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Walking In Circles – Finding Happiness In Lost Japan by Todd Wassel
As a Baby Boomer Travel, Health & Wellness Blogger and avid reader, I’ve added a book reviews segment to my blog. My most recent read is the featured author’s latest publication called …
Walking In Circles – Finding Happiness In Lost Japan
Japan is definitely on my “Must Travel To Next” list.
It is a country I’ve been longing to visit for many years now. Upon hearing of Todd’s latest release on his exciting pilgrimage walk in Japan, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and to offer a personal review of his newest publication.
About The Author Of Walking In Circles
Originally from the United States, Todd Wassel now lives with his wife and children in Laos, along the banks of the Mekong. He spent many years in Japan teaching English, where he became fluent in speaking Japanese.
Todd received a B.A. from Colgate University in Asian Studies and Comparative Religion. He also has an M.A. in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University.
Todd was the recipient of the People’s Choice Award in the Southeast Asia Travel Writing Competition. His writing has been featured in Lonely Planet, the Diplomat and ABC Australia. His unique writing skills have resulted in his recent publication; Walking In Circles – Finding Happiness In Lost Japan.
His love for travel has taken Todd to more than 45 countries around the globe in the last 20 years. He divides his time with his family between; Laos, Japan, the United States and the rest of the world.
He has walked this demanding 750-mile pilgrimage to the 88 temples of Shikoku, Japan two times now.
The Island Of Shikoku – Japan
The location of the author’s story is situated on the Island of Shikoku, in Japan.
Shikoku is a lovely mountainous island with many; trails, rivers, whitewater rapids and hot spring spas. It is a perfect destination in Japan for the outdoor enthusiast. Of Japan’s major islands, it is the smallest in size at about 140 miles in length, with a maximum width of 93 miles.
It has a last recorded population nearing 4 million people, with the largest City of Matsuyama with over 500,000 inhabitants.
The island of course, is renowned for its 1,200 kilometer – 88 Temple Buddhist pilgrimage (henro) route.
It is a pilgrimage trail, which honors the 9th Century Monk – Kukai.
“The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is made up of places where Kobo Daishi (774-835), one of the greatest figures in Japanese Buddhism, studied and trained.
The religious journey is said to impart travelers with blessings and religious merit, and it’s
also a great way to enjoy the sights of Shikoku.”
Walking In Circles – Finding Happiness In Lost Japan {Review}
Like so many of us throughout our lives, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. Have we selected the proper path in life that truly makes us happy?
Is there perhaps something missing and not quite sure which direction your journey in life should take?
I know I’ve thought about this many times over the years. I was always fortunate as a young boy, knowing what my career path I wanted to take. I also discovered my love for 🧳 travel at a very young age!
This is thanks to my parents, who could afford to take me to places like; Disneyland in the United States and to the Island of Oahu, Hawaii from my home in Canada.
I was forever bitten by the travel bug, that still itches today!
Todd had lived and worked in Japan for a number of years, becoming fluent in Japanese. He too was at a crossroads in his life, not sure whether to move back to the United States or continue on with his life living abroad.
He decided to take part in the Henro Pilgrimage route for the second time. His latest publication Walking In Circles – Finding Happiness In Lost Japan, invites you to tag along for the ride, or should I say; walk.
As you read along, you can almost feel his pain as he continues his difficult – 750 mile trip. At the same time, you may become jealous of this incredible journey he has embarked upon and his amazing, unique adventure of a lifetime.
His words will have you wishing you could experience the beauty of nature and the spectacular scenery he witnesses along the way, in this beautiful part of Japan.
The island’s unique mix of people and culture that he shares with you along his route, are definitely out of the ordinary.
Todd’s mix of humor in his writing, has you continually wondering – just what will be around the next corner on his adventure?
He also explains and in vivid detail, each temple that he visits along the way. Each, with a history and meaning unique to all the others.
Todd also shares with you the interesting people he encounters, on arrival to each temple on his journey. All Buddhist Monk’s, are not quite what we may think they are!
Recommendations
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I know you will too. The author has a unique style of writing his personal memoirs of his journey. This, mixed with a touch of humor along the way, make you feel at times that you are actually accompanying him on his lengthy pilgrimage.
I know many times, I could feel his pain, exhaustion and hunger as he pushed himself walking for miles each day. The personal rewards, the people he met and the triumphs experienced throughout his pilgrimage, are truly unforgettable.
The interesting mix of people he meets and the stories he relates throughout the book, make it hard to put down.
I can’t wait for his next publication to circulate!
Below, I’ve included a link to the author’s official website and page, for more information on this publication & others. You will also find convenient links to purchase a copy of his book safely and securely via;
Amazon & others.
Todd Wassel – Home Page
As well, I’ve included the Official Shikoku Tourism website below. It is filled with everything you need to know, for those of you wishing to plan a visit to this beautiful island.
There is also a specific page explaining the; 88 Temple Buddhist pilgrimage, in greater detail.
Shikoku Tourism
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Did You Know …
“The Islands Of Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku And Hokkaido Make Up 97% Of The Total Area Of Japan.” Join Me On Instagram For Travel Photos, Video’s & More!
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