"But lately when I talk about home and where home is with my family and friends, the discussion eventually comes round to a question of whether to stay rooted and bloom in place or propel gently forward like dandelion seeds in search of safe and fertile ground to grow." - this resonated so well. Having moved from India to US in my late forties, this is one question that hounds me, considering what is happening both in India and the US. How often and how long can we keep moving is the question though.
It is hard to capture all of the things that make Japan feel safe. Of course we know we are outsiders here but in some places outsiders are not safe. I’m thankful that is not the case here. Thank you for artfully capturing a bit of the context for Americans in Japan.
I once boarded a Hankyu train in Kobe and saw about ¥15,000 in coins scattered across the bench opposite me. I rode the train for about ten stops and watched people come and go as the coins remained untouched. I miss feeling so safe, although I live in a relatively safe suburb here in the States now.
A very quick comment after reading about you removing your earrings for high school. What a colossal loss of our time -- thinking as well of airport metal detectors. There is so much value in trust and safety.
Loved this essay. How we are living and how are the places where we live, is so current in most of our minds, especially as it is playing out in our day to day lives. Living in Brooklyn and New York in general, there’s a very rich bit of everything, as well as reminders of what there is not. The US as a country is extremely disturbing...as it always has been. I have always felt I could live somewhere else, but know that I am fully cosmopolitan at heart with deep appreciative time of country forests and seasides on the side. Thank you for all of the wonderful links for references that you talk about. Always enjoy this aspect of your writing. Japanese references with links provided were helpful and wonderful to learn about. Others I knew about, but loved revisiting the time and history through your links. Listened to the Studs Terkel interview with James Baldwin.....powerful, deeply insightful, as Baldwin always is. It was incredible and insightful to include that interview. America is deeply distorted and complex in the initial simplicity of its core problem. Once again, thank you for a really good read that is so expanded and rich for the references and links that you’ve taken the time to put in for your readers.✔️💥💯
It’s weird, today we had a moment in Santa Monica where Dave and I exchanged few looks. Would the kids noticed this? Is it ok to walk here with kids? Our 4 years in Japan made us “forget” how deep distress is in other parts of the world. Los Angeles has both extremes and it feels so weird. I had this feeling the first time in Rio de Janeiro. Favélas and bling. Now a mother, I try to find a way to protect but also to educate my family. Maybe a bit clumsy but finding my way there slowly. Googled a few associations where we can get involved with my little ones to help change the world a day a the time. Any recommendations?
By the way, I miss seeing you and your smile around! Take care xx
Jul 14, 2022·edited Jul 14, 2022Liked by ZM Spalter
I think it was with Deepak Chopra, but Oprah once went to India for an interview and observed that despite the seemingly choatic and congested look of Indian marketplaces, she noticed a flow. A harmonious flow where people, livestock, vehicles all seemed to gracefully avoid bumping into each other.
I was lucky enough to work in Dubai too (2015-2016) and I was absolutely shocked when my friend left her big purse at the center of a food court, iphone, national ID, and purse and all, and we strolled about the dozens of food stalls. she was without care, absolutely secure that no one would steal her things.
But the country I truly fell in love with was Thailand. I think I left my heart there. Despite being congested with busy, hardworking people, there was also a quietness and a flow there. People minded their own business and the Thai people, I observed, possessed a deep dignity to impress foreigners and honor my visiting their lovely country.
Lovely writing as always!
Edit: Also, I second guessed your email. I know I read it somewhere in my inbox. But should you receive an email with a selfie, that's me! Ahahahhaa have a good day!
"But lately when I talk about home and where home is with my family and friends, the discussion eventually comes round to a question of whether to stay rooted and bloom in place or propel gently forward like dandelion seeds in search of safe and fertile ground to grow." - this resonated so well. Having moved from India to US in my late forties, this is one question that hounds me, considering what is happening both in India and the US. How often and how long can we keep moving is the question though.
It is hard to capture all of the things that make Japan feel safe. Of course we know we are outsiders here but in some places outsiders are not safe. I’m thankful that is not the case here. Thank you for artfully capturing a bit of the context for Americans in Japan.
If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Japan. I’ve been there on vacation a few times and always felt so safe and alive.
I once boarded a Hankyu train in Kobe and saw about ¥15,000 in coins scattered across the bench opposite me. I rode the train for about ten stops and watched people come and go as the coins remained untouched. I miss feeling so safe, although I live in a relatively safe suburb here in the States now.
A very quick comment after reading about you removing your earrings for high school. What a colossal loss of our time -- thinking as well of airport metal detectors. There is so much value in trust and safety.
Loved this essay. How we are living and how are the places where we live, is so current in most of our minds, especially as it is playing out in our day to day lives. Living in Brooklyn and New York in general, there’s a very rich bit of everything, as well as reminders of what there is not. The US as a country is extremely disturbing...as it always has been. I have always felt I could live somewhere else, but know that I am fully cosmopolitan at heart with deep appreciative time of country forests and seasides on the side. Thank you for all of the wonderful links for references that you talk about. Always enjoy this aspect of your writing. Japanese references with links provided were helpful and wonderful to learn about. Others I knew about, but loved revisiting the time and history through your links. Listened to the Studs Terkel interview with James Baldwin.....powerful, deeply insightful, as Baldwin always is. It was incredible and insightful to include that interview. America is deeply distorted and complex in the initial simplicity of its core problem. Once again, thank you for a really good read that is so expanded and rich for the references and links that you’ve taken the time to put in for your readers.✔️💥💯
I L❤️ve the way you write. This piece especially…
It’s weird, today we had a moment in Santa Monica where Dave and I exchanged few looks. Would the kids noticed this? Is it ok to walk here with kids? Our 4 years in Japan made us “forget” how deep distress is in other parts of the world. Los Angeles has both extremes and it feels so weird. I had this feeling the first time in Rio de Janeiro. Favélas and bling. Now a mother, I try to find a way to protect but also to educate my family. Maybe a bit clumsy but finding my way there slowly. Googled a few associations where we can get involved with my little ones to help change the world a day a the time. Any recommendations?
By the way, I miss seeing you and your smile around! Take care xx
I think it was with Deepak Chopra, but Oprah once went to India for an interview and observed that despite the seemingly choatic and congested look of Indian marketplaces, she noticed a flow. A harmonious flow where people, livestock, vehicles all seemed to gracefully avoid bumping into each other.
I was lucky enough to work in Dubai too (2015-2016) and I was absolutely shocked when my friend left her big purse at the center of a food court, iphone, national ID, and purse and all, and we strolled about the dozens of food stalls. she was without care, absolutely secure that no one would steal her things.
But the country I truly fell in love with was Thailand. I think I left my heart there. Despite being congested with busy, hardworking people, there was also a quietness and a flow there. People minded their own business and the Thai people, I observed, possessed a deep dignity to impress foreigners and honor my visiting their lovely country.
Lovely writing as always!
Edit: Also, I second guessed your email. I know I read it somewhere in my inbox. But should you receive an email with a selfie, that's me! Ahahahhaa have a good day!