Since leaving America August 2006, I have traveled to sixteen countries. A great deal has happened. This site is to share my thoughts, photos, music, writings, travel experiences, and developing political/social commentary with you. I hope you find it interesting and informative.
I admit that when I met Rahqa, I was surprised — a little shocked — seeing all of her MUSCLES and TATTOOS!
She was definitely unique.
But beyond being a health addict and alt-cultural, Rahqa was an activist, very concerned and upset about the way humans are treating the oceans.
Rahqa: “Did you know there’s an island of plastic garbage the size of Texas floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.”
Me: “That sounds bad.”
Rahqa: “Don’t get daffy on me now.”
Me: “Actually, I do know that but it’s not something I think about.”
Rahqa: “Well, please start. And tell your friends. Stop with all the plastic!”
Yes, she was fiery and beautiful! And a damn good cook. For our dinner, she whipped up Fruit of the Isles Sesame Crusted Mahi Mahi in Pineapple Sauce. I even included the recipe!
As I mentioned before, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available pre-publication for a limited time (until November 2nd) for 25% off the regular price.
The organization that interviewed me was the Sasayama International Center of Understanding, aka Kokusai Rikai 日本国際理解教育学会.
This is a non-profit and my connection with them goes all the way back to 2008. I taught English there three times a week for the entire year. The people there are wonderful and we’ve kept in touch.
They have a host of wonderful programs and activities, all dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of other cultures. We have a variety of people from other countries here in Tambasasayama, including Peru, Brazil, Vietnam, South Korea, Philippines, even African nations like Senegal, and of course, the United States (like me!). Japanese language courses are made available to the immigrants, and English is taught to local Japanese who wish to build on the basic skills they got in elementary and high school. That was where I came in.
By the way, here is the message featured at the top of the home page for the organization:
戦争は人の心の中で生れるものであるから, 人の心の中に平和のとりでを築かなければならない。Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. — Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution
In any case, one of my students from all the way back in 2008 who I’ve kept in touch with — she’s into organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and during her high school years was an exchange student somewhere in Florida — recently took a job at Kokusai Rikai. She alerted them to my Live From Japan! book. Next thing I know, I’m getting interviewed for a monthly publication they do (pictured on the left).
I thought the interview went well. It certainly was fun!
They asked me what page people should visit first. Without a doubt, The Naked American! Then they wanted to know my favorite story. That would be “There is beauty everywhere!” Finally, they wanted to know what my three favorite things were here in Tambasasayama.
My wife.
Riding my bike all around town.
The beauty of Tambasasayama — the mountains, shrines, temples, rice and bean fields.
Here is the interview. It helps if you can read Japanese . . .
Indeed . . . it’s like living in a fairy tale!
By the way, if you’re interested in the book, in addition to the stories about living here in Japan, there are over 450 photos . . .
Meet Corinne. Read all about her and 18 other mermaids in the most uniquely beautiful fantasy/travel/cookbook ever!
When I met Corinne, I noticed that the left side of her body seemed weak, almost limp. She noticed me noticing.
Corinne: “You’re probably wondering about this. I got broadsided by a nuclear submarine.”
Me: “I’m sorry.”
Corinne: “Well, it wasn’t your fault. Then again. It was American. You don’t happen to drive a submarine, do you?”
And so it went. Every mermaid had unique and astonishing stories. And they all had a lot to say about we land-based humans, out gadgets, our movies, our celebrities, our music, our way of life and priorities. To say it was both entertaining and fascinating would be a gross understatement.
By the way, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available pre-publication for a limited time (until November 2nd) for 25% off the regular price. Go HERE for details! Or order it now directly from the printer.
