Josh
Traveler, teacher, student, dreamer.
When people talk about Japan, the main places that come to mind are "Tokyo", "Kyoto", and maybe "Hokkaido". There's other place often comes to mind, and that's "Osaka". But what's so special about Osaka, you ask? There's a reason why many people who visit Japan cite it as their…
It's amazing how someone you've never met can have such a profound impact on your life. When I was in elementary school, I went on a 5th grade camping trip. It was only for a few days, but it was the first time I spent that long away from…
Having moved from Los Angeles to Japan, there are of course differences to grapple with. When people ask me about the thing I miss the most (besides family/friends), I always respond with "the food", specifically "Mexican food". For whatever reason, this cuisine hasn't found enough popularity in the country…
When I first began this website, one of the first experiences I detailed was my first trip to Kyoto. In that entry, I mentioned that my first stop in the prefecture was the old Nintendo headquarters. circa 2017 This was the place that housed the company's humble beginnings producing…
The last time I remember going to any sort of fossil museum was going to the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles when I was about 10. That was during the 90's, when dinosaurs were at the forefront of pop culture. The premiere of "Jurassic Park", "Land Before…
Two of my favorite things are travelling and videogames. Though separate, there are occasions when the two are combined. We recently had such an opportunity while visiting the Joetsu Aquarium in Niigata, Japan. Most of the time, this aquarium is simply a very nice place to view aquatic creatures.…
One of my favorite things to do is go to a nice bar or cafe with a small group of friends and simply chat. Years ago it was something done almost weekly, now it has become something of a rare occasion. When one of my good friends said he…
Coffee is to me, as it is to many, a special kind of drink. It can be enjoyed alone or with company, at home, in a café, or on the go. And due to the multiple variables that go into its brewing, no two cups are quite the same.…
One of the nice things about living in Japan is the chance to take in some of the culture. There are of course the scenic spots and historical sites. There are also the festivals, celebrations held anually or bianually, which bring a liveliness to the atmosphere, and enjoyment to…
Even though I grew up in California, I was never much of a beach-goer. I'd occasionally take a trip with friends, but never felt the pull to go myself. Moving to a landlocked territory has turned my mind around on this, and a trip seemed more appealing. So a…
