A random day from the most wonderful place in the planet, Pai, Thailand. I miss that town a lot, and I can’t wait to go back. My friends. I miss you. The adventure. The calm. The food. The people. What a slice of heaven on earth.
All in Travel Adventures
Dear Tony: American Food in Shanghai
In Shanghai, I meet a Kansas City ex-pat who starts his own BBQ business. It’s fantastic and I write a review for the two excellent meals I had there.
Xi'an and Sick
A summary of some Chinese adventures including how I pushed myself too hard and found myself desperately sick in Xian, cutting short some of my China plans. But so many blessings. So many adventures. Very grateful to the world and to you readers and special shout out to Lomig for the save and fun!
Radiology
I spend a day with my friend Dorothy in Heifei’s First International Hospital in the Radiology department. It’s a really weird adventure but super rewarding and a novel experience for sure.
Hefei: Family and Friends
Traveling through Hefei to connect and reconnect with Family. I make a great group of Ex-pat friends, but the “Paris of China” is not highly recommended on my travel list. Still, wondrous adventures!
Dear Tony, Being Lucky
Not Getting Lucky. Well. Sort of. Well, not that lucky. Just. Just read the post. 14 hours in Macau
Princess Mononoke Forest
One of my highlight experiences of my trip so far, hiking Yakushima. This southern island is the inspiration for Princess Mononoke. I saw the oldest cedar tree in existence, 10,000 years old and definitely a god. Lots of waterfalls. We at the most outstanding local sushi, local venison, and grilled fish. Hot springs and car camping. Just a packed and outstanding day. Please read and enjoy the pictures!
Dear Tony 13: EDC, Gravestones, Gifts
Some thoughts from EDC Japan and Tokyo. Just an amazing experience to have in another country. It made me think about the sort of person I want to be, in relation to myself, to others, and towards Gods.
Dear Tony 12: More Meals
Sorry I haven’t posted in a month! A few obstacles made it functionally impossible [Surface Charger broke and I needed a new one] Please enjoy this piece about my friends in Tsukuba and my friend in Maebashi!
Dear Tony 11: A Tale of Two Meals
Two different meals, radically different. Yet they still show how food brings people together, as an art form and an expression of love.
[Also sorry the delay in post. Pai has got me badly. Will be updating again in the coming days.]
Destinations and Journeys: The Canucks
Shout out to the Canadians who made Sapporo and Tokyo wonderful adventures. Kiah, Kail, Maddie! Thank you! A reflection on some of Tokyo and the chaotic thing I call life now.
Non-Attachment
Taking a break from the Tony letters, I find myself thinking about how and why I’ve been traveling. What that has meant towards our ultimate goal of detachment of the things outside of ourselves while having the greatest adventures
Dear Tony 10: When a Chef stops you for lunch
I explore Sendai, and am invited to lunch by a Japanese chef. He cooks me a proper Japanese meal, and I am able to learn a little about him as a person and Japan as a culture. Great experience. Google Maps Review in the Blog
Unsurprisingly, no 4th of July celebrations in China. Still the Holiday is one of my favorites, Beer, BBQ, Fireworks, and America. I take some time to be grateful for what isn’t in America, and very apparent in China, and share those thoughts with you. Happy Fourth!
For the 1st Annual Bourdain Day, I write another letter to the legend, where a couple of South Germans and a wandering New Yorker find commonality on a Kyoto Rooftop; over beers, cigarettes, food, and eventually karaoke. Ft. Delicious okonomiyaki!
Dear Tony: A Day in Asamushi-Onsen
One of my favorite days abroad so far. A tiny Japanese town opens it’s massive human heart. It’s the most wonderful of days all together.
Dear Bourdain 7: Sleeping in a Public Park
My first, but not my last, time sleeping outdoors in Japan. It was a harrowing experience, more mental than anything else, but a worthwhile one. Also, pictures and adventures in Toya!
Dear Bourdain 6: Communicating with Locals
How we communicate with each other is a lot more than language; but English definitely helps! I visit the city of Otaru, outside Sapporo for some excellent moments; a Japanese local, a Australian father and pilot, a free ice pop!
Dear Bourdain 5: Running
Even in Japan, demons can follow you. And those bags don’t pay the extra fees on flights. Just a little bit on my mindset in Sapporo, plus a whole butt load of photos and videos! Shout out Lincoln, who’s working on the things himself
A beautiful day in Sapporo, three days into the travels has me reveling in the wonderment of it all, and slightly panicking at how it could even get better. Between praying at shrines and eating sushi, I find serenity