I don’t think it can be overstated how much damage the death of the American dream has done to the American psyche. Maybe all you need to do is spend an hour looking at political news and social media to get the point. Compare that with the idea of what it meant to be an…
Author: CD
I Moved to Japan (and Carl the ape came with me!)
I’m back at the Hotel Villa Fontaine at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. I know this is an airport hotel, but it’s really deserving of praise for many reasons. A short walk when you exit customs and immigration and you reach the hotel without even leaving Terminal 3. It’s not a luxury hotel, though in…
Vagobond Mom’s Trip to Oahu – 2024
She hadn’t been here since 1961 so I wanted to make sure she got a better than average experience. Mobility was a little bit of an issue and she gets worn out a little easier than in years past (don’t we all?) but overall – I think we showed her a pretty great time. There…
The Tender of Khepri – A Nethraverse Saga
My friend and collaborator E.R. Donaldson recently asked me if I would be interested in writing within the universe he has created. I’m used to creating my own worlds – so this was new to me. He offered this opportunity to many writers, but given our shared history working on a variety of projects –…
Reflections on the Last Night in my Kaimuki/Kahala Studio
I never got laid here! That thought occurred to me when I was giving away my bed to some guy who came to get it “My girlfriend told me to come get it,” he said, and I thought – well, at least somebody is going to fuck in this bed. (I can almost hear my…
My path to Home Ownership – I bought a Cheap House (Akiya) in Japan
I’ve always wanted to be a home-owner and up to this point, I’ve been thwarted by economics. I could never get enough to make a decent offer in the beautiful places I’ve lived – or to qualify for a mortgage with my self-employed hustle lifestyle. When I finally did manage to get enough money together…
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda and other Onsen that allow Tattoos in Japan
Just because you have tattoos doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to enjoy and experience onsen in Japan. In fact, there are quite a few places that are available for those with tats. First of all – this cartoon guide gives some rules for visiting onsen and is directed at foreigners – just imagine for a…
Dormy Inn Otaru and the Japanese Breakfast Cult
I didn’t take pictures of this – because of basic respect for strangers on holiday – but I hope my words can convey how strange and awesome it is staying in a Japanese tourist hotel in a resort town during a holiday. I’ve written about the onsen (hot spring) and the unfortunate (for me) rule…
Japanese Onsen – Traditional Baths: No Tattoos!
I’ve written before about Turkish and Moroccan Hammam, as well as Korean jimjilbang – now it’s time to talk about the Japanese version – onsen. These are bath houses but don’t get them confused with a soapland which is a different thing entirely – though still involving a bath. Onsen are traditional, segregated by sex,…
Sapporo – Japan’s Northern Island Capital
I have to admit, Hokkaido has really grown on me. In particular, I really enjoy the temperate forests and the peaceful nature. I grew up in snow and it’s incredibly nice to be able to go walk through a park and enjoy the crisp sound of my footsteps. I would love to go skiing or…