What is so special about a hot bath, Onsen, in Japan? Hot spring baths are cultural icons of Japan. The local onsen is similar to the local pub in Ireland. The difference being instead of at the end of the day chatting over a pint or 2, the Japanese talk as they soak and let …
After 7 years of a home free existence traveling the globe and walking many pilgrimages, these restless feet have found a home. Why not in Muxia not far from the 0 Mile Marker of The Camino de Santiago. Our intention is to create “Global Pilgrim House” where we will adorn the walls with clusters of …
Another ‘It’s a small world’ encounter: Back in Kathmandu for one day after 30 days trekking. Walking along I see Jarrah and Joanna from Australia. We spent 2 days trekking together and one day mountain biking in Dalat, Vietnam in 2014. Enjoyed catching up over lunch on Freak Street which isn’t what it used to …
Got out late and had to backtrack because road shortcut went through tunnel so I veered east and picked up trail going up mountain. Temple Chikurin 31 is laden with beautiful mossy trees and Shinto Shrine between gate and temple. Descended and got photo of little school kids. Made it to Temple Zenjibu 32 and …
Woke early at 5:45 and hit the road. Tough climb to Temple Konomine 27. Left my pack at guy’s house and took just under 2 hours up and back. Temple Master Singhon was not there though. Walked on as it got very hot and felt sluggish and saw there was train line so took it …
Walking up the hill to Temple 24 after visiting a cave where Kobo Daishi(The saint who introduced Buddhism to Japan) supposedly experienced enlightenment, I start experiencing some nice thoughts of tolerance and happiness and feeling very happy. Then after walking all the way down the hill I realize my hat is gone so walk back …
One more reason to skip the tattoos. In Japan It is common to restrict access to people with tattoos. The public baths in Japan are wonderful and very relaxing 😎 . No photos though as we are all naked. 😊
Uchizuma Minshuku to Ikumi Minshuku: Today was the first day with no physical temples. Walking along the ocean and beaches one feels they are in God’s Temple. A relatively short 27K today. I suppose a break was in order after visiting 23 temples the previous 6 days. The nature was beautiful and allowed for some …
Kitamura, my host, explained at breakfast he messed up and my walk was too long at over 40k so he said he would drive me to Yuki City. I intially said “No” but then thought I should accept his gift and so I walked to Temple 22, Byodi and he picked me up at 7:40 …
Another day which turned out much longer than anticipated. Ended up walking 40 kilometers (24 miles). Struggled in urban area after getting a bit lost and tried hitchhiking to make up time as walking on pavement is tough on legs and feet. The Japanese are not into picking up strangers though. Fortunately the first 500 …
88 Temple Pilgrimage. Day 4: After covering a span of 5 temples over 9K, my guide, Mika, had to return home to Kobe and left at Temple 17 via bus. So I carried on alone through urban area of Tokushima for 20K to Temple 18, Onzanji. I speak no Japanese so this might be a …
One of the tougher days. Up 1500 meters(4900 feet) and down 1500 meters while walking 36 kilometers (22 miles). Only made it to one Temple today, #12, Shosanji but a special place being at the top of a mountain. And the first of many mountain temples on the journey. There we enjoyed an osettai gift …
Long but rewarding 35K day. The highlights not being Temple visits but 2 osettais, donated tea services. The first being halfway between Temples 7 and 8 where we came across a quirky little fruit stand where we were directed to a side door by an old man. Inside this old shack was an equally old …
Very nice short first day of Pilgrimage going from Temple 1 to Temple 5. My Pilgrimage rhythm includes not using commercial walking sticks. I prefer one provided by nature. As usual she provides as I found a big crooked stick just after Temple 1. Or perhaps it was Kukai who found me? I say that …
First 24 hours in Japan; Cherry Blossoms and Kobe Beef. Met In Kobe by my Camino buddy and guide, Mika Yamanoue wearing traditional Japanese kimono, who will accompany me the first 9 days of the Pilgrimage. Arrived after 4 months in SE Asia and Nepal. Going from the noise and chaos of Kathmandu to the …
After walking the Camino de Santiago several times via multiple routes I walked the 88 Buddhist Temple Pilgrimage in Japan. While they are both pilgrimages and have religious significance as well as spiritual and healing powers and other similarities the aim here is to explain how they are different to assist pilgrims who have walked …
Spent a Magical Day hanging with elephants at the Elephant Valley Project near Sen Monorom. During the morning we walked with and observed one group and followed a second group in the afternoon. While I have been amidst a herd of 100+ elephants in Africa and ridden and bathed with elephants in Asia, this was a …
Magical Day with Elephants near Sen Monorom, Cambodia Read More »
I stumbled across this fruit shake stand on an alley just off D Bui Vien in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). You can see the number in the photo(84). Its right in the middle of the backpacker area. The shake was not only the best value, you get a fairly large one for 20,000 dong …