One week, five things. Listing five things I've enjoyed or appreciated during the past seven days. Welcome to Five Things!

Oh happy day-and happier heart! The cherry blossoms have joined the ume and are in bloom. These are special cherry blossoms, though....

Busy bee? Yep, that's me! Mahjong's been on a slight hold, but with Monday morning onigiri making and weekly outings to less occupied...

One of the great joys in living in Japan is being able to observe their holidays and festivals-and there are a lot. Some are a little...

When I think of the businesses hit hard by COVID, my mind tends to go to a few of the obvious places: small businesses, the performing...

There are many gifts in being an expat. In Japan, our family's experience has been one of encouragement; to enjoy the food and drink,...

Can you have enough good luck? Would you participate in a local, traditional pilgrimage if it meant you might be extra blessed? Maybe...

Southerners have pretty standard traditions when it comes to ushering in the new year. Black-eyed peas, greens, pork chops, grits,...

Generally speaking, there are amazing benefits to being an expat: the ability to travel to new places, immersing yourself in a beautiful...

Happy Fall y'all! It's time to enjoy an expat's fall bucket list. Which one will you tick off first?