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japan

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30 HOUR SALE 30% OFF! Japanese Translation T-shirt dropped today!

When I tell you High Council has been ITCHING to get this debut out...it's been crazy!

In light of the Tokyo NomadnessX 2013 trip hitting at the very very end of August, we had to rep correctly for my second home. It's been 3 years since I have stepped foot in Nippon and that is all about to change in a few weeks ;-) It's about to go down!!

So, to be fresh we dropped the first in our Translation Series of T-Shirts. We've translated (ever so gently) 'I have more passport stamps than you.' into Japanese just in time for the upcoming trip!!

The Mission:

I want to reconnect and newly connect with all the ALT's/English Teachers/Vagabonds out in Japan. I want this shirt to be the tie that bonds us, our memories, our time in this amazing ancient country, and the Tribe. Many, like me, haven't been back in years...it's time for us to show it some love, no matter where we are!

 

LIMITED EDITION!! ONLY 111 MADE, and THEN NEVER AGAIN! These will sell out! Cop one now, as the 30% Off Sale is going until 5pm EST tomorrow! Move fast!


 

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Waking Life + Lost In Translation + Isolation = Mental Rejuvenation

... I've kept my phone off today. A conscious decision after sorting through the cerebellum last night. Instead of the usual -- wake up, eat, check Facebook, start working on Nomadness-- I pulled myself away from my patterns, in an essence to (ironically) explore them in a different way. I wrote in my journal for nearly an hour, flushing thoughts and decided to do one of the only things that actively keeps me away from work...indulge in films.

Last night's dream completely f*cked my head up and totally has me one track minded to get back to Japan at some point in 2013. I have to. It's no longer an option. No longer an oasis. To continue feeding the Japanese frenzy, I popped in 'Lost In Translation'. A film that the first time I watched, I didn't get. The silence made me uncomfortable, and at that point in life I wasn't a traveler. 

Then I moved to Japan. Within the first few months of living there 'Lost In Translation' became less a film, and more a mantra of my life for the year.  It's so on point with its depictions of being foreigners in Tokyo. Today, while in bed viewing the film, I related on another level. The level of allowing people into your life, for however short the time period, and knowing that at some point, you also have to let them go. In my memoir, there is a chapter I wrote called 'Attachment, Detachment'. It's a theory in Buddhism, as well as a recurring theme in the life of this nomad.

...and now. Waking Life. My three favorite films are Dead Poet's Society, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind..... and Waking Life. Garner from that whatever you will. In a simple sentence the film is based on the exploration of the line in the opening scene 'Dreams are destiny.' Waking Life, is how I live my life, and sometimes I need the reminder...an adamant, aggressive, all encompassing reminder.  Peep the clips below from one of the most genius films on the face of the Earth.

For the traveler in me...the curious child inside that will never die... I stick onto the quote that bridges both films for me today.

Waking Life
Boat Car Guy: I feel like my transport should be an extension
 of my personality. And this is like my little window to the
world... and every minutes a different show. I may not
understand it. I may not even necessarily agree with it.
But Ill tell you what Ive accepted: just sort of glide along.
You want to keep things on an even key, this is what Im saying.
You want to go with the flow. The sea refuses no river.
The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while
always arriving. It saves on introductions and goodbyes.
The ride does not require explanation - just
occupance.
Thats where you guys come in. Its like you
come onto this planet with a crayon box. Now you may get
the 8 pack, you may get the 16 pack but its all in what you do
with the crayons - the colors - that youre given. Dont worry
about coloring within the lines or coloring outside the lines
- I say color outside the lines, you know what I mean?
Color all over the page; dont box me in! Were in motion to
the ocean. We are not land locked, Ill tell you that.

http://youtu.be/s0TvZRcwz4I - Embedding not allowed, follow clip link to view

 

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December nostalgia...

December is only on the 5th day and I have been so busy that I honestly didn't even notice the transition. It's not until you pump the breaks a bit and realize damn, Christmas is coming. For me it's, Panama is coming.

I got an email tonight from Mieko. I haven't spoken about her in awhile. Found out that she is going to be in New York with her daughters in a few weeks. The last time I saw them, was back when I was living in Niigata, Japan and tutoring her daughters and niece at the Royal Host restaurant attached to the Niigata 'eki'.

I'm feeling it.... I miss Japan.

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and...I miss Japan. Trezure Empire and Cav @ Yume Fest

 

Nomad•ness Gal, the ever amazing and original Trezure Empire, along side her ace Cav shut Tokyo's Yume Fest down in November. The duo skipped town from Brooklyn and graced the stage to an always live Japanese crowd. She did one of my favorites, 'Shibuya'. The nostalgia tho......damn, I'm saying. I miss my second home.

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truth. tattoo.

 

 

 

shouts out to Nomad•ness Travel Tribe Member, Kimberley and her 'truth' tattoo in Japanese. She copped it in Osaka. Tonight the Tribe got into convos and posting photos of tattoos we got either while abroad or inspired by our travels. This one took the gold for me. *drops the mic and walks off stage*

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Japanese boxer turned activist for kids...

My friend Mieko told me I had to get in touch with Eiji my last few weeks in Japan. He lives in Tokyo and was a boxer who took his fight outside the ring, and into classrooms as a motivational speaker for kids both domestic and abroad.

During my last two weeks in Japan, based out of Tokyo, I linked with Eiji and his family for lunch and had a conversation with a man I consider a gentle giant. For years, Eiji transitioned from boxing into a believer in dreams. He started a YouTube channel that was based around interviewing people around the world, but especially in Japan, on what it's like to live a life following your dreams, and seeing them come true. He was intrigued by my story, and along with an interview in the hotel lobby, he also offered over being my book agent rep in Tokyo once my memoir is finished. He'd get it translated and all. Such a giving person, not looking for anything in return. 

What is so important about people like Eiji, in Japan, is that Japan is a country built on sameness.

Their saying "The nail that sticks out farthest, is the one that can get beat down" encapsulates this idea.

I saw it a lot in the school system when I worked there. It broke my heart, but was something as a 'gaijin' I had to just swallow and accept. This is not my home country. But for Eiji, it is. He knows what it's like in this country and for these students, and he has a voice they understand and would listen to. For that, I've always respected his plight. 

 

The above article, for Peacemakers News, is a commemoration of not only the 6 month mark of the tsunami and earthquake on 3/11, but also our 10 year anniversary of 9/11, as well. Eiji was noted for traveling to NYC on 9/11/01 and helping to find survivors of the tragedy.  Since then his message has been to bring love and peace, not war. 

Glad to have people like this in my corner, in Nippon.

 

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Nomad•ness Travel Series Official Teaser is here...

Nomad•ness Travel Series Official Teaser is here. Check out snippets of me all around the world. Including updated Berlin footage, from your fan help with Kickstarter. 

Nomad·ness is the reality show of one woman, with one perspective, traveling one country at a time. Through these journeys, I bring you urban life as it's lived around the world. Exploring art, music, food, local pastimes, and causes unique to each area I travel within. 

Check me, and other episodes, out at http://nomadnesstv.com

'Traveling Girl' Theme Song (obsessed) by Mr. Ivory Snow @mrivorysnow on Twitter

Shouts out to Foreign Beggars from the UK (obsessed) @foreignbeggars on Twitter

Please spread the word about the Nomad•ness Travel Series Facebook Fan Page. If on Facebook, follow this link and 'Like' the page. Every person counts for the attention of networks and sponsors! Facebook Fan Page LINK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nomadness-Travel-series/129147987097101

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Tokyo has risen...Hiro Ballroom NYC + Karmaloop TV + Pharrell

Pharrell Williams: Hiro Ballroomm NYC

Tonight was the night. I showed up, not sure if my name was on the list (which I'm still not sure I ever got confirmed) to catch the official screening of Pharrell's documentary on Tokyo's sub culture post the tsunami and nuclear reactor explosion on 3/11. 'Tokyo Rising' director, Thalia Mabros, pieced together the magic that was this thirty minute documentary. Invigorated, heavy with nostalgia, and on a networking high I watched the screen in front of me in awe.

Dumbfounded, as usual, by all that Tokyo has to offer and how unapologetic Japan is with its sense of style. So far out the box, it's hard to even encapsulate it in words.

The energy was well...New York. Networking proved to be priceless, and I was able to continue to spread the word on Nomad•ness Travel Series amongst people who really get it!

One day I'll really be able to go in and let you all know the details of tonight. Until then let the imagination wonder and I promise that the movement continues. Shouts out to Pharrell, Karmaloop TV, and Palladium Boots for putting this together.

 CHECK PART 1 BELOW and WATCH THE REST AT PALLADIUM BOOTS!

 

 

PS. Don't forget to 'Like' the Facebook Fanpage HERE. You guys rock!

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'Tokyo Rising'...and another reason why I have to work with Pharrell

 

So Pharrell Williams, of The Neptunes and BBC has been in Japan filming a documentary on the urban culture in Tokyo and how it has shifted since 3/11. What I see to be an amazing look into the belly of Tokyo's readjustment period since the series of quakes, tsunami, and a reactor exploding, 'Tokyo Rising' has some grand promise. Pharrell declares Tokyo his second home, as I declare the same for Niigata (Tokyo coming in at a close second).

The energy surge I got through me watching the trailer is really unparalelled. I've been talking about how much I miss Japan for awhile now. It's in the horizon and I have to hit that Asian epicenter within the next year. Nomad•ness will pop off, and then we out!

Good looks to Pharrell. He'll be hearing from me soon.

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hurricane hysteria...

From work, to news, to the streets, to strangers, it's all everyone is talking about in New York.

This damn Hurricane Irene...

It's official that the city is mandating all trains to be shut down as of 12pm tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning will decide on whether or not there will be an entire evactuation of downtown Manhattan.

The entire city on lock down though?

I'll be honest, the last thing I remember doing that was 9/11. So to say, I'm interested and intrigued by all the different ways this can go down. There is a part of my personality that finds itself drawn to hysteria. Something primal about it.

All this hurricane talk reminds me of when I was living in Japan, and ended up at my friend Mariana's apartment during my first ever typhoon. It was cool to say you got through it, but there was a tingy of 'anti' to it's climax. So I'll pay attention, take precautions, and ride it out...

In the mean time enjoy some music. "Hurricane Ivory"

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recap Domo Arigato Festival...sugoi!

Raye6Mio and I

DRT•BG First vendor experience at Domo Arigato...

I would like to deem the Domo Arigato Japan Fundraiser a success!

Yesterday was amazing. The Community Garden in the South Bronx was graced with performers, live art, hip-hop music, and dancers. Fundraising all in the name of helping raise money for Japan.

DRT•BGs had their first ever vendor experience, which was so much fun. The neighborhood got their first taste of the movement and it was so crucial to begin the process of spreading the word, face to face to the community. I had an amazing time. The feeling of nostalgia that I got was overwhelming. I miss Japan dearly. Between watching the female Japanese  hip-hop dancers, and sharing stories with performers who lived or visited Japan, there was a common bond wrapped around Nippon. It was undeniable.

Shouts to the lovely, talented Trezure Empire for the invite, Raye 6 for her performance and rocking a Kryptonite Canvas DRT•BG, and Mio Soul for shutting it down with her singing and rappng in Japanese and English. Uber amounts of talent were in that garden. Sugoi.

 

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DRT•BGs in Domo Arigato Festival this Saturday...Bronx, NYC

Happening just a little faster that I expected, the Univere answered another call, and this is to get my DRT•BGs moving in the community, along with the story of Nomad•ness travel series. I always envisioned me talking to people in my neighborhood and making them aware of the movement...well it starts up Saturday at the Domo Arigato Festival.

This festival is a Japan Relief fundraiser! As we know, I lived in Niigata, Japan for a year and it is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I miss it dearly. With that said, having the opportunity to not only promote my experience there, but also raise funds for their benefit, I'm there. No questions asked.

In lieu of it being festival number ICHI ('1' in Japanese), I'm running a sale on the bags. If you come to the festival,

ALL CANVAS BAGS ARE $15. ALL BOOKBAGS are $30.


So it's definitely worth it to come out and support the movement! Keep me company! Let's talk Japan, and New York, and life!

I can't wait to see you all there. There will be performers, including previous Nomad•ness Gal: Trezure Empire.  Come Support and get your bag!

College Park Community Garden presents...
"Domo arigato" Japan Appreciation Festival

With performances by:
Bronx Über Villain
Cavalier/
Emjae,
EYE2025*
Green Street
MeccaGodzilla
MioSOUL
Raye6
TreZure Empire

Hosted by: TastyKeish

Japanese dancers:
GAIYA of Block 3 Addiction and Hip Hop Dancers Rei, Rie and Natsuki

Live Art by Ignite Designs & John Smalls

Special guest performer: Spaceman.

Saturday Aug 6th / *rain date Sunday Aug 7th
2pm - 8 pm *Live performances begin at 4PM

Fun, Music & Activities for all ages

1420 College Ave btw 170st and 171st
Bronx, N.Y. 10457

Donation: $5.00 to support victims of the japan earthquake

via the Japan Society


For Updates : http://domoarigatofund.tum​blr.com/


 

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japan. donate. news sources.

For those in the States, this is the way that we can help by giving donations to the American Red Cross effort to help those in Japan. DONATE NOW!

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation and support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.”

American Red Cross Link: https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=%2Fntld_Redcross_text2help_faqs

 

FOR THOSE IN JAPAN:

As I contact my friends there, the biggest complaint that I hear in regards to communication is that the Japanese news stations are not giving out all the information. I'm not surprised by this, as the Japanese government is notorious for down playing events as to keep order, peace, and harmony among its people. Respectable idea, but this just ain't the time. Below is a list of American and non-Japanese news outlets so you all can see what is going on. I hope this helps.

次にアメリカおよび非日本のニュースの出口のリストがある従ってすべて起こっているものが見ることができる。 私はこれが助けることを望む。

HUFFINGTON POST

MSNBC

CNN

BBC NEWS



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8.9 thoughts on Japan...

I'm sitting here in awe as I watch the 8.9 earthquake, turned tsunami, and I am just full of emotion. As I turn between CNN and MSNBC, watching a wave completely eradicate the cars, bridges, fields, and lives of the country I boast as my second home. Japan.

To normal eyes, they see a literal wave of destruction. Understandably so. When I see this wave effortlessly destroy rice fields, I am brought back to images when I lived there of the diligence, patience, and precision that goes into the irrigation of their food.

When I see these roads destroyed, I see roads that made up my old neighborhood in Niigata.

When I see the coastline, I see Niigata's coastline. The same coastline that friends and I drank beer while watching the sunset on.

I see the people, the elderly that are such an avid part of their society.

My friends are ok, and accounted for for the most part. I just want them all to stay around high ground for the next 24 hours. 

Hawaii, all countries along the Pacific, Australia..all please get to higher ground.Get in touch and keep in touch.

Love and safety to you all.

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moments of pause...

I'm a runner. I very much focus on the future and what I could be building, creating, perfecting to make my dreams and obsessions come true. I think faster than the average individual, probably right on par with any New Yorker. We're sick.

It's always running to do so much, and sadly we dont learn to balance until we have no choice. Our minds or bodies shut down. For me it was my first full blown panic attack and I quickly learned how to say "No." Something I'd never done before, assuming I could assume every role that was brought my way. How silly we are.

What I find, in life, is that there are crucial, and many times life changing moments of pause. It's those times where you are in a place and time and you are so present that you chills. You may close your eyes, breathe in the air, give thanks to the higher power, what have you. But for some reason, you stop and you recognize the pause. I have to admit I live in New York and love it at times, but I don't find those pregnant pauses here.

Sea of Japan at our sunset drinking and talking party on the beach. 10 mins from my old apartment in Niigata, Japan.

 

It's when I'm abroad. I am so moved by life, when I travel that I have them so periodically, it scares me because it reinforces that New York will probably not be my home, for life. I want to live in a place that makes me feel that way, and makes me live life in a way, where I feel that daily. Maybe that's why I move around so much. The new beginnings. the new discoveries. The understanding that every new place brings about a new pause. Here are a few of my random moments of pause around the world. This is a very modified list.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Preparation

Photo shoot after different Japanese tea Ceremony

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risk and reward...

As an Aries, I am an extremist. I don't do things by the book. I don't heir on the side of caution, and most times I jump first and think later. This is innate. It's how I was born, and very much a part of who I am. I am attracted to challenges, debates, risk. I become invigorated by overcoming them. Much of my travel life is stimulated by this. Another country, limited monies, while armed with determination, a quest for the life a new country brings, and in better cases a great phrasebook of the local language. I feel like a warrior out there.

So when is the risk not worth the reward?

Is it when your family and possibly friends think you've acted foolishly, and beyond your means? Is it when you, yourself start to question, if you're searching or merely running away? Is it when your bank account is at $0 upon arriving back home and you start life again 'home' from scratch? Is it when you feel everyone watching, and that creates a pressure to make it all look like everything is fine, when it isn't?

I have always seen the biggest risk in NOT attempting. When I feel down about the circumstances that I have put myself in, usually financial risk for this passion of travel, I remember the reward when I look in the faces of those who haven't.

More often than not, I am approached with the phrase "I could never do what you do. You take risks. I want so badly to just (insert passion here) but I can't." I wonder some times where this person's reward is. Is it in stability, or the illusion, of it as I say? Many times it is, and that is enough for people. Their comfort zone is enough wiggle room for them.To each is own. Trust me, I understand. I'd kill for some of that financial stability at the moment.

But, again, is the risk of not doing anything, worth the reward of stability?

Lately, I've been brought back to a conversation I had with Megan before we departed Japan. I told her something that I believed very deeply, and it scared the shit out of me saying it, but I felt it in my gut.

I looked her in the eye and said," I feel like I have to lose everything in order to gain it back ten fold. I really see myself going through a tough time, right before the awakening to the most magnificent rewards my life has ever seen."

This conversation took place approaching a year ago. In this past year, I have lost one of my best friends to a motorcycle accident. At that point, I had just began to let go of a love I was attached to for over a year. I ventured out with Jet Set Zero which subsequently put me in the worst financial situation I may have ever been in upon arrival home. I sat at Narita Tokyo airport and disposed of over a luggage worth of clothes to purge it out of my life, and eradicate any baggage costs. That same day, I turned twenty-six years old and started a new numerology cycle into a 1 year.

I do believe that you have to let go of the muck, in order to receive the new treasures. The whole idea of cleaning your plate before being able to add on more.

This blog is a mental attempt at that. Lately, my posts have been about travel, on the surface level. Right now I'm going through real shit and the fasade was ready to come down.

Universe, I have purged a lot in preparations for what you have for me. I swear, to adapt as needed, but to steam roll forward with my dreams, without reservations. I'm ready. I'm ready for the awakening to the benefits of all my perserverance. I open up to you because I know everything I ever dreamed of is all within my reach, I just have to ask for it.

Attraction.

 

 

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unorthodox winter...Snow Monkeys and Ice Hotels

Yes, it's January here in New York. The forecast calls for two days of snow approaching and I'm here thinking about winters elsewhere.

Two hours away from the city I lived in, in Japan, there's a place called Nagano. From Niigata, you can see their mountains in the distance. Not bad waking up with mountains on one side and beach on the other. In the onsens of Nagano live their Snow Monkeys. Both frightening and beauitful at the same time. I vow that if in Japan during the winter again, I will be going to Nagano to witness this for myself.

Then...thanks to #TNI on Twitter for two weeks people have been bringing up the Ice Hotel. I believe there is more than one but these photos are of the hotel in Quebec, Canada. Never had a reason to go to Canada...has that suddenly changed?

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Niigata TV: Kawasaki Shokai and Dustin...

Forwarded to me by my lovely friend Aki, in Niigata is a promo full of street interviews in my previous home in Japan.

Yes, there was a sense of nostalgia seeing Bandai Bridge, Shinano River, LoveLa, and I believe even Furumachi.

Brings me back...anywho, check my friend Dustin's cameo at abot 1:58. Hysterical.

If in Niigata, make sure to check out his bar called Northern Lights right in Bandai next to Niigata Eki (station) kudasai.

No, I have no idea what Kawasaki Shokai is, nor what was going on in the video. Nihongo ga hanasemasen.

 

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