Born in the quiet town of Brookfield, Wisconsin Michael now finds himself living thousands of miles away in Kyoto, Japan. What was up is now down, what was left is now right. Each day presents a new challenge to the 5 year veteran ex-pat and with it a new experience. Though some might crumble under the daily pressure and constant stress Michael has turned his frown upside down and decided to make something of it. When a bad day gives you lemons, you make lemonade, or at least some reasonable approximation.
In the five years of life in Japan Michael has traveled from one end of the country to the other (and we are not talking the short way either). Travel is one of the great pleasures of this country. The boundless opportunities, interesting places, and wonderfully helpful people make each trip a thoughtful adventure. From buses to trains to airplanes and even hitchiking making his way across the countryside Michael has always enjoyed himself (even in the rain). Camping in parking lots, on beaches, and next to volcanoes has created a can-do attitude that rarely fails. A lesson that struck home early in Michael wandering travels is, always be prepared and know (at least to some degree) what you are getting yourself in to. IE don’t try camping outside in the winter unless you have a tent and a bed pad unless you want to wake up half frozen cocooned in ice.
What happens next no one knows, but Michael, me, is looking forward to finding out.
