Author Archives: JJD
The Ride: Seattle to Redmond, plus seals!
Okay, so it’s already the middle of August and I’ve done basically zero cycling this summer. I’d meant to ride more, but, you know, first it was cold, then I went to Japan, then I had to get a bike tune-up and buy a house. But all of that is done now (or at least […]
Big News
I’M HAVING A BABY!!! Just kidding. That would be super weird and kind of biologically impossible. But given that this news has prompted my parents (who don’t travel except for grandchildren) to start planning a trip to visit me, I guess it’s basically the same thing. So here’s the real news: I’M BUYING A HOUSE!!! […]
Okay, so maybe Seattle’s not that bad (even if it is still weird)
x Okay, so my last post might have been kind of a rant. Maybe a tad negative about the city I chose to move to of my own free will. And I suspect you might be wondering whether I’ve thrown in the towel (or expired from heat exhaustion in my bed). The good news […]
I’m trying really hard not to hate living in Seattle right now
Okay, so I move to Seattle in the springtime when it’s raining all the time and I’m criticized for using an umbrella. Because why use a device that was invented — and used by the rest of the civilized world — to stay dry when you can just be damp all the time? “Don’t worry,” said […]
The Hike: Mount Si, followed by Seattle’s Dragonfest
It finally feels like summer in Seattle! The days are long, the skies perfectly clear and sunny, and plenty of things happening. I had originally planned to spend the weekend Getting Things Done. You know, because now that I’m back from vacation it’s time to be a responsible grown-up and actually take all that stuff that’s […]
Finishing up Japan
Okay, I’ve finished writing up the rest of our stay in Japan. I’ve slotted the posts in where they fit chronologically, so if you’re interested in seeing the photos or reading the stories, check out the links below. Kyoto Bike tour through Kyoto: The Golden Pavillion, Ryoan-ji and the Bamboo Forest JD Kai Tasting Tour […]
Another food tour! (It just doesn’t stop…)
Because Amanda and I apparently can’t go more than 24 hours without eating delicious food, and to avoid going into withdrawal after two weeks of such good food in Japan and Korea, we spent the bulk of this afternoon on a gourmet food tour through downtown Seattle. Run by Savor Seattle, this “walking culinary tour” […]
Home again
When we flew to Seoul two weeks ago, I realized with a twinge of regret that we were spending the longest day of the year in an airplane. Not only that, but because we were flying west, we were essentially losing most of the following day, too. No summer barbecues or other celebration of the […]
Tokyo (last day) – Tokyo National Museum
Our last day in Tokyo was rainy and gray. We packed our bags, but our flight wasn’t until 7:00 pm. What to do until then? Well, first thing: breakfast at Denny’s. You might wonder why we would choose for our last meal in the food Mecca that is Tokyo an American chain that we would […]
Tokyo – Dinner at Ukai-tei Ginza
For our last night in Japan, to celebrate the conclusion of our trip and take one last moment to enjoy the glories that are Japanese cuisine, we went to dinner at Ukai-tei Ginza. This Michelin-starred restaurant was just a few blocks from our hotel and despite our best efforts to get lost (and contrary to Michelin’s […]
A More Gentlemanlike Manner 