I started writing stories about my trips to Japan largely to be able to print them out for my Mum to read. Here I am two years and 70 posts later and only just getting around to re-instating this “About” page. I don’t recall why I removed it in the first place!
Ending up in Japan revolved around football, following the Australian “Socceroos” to see them play Japan in Yokohama in February 2009. Timing happened to coincide with a discount airline commencing flights to Tokyo and Osaka. So what started out as a trip by myself ended up being a fantastic adventure with 11 family and friends coming along.
It is fair to say each of us were enthralled by the history and culture of Japan, the diverse landscapes, friendly people and efficient transport. So much so that my brother has returned three times more, and me five times.
I am not a prolific blogger, so posting twice a week is a rarity for me. With around 90 stories drafted up (a heading and a few dot points), I can see a few years of posts to come. Then add in another trip of two to Japan and I might never finish them all.
My writings are not too serious but reflect experiences of Japan. Having been there 6 times now, I do try to get to lesser known places, and seek out local cultural or scenic places. I love trains, so I tend to end up in remote locations, often at the end of local lines. I try to engage with local guides. Hence you may get to read about some unusual places and activities.
You will see references to many family members who have also been on atleast one trip with me: Veronica, Tim, Madeline, Liam, Andrew, Matthew, Yvonne, Paul and Dean.
There have been friends and acquaintances as well: James, Shane, Robbo, Keith, Cameron and Chris.
After a random experience with volunteer guides in Matsumoto, I have sought out their local and expert services in every trip. I will always write up my experiences with them. Thanks so far to Yoshiko, Yuri, Junji, Megumi, Fukashi, Kyoko, and Vincent.
And what about me? I am 56, work for an emergency service in New South Wales, Australia in community engagement. I am a longstanding volunteer fire fighter.
In addition to traveling to Japan, I have been lucky enough to travel to the Unites States for work, and travel with my partner to France, Italy and United States again. For stories about those travels, you can go to Escaping the Nest.
I hope you enjoy.
Tony
Having a ball in Japan 
Thank you for following my blog.
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I am so happy to have found your blog. You have a fab concept and a lovely ‘not too serious’ way of presenting your travel stories.
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It’s nice to meet you Tony, I’m Nyasha! Just wanted to stop by and say I like your posts.
I hope when you have the time, you can check out some of mine plus I’m still writing my travel entries when I went to Korea last year. I’d appreciate if you took a look: http://nynyonline.co.uk
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Thanks for following my blog! 🙂
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So Tony, I guess you have just become one of The Spikey’s, that small clan of folk known to be followers of Uncle Spike 🙂
Thank you… I really appreciate that as I for one, know how many interesting and entertaining blogs are out there.
My aim is to deliver an eclectic offering of posts, from my ‘point n shoot’ attempts at photography, to the sharing of my travel adventures since the 70′s, as well as day to day happenings on the farm. Oh, plus a few observations on life as I see it. Of course, if you have any suggestions for me, I’d love to hear from you, serious.
In return, I promise not to be overbearing with perhaps 2-3 posts a day tops. But if you are at a loose end one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too. I have added plenty of categories to help in said digging process.
Thanks again for your vote of confidence, and hope you have a great day…
UNCLE SPIKE
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Thanks for Following my Blog!
It’s always appreciative to know someone is interested in your words enough to want more.
You are certainly more prolific than I am, since I barely made 60 + posts in 4 years. This is also a very manly blog. Everything is very concise and to the point. It feels like a good one-two combo in boxing. There are also a few posts like the 1000 yen posts that felt like a good body blow that gives a good feeling in the gut. Life takes us to unexpected places, and it’s up to us on how to partake the scenery over the next hill compared to the current hill we are standing on.
May you enjoy your travels, and thanks for following, cheers!
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Thanks for the comments. It’s interesting that you point out the ‘1,000 yen note’ story because I think it is my best piece reflecting assumption and imagination, rather a visitor place experience. I had told that story to so many family and friends that I had to write it down.
Talk about reflection ………. ‘manly” now that made me think.
I pulled out my journal and looked at my ‘draft’ posts – about 90 of them. Yes lots of football and trains. And also a lot of me traveling alone, as well as with family. I am sort of working backwards, from recent trips with (man) mates, to those with each of my kids and my wife! (Veronica and I will be making our second trip together to japan in April).
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Wow, that’s great. I’ve been wanting to visit Japan, but I can never find a whole block of time large enough to go where I want to. Tour group style tours usually feel like cattle drives, and one can never really get a sense of the place that way.
I believe that we all live through these these posted experiences together as we share them at our digital bonfires.
A few of the things I want to do in Japan are things like going to a Iron Chef’s restaurant, visit a real Onsen Ryokan, enjoy sake while snow falls in the hot spring, attempt to eat flowing somen, or having a Hanami or Umemi in a nice place.
I hope you enjoy your new trip, and are able to find the time to share them.
Happy Trails!
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Hi,
I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. If you want to participate you find the rules and my questions at this link. If you will not, then take my message as a compliment for your blog, which I like very much. Thank you, Marion. https://japankaleidoskop.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/liebster-award/
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Marion thank you for this nomination and the compliment on my blog. Yes, I will accept and give it a go.
I have noticed the Liebster Award mentioned from theme to time. Do you know anything about its origins?
Tony
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Of course I was supposed to write ‘time to time’.
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Hi Tony, thank you very much. Actually I am not familiar with the history of this award, but as far as I know, it is regarded as a great award among bloggers. I googled it and found some blogs, which appreciated it much. I am looking forward to reading your answers. Have a nice holiday.
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Thanks for the follow, I look forward to following your blog as well!!
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I look forward to reading your experiences! Keep them coming!
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