+ Beyond

Whew! It's been one hell of a month. Thank you to everyone who bought my book, and for all of the kind words and positive reviews. I hope you enjoyed the ride and had a few laughs along the way. If you haven't checked it out yet and have an interest in Japanese culture, travel, or eyeroll-inducing humor, it's available in paperback and eBook here: https://bit.ly/Stranger_in_a_Homeland.

As some of you may know, Stranger in a Homeland originally started off as a series of loosely-connected blog posts. They were well-received, but the weekly format didn't leave enough time for in-depth research, and the writing quality wasn't quite up to snuff. In writing the book, I was able to give each experience and adventure the attention that it deserved.

Having learned nothing from that experience, I've decided to recount my second year's adventures as a separate series of loosely-collected blog posts. I know that it's been a wild year all around, but I managed to squeeze in a few noteworthy adventures between major lifestyle changes and the occasional world-ending pandemic.

Stick around, if you please. There's more to come, but here are a few of the things that you can look forward to:

• Exploring Fukui—one of Japan's most remote prefectures—and Shigaraki (the historical birthplace of the magically-endowed tanuki)

• My first experience at a Japanese onsen, or hot spring. Spoiler alert: Manscaping has not yet made its way to the East

• An ill-fated expedition to Mount Horaiji and the 1,425 uneven, slippery stone steps leading to the temple near its peak

• Leaving my quaint, 208 sq. ft. apartment for greener (broader) pastures

For now, here are a few pictures to brighten your day. For more, follow me on Instagram or check out my Facebook author page. As always, let's chase the horizon together.