Travel Writing

Citizen of the World - January 2010

Colin

I was stuck in the eco-tourism spot called Sepilok, home of the Orangutan Rescue. It’s a terrible fate to be broke in a tourist zone, but one that brought me closer to the actual substance of the place, its rhythms and attitudes. This piece details some of the people I met on the edge of what we call a wonder.

Full text article of around 1,600 words.

Return to the Narrow Road - October 2009

The Basho-an.

In Kyoto, I take a haiku pilgrimage to a site made famous both by Basho and Buson, perhaps the two most luminary figures in the form, who despite being separated by more than seventy years, in today’s mind remain locked in a relationship both contrasting and complimentary.  A consideration of what makes a poet, and reputation, and a career.

Full text article of around 2,000 words.

Kyoto Travel Log - August 2009

This massive shrine complex shared the block with our first Ryokan.

I hit up the Heian capital with my big sis, touring majestic temples, scurrying down the theater district, and getting the most from some pretty old ryokan.

Part 1 - Creature Comforts: On arriving and the UNESCO-groomed Ginkakuji.