China: The Castle in the Sky
“Cleaning hummus off of plates was the worst. I would have rather had guard duty.”
My friend, Hagar says this between breaths as we ascend the many steps up Mt. Emei in central China. Continue reading China: The Castle in the Sky
An Escape to the Japanese Alps
Mountaintops hidden behind other mountaintops reveal themselves. Upon reaching the shoreline of Taisho Pond, we are greeted by deep turquoise water and boundless golden flora of autumn. Continue reading An Escape to the Japanese Alps
Within the Caves of Okinawa
Life and death rest at the space between the trigger and the quivering finger of a Japanese soldier. Continue reading Within the Caves of Okinawa
India: Shiva, the “Blue-Necked,” and Conversations with Babaji
I clutch the seat-back in front of me as our jeep jolts along the uneven mountain road – in true India fashion there are no seat belts. Continue reading India: Shiva, the “Blue-Necked,” and Conversations with Babaji
Japan: The River Between Life and Death
“I saw it once, the river between life and death.” My coworker, Tomoe, says this casually as we thread through alleyways in eastern Kyoto. Continue reading Japan: The River Between Life and Death
Musashi Lived the T-Shaped Life
One hundred meditating monk statues, scattered across the hillside, watch me as I step through their home. Continue reading Musashi Lived the T-Shaped Life
Koya-San
Monks of Shingon Buddhism walk through the grounds of Koya-San, founded by legendary Japanese philosopher and traveler: Kukai. Continue reading Koya-San
Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls flows through the Kii Mountain Range, the land of Japan’s first emperor. Continue reading Nachi Falls
Coves at Halong Bay
Ships maneuver through the scales of the resting dragon. Continue reading Coves at Halong Bay