In but a couple of weeks, I’m planning to move to Chicago for a few months. For part of my US visa application, it has been necessary to retrace my travels over the past 10 years to pull together a complete travel history. Since this proved a far more challenging task than anticipated, it seemed sensible to record it for future reference:

As we’re only two thirds of the way through 2008, I’m looking forward to adding a couple more to the list before the year’s out.

During my recent visit to Japan, Junko and I came across a number of oddities of the nature which may only ever be found in Asia. Not quite the sort of photos one would be encouraged to put into an album, but certainly worthy of mention:

F*ing Ladies’ Fashion

The Last Supper

Cannibalism

Murderous Pooh

While it may seem a little inappropriate to quote directly, I could not resist the opportunity to republish this fantastic poem. Written by Kenji Miyazawa, it is extremely well known within Japan and puts me in mind of the oft-quoted ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling.

It seems that poets the world around are encouraging us to better ourselves:

Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.

Since leaving Japan I’ve had little time to keep on top of the various photos I’ve snapped. Hopefully, as I slowly settile into some sort of routine here, I’ll have more time to sift through the vast number and upload a few.

In the meantime, here are a couple from my last months in Japan. The photos of Akihabara were requested by my father who, it seems, has developed quite a fondness for its gadget-strewn back alleys.

While I’m not sure of the legally in reproducing this image, I was rather amused by the Japanese-influenced Chinese New Year email-card Mouse sent me: