“Fly Away” Cedar Park, 2017
☁
Fly Away
“Fly Away” Cedar Park, 2017
“Fly Away” Cedar Park, 2017
Sketching
“Sketch” Cedar Park, 2017
Hi! I’ve started sketching a bit lately, which is a lot of fun. I guess I am just enjoying putting pencil/pen to paper lately, maybe getting a little obsessed with the notebook thing, using a new fountain pen and ink, practicing hiragana and katakana, and being inspired by urban sketches. Life is good!
Traveler’s Notebook
“Traveler’s Notebook (Passport)” Cedar Park, 2017
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Today my brand new Traveler’s Notebook (passport size) arrived on my doorstep. I’ve been looking at these notebooks (formerly named Midori) for a while now, and after watching numerous YouTube videos and reading reviews, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered mine.
I went with the “camel” color leather, which not only looks great but smells nice too. If you aren’t familiar with a Traveler’s Notebook, it’s basically a plain leather cover, with inserts that are held in place with elastic bands. There are two sizes: the regular size and the smaller passport-sized version, which is the one I went with.
The most common inserts are notepads (lined, graph, or blank), monthly planner, weekly planner, and daily planner. In addition, there are craft folder sleeves, plastic zipper pocket, and plastic sticker pockets.
My starter set came with a blank notebook and two extra elastic bands. I ordered a craft sleeve and zipper pocket separately, and these three inserts are a nice start. It’s not too bulky, so I think I can add one more notebook (probably a lined version) and it will be perfect. I also attached a couple of small binder clips to the craft sleeve which acts as a little loop for me to attach my pen.
What’s great about the Traveler’s Notebook system (and there are many cheaper clones available) is that when you fill up one insert, you can just pop in another one. It’s super versatile!
If you do a YouTube search for Traveler’s Notebooks or Midori Notebooks, you’ll see that many people love to use them for artistic journaling. Some of the examples are pretty amazing, especially the sketchbook notebooks. Just check out this Flickr group to see some awesome sketches.
I’m using mine to do some little sketches, practice writing hiragana/katakana, and take notes. I’m also using it to replace my wallet – to hold a couple credit cards, blank checks, and some cash. And of course a couple Instax prints of the family.
I’m really happy with my Traveler’s Notebook and can see myself using it for a long, long time. 😄
“Traveler’s Notebook (Passport)” Cedar Park, 2017
Not 100 Percent
“Cool Designs” Cedar Park, 2017
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Last week a small cough started visiting me, and then stayed with me during the weekend. I thought it might be allergies, but then yesterday I started getting the chills and my whole body was sore. I felt like I had the flu. So, I went to bed at around 20:00 and when I woke up this morning, I felt a lot better. I’d say I am back to 80%. Anyways, I guess I am happy that I didn’t get sick during vacation and that it held off until I was back home. ☺️
Today’s photo is of some pottery pieces that Mariko bought in Morocco. I love the designs. And there’s a cat in the photo too. 🐱
I hope you had a nice day, and happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! 🇺🇸
Streaker Goes For It At Rugby Match
So funny. What a pro!
Morocco and Spain Trip Recap
“Travel Loot” Cedar Park, 2017
こんばんは。How’s it going?
Well, I finally finished up with all my back posts of our trip! The photo above shows a few pieces of the loot haul, and in the dish is a small stone that I picked up from the water at Barceloneta beach. I don’t even know if it is imported or not, but the authenticity isn’t important. It’s the memory that it represents that gives it value. One of my favorite movie scenes explains what I mean.
Anyways, here are a couple lists I made about the trip.
Total miles traveled: 12,905
- Plane: 11,273
- Train: 921
- Boat: 29
- Bus/Taxi: 682
Highlights/Bucket List
- First trip to Africa – That makes it four continents for me!
- Crossing from Africa to Europe by ferry – The so-called Strait of Gibraltar have been one of those mythical things since I was a little kid
- Touching the Mediterranean – Again, like something out of a dream. Isn’t this where the Greek gods/heroes used to play?
Top Food
- Boquerones tapas (fried sardines)
- Tagine
- Papas bravas
- Almejas tapas (clams)
- Jamón bocadillos
Post Index
Since I posted my trip entries after-the-fact, here’s a list you can use to easily access each one:
- Arrival in Morocco, Casablanca to Marrakech by Train
- Glimpse of Marrakech
- Jardin Majorelle and Jemaa El Fna
- To Zagora (and Camels!)
- Back in Marrakech
- Traveling to Rabat
- Exploring Rabat
- Afternoon in Fes
- Fes to Tangier
- Ferry to Spain
- Night in Granada
- Day in Granada
- Bus to Barcelona
- Barcelona – Day 1
- Barcelona – Day 2
- Casablanca
- Returning Home
Handy Notes
“Notes” Cedar Park, 2017
こんばんは。
Today’s photo is of a little notebook that proved to be very handy during our trip. There were a few times in Morocco where I wasn’t able to communicate clearly when it really mattered. The most notable time was when we were trying to buy train tickets. It’s actually a fairly easy process to buy tickets in Morocco, but during Ramadan, the schedule is a little different and also I didn’t understand if there was a change of trains at some point.
So, before I headed to the ticket counter (there are also automated ticket machines), I wrote down the desired destination, date, number of tickets, and 1st class. I could just show that to the ticket agent and he wrote down the available trains that day. It was so much easier than trying to verbally communicate.
Google translate is amazing, but in cases like these, pencil and paper win the day!
I hope you had a nice Sunday!
またね～
