Author Archive: origamiunicorn
Nagano Day 1
I got an early start today and took the JR Tokaido line to Tokyo on a very crowded car. From Tokyo, I took the Hakutaka Shinkansen to Nagano. My friend Mariko met me at the station. It was our first time meeting in person though we have been Skyping every work for almost a year …
Visiting Takako
Takako was kind enough to invite me over to her house. She told me she wanted to cook for me. Her daughter, Kanako, who lives in Tokyo and rarely visits, came to meet me at the train station with her boyfriend. We walked together to her parents’ house. We spoke in Japanese the whole walk …
Eating alone in Japan, Part 1
I set some goals for myself this trip. Trying to address a lot of fears, I set a goal to go out to a bar and a get a drink and food and start a conversation with someone. Tonight I tried and failed twice, but I knew this would not be easy. The first place …
横浜の美術館 (Yokohama Museum of Art)
This morning I met my friend Takako at the Yokohama Museum of Art. It was our first time meeting in person. We have been Skype language exchange partners for a little over a year. The art museum has a special exhibit of works by Monet along with related artwork by other artists and Japanese artwork …
I’m very tired
I had trouble sleeping on the plane. Sat next to a 20-something Japanese man who appeared to be part of some Japan cycling team. He pretty much ignored me the whole flight. As we started the descent into Tokyo, I nodded off and woke up with a violent start. He looked at me in horror. …
Thoughts on the plane
It’s 4:40 in Montreal. I’ve been in the air for a couple of hours. Everything seems a bit surreal, probably in part because I am very sleep deprived. I had a restless week and then last night frantically packed until the wee hours. My nervous energy also prompted me to wash the kitchen floor around …
So this is happening…
Stay tuned.
Blade Runner 2049
I can’t have a blog called origamiunicorn without sharing my thoughts on Blade Runner 2049! I saw the movie two days ago and have had some time to ponder and discuss. I had a lengthy conversation with my sister yesterday and I incorporated some of her thoughts into my write up below. By itself, the …
Ikebukuro, Harajuku, Shinjuku
About 3am in Tokyo and I just woke up. The time change plus my usual insomnia is making my sleep patterns even more unconventional. Yesterday was so busy, rushed, loud, bright and overwhelming. Contrast that with the quiet of lying on a futon on a tatami mat looking out at the lights of Tokyo. I …
Free Day in Tokyo
Today was our first full day in Tokyo and our only free day before the tour starts. We kicked it off with a traditional Japanese breakfast. It was a work of art to look at and some of it was delicious but other parts I am just not used to eating, especially first thing in …
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