On the Way Over: Sao Paolo
I often consider why traveling is so important to me. On this journey, as I move from Northampton, Massachusetts, down to New York City and then over to the Newark… Read more »
Author Archives: Varya
Southern Africa 2018
Welcome Along as I return to Southern Africa to explore some of the wonders of Namibia and Botswana. I will be meeting my friends Hedy and Lesley at the home… Read more »
Nara and Out
Our last day in Japan is spent visiting Nara, the earliest capital of a united Japan back in about 700 AD. As we stand before the oldest wooden building, Horyuji, … Read more »
Miho Museum Magic
When my son Liam spent some time in Japan in 1999, one of his most memorable experiences was visiting the Miho Museum outside Kyoto. This museum, designed by I.M.Pei, requires… Read more »
Kyoto Area “New” Architecture
Our adventure today is through the courtesy and arrangement of Bill: a personal tour of the original Yamamura House (now owned by Yodoko Steel Works) designed by Frank Lloyd Wright… Read more »
Kyoto Wanderings
We are finally in fabled Kyoto, the end of the great Tokkaido road from Edo, and the cultural capital of Japan. There is much to say and I will start… Read more »
Koyasan in the Hills
Up out of the urban sprawl that is Osaka, we begin to climb into the cool hills on our 4 hour and 4 transfer train journey to Koyasan, the Buddhist… Read more »
Entering Eiheiji
I have known about the great Soto Zen training center of Eiheiji since the 1960’s through my connections with the students of Suzuki Roshi at the Zen Center in San… Read more »
Kanazawa in Sun & Rain
A city near the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa escaped the ravages of WWII due to its reputation for culture and arts unlike its neighboring city to the North, Toyama, an… Read more »
Up in Takayama
The weather gods continue to smile on us (Ginny says it is because she bought an umbrella in Nagoya) despite predictions to the contrary. Perfect weather for us travelers. Takayama… Read more »