Prisoner of Hopes

Category: Perspectives

  • Random Stop at the Chandler Museum: Rural Road Trips

    A random stop turns into a profound learning experience as we face history and our current national condition

  • Phoenix Zoo: Rural Road Trips

    The Phoenix Zoo is not quite what we hope but still an enjoyable day. We embrace the experience and meet a new friend who tries to share his lunch.

  • Eating Our Way Through Tokyo: Travel Goals

    Food is an important part of a travel experience. In this offering, I remember several memorable meals and the ways we embarrass ourselves.

  • Saguaro Shut Down: Rural Road Trips

    Saguaro National Park is wild and wonderful in its desolation. On this trip we are almost the only ones there, which fuels my imagination.

  • Inari Tokyo: Travel Goals Japan

    I am drawn to sacred spaces, especially if they are authentically in use. While I know little about Shinto, I can relate to the seeking and penitent hearts.

  • Movie Magic In Old Tucson: Rural Road Trips

    I had know idea where we were going when we arrived and was somewhat unexcited. After a few hours with the resident western movie historian, I didn’t want to leave.

  • Remembrance: Travel Goals Japan

    You can learn a lot about a culture in a cemetery. We explore a large burial ground in Tokyo and encounter generals, artists, and even a famous dog.

  • Dove of the Desert: Rural Road Trips

    In the Arizona desert just South of Tucson is the Mission San Xavier del Bac, known as the “White Dove of the Desert. This historic 18th-century Spanish Catholic mission located on the Tohono O’odham Nation reservation was built between 1783-1797. It is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona and a National Historic Landmark. Many…

  • Shinjuku: Travel Goals Japan

    Our neighborhood for the next month is about fifteen minutes (bus) or a half hour (walk) from Shinjuku Station in the direction of Nakano City. It is quiet and residential. There are a few shops hidden in the apartment blocks that front endless back streets of houses. There isn’t much traffic. Here we are much…

  • Casa Grande: Rural Road Trips

    It is supposed to be a grand road trip to visit lesser known national parks and historic sites. Unfortunately Congress cannot agree on a budget. The ensuing government shut down has caused more than a few headaches on this trip. Sites we intend to visit may be closed and today is no exception. We arrive…