. Yes, these places indeed do still exist (although hours may be a bit crazy at times). Please get HappyCow app to find addresses, phone numbers and mostly accurate operating hours….
7 Things About Seoul
7 Noticings about Seoul… 1. Korean women are gorgeous 2. Subway stations are tightly knit, with narrow corridors, low ceilings, brick archways and have a special endearing character. News stands sell a unique assortment of goods including infant outfits & house slippers. The trumpeting announcement of incoming trains is a wholly unique element of the…
Don't Let My Parents Read This 