Tag Archives: Moving

A Stroll Through The Cemetery During Sakura Season

I am possessed by a morbid fascination with cemeteries. I`ve pin pointed its genesis to the stories told at my Grandfather`s supper table about the flooding of Elba, a small town in south Alabama. He sat on the roof of … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Getting Genki with Geisha Clampitt Style

A mini bus commandeered by Andretti-san and packed with invading Clampitts from Oregon squirmed ominously awaiting our departure toward downtown Kyoto as I faced the motley crowd to pose this thought-provoking question- “Geisha- who are these masked white beauties of … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Snow Monsters- They`re Real. Zao, Japan.

Every now and again, I claim my maternal right to say the following words, “I want to go, so you`re all going.” Spouse is usually more than happy to comply whereas the Offspring will catapult feeble arguments in retaliation to … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Snow Monkeys- Karmic Cuteness

While the rest of the world celebrates the Year of the Dragon, the Clampitt clan has been in a parallel universe celebrating the Year of the Monkey. Primates, those in addition to the hairless version in my family, have participated … Continue reading

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

You Can`t Judge A Book By Its Cover- the Kimono

The kimono. Long thought by Western cultures to be an elegant robe, loosely wrapped and cinched with an elaborate belt allowing Japanese men and women to conduct the business of daily living devoid of the discomforts associated with ties and … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Ringing in the Year of the Dragon- Japanese Style

The Year of the Dragon roared in to Japan hailed by a 7.0 earthquake. Somebody`s a drama queen. In spite of that auspicious entry, I think I speak for all Japan residents when I say we are happy to see … Continue reading

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Posted in Culture Lessons, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Yes- I`m a Temple Snob

After living in Japan for over a year, and visiting thousands, if not millions, of temples and shrines, I`ve become a “Temple Snob.” Enticing the Ouisar-san in to a temple visit now requires a hook. Upon further reflection, the temples … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Only in Japan

No matter what the country of origin, religious preference or family upbringing, there are certain irrefutable facts about boys. 1) They always take unnecessary risks, 2) stay dirty until the age of 18 3) prefer eating with fingers and using … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Please- Don`t Make Me Eat That- Monjayaki

As I slowly and deliberately eat my way through Japan, I`ve discovered two certainties regarding the food- first, Japanese food does not include chicken teriyaki, and second, sample even the most repulsive in appearance- it could rank as one of … Continue reading

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Posted in Food, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

We Interrupt Our Usual Programming to Provide This Emergency Message- Typhoon

An emergency message from the US Embassy is always an unwelcome addition to one`s inbox. Next came an email from school announcing its closure and the imminent arrival of the elated Offspring and their celebrating compadres. This was more distressing … Continue reading

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Posted in Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments