I told my niece Gabrielle, “You choose a place to travel this winter—just warm and keep it simple. ” She chose Greece, and that sounded perfect to me. I hadn’t been back since the summer of 1981, when I was younger and pretty naive about all things travel.
Returning now felt a bit like starting over, a novice once again, ready to rediscover a newish country—this time with a slower pace, a keener eye, and the easy company of my niece.
(A tale proving that true travelers aren’t just determined—they’re one cancelled flight away from full-blown heroic desperation.)
Sing, O Muse, of Pat and Gabrielle—two travelers so committed to embarking on their Hellenic adventure that even Zeus himself seemed to toss weather systems at them just for sport.
October 2025 We started in Tokyo, a city so bright, Imperial Palace gleaming in light. We strolled palace gardens with proper grace, Till we lost half the group — “Wrong exit, wrong place!” We learned to remove shoes — in every location, From temples to toilets — a true shoe Read more
One gets distracted by the talk of bullet trains, temples, history and the courtesy of Japan. Found within this mix is an assortment of oddities that may only be found among the Japanese. These make me like the country all the more.
The traditional shukubō lodging offers rest, meditation, dining on shōjin ryōri Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and the opportunity to join in the religious life. I’ve enjoyed rest and veggies, now comes my test. This morning, I am asked to rise early “to enjoy a morning prayer service with the monks.” My iPhone reads 6:30 am.
Every day in Japan feels like stepping into a new adventure, full of surprises and discoveries about its history and culture. The country never ceases to amaze me; the old adage of “something old, something new” doesn’t quite fit here. Everywhere I look, Japan radiates the depth of its old traditions, the enduring beauty of its history, and the timelessness of its cultural heritage.
I wonder how the modern Japanese teenager feels about this? Their world is one of technology, pop culture, and fashion. Their perspective of old and new might contrast differently than how a visitor sees it. Do they truly appreciate the temples and ancient traditions or are they simply beautiful places to hang out with friends? Do they prefer a Starbucks over a tea house?
We visit a food market at the train station where we buy a bento: a chicken box lunch. We pay with our Icoca rail card. Our Shinkansen departs Hiroshima on the minute and speeds us in an easterly direction to Kyoto. There, we transfer to a local train to Nara. Our Nara hotel has been upgraded to the Marriott.
