Good morning from the moat of Matsue Castle, where turtles bask, cherry trees sway, and history lingers in the quiet corners. I’ve just visited the former home of Lafcadio Hearn, the beloved storyteller who helped introduce Japan to the Western world in the late 19th century. Hearn was a foreigner here—just like me—and yet he was deeply embraced, not because of status or novelty, but because of his cultural curiosity and willingness to listen. His legacy reminds us that belonging in another culture begins with humility and respect. I understand why some people in Japan are experiencing a rise in discomfort around tourism—crowded streets, noise, and frayed public manners. Even I get irritated when people cut in line or talk loudly on trains. Yet in my own experience, I’ve rarely felt hostility. When foreigners arrive with sensitivity, Japan almost always responds with warmth. My personal connection to Hearn reaches across time—years ago, his great-nephew rented my house in Vancouver after I moved to Japan. Now, back in Matsue, I’m heading out to see the turtles, symbols of longevity—another thread in this journey. See you on the water. #Japan #LafcadioHearn #Matsue #MatsueCastle #ForeignersInJapan #Longevity #JapanTravel #CulturalExchange #TravelVlog #JapanCulture #BlueZonesJapan #SustainableTravel #SlowTravel #Storytelling #HistoryJapan

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Alaska Fun: Juneau Edition At Crystal Saloon with Juneau Food Tours. @midgimoore5099

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This is the sail we hope to never use. Ever. But like so many other safety measures, it gives us peace of mind just knowing it’s there. It’s a storm jib — 🧡bright orange🧡 so that if we ever do need it, visibility won’t be a problem (because that’s definitely a moment we’ll want to be seen). It’s designed to be set over our furling system where the genoa normally lives, so we don’t have to wrestle down a huge sail on deck in the middle of a storm. Just roll out the storm jib, and it’s ready ⛵️ No, we hadn’t seen one like it before either. But it makes a whole lot of sense now. Have you seen one like this before?

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