2012 Archives

This week I received this nice testimonial to my now-antique 2002 guidebook Just In Tokyo:

I ran across your Just in Tokyo book a number of years ago before my first trip to Tokyo. I had a 27 hour layover in Tokyo and wanted an adventure. I had little advanced notice and wasn't able to secure any type of hotel reservation before boarding the plane. Your book and very little cash was all I had.

The experience turned out amazing. In my time, I hit many of parts of town you referenced and stumbled into Shunjuku Green Plaza about 2AM and that was my home for the rest of the night. Fortunately I had no tattoos. What an amazing experience. I did everything there was to do there. I don't think anyone made eye contact with me the whole time.

I'm back in Tokyo today on business. I pulled out your book again and read it on the plane. It cracks me up.

I just thought I'd write and say thanks.

This comment from Preston Gregg who has a site called ParkeFlyer.com. Thanks Preston! It amused me to put the book together, and I'm glad it amuses you still.

Just In Tokyo is now ten years old; out of print on Amazon, but you can read more about the book here on my site and you can find a free PDF to download here. Kanpai!

I took a painkiller on an empty stomach before wading into a wet city. It's a good thing to have a pleasant numbness growing in my stomach as I wait for a seat at a crowded restauarant's table. Cooking I miss from before I hurt my shoulder but even now sling free I haven't attempted that again. In my memory I handle cooking like I handle many things - moving fast and keeping as much in the air as possible. That my ability to catch falling objects is impaired by injury feels something like a life lesson.

I took a painkiller on an empty stomach before wading into a wet city. It's a good thing to have a pleasant numbness growing in my stomach as I wait for a seat at a crowded restauarant's table. Cooking I miss from before I hurt my shoulder but even now sling free I haven't attempted that again. In my memory I handle cooking like I handle many things - moving fast and keeping as much in the air as possible. That my ability to catch falling objects is impaired by injury feels something like a life lesson.

I have separated my shoulder

Back in December 2011, I had a chance to visit San Francisco's giant purple sanctuary: herchurch, where they challenge the largely testicular character of most Christianity.