Once again I have to congratulate Jay Klaphake and his TEDxKyoto team of volunteers for organizing a splendid event at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies today! It was a delight to see Patrick Linehan speak here again, this time on the effect his last speech at TEDxKyoto has had on his life and also on the lives of others. In September he told us to embrace the qualities … [Read more...] about To Boldly Go – TEDxKyoto x George Takei & Patrick Linehan
World Saving
Three years ago today…
On this day of remembrance, I would like to share with you some simple memories of March 11th that have taken me three years to properly digest. I was far removed from the disaster then, but of course the events of the day made a big impression on me. I remember clearly where I was, what was on my mind and those who were about me. I remember most of all their grace, their … [Read more...] about Three years ago today…
On Herbs, Serendipity & Fair Trade in Kyoto
Za'Atar is an Arabic spice mix "made from mixing dried za'atar leaves together with varying combinations of other spices such as sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, sumac and more." We bought a jar at the IDRO Japan charity sale last year, and then found ourselves wondering what to do with it. I can't remember who donated it, but they suggested we mix it with olive oil and use it as … [Read more...] about On Herbs, Serendipity & Fair Trade in Kyoto
Ten Days in Tohoku
As regular readers will remember, in early March I spent ten days up in Miyagi prefecture volunteering with IDRO JAPAN. As the charity sale for IDRO approaches, I think it's time I finally sat down and wrote about the work I took part in up there, and put down some thoughts about my experiences. So here goes... The Importance of Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone First off, … [Read more...] about Ten Days in Tohoku
An Interview with Rob Mangold, the Founder of IDRO JAPAN
I arrived in Ishinomaki about 1pm yesterday. A lot has changed in the last two months. The city seems to be very busy, the area around the train station still has a lot of shuttered shops, but energy is high. Only a couple of quick stops before heading out to the peninsula. On the 21st of this month a temporary store opened on the Ogatsu peninsula. The first time people have … [Read more...] about An Interview with Rob Mangold, the Founder of IDRO JAPAN