Monkey On My Back

Oodles of Noodles

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April 18th 2007
We woke up bright and early to the clatter of the alarm clock, dreading the 2½ hour train ride ahead of us to Kyoto. Jess waited in line for our reserved train car tickets while Gene scoured the station for an edible breakfast and I stood guard over our luggage. I watched as Gene pounced from one café to another like a pinball as Jess emerged from the ticket booth to inform me that the early t ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kyoto

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more