+ 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.

Plum orchards at Hikone Castle

X Gon' Give it to Ya

The White Heron Castle—Himeji