Not a Newsletter: Nov19 Edition

Let me start with this: why are we rushing into Christmas like our lives depend on it?? I noticed it from the first week of November, and by mid-month, I was surrounded by all things Christmas, from Christmas decorations to shopping, trees, PJs, and even food. I went to Terror Twilight Collingwood and had…

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Soaking Naked in Japanese Onsen

Of the many parts of Japanese culture I have come to appreciate, Onsen might be on top of the list. I remember hanging out with a tourist couple on my last Japan trip. It was their first day, and the wife asked me what was the one thing she shouldn’t miss to experience in…

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Pour Water On Buddha in Hozenji Temple for Good Luck

Invited by the smell of of incense, I turned into a small alley in Osaka and saw people surrounding a mini temple called Hozenji Temple. Hozenji Temple I stepped closer to observe what was going on. The temple devotees were queuing to pour water over the Buddha statue called Mizukake (water-throwing) Fudo. Later I…

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Travel Stories Filled Souvenir Jar

There are two types of people in the world: those who don’t get a souvenir when they travel and those who do. I have yet to meet the earlier type. However, everyone I know and their aunts love to get travel souvenirs while travelling. The only difference is the type of travel souvenir that…

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International Pot Luck in Melbourne Night Noodle Market

If there is one event In Melbourne that I haven’t missed since I moved here more than three years ago, it’s the Melbourne Night Noodle Market. I have been here with Fafa, with Amma, and even just by myself. Today, marking the fourth year I visited the night market, I came with my colleague,…

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