adventures-or-death

[adventures-or-death]

inside the goddamn funnel

I woke up in the middle of it again -

the funnel.

spinning,

like a drunk tossed into a vacuum bag

with bits of dead skin,

loose change,

and a carpet fiber that looks like it’s been through hell

and came back limping.

you try to stand still

but the world keeps

hurling you sideways,

upside-down,

backward into your own damn ribcage.

caffeine doesn’t help.

neither does nicotine.

people outside the funnel—they talk

like they know where their feet are.

they say,

“just meditate,”

“journal,”

“drink water.”

hell, I’ve drank oceans

and still choke on the dust

from a rug that’s been trampled

by a thousand better men

with cleaner shoes.

I can’t even tell what day it is.

my mind’s full of lint

and static,

screaming like a busted Hoover

on its last legs.

but I’m still here.

half-dizzy,

half-mad,

spinning with the crumbs of yesterday’s toast

and the echoes of everything I didn’t say.

someday the machine’ll shut off.

maybe.

until then,

I’ll keep swirling

with the dirt

and the shame

and the bits of who I used to be

waiting for the bag to tear

[adventures-or-death]

Not bad for a 70 year old! Wish I could do it ❤️

[adventures-or-death]

Artificial Intelligence just taught me that self love is a component of love that I’m completely missing.

Thanks, AI

[adventures-or-death]

Cinemagraph

[adventures-or-death]

an echo is nothing but a voice with nowhere left to go.

[adventures-or-death]

[adventures-or-death]

Going back to Japan on my third visit. This time I’m showing my sister in law, nephew and his girlfriend around. They wanted to do Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto. Here’s our itinerary. I’ll be solo for some of it while they do Disney and some other attractions that I’ve already done before. I’m looking forward to seeing Lily again and getting some alone time.

April 28th

Tokyo

Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle

Arrive in Tokyo (Arrive at 3:00 in the afternoon)

PIck up Narita Airport Car service to the hotel.

April 29th

Tokyo

Helen, Vince & Alexis

Tokyo Disneyland

Located within the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is a 115-acre theme park that opened on April 15, 1983

Food

Kushikatsu Tanaka (Minato) – casual skewers

Tonkatsu Maisen – famous pork cutlets

Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu – izakaya with movie set vibes

Michelle

Tokyo Tower:

A prominent communications and observation structure located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo.

Tokyo Skytree: Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the third-tallest structure in the world. It features two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, both providing expansive views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount FujiUrban Village," integrating green spaces, residential areas, commercial establishments, and cultural facilities to foster a harmonious community environment.

Hama-rikyu Gardens

A historic public park located in the Chūō ward of Tokyo, Japan.

Minato City:

Officially known as Minato-ku, is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards, located in the southern part of the city.Zojo-ji.

Azabudai Hills:

A contemporary urban development located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, officially opened in November 2023. The project embodies the concept of a "Modern.

April 30th

Tokyo

Tokyo Tower:

A prominent communications and observation structure located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo.

Tokyo Skytree: Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the third-tallest structure in the world. It features two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, both providing expansive views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount FujiUrban Village," integrating green spaces, residential areas, commercial establishments, and cultural facilities to foster a harmonious community environment.

Hama-rikyu Gardens

A historic public park located in the Chūō ward of Tokyo, Japan.

Minato City:

Officially known as Minato-ku, is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards, located in the southern part of the city.Zojo-ji.

Azabudai Hills:

A contemporary urban development located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, officially opened in November 2023. The project embodies the concept of a "Modern.

The Matcha Tokyo Omotesando:

A minimalist and stylish café located in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, specializing in 100% organic matcha.

Michelle

Meetup with Lily and go to Asakusa to hang out for the day.

Grab a bite and chat.

May 1

Tokyo

Helen, Vince & Alexis

Harry Potter @ 10:30 am.

Shrine

TeamLabs 6:30 to 7:00 pm entrance time.

teamLab, an international art collective, has created two prominent immersive art museums in Tokyo: teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless. Both offer unique, interactive experiences that blend art, technology, and the natural world.

Michelle

Public Art Toilets in Shibuya:

Part of the Tokyo Toilet Project, these artistically designed public restrooms have become unexpected attractions, showcasing innovative designs by renowned architects.

Small Worlds Miniature Museum: Explore the world's largest indoor miniature theme park, featuring intricately detailed dioramas of real and fictional worlds. Interactive elements allow visitors to become part of the scenes.

Explore Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji:

Wander through this maze of narrow alleys filled with tiny bars, eateries, and shops. Originally a post-war black market, it now offers a nostalgic glimpse into Tokyo's past and a lively nightlife scene.

Tokyo Skytree:

Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower. (Only if we didn’t make it on the 30th).

May 2

Tokyo - Shopping Day

Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle

Shibuya:

MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya:

This large discount store is open 24/7 and offers an eclectic array of products, including electronics, cosmetics, clothing, and groceries. It's ideal for bargain hunters and those looking to buy a variety of items under one roof.

Shibuya Scramble Square:

One of the newest additions to Shibuya's skyline, this skyscraper features numerous shops, restaurants, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of Tokyo. It's a modern shopping destination that combines retail with breathtaking cityscapes.

Cat Street:

Stretching between Shibuya and Harajuku, Cat Street is known for its trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and unique cafes. It's the perfect place for those seeking alternative fashion and a more relaxed shopping atmosphere.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the "Shibuya Scramble," is a renowned pedestrian intersection located in front of Shibuya Station's Hachikō exit in Tokyo.

Ginza

Ginza Six:

The largest retail complex in Ginza, Ginza Six houses over 200 stores, including flagship outlets for international luxury brands like Fendi, Kenzo, and Yves Saint Laurent. Beyond shopping, it features art installations, a rooftop garden, and a traditional Noh theater, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.

Harajuku

Omotesando Avenue:

An upscale shopping experience. Often referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées, this tree-lined boulevard is home to luxury boutiques, designer flagship stores, and sophisticated cafes. It's the perfect place for those seeking high-end fashion and elegant ambiance.

Ameyoko Shopping Street

Affectionately known as "Ameyoko," is a bustling open-air market situated between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station in Tokyo's Taito Ward.

May 3 - Mt Fuji

Mt. Fuji - Funatsa

Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle

Shiraito Falls

The falls are approximately 20 meters high and 150 meters wide, with spring water from Mount Fuji cascading down in thin, white streams that resemble hanging threads of silk—hence the name "Shiraito," meaning "white threads."

Chureito Pagoda

A striking five-story structure painted in vibrant red, is part of the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. Built in 1963 as a peace memorial honoring the city's war casualties, the pagoda stands as a symbol of remembrance and tranquility.

Asama Shrine

Asama Shrines, also known as Sengen Shrines, are a network of approximately 1,300 Shinto shrines across Japan dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime.

Starbucks

This distinctive Starbucks is situated in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese townhouse, known as a machiya, on Ninenzaka Street in Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

Lawson

May 4

Kyoto

Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle

Shinkansen Ride from Fuji to Kyoto

Need to book bullet train tickets.

Need to find a holding place for bags.

Hotel for Kyoto

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo

Kyoto, Kyoto Shimagoyu-ku Nishitakasegawa-suji Gojo

Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Gates)

A prominent Shinto shrine located in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto, Japan. Established in 711 CE, it predates Kyoto's establishment as the capital in 794 and serves as the head shrine for approximately 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan.

Samurai and Ninja Museum

An interactive journey into Japan's feudal past, focusing on the legendary figures of samurai and ninja.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a vibrant marketplace located in downtown Kyoto. This narrow, five-block-long shopping street is lined with over 100 shops and stalls, many of which have been operated by the same families for generations.

Ninjo Castle

A historic site in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the castle served as the Kyoto residence for the shogunate and symbolizes the power and influence of the Tokugawa family.

Gion District (Geisha District)

Gion is Kyoto's most renowned geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. This historic area is characterized by its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses (ochaya), and a rich cultural heritage that offers a glimpse into Japan's past.

May 5th

Kyoto

Helen, Vince, Alexis & Michelle

Bamboo Forest.

Located in the Arashiyama district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is perhaps the most renowned. This scenic path winds through towering bamboo stalks, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Helen leaves from Kyoto to Osaka then to the Philippines (Night).

May 6th

Kyoto - Michelle Solo

Dig deeper into the Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Gates).

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This historic temple features a wooden stage that extends over a hillside, offering stunning views of the city.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple adorned with gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond.

Go back to Gion District: Known as Kyoto's geisha district, Gion is characterized by traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and exclusive restaurants

May 7th

Kyoto - Michelle Solo

Nishiki Market: A bustling marketplace offering a variety of Kyoto's culinary delights and traditional goods

Philosopher's Path: A scenic walkway along the canal lined with cherry trees, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle is renowned for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. Check out the Nightingale Floors that were designed to chirp like birds as you walk on them.

May 8th

Kyoto - Michelle Solo

Explore Yōkai Street (Monster Street): Located in the Taishōgun shopping district, Yōkai Street is adorned with whimsical statues and decorations inspired by Japanese folklore creatures known as yōkai. Local shops participate by displaying these playful figures, creating a charming and eerie atmosphere.

Omen Imadegawa – handmade udon

Gontaro – cozy noodle house

Café Bibliotic Hello! – books + coffee combo.

Pack, Chill & last minute shopping?

May 9th

Michelle to fly home from Osaka. I’ll cry. Every time I leave Japan I cry. lol



[adventures-or-death]

Two of my favorite beings on the planet.

[adventures-or-death]

Back to Japan

Going back for my third trip in April. This time I'm going with some family for a week to show them around, then I'm going solo for week two. Maybe a trip to South Korea will be in the mix? Not sure, but whatever it is, I think I'll really enjoy the solo time exploring Japan.

[adventures-or-death]

Japan III

I desperately needed something to look forward to and Japan seemed like the right fit (Again). I picked the last week of April and the first week of May this time.

My sister-in-law wanted to see Japan and was a little nervous to go alone so she asked me to be her tour guide for a week, but a week isn't long enough so I booked an extra week to do some solo traveling.

I wonder where I’ll go?

a few snaps from my last japan trip

[adventures-or-death]

A Sleep Disturbance of the Best Kind

I've had sleep disturbances for a while now. Sometimes I'll wake up crying, screaming or talking. The best sleep disturbance I ever had was last week when I woke up laughing so hard that I couldn't stop in my waking life. My s/o said that I was laughing hysterically in my sleep for at least fifteen minutes. When I woke up, I continued to laugh for another ten minutes or so. I couldn't stop! I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt and my eyes overflowed with happy tears. I'll never forget this. Ever!

[adventures-or-death]

We took a nice trip to Westport, Mass, Nantucket and Cape Cod this summer and stayed part of the trip with my cousin in Westport. This was our first time visiting and she didn't tell us that she lived in a cute quaint cape cod style home on the water. It was super relaxing sitting on her back deck watching the world go by. We also took side trips to go whale watching in Provincetown, MA and a trip to tour Nantucket Island. Provincetown is really nice. We've been there handful of times before and love walking up and down Commercial street and going through the art galleries. This time we went whale watching and were lucky enough to see lots of humpbacks and dolphins. The weather was perfect. After the whale watching we went to the Lobster Pot for lunch where Anthony Bourdain got his start as a chef. A couple days after Provincetown we hopped on a Ferry in Hyannis to Nantucket Island for a a few days and stayed at an old hotel called Jared Coffin House which was established in 1845. The room was small, but nice. The staff was incredible. I highly recommend staying here or near this location because it's very close to the ferry and the scooter and bike rentals, great restaurants, the whaling museum, gift shops, coffee shops and a great little bookstore. At first we rented bicycles and rode all over the island, but I quickly learned about Nantucket's public transportation system which was free the week we were there. We took full advantage and stopped at the various bust stops and walked all over the island. Nantucket is a magical place. I'm so grateful that we had the opportunity to experience it.

[adventures-or-death]

Ocean Beach, San Diego always brightens my mood. Especially dog beach.

[adventures-or-death]

[adventures-or-death]

The tree in our front yard blooms the most beautiful flowers.