Category Archives: Travel

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Coconut Market

Posted on August 16, 2023 by johnrachel

When Masumi and I visited Chiang Mai, we drove to the outskirts of town to see a charming affair called The Coconut Market. Continue reading →

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Chiang Mai, Thailand: Hmong Village

Posted on August 8, 2023 by johnrachel

Masumi and I visited a Hmong Village near Chiang Mai, Thailand last July. Continue reading →

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Chiang Mai, Thailand: Cooking School

Posted on August 4, 2023 by johnrachel

Masumi and I got an introduction to how to prepare Thai food during our recent visit to Chiang Mai. Truly unforgettable! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Hyogo Prefecture, Breadbasket of Asia

Posted on July 20, 2023 by johnrachel

Little did I know that Hyogo Prefecture — the equivalent to a state or province — is among the top producers in a host of other agricultural products. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Time Machine

Posted on April 14, 2023 by johnrachel

Over the course of our courtship and marriage, we’ve been all over Japan, from Hokkaido in the north — a stone’s throw from Russia — all the way down to Hateruma, the southernmost island in Okinawa — a stone’s throw from Taiwan. Even so, there was one place 13 hours west of us by car, we yet had to visit. NAGASAKI! We finally made it. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Nagasaki Streetcars

Posted on April 10, 2023 by johnrachel

You can leave your heart in San Francisco. No problem. Just come to Nagasaki! They have streetcars, no homeless, and nobody is packing a gun. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai

Posted on November 30, 2022 by johnrachel

The longest shopping arcade in Japan is a truly unique, I have to say fun, experience. All individual shops, some very interesting, and unlike most of what’s sold in the name brand stores, very affordable. Apparently unconsciously sustaining a sweet tooth that day, I bought mountain flower honey and short bread cookies. Also some fresh vegetables. Does it get better than that? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Sweet Potatoes

Posted on November 7, 2022 by johnrachel

How sweet it is! We just harvested the most recent item to appear on Mother Nature’s Day-Timer, or maybe she has an iCalendar these days, who knows? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Festival of the Portable Shrines 2022

Posted on October 19, 2022 by johnrachel

This past weekend we had our annual Festival of the Portable Shrines. It was a truly splendid event! Continue reading →

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Love Connection: Coming in ????

Posted on August 31, 2022 by johnrachel

Here’s my offer to you, which will really help us get this book out to the public. If anyone out there is interested in reading my new real crime/travel/suspense novel, let me know. I can send either a paperback to hold in your hands, or a PDF to read on your computer, tablet, or book reader. I’m shooting for fifteen more folks to dive into my story, take the ride, have fun, and then tell me what they think. Continue reading →

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