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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 »
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February 26, 2010
Photo Diary: National and State Flowers
While many European countries do not have an official flower, the Netherlands has lovingly adopted the tulip. Locals celebrate the country’s favorite flower during events such as the Queens Day and Tulip Time Festival. Tokyo, on the other hand, has two flowers: the famous cherry blossoms (the unofficial flower) and the Chrysanthemum. Portland is often referred to as the “City of Roses”, but the state flower is actually the Oregon Grape. The plant produces small bunches of yellow blossoms and then unveils small grape-shaped fruit. This plant is not safe for eating, however, so enjoy its beauty from afar. Read more »
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February 25, 2010
Cherry Blossom Viewing Hot Spots
Spring has made its appearance uncharacteristically early this year, but Japan has welcomed the blooming cherry blossoms with open arms. The annual cherry blossom festivals typically kick off in mid- to late-March and continue through the end of April (check for this year’s anticipated schedules here), and if you’re looking for the best places to “ooh” and “aah” over the cherry blossoms trees, here are a few hot spots: Read more »
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December 23, 2009
Explore Outside of Tokyo
Japan is rich with culture, architecture, and natural landscapes. If you’re traveling to Tokyo in the winter, here are a few favorite destinations to add to your itinerary.
Kyoto
Kyoto is arguably most famous for its spectacular architecture. With over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, Kyoto has preserved some of Japan’s most valued historical and cultural masterpieces. Read more »
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December 2, 2009
Celebrating the Holidays in Tokyo and Amsterdam
The holiday season is a time to share with family, friends and community with an abundance of food and celebratory traditions. If you’re traveling to Amsterdam or Tokyo this holiday season, act like a local and join in on the festivities. Read more »
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November 18, 2009
How to Mind Your Table Manners in Tokyo
So you’re on a business trip in Japan and the time has come for that important client dinner. Before you charm your clients with your sparkling personality, here are a few do’s and don’ts that will help win them over.
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November 5, 2009
Bike & Barge Tour of the Netherlands
Join a unique summer vacation in the Netherlands—start by spending a few days in Amsterdam and then embark on a weeklong bike and barge adventure! Travel through waterways of the Netherlands with a river barge and explore the picturesque cities and lovely Dutch countryside by bicycle. Under the direction of a professional ship’s crew and experienced tour hosts Evan Heerema and Dan Kroeze, this is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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October 30, 2009
Photo Diary: Halloween
While the modern perception of Halloween is steeped in images of trick-o-treating, costumes and jack-o-lanterns, All Hallows Eve originated as a celebration of family ancestry. Many of the world’s cultures continue this tradition, while also participating in more contemporary celebrations (bring on the candy and costume contests!). If you’re traveling in Portland, Tokyo or Amsterdam this weekend, you will find ample opportunities to showcase your costume and join in with local traditions.
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October 26, 2009
Western Surfer Meets Eastern Music
I feel fortunate to be making a living as a musician! Because I am on the road about half the year, travel is a big part of my work and probably the one thing that causes the most stress. Nonstop flights are always appreciated by everyone, but for a musician, it often determines if the focus and energy are appropriately high. Read more »
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September 10, 2009
Tips on Japanese Business Etiquette
When engaging in business ventures in Japan, it is important to have an understanding of the proper business decorum within Japanese culture. But if your flight to Tokyo is tomorrow, you definitely don’t have enough time to master all the intricacies of the rich Japanese culture.