Archives for June 2015

5 Lessons from Japanese Culture

June 30, 2015

One thing I enjoyed about Japan was that it was modern without being Western. Sure, it shares lots traits with Western countries– and went through a somewhat westernizing transformation during the Meiji period– but Japan owes its unique style to traditions far different from our own.

What I love about traveling is being able to make a splash– however brief– in a culture that challenges me. Even if it means feeling a bit disoriented, and perhaps nostalgic once I come home, the lessons remind me that my way is not the only way. It’s humbling to happen upon philosophies and ideas that provide the answers we’ve been searching for. Japan has done that for me.

5 Lessons from Japanese Culture

A Quick Travel Guide to Kyoto

June 29, 2015

There is so much to say about Kyoto (and I’ll hopefully say more in another in-depth post, so look out for that), but I wanted to put together a quick guide to Kyoto for anyone who’s thinking of visiting.

First of all, Kyoto should be on your list if you love travel. It was namedTravel & Leisure’s #1 city to visit in 2014, so you know it’s got to be good!

Before you head to Kyoto (and possibly other parts of Japan), here are a few things to remember:

Japan is not a “cheap” destination. With the 3rd largest economy in the world, you can bet on spending at least $15-20 a day on food, much more if you wish to taste authentic cuisine! More on that later.
Most people in Japan do not speak English (or at least as much as people in Europe). There are few English signs in train stations, so be flexible or learn some Japanese phrases.
All of this said, Japan remains very travel-friendly. It’s safe, clean, and especially good for traveling alone. And there’s TONS to do and see!

What will change this world?

June 25, 2015

A quick thought for today, because I’m drowning in Japan photos and traveling till the weekend. (Join me for snapshots on Instagram, though!)

The news has grieved me this week. Reading about Charleston while thousands of miles away was a bit surreal. Throughout the articles and comments, the looming question seemed to be, when will things ever change?

The shackles of racism have held this nation in bondage for long enough. We’ve decided that we’ve seen enough. We’ve decided that it’s time for an overhaul. We’re forcing our political leaders to tread boldly and our future leaders to take a stand.

What will change the world?

The other day, someone made a remark that I found particularly poignant. He said, “Last generation’s question was, what is truth? This generation wants to know, what is good?“

What is good? we ask….Continue Reading

Japanese Charm: Countryside Villages, Shops and Gardens Galore!

June 23, 2015

Happy Tuesday, friend! Our adventures in Japan continue beyond Tokyo to the countryside via shinkansen, the fastest train I’ve ever ridden.

Off to the historical villages we went– just northwest of Tokyo to the cities of Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa. These areas are known for preserved architecture from the Shogun period, and they hold rich stories of old Japan.

This is only the second time that I’ve traveled with this blog in mind, and I think I am getting photography fatigue. Not being a professional (or even very experienced), travel photography can be rather overwhelming. Still, I’m chugging along like the little engine that could. Sure, my husband is a better photographer (check out his tips here), and I could continue to steal his photos, but I’m working towards a bit more independence here.

Anyway, this is the best I can do with the somewhat cloudy and rainy weather we’ve been having. Your feedback is greatly appreciated; enjoy the snapshots!

First stop: Takayama

Kami Sannomachi street is known as the “Small Kyoto” for its traditional buildings and canal-like gutters. Little shops with artisanal goods and tasty sweets line this pedestrian-only walkway. Ducking under noren, cloth dividers that cover most entries, we entered gorgeous displays of local earthenware and lacquerware….Continue Reading

Tokyo Travel: 10 Things to Love About Tokyo

June 17, 2015

It’s hard to believe that the first leg of our trip has come to an end. Tomorrow we’re off to the Japanese countryside!

But first, a couple of reflections on the trip so far. I did not expect to like Tokyo. Not only did I find it intimidating, but I also thought that it was mostly for high-fashion shoppers and electronics geeks, neither of which I am.

However, there has been nothing better than to make our initial splash in Japan here– at its modern, fast-paced, impeccably clean and hospitable capital. The truth is, Tokyo travel is awesome and a visitor to Japan would be ill-advised to skip it. Despite its far-reaching high-rises and even higher prices, I might even love it. We’ll see.

10 Things to Love About Tokyo

Why Perfectionism Might Be Stealing Your Joy

June 15, 2015

My definition of perfectionism has gotten a whole lot bigger.

I used to think that perfectionism meant looking good all the time, performing well at everything, and creating an impenetrable facade of, well, perfection.

As it turns out, perfectionism is a lot more about the self than anything else. It’s about perception, will, and inflexibility. It’s driven by all kinds of forces that are generally harmful when taken too far.

Coming to terms with my perfectionism was no easy task. After all, once admitting to perfectionism, one is no longer perfect. Ironic, isn’t it?

But, was I willing to confess my need to be perfect– really, to have my way– in order to experience more freedom? Can perfectionism be traded in for more joy?

As I continue journeying through marriage, through this confusing twenty-something season, and through life in my less-than-favorite city, I am realizing that perfectionism is best lost as soon as possible. And I’ve come to that conclusion through a series of revelations.

Introducing Wanderlust Stories: A Group Board for Travel Bloggers!

June 12, 2015

Pinterest is rapidly becoming my favorite media platform. It brings exposure to excellent content and photography, and is a wonderful way to connect with others with similar interests.

So I thought, why not start a group Pinterest board for travel bloggers? I’m an avid travel blog reader, and I can only imagine what brilliant writing and images I have yet to see.

In my excitement I reached out to my friend Gina at Gina Alyse (she’s amazing), who jumped on board and designed the graphics here. And today, we bring you Wanderlust Stories, a group board for travel bloggers.

6 Ways to Simplify Your Summer (and make the most of it)

June 10, 2015

Our culture surrounding summer can be a bit ironic. On the one hand, we picture ourselves sprawled out on the sand with a beach read and mint mojito. On the other, we end up creating bucket lists, scheduling events, and signing up for commitments of all sorts.

Soon enough, making it to the beach feels daunting– just another thing to check off.

Why do we do this?

First, because we can. Those who can’t are currently giving the rest of us the proverbial (perhaps literal) eye-roll, because not everyone gets a “summer”. Sure, the season comes and goes, but work marches on regardless what the temperatures are outside or what they’re trying to sell you at Target.

So, those of us who get a “summer”– a length of time during which our obligations are lightened– have to live it up for everyone else, right? Isn’t that what Instagram is all about? (10 reasons to toss FOMO out the window)

No. Those of us who get a summer need to use it well. And using it well is not the same as stuffing our schedules and lists until they burst at the seams. Quite the contrary, really.

If you’re one of few individuals in this world blessed with leisure time in the summer months, then perhaps you’ll join me in a quest for creating the summer you actually want— not the summer you think you need to have.

Because the truth is, somewhere between lazing around and adventuring abroad is the sweet spot: the balance required for feeling truly rested, refreshed, and ready to pursue our goals again. (How to stay focused and achieve your short-term goals). Isn’t that what most of us want from an ideal summer?…Continue Reading

7 Superlatives from Our First Year of Marriage

June 9, 2015

June 7th, 2014: I remember it fondly.

It was a whirlwind weekend of wedding gatherings, events and lots of amazing food. Loved ones traveled from near and far to celebrate our wedding as friends cheered us on. Nothing could be greater than launching our new adventures with so many blessings and well-wishes.

This past Sunday, Aaron and I celebrated a year of marriage. It’s a drop in the bucket of years ahead, but a drop nonetheless.

Since being married, I’ve become more self-aware. I’ve become more introspective, if that’s even possible, partly due to always having a patient and observant conversation partner. (There are perks to marrying a psychologist!)

And through our conversations, my husband has followed me through thick and thin as my heart faced turmoil of many kinds. We often think that adventures involve trekking to high elevations or swimming deep oceans; but adventures can happen in a small apartment, as one person pours their heart out to the other.

So, our first year has wrapped up, and I want to remember all the highs and lows. Thus, superlatives!…Continue Reading

6 Ways To Stay Curious (no matter what job you have)

June 3, 2015

This is a sad truth. Most millennials I know are either bored or stressed with respect to their jobs.

One of the hardest lessons I learned after graduating college is that no one is going to force you to stay curious. If we are to maintain a sharp intellect and desire to learn, we have to make it happen ourselves.

It has been said many times that higher education extends our youth: those sweet years spent poring over books and sweating over words end up being some of the most mentally rigorous years of our lives. Also some of the best.

But what if we can stay curious, no matter what our jobs are? What if, despite the challenges that we face to pay the bills, we can keep even just a sliver of that youthful curiosity that was once our sole occupation?

The thing I love about staying curious is that it keeps our options open. Maybe we don’t have to be bored or stressed forever. Maybe we don’t have to feel stuck. If we continue to hone our ability to learn, then possibilities increase.

Advice For My 18-Year-Old Self

June 2, 2015

I thought I knew what I was doing when I was 18.

But, until Jenny at Stuff I Love shared the advice she would give herself at 18, I had not thought about the painful– and somewhat endearing– naïveté that plagued me then, or what I would say to myself if I could.

We can all get angry at our mean, hormonal, insecure, small-minded and selfish teenage selves, but I think the transition into adulthood is hard for everyone. Perhaps I should cut myself a little slack.

And yet, I also wish I could more often see age 18 done right. I wish today’s 18-year-olds could be encouraged in ways more specific to their needs. High school graduations are filled with platitudes such as “Dream Big!” and “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” but don’t most of us know that life is so much more than that?

Instead of further evaluating my 18-year-old self, I spent some time thinking back to that season of my life. I had graduated high school and was preparing to spend a year working in addiction recovery (more on that here). I was also college-bound, obsessed with volunteering, afraid to look stupid, committed to Jesus, and foolishly in love with the boy who would become my husband. Needless to say, it was a dynamic if not dramatic period.

What are some truths I could have held onto? In other words, what are some lessons I’ve learned as an adult?

Advice For My 18-Year-Old Self

1) You are a human becoming.

Whoever first replaced “human being” with “human becoming” had serious wisdom. We are constantly moving, shifting, and progressing– the direction in which we can only choose. In all my identity crises I wish I truly realized this, that we don’t just simply exist, we become….Continue Reading

10 Highlights On Our Upcoming Japan Itinerary

June 1, 2015

soba noodles // by aaron — soba noodles in Japan // photo by aaron

Our trip to Japan is in less than 2 weeks…

It’s hard to believe. Aaron and I are both somewhat drowning in work at the moment, so our Japan adventures still seem far off.

Sometimes I feel as though I’d like to sleep for a week when work finally lightens up. But as I look through our itinerary, my excitement grows– not least because my husband volunteered there in 2011.

Japan is a destination with so many layers, and it feels impossible to ever see it all. But that doesn’t mean we won’t try.

The cliche of every cross-cultural adventure is that we will experience cultures unlike our own. And while I hate cliches, the fascinating thing about Japanese culture is that it is just as modernized as the West, but all too differently.

This means there will be more than a few moments where our foreign-ness is painfully apparent. The familiarity of advanced technology and first-world accoutrements will be juxtaposed with dramatically different social standards. Knowing me, I will probably put my foot in my mouth, periodically, throughout the trip.

In addition to expecting occasional embarrassment, I also expect to be amazed. There is something about the quiet, consistent and perfectionist nature of Japanese culture that I hope to learn from.

We come from a culture that is always talking, and I’ve already observed that we need a little more silence around here. But am I ready for the kind of silence in Japanese temples, gardens and even restaurants?

“Just assume that you’re being too loud– all the time.” That’s the advice I got from some website I no longer remember. When you’re in Japan, remember that your very presence is already too noisy. Duly noted.

source: conde nast — hoshinoya kyoto // conde nast

10 Highlights On Our Japan Itinerary

1) Tokyo, Old and New

To be honest, I’m a bit nervous about Tokyo. It’s a bustling city that is unbelievably organized, but that does not mean it will be easy to find anything. We’ll visit the stately Imperial Palace as well as the funky Harajuku District– a combination that seems more like a paradox than anything else. Wish me luck….Continue Reading

Archives for June 2015

5 Lessons from Japanese Culture

5 Lessons from Japanese Culture

A Quick Travel Guide to Kyoto

What will change this world?

Japanese Charm: Countryside Villages, Shops and Gardens Galore!

First stop: Takayama

Tokyo Travel: 10 Things to Love About Tokyo

10 Things to Love About Tokyo

Why Perfectionism Might Be Stealing Your Joy

Introducing Wanderlust Stories: A Group Board for Travel Bloggers!

6 Ways to Simplify Your Summer (and make the most of it)

Why do we do this?

7 Superlatives from Our First Year of Marriage

6 Ways To Stay Curious (no matter what job you have)

Advice For My 18-Year-Old Self

Advice For My 18-Year-Old Self

1) You are a human becoming.

10 Highlights On Our Upcoming Japan Itinerary

Our trip to Japan is in less than 2 weeks…

10 Highlights On Our Japan Itinerary

1) Tokyo, Old and New

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