Notes from Curtis...
A collection of thoughts, memoirs, guides and photos from my life
Latest posts
Movies
A list of movies I have watched or would like to watch
Random Links
Cleaning up bookmarks, notes and messages to myself
2025 Year in Review
Looking back on what happened in my life in 2025
Book Review: Abroad in Japan: Ten years in the land of the rising sun
Skewers: Afuri Eastside
Skipping out on the holiday party to do some yakitori research
Tiki cocktail trudge
Working my way through all the cocktail recipes in Smuggler's Cover
What mode is best for 120fps on the Sony a6700?
Doing an analysis on whether Movie Mode or S&Q mode is best for shooting 120fps video footage on the Sony a6700 mirrorless camera
The stairs of Yokohama
The first day of our two week trip to Japan and Norris gets a lot of practice climbing stairs
Mikoda Morning Market (神子田朝市)
I take a morning stroll through Morioka, located in Northern Japan, to the morning market enjoying autumn foliage and traditional architecture along the way.
2024 Year in Review
Looking back on what happened in my life in 2024
Bull of the Woods
A mosquito infested trip to Twin Lakes in the Bull of the Woods wilderness
Anniversary Adventure
An anniversary backpacking trip to Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge.
Springtime Romp for Nettles
Foraging for Stinging Nettles in an attempt to quell my springtime allergies.
Bayocean Clamming
A backpacking and clamming adventure along Bayocean Spit.
Abiqua Falls
A quick trip out to a waterfall framed by a columnar basalt amphitheater
Pumpkin Patch!
Tram and I take a trip to the pumpkin patch for the first time together
Tokyo Underground
A foiled attempt at going to a Daikoku car meet
Abstract Sunset
A quick post about a photo of a sunset on the Oregon Coast
...Others will be
I reflect on my time studying abroad in Japan and what I will miss
Something things will not be missed...
I reflect on my time studying abroad in Japan and what I could leave behind
Hotel Mac
Trying to sleep at McDonalds in Kyoto. It must be a great idea right?
Kyoto Sento
Visits to two public baths in Kyoto and sharing my love for o-furo
Sleepless Nights, Sleepy Days
Spending time relaxing and sleeping on trains as I was not able to sleep well at night
Racing the Sun
I climb the eastern hills of Kyoto in an attempt to snap some good sunset photos.
Walk to the Hills
My first day in Kyoto spent doing reconnaissance on where to sleep and trying to find an "authentic" old Japan.
High Speed to Kyoto
Setting off on my first Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto
Finally at the Beach!
I get a little too invested in snorkeling and not wearing sunscreen.
Fruit Stand Frenzy
A nice break at a fruit stand along the highway during a trip to Okinawa
On our way to Okinawa
The beginnings of a trip to Okinawa with friends.
City Gardens
Wandering among the suburban gardens of greater Tokyo.
Taiko
Playing taiko drums for the first time with my classmates
Ameyoko
An outing at a shopping street in Ueno.
Tea Ceremony
Experiencing tea ceremony as part of my japanese culture class.
Kabuki
A day out in Tokyo and a wonderful play that I didn't expect to be so good
Walk to Shinjuku
A long walk from school to get a night view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Crepes
Sweets, I love all the sweets!
Seating Fee
During my cheap ass college years I complain about seating charges at Japanese restaurants.
お風呂
An argument in favor of naked baths with strangers
The Girl with Red High Heels
Young me starting to deal with the melancholy of being separated from the ones I loved.
Over the Great Ocean
Embarking on my first trip outside of the United States and it was to study abroad in Tokyo for 5 months.
6 days 'til 日本!
Getting ready to leave for Japan and making sure I have everything packed
Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 Ai
First impressions of a new (used) lens score before leaving for Japan
Old World Deli
Trying to be a pro yelper after eating a sandwich in Corvallis
State Fair
Being cynical about the Oregon State Fair and it's janky rides
Book Review: The Roads to Sata: A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan
A long walk and Japan, what is there not to love?
Book Review: Listening for Coyote: A Walk Across Oregon’s Wilderness
A good book that made me want to thru-hike, although I never ended up doing it
Book Review: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
Another book for gardening and farming nerds
Book Review: Pot Culture: The A-Z Guide to Stoner Language and Life
I wonder how much has changed since reading this? In Oregon I bet a lot.
Book Review: The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint
A good stoner book by someone who shouldn't have been in prison