#mizukiwanders

[thepiratescompass]

We're 5 months into the #newyear and here's my first picture of #2k18. When I took this #photo I had a few plans in mind for what this year would look like and I can't wait to share with you my experiences thus far. But for now, #osechiryori and#family. #mizukiwanderstojapan #mizukiwanderstokyo #mizukiwanders (at Tokyo, Japan)

[mizukiwanders]

Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy

Miss Frizzle from Magic School Bus

[thepiratescompass]

About 4 years ago, I told my parents that I will dedicate my #summer to locating and retrieving a #Shibainu. I sifted through #craigslist ads, #Facebook posts, and #SPCA sites hoping to accomplish this. I thought nothing could really brighten my lonely days more than this #Japanesebreed. What I may not have realized was that my shibs, now 8, would be ruling my life and bossing me around. I, along with the rest of my family, are told when to feed her treats, where to walk her and at what pace, and learned to get used to the infamous storm of #doghair. But she, with the cutest tail, has brought a new life to my family and I. The house is never empty as long as she is around. So in light of this beauty's birthday, here's a photograph from #November. Ahh, we're finally getting to December of 2017- where the fun really begins. Stay tuned. #doghairdontcare #mizukiwanderswithNikita #mizukiwanders

[thepiratescompass]

It's not up to me on whether or not we set the world's pinwheel out to spin again. I honestly don't know what to make of it. But that's not what this is for... Days grew long and some of us had the opportunity to shed light on our desires, faults, and growth. With changes coming our way, the pinwheel might pick up speed faster than we'd all like and this can feel intimidating. I often have to remind myself no one is threatening to take away the space you've created for yourself by opening their doors again. But a new responsibility arises. "How am I going to protect my created safe place?" You've planted the seeds. 🐛 You've watched them sprout into the beginnings of a lush garden. 🌻 Now, it's time to root down to rise. 🦋 #mizukiwandersHOME #mizukiwanders (at Shelter in Peace) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAmL7Pwnqf1/?igshid=twidm2i2c88t

[thepiratescompass]

There have been too many times where I arrive somewhere hot and exhausted and I think "Huh, that's it?". Then I return home to my comfortable small town and think, "YEAH, that's it". I tend to let my current feelings take the wheel which then fogs my vision to see things as less than they really are. The challenge of #traveling isn't finding the right photo to share, but rather living in the present moment when there's #weather, #trash, #crowds, and lack of ___ to worry about. Next time, I'll be sure to take a moment to survey the things that can't be changed and weigh them over the experiences that could cease to exist. #mizukiwandersTulum #mizukiwanderstoMX #mizukiwanders #tulum #tulummexico #mexico (at Tulum, Zona Arqueológica & Playa, Rivera Maya) https://www.instagram.com/p/B94brntHIW_JtAq9PY_g2419n15fhAeOIiOH0o0/?igshid=1cocfq061eg9

[thepiratescompass]

At the end of 2019, I ran off to see the coastal redwoods thinking that with the anxiety I was feeling, the forest could shed my stress and fears. It did it in Oregon, Japan... Hell, it's done it just about everywhere I've traveled. So I thought, "Why not give it a go?". But for the first time, I was let down. Here's the only portrait of me from this cleansing attempt. It's the only one because I couldn't bear the idea of seeing myself surrounded in pain despite all of this beauty. Almost like that feeling you get when you stare at yourself too long in the mirror. Now it's three months later and I've allowed to let more light in with things, activities, and the people I love most. So let this false smile serve as a reminder to check in with the people in your life, yourself and to face your fears by LETTING LIGHT IN. Things can get accomplished. Things can get better. Things can change. #mizukiwanderstoRedwoodNPS #mizukiwanderscalifornia #mizukiwandersnps #mizukiwanders (at Klamath River) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vPspdnjjgjGmWUDHd2Zz5meibViM6n1-8Qno0/?igshid=eldqxnyemxn8

[thepiratescompass]

This weekend was full of love and friendship. I couldn't help but do a lot of reflecting on what I want to take away from this life. I still have so much searching to do but at least I have one thing checked off my list. #mizukiSTILLwanders #mizukiwandersSanDiego #mizukiwanderscalifornia #mizukiwanders (at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve & State Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4wL55SnAQ4E9YoOd9v2nlJ7de5dSnw4OlXrRY0/?igshid=1bsema96qp29h

[thepiratescompass]

Last year, I traveled back to #Japan to kick off my last hoorah before returning back to school. Although surrounded by family, good food, and fresh faces I often felt alone. This night I decided to take one of my favorite midnight walks in the pouring rain and it seems like centuries ago. The #obstacles to overcome and achieve my status as a #credentialed #teacher chewed me up, spit me out, and created a stronger me with a more wide perspective on what it means and feels to be alone in a foreign place yet surrounded by love and a shared compassion. I want to share a special thanks to my existing and added #supportsystem this year. I really could not have pushed through with out your giggles, words of wisdom, and welcomed distractions. With love, Z #mizukiwandersTokyo #mizukiwanderstoJapan #mizukiwandersbacktoschool #mizukiwanders (at Kamata, Tokyo) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzCBV8lnrjJXBtqZwOfpWnFbZ6KDGN3sE2-mpE0/?igshid=1ddo7vr4p3sns

[thepiratescompass]

This is my first trip to Japan where I opted out of a #JapanRailpass. I've been here frequently for the past couple of years and felt it was time to dive into a new culture. It gives me a little anxiety thinking I won't be riding the rails as often, but I suppose captured memories from those trips will have to do for now. Here's my first visit to the Sea of Japan at #tottorisanddunes in May 2018. The West side is secluded from most tourists. Very often there's only one train every few hours that will take you to your next #destination and leaves you stranded without convenience stores--only small village vibes. #Tottori #sanddunes #japan #mizukiwandersTottori #mizukiwanderstoJapan #mizukiwanders (at 鳥取砂丘レンジャー) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzA-7DSniid4nKJca2b_EpOiNtvsDyy_tbRkqs0/?igshid=166dz0sherkow

[thepiratescompass]

#Swiss Bliss After leaving Milan, my post bed bug sanctuary, I was reunited with my beautiful growing cousins but also nature. We had spent so much time hopping from one big city to the next that we rarely had time to reunite ourselves with our favorite back drop. Thanks @elizfotoz and family for hosting me once again in this beautiful country of yours. Miss you already! #mizukiwanderstoCH #mizukiwandersTechino #mizukiwanders (at Valle Verzasca)

[thepiratescompass]

There is so much I need to catch you up on. However this is the view from the top of the Cathedral stairs in Köln. After our visit to this small city I found myself pondering the idea that the Internet, myself included, often romanticize #travel and #wanderlust. We talk about these amazing places and great experiences but it is worth mentioning that not all of it is wonderful. But good or not, it is okay. As long as we take precautions in our safety and wellness, we can walk out of there with new experiences and understandings that we may or may not meet again. #mymiddleagedroommatewaslitoffspacecakeandkilled840ozbeersinthenightandsnoopedaroundtheroom #hostelhorrorstories #MizukiwanderstoDE #mizukiwanderscologne #Mizukiwanders #Cologne #Germany (at Cologne Cathedral)

[thepiratescompass]

Wrapping up one of the craziest 96 hours of my life. #teamnosleep #2017nbachampions #mizukiwanders #mizukiwanderswiththegoldenstatewarriors (at Oakland, California)

[thepiratescompass]

By the time the start of August rolled around, I longed for my bed, the comfort of my family, and the freedom of mosquitos. My #miniretirement was coming to a close and I thought I would be content for the forthcoming months. I was to begin a master's credential program and finally submerge into the start of my career as a #teacher. But here we are post-Thanksgiving and I am already #reminiscent of the year's #adventures. I took a bit of a hiatus from my #travel posts and although I'd like to promise consistency—the demand of school is my new priority. But for now, here's a captured #moment from an early #Nagoya morning in #January where I was traveling and attempting to write a personal statement. Whilst there, I met my first few African Americans in #Japan (I know... talk about late #blackandabroad) and had the classic #NagoyaBreakfast at the window sill of @earlybirds_breakfast as I watched the morning commute. Not included— almost lost Fitbit, one-hour customer service visit, the run back to the #hostel from #nagoyacastle, late-checkout, and the long day that was to start. #mizukiwanders #mizukiwanderstoJapan #mizukiwandersNagoya #mizukiwandersviashinkansen #gapyear #japanrailpass #jrpass #bullettrains #traveljapan #Japantravel #passionpassport #wanderlust (at Hisaya Odori Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqnoFViAfcz7yZsj1LkjksnqQwr-GU6Qj3nZw00/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15m6hoviasnwf

[thepiratescompass]

#New #camera #lens came in today! Who wants to shoot? I'm rusty. #sony #sonya6000 #sigma #sigma19mm #mizukiwanders

[thepiratescompass]

After a #longday of #travel, we settled into a small guest house and rose with the sun to be one of the firsts at the #hotspring (#dogoonsen) for the day. There aren't many #experiences similar to #bathing like #royalty so early in the #morning and finishing it off with #silly photos around town with your #family. Have you ever bathed in a hot spring before? What were your thoughts? Share below. P.S. If you ever travel to this small town, you'll find yourself in #mikan, or #tangerine, heaven. But if you're #lucky you'll locate the #royaljelly. (@amanda_dea8 not pictured) #ridethatbicycle #mizukiwandersDogoOnsen #mizukiwanderstojapan #mizukiwanders (at Dōgo Onsen)

[thepiratescompass]

I've seen #Iceland in April, but it's no match for #Japan in #December. Here, you see me wearing base layers, a #cosby inspired wool sweater, a fleece lined #llbean flannel, a #uniqlo Down #parka and fleece lined pants. Oh, and a #scarf to act as the cherry. This is me, finally warm, next to a childhood friend, #anpanman, who introduced me to the love of the land I thoroughly enjoy to call home. Are there any #childhoodmemories that you've crossed that sent you lost in a tunnel of #nostalgia? Share below. #mizukiwanderstojapan #mizukiwandersOkayama #mizukiwandersintoNostalgia #mizukiwanders #japanrailpass #jrailpass #japantravel (at Okayama Station)