Patrice, I have immersed myself in travel for years: reading every book, writing for newspapers and mags on it, and doing as much of pretty way out travel that I could. You only live once — and there are ways. Do you know the writer Jan Morris - head and shoulders above most travel writers? On Kyoto, she has written, Kyoto remains to the Japanese something special. . the supreme repository of their ancient traditions, their religion, and their high-flown patriottism, their golden heritage and their resilient people”. You, Patrice (love the name), had the most unusual and wonderful experience — no one could match that one and you will have that memory with you forever. So lucky!!!! Their galleries and artisans’ studios, the meandering streets and markets - and while you may have missed I.M. Pei’s masterpeice Miho museum, you have seen the incomparable temples and gardens that abound in that city. You said you learned little Japanese - but that is OK. People have found that language is not a barrier to kindness in Japan. And the woman I would have loved to have been - and may have in a private life I try to say - is writer Isabella Bird from the 1800s, a woman that had guts to go alone everywhere and come out on top. She said “Japan offers as much novelty perhaps as an excursion to another planet” - and I am guessing it is still true. All this is to say, Patrice, that you have to be am amazing person who is not afraid of new adventures. Have you had more — or when the world gets better, do you have dreams and plans???? I would love to hear!!!

Joan I can make you feel just fine with the wear abouts of your photos. I have become a bit of a photographer over the years and I should take more care with these things, but in a living room hutch there are dozens of film containers with the film still undeveloped. Managing your photos is easier with a digital camera but for all the years with a 110 and a Nikon there is just too much involved to unveil the treasures that I am sure are still salvageable. I did try to develop a roll from an instamtic a few years back and found that these actually developed with a sepia tone :) As far as the photography a perfect Nikon N70 with 300 mm lens sits unused due to the ease of digital.

OK…rumor confirmed. ….and quit bragging!!! Just kidding….happy for you. ;)

Mo Great post, thanks for that. I agree. You really put it well.

Hi Mo…Isn’t this a near perfect question of the day? How’s that new book coming along? I’m sending this to my sister who persists on calling procrastination “optimism” because”tomorrow will be a better day to do this”…. Recently, on wOw, someone pointed out that we need plans “from which to deviate”… The Puritan work ethic didn’t take on some of us, I guess. One set of my grandparents were into knuckle rapping if we were caught “daydreaming”.. The other grandparents would ask things like “where do you want to put up the hammock this summer?” There is a lovely bit in “Shifting Gears” about creative daydreaming. Matter of fact, I bet Josie would have something to say about this in her Fearless Creativity site. In short (?) I loved your post…thanks

Oh Maurine I wish I could let go of the “shoulds” they are the reason my BP goes up.