I’ve been a fan of snorkeling and sea kayaking since trying them on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia so they were basically my main priority on a recent trip to Zamami Island in Okinawa. After a Web search, I decided on a full-day tour with Natureland Kayaks. It was the most varied of the ones I … [Read more...] about Snorkeling, Kayaking off Zamami Island
The Search for Happiness and Joy 1
The quest for happiness and joy is as old as humanity itself, or possibly far, far older, depending on how much self-awareness you believe is needed to appreciate these things. Either way, it’s been kind of a long time. Which makes you wonder why we don’t already have a huge world surplus of both of … [Read more...] about The Search for Happiness and Joy 1
Sea, Sun and Fun on Zamami Island
Okinawa’s Zamami Island pretty much defines laid back. The days just seem to pass more slowly here, which is a good thing because it gives you that much more time to enjoy the warm hospitality and amazingly clear ocean. The water's turquoise through deep blue colors really are incredible. Being just … [Read more...] about Sea, Sun and Fun on Zamami Island
So, I Like Walking in Stormy Weather…
Since writing my post about later day walking, I’ve also confirmed that I really like walking in the rain, particularly stormy type rain. But even ominously darkening skies are good. I think the main appeal of walking later in the day is the world becomes calmer and more coherent. There is basically … [Read more...] about So, I Like Walking in Stormy Weather…
What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 1 Health
With the end of 2017 approaching fast, I’ve been trying to reflect on what went well this year and understand how to build on it in 2018. My plan was to take a long walk, allow my thoughts to bubble and ferment and then bottle the results for future use. It didn’t go so well – way too much bubbling … [Read more...] about What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 1 Health
Simple Technique for Quick Relaxation
Everyone has heard some variation on the saying “it’s the stress that’ll get you.” It is an old idea but one that is still true today, despite – or more likely because of – our modern lifestyle. Many people will tell you they thrive under pressure, and if they mean, for example, using deadlines to … [Read more...] about Simple Technique for Quick Relaxation
Kopurererua Valley Track 2: The Lakes
I completed the second part of my exploration of the Kopurererua Valley walkway, from Wylie Street out to the Lakes, last week. It was a little shorter than expected but still a pleasant ramble through farmland that is gradually being returned to its natural wetland state. If you’re a fan of … [Read more...] about Kopurererua Valley Track 2: The Lakes
Kopurererua Valley 1: Marshall Avenue
I had my first look at the Kopurererua Valley walkway today, completing the section from Wylie Street out to Marshall Avenue (and back). It is a pleasant amble that takes you through mostly lush farmland past various wetland areas, including the Kopurererua Stream for some of the way. Apart from a … [Read more...] about Kopurererua Valley 1: Marshall Avenue
Time Visualization: Counting the Clock
I think a lot of us often ask ourselves where did the day go, where did the week go, where for the love of Mary is my life going? I surely do. And if you’re anything like me, your response at such times is to try to wring more “value” from each day by doing more things, more quickly. Unfortunately, … [Read more...] about Time Visualization: Counting the Clock
Indoor Gardens: You Do Have Space
With concerns over food safety and nutrition increasing, more people are trying their hand at home gardens. Something that was actually pretty common until a generation ago. Growing up in New Zealand, I remember my parents had a lot of the area behind our home planted with vegetable gardens and … [Read more...] about Indoor Gardens: You Do Have Space
