(I originally wrote this long before Covid-19 was a problem. I hope that by the time Covid-19 ends, this shopping strip will still be open and capable of serving customers.) In a world full of uncertainty, at the very least, you can keep your computer safe. If you order through the link below, it will help me, too. One of the wonderful things about my hometown of Springvale, Victoria is that you can experiences a lot of Asian culture for very little cost. It's in the South Ea

(Since I first wrote this post, the killing of George Floyd and all of the complex societal problems it brought forth has come to light. I've resisted making any statements about it in any of my professional capacities. I care very much about the plight of oppressed people, but I don't want to profiteer off of someone else's misery and use it as a promotional tool. Or to use other people and their problems as pawns to make myself seem like a better person. But I felt that thi

(Photos I took of the Nankai Rapit, inside and out.) When I was preparing for my most recent trip to Japan, one of the things I wanted to do was to pay for as much as possible in advance, meaning that I could largely put money out of mind for the rest. One of the things I definitely wanted to do on my last trip to Japan was visit Universal Studios Japan aka USJ. But I wanted some way to save a little money on it. So I ordered a ticket through Klook that came with discounted N

(Free image from Wix.) (I originally wrote most of this piece as I was preparing to go on a study tour in China. Since then, my mindset has changed. I am less anxious and more inclined to feel sure of my perceptions. But I still think this piece can be a vehicle for thought.) The fact is that sometimes when I think of being far from my home, I feel anxious. In order to deal with my anxiety, I have three tactics. I hide away somewhere by myself, I go for a walk by myself, or I