I love how you dream of living in Japan one day, 'if just for a couple of years'. I find it inspiring that you have found home in so many places! As a very unadventurous traveler myself, it is very inspiring! Japan is one of those places though that I always feel drawn to as a destination. A programe by the BBC a couple of years ago about Japanese gardens and how locals take care of their city trees was beautiful - but then there's also the overwhelming vibrancy of Tokyo. I feel like you would need to spend a length of time there to even be able to appreciate the different faces of it.
As for literature: I wonder if you've read the recent 'Fault Lines' by Emily Itami? It's a beautifully written book based in Tokyo, which explores some of the customs and cultures - particularly of outsiders and of women. I have ordered 2 of the books you mention from my local library - thank you! Can't wait for Saturday's post : )
Ha - I have lived in too many places! It has pros and cons :) but yes, it is now relatively easy to imagine moving around the world. Also, I like to imagine I'm living in a place when I go for a trip. Of course, this is impossible, but I try to look for 'local things' - culture, way of life, food.
I have not read Itami! Thank you for a great rec. Looks wonderful. I will now add this to my list. Happy you've got a few to add to yours!
I love how you dream of living in Japan one day, 'if just for a couple of years'. I find it inspiring that you have found home in so many places! As a very unadventurous traveler myself, it is very inspiring! Japan is one of those places though that I always feel drawn to as a destination. A programe by the BBC a couple of years ago about Japanese gardens and how locals take care of their city trees was beautiful - but then there's also the overwhelming vibrancy of Tokyo. I feel like you would need to spend a length of time there to even be able to appreciate the different faces of it.
As for literature: I wonder if you've read the recent 'Fault Lines' by Emily Itami? It's a beautifully written book based in Tokyo, which explores some of the customs and cultures - particularly of outsiders and of women. I have ordered 2 of the books you mention from my local library - thank you! Can't wait for Saturday's post : )
Ha - I have lived in too many places! It has pros and cons :) but yes, it is now relatively easy to imagine moving around the world. Also, I like to imagine I'm living in a place when I go for a trip. Of course, this is impossible, but I try to look for 'local things' - culture, way of life, food.
I have not read Itami! Thank you for a great rec. Looks wonderful. I will now add this to my list. Happy you've got a few to add to yours!