July 22, 2010
Photo Diary: Soccer Cities
The world’s most popular sport gained even more popularity this past month, and cities across the world are laying claim to the title “Soccer City”. Amsterdam spared no pride during the World Cup finals and decorated the city completely in orange and soccer paraphernalia. Portland is in full preparation to welcome MLS in 2011, and Tokyo’s soccer scene is always intense with action. On your next trip to these destinations, make sure to review the game schedules and join the Soccer City fun/p>
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July 20, 2010
Become a Taiko Drummer
This is not your typical music lesson. You won’t count out beats with “ta ta ti ti ta”, but you will translate phrases like “Don Do-Ro Do-Ro Don” and “Don Don Zu-Ku Don Don Zu-Ku” into a series of beats and movements.
Taiko’s origin is in debate, but most scholars agree that the style was developed between 1,600-2,000 years ago. Traditionally, taiko was performed during wars and Buddhist ceremonies, but today’s taiko has a modern twist, often including contemporary influences like jazz, rock and hip hop into their performances. This transition began after World War II in no small part to jazz drummer, Oguchi Daihachi. Read more »
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July 16, 2010
Photo Diary: Fashion Week
Fashion mavens from around the world know where to watch the world’s latest fashion trends: Amsterdam, Tokyo, and yes, even Portland. Wednesday’s launch of Amsterdam International Fashion Week inspired this week’s photo diary. Watch trends in the making at Portland Fashion Week October 6 or at the Japan Fashion Week in October 15. Read more »
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July 15, 2010
Thank you for the incredible trip!
Japan is an amazing country, to say the least. Our 10 days there were bookended by Tokyo, with stops in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Miyajima.
We spent our time in Tokyo exploring all the districts. I was shocked by how many “downtowns” Tokyo has. All areas of the city are constantly buzzing with activity at all hours of the day and night. Read more »
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July 2, 2010
Photo Friday: Fireworks
No national holiday is complete without some festive fireworks, so for today’s post, we’re honoring Independence Day with a glimpse to the glowing skies in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam. Read more »
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June 28, 2010
Can Running Shoes Help You Fly Nonstop?
Every day, we fly, and we fly all over the place with an multiple stops in-between. First, we zip to the coffee cart; then across the freeway to get to work; then to the day care to pick up the kids; then to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for dinner; and then finally, home. This is the lifestyle of a common jet-setter, and unfortunately, there are few times that we ever get to fly nonstop. That is why runners put on their running shoes–it is their round trip ticket to any destination; anytime, anywhere. Read more »
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May 26, 2010
Prepping for the Haiku Trip of a Lifetime
Okay, so I don’t have all the details for my trip to Japan sorted out, even though I’m leaving on May 27th, but I think that’s part of the adventure. What I do know is that Nick and I will be spending our first five days in Tokyo, then catching a JR train to Kyoto to see the old capital and the surrounding areas for a few days. We plan on finishing our trip somewhere on the coast. We’ll be spending a total of eleven days in the country and I hope to travel by bullet train – known in Japan as the Shinkansen – at least once. Read more »
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May 10, 2010
Photo Diary: Bookstores
The love of literature runs deep in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and the surrounding book culture at each of these destinations is hard to miss.
Fostering a culture of coffee drinking, poetry writing, and literary appreciation is the world’s largest independent book store, Powell’s Book Store. This Portland icon is conveniently located for locals and visitors alike to peruse miles of books themes from rock legend biographies to graphic novels, vegan cooking, international travel and rare books. Take a virtual tour of Powell’s: Read more »
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April 26, 2010
7 Great Phone Apps for a Smooth Trip
In the age of technological efficiency, travel would not be complete without the accompaniment of smartphone apps. Whether you’re an iPhone, Android, Palm or Blackberry user, there are an assortment of applications to make your travel experience much smoother. Read more »
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April 1, 2010
Go Orange for Queens Day
April 30th marks Holland’s beloved holiday Koninginnedag or Queens Day, celebrating the Queen’s birthday. The tradition began on August 31, 1885 with Queen Wilhemina, but it was the current queen, Queen Beatrix’s mother, Queen Juliana who declared the national holiday to be celebrated on her birthday, April 30. Read more »