Author: Mariana

I like to keep moving.

Where’s Mariana Moving Next? What I’ve Been Up To

Published on by Mariana5 Comments

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Never in my life have I gone so long without a plan. Continue reading “Where’s Mariana Moving Next? What I’ve Been Up To” →

Best Of: Japan 2014

Published on by Mariana10 Comments

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It’s been over a month since mom and I returned from Japan, and 14 blog posts later I’m still struggling with how to adequately summarize our weeks in this confusing, enchanting place. Continue reading “Best Of: Japan 2014” →

Japanese Toilets: Are They Really That Great?

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In addition to the wealth of culture I anticipated experiencing on this visit, there were three things that I was monumentally excited for while planning my trip to Japan: the food, the onsens, and the toilets. Continue reading “Japanese Toilets: Are They Really That Great?” →

On Being a Tourist, Not a Traveler

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Before going to Japan, I believed in two types of trips: travel and vacation. Continue reading “On Being a Tourist, Not a Traveler” →

Japan Eats

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I love food. Continue reading “Japan Eats” →

The Pros and Cons of Staying in a Traditional Japanese Ryokan

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Our room at the ryokan
Our room at the ryokan

What’s it really like to stay in a Japanese ryokan for the first time? Continue reading “The Pros and Cons of Staying in a Traditional Japanese Ryokan” →

The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 2

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Wondering what happened in Part 1? Click here to find out!

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I wish I could tell you that mom and I woke up the morning after we ran out of two onsens in Kinosaki and decided to give it another go. Continue reading “The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 2” →

The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 1

Published on by Mariana9 Comments

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I knew the traditional Japanese onsen experience was something I wanted to try the minute I read the accompanying translation: hot springs. Continue reading “The Japanese Onsen Experience: Part 1” →

The Great Buddha of Todai-ji

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After spending almost a week in Kyoto, mom and I started jumping on trains for day trips to nearby cities. Continue reading “The Great Buddha of Todai-ji” →

Fushimi Inari-taisha – We Are All the Same

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Visiting the Fushimi Inari-taisha was on the top of my must-see list in Kyoto. Continue reading “Fushimi Inari-taisha – We Are All the Same” →