Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
Lost In Neverland
Hey, So let me introduce myself. I'm Kim and I have been an au pair in the Netherlands for about 4 months now. It's a very challenging experience and I learn something new every single day, plus I get to explore this beautiful country in my free time and I get a lot of free time.
By Kimberley-Jo Mercer9 years ago in Wander
Kendo
Every time I step into Japan I feel it is the result of some unspoken quest for me to visit a past life. It does fall naturally that I do come from a Japanese background. It was thus that when I did settle into Naraha on the Coast of Fukushima, I found it quite serendipitous that the room adjacent to my place of residence happened to be the local Kendo Dojo. Kendo was the ancient practice of the samurai that populated Japan's islands in the days when my ancestors lived out their days in southern Japan. I have deduced that my family name "Hatanaka" likely comes from the name of a samurai clan. I do not know the accuracy of this, but I have noticed that my life seems to give me hints to this past. It was in this way that Kendo weaved into my life. There is another common preoccupation with my thoughts that notices that my life has also put me in close ties with Native Americans. I have found that both the Native American and Japanese culture share striking resemblances. For instance, very recently I have come to discover that the natives often observed their surrounding and took clues from the animals that they came in contact with to give insight into how to best steer their lives. They also took this from the vegetation in their environment. For instance, there is the Aspen tree, which grows abundantly in my hometown. It is a tree that means discipline as the practice of Kendo similarly embodies.
By Sound And The Messenger9 years ago in Wander
Into the Inaka
There's this feeling I have even now when I look back on the experience of leaving Tokyo and going north to Fukushima, which was the place where I would teach. It's a feeling of warmth and adventure and mystery. I remember the rolling hills that were lush green in the summer and the perfect square plots of rice fields that ran past like bars of rest on a musical piece. The city disappeared and then it seemed that there was never a city. Everything rewound 60 years. There were old thatched huts, but we were on an interstate in an air-conditioned bus and so this naturally brought me back to the present. I was with around 40 other teachers and we were all starting out the year in Fukushima. It was 2009 and just changing to the Indian start of summer. It was late summer when the green couldn't be more dark and this hinted that the next movement would be the withdrawing of chlorophyll from everything green.
By Sound And The Messenger9 years ago in Wander
Exploring the City of Cardiff
If you’re looking for an easy mini-break from London, the city of Cardiff is definitely worth checking out. The capital of Wales is a simple train journey direct from London’s Paddington station, or it's about a three-hour drive (depending on traffic). A modern city with incredible history, there’s a lot to explore in Cardiff.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in Wander
I Just Saved You $46,900 Excl. Taxes, or Have I Actually?
Someday soon, you will be arriving at an airport in Central America. Your 9-5 job has exhausted you and an escape began to form in your mind. Months or years of saving has left a hefty sum in your pocket and now is the time to splurge on the one thing on your mind: your feet digging in soft, pearly-white sand. An ocean breeze blows your hair back and just as you exhale and think of how grateful you are to simply be alive... a handsome man in a uniform brings you a colorful, fruity cocktail. Alternatively, a cute woman with the prettiest eyes and most intoxicating smile arrives with a stack of neatly-folded towels. A towel is handed to you as she says "Buenos días," in an accent oh-so-sweet, you imagine crossing paths later that day, only to propel yourself in a holiday-fling with her. Bottom-line: you feel acknowledged. "This is bliss."
By Thomas Rivet9 years ago in Wander
Live Like a Local and See the World
I have to admit that I am a terrible tourist. I love travelling, but I hate feeling like an outsider — I want to know where the best cafe is, I want to buy fresh bread and make a sandwich for lunch, I want to lie in a park and share a picnic with friends.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in Wander
A Trip to Arkansas
My kids and I went on a trip to Murfreesboro, Arkansas. We started out early in the morning before sunrise since we live in Northeast Mississippi. I chose to take Highway 82 West since it goes all the way across Mississippi, and into Arkansas. We also dropped off some computers at a friend's house in Winona, MS to be fixed while we were on our trip. What's fun about going on a trip like this is finding your way on a map, and seeing places you have never been. Not the Interstates...just regular State highways.
By Juanell Hopper9 years ago in Wander
Creepiest Abandoned Amusement Parks in America
Amusement parks are fun!... right? While some look at the actual amusement that comes from the parks, others find it difficult to look past the creepy aspects of that come along when entering these parks. They are designed for a fun and thrilling time, but how can one focus on that if they are filled with clowns, mascots with who knows what kind of person underneath those masks, dirty toothless men running the rides, and thousands of strangers that you have never met before. And if you did not think that amusement parks could get any creepier than that, imagine walking into an abandoned one. A whole amusement park all on your own that has been rundown and rusting for years. Well, unfortunately for those who are not fans of creepy places, and fortunately enough for those who get a thrill out of visiting places like this, then do I have some destinations for you. Here are some of the creepiest amusement parts in America, after the fun ended.
By Corey Gittleman9 years ago in Wander
Unfriendly Skies
One thing that I can’t stand is how we seem to have lost even the illusion of “customer service” with such an important industry as Air Travel. Over the years the process became more miserable, and the space became more crowded. Somewhere along the way, we became cattle that could pay their own way. I recently traveled from San Diego to North Carolina with my girlfriend, Gigi and the Wee Lad. As things fell apart en route, Southwest Airlines made no moves to help the passengers with contingencies. Our trip ended with me keeping watch over a sleeping nine-year-old and his mother, in a strange airport.
By Mickey Finn9 years ago in Wander
