Life & Relationships
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Panoramic Tour of Tokyo
From Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji to Tokyo Bay, the Imperial Palace and an illuminated Rainbow Bridge, this one-day tour showed us just how much Tokyo can fit into a single day. And, once again, Japan did not disappoint.
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Mt Fuji Viewing — and Goodbye Japan
We came to Japan hoping to see snow and learn to ski. After cancelled plans, lost glasses, a forgotten iPad and countless wrong trains, somehow everything worked out — and somewhere along the way, we fell in love with Japan.
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The Burden Becomes Lighter
Life’s burdens don’t always disappear, but they can feel a little lighter when we have someone willing to carry part of the weight with us.
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How Sweet
Some wives receive jewellery or perfume. Graeme gave me a Personal Locator Beacon so I wouldn’t get lost in the bush. Nothing says love quite like “please make yourself easier to rescue.” 
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A Gold Medal for Kuya Jing
Three days before my 50th birthday, I learned that my dear friend and “kuya” had passed away. I couldn’t cry, so I ran — and dedicated my 5 km gold medal to a man who taught me what loyalty, friendship and faith really meant.
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The Secret Behind My Good Genes
Graeme thought my less-wrinkly skin was down to good genes. Then one morning he discovered that the genes apparently have a maintenance program.
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Reality Bites
I always thought I was selfless. Then two strangers made our ferry wait for 1½ hours in 31-degree heat, and suddenly my generosity developed conditions. 😂
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Old Age Is a Privilege of the Few
I used to think of ageing as something to resist. Loss taught me to see it differently: growing older is not guaranteed. It is a privilege.
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When the Plan Keeps Changing
Our plan was to cross Mt Bartle Frere and camp on the eastern side. Then came slow progress, thick fog, a full campground and a nine-year-old yelling, “I don’t want to die!” Hiking plans, apparently, are merely suggestions. 😂
Stories Along the Way 