A few days before the trip, I got this fortune: Discipline is wisdom and vice versa.
I fully agreed! I’d taken the end of summer and early autumn to hone my discipline on some writing and professional goals, while also trying to manage some digestive health stuff. (I quit coffee, it was hard, but I do feel better for it.)
During a particularly demanding time the song “Discipline” by Nine Inch Nails came on my Spotify. It’s become a daily listen.
So to say that a two-week vacation was a vibe shift is an understatement.
The fact that every hotel in Japan featured a deep bathtub, and provided pajamas and slippers, was a dream come true for me. I’m also a convert to Japan’s Cow Soap. Its lather is milk froth. It makes my skin softer than I thought possible!
I took mornings to myself, to read or write or reflect.
And play with vending machines:
I turned off my phone to enjoy the onsen (hot springs / spa hotel), but the view of Mt. Fuji was incredible and it was fun to put out a charcuterie spread while marveling at the mountain.
HOW are the pastries so good in Japan and Taiwan? HOW??
Went to a gourmet coffee tasting that was just as delectable and educational as a wine tasting.
Aaand now this post will descend into the most sensual food photos:
The trip ended with an American Thanksgiving that went mostly unobserved, except for what can only be described as a Cake Bacchanal.
It occurs to me, I may be rolling up the concept of creature comforts into my idea of luxury. But why not?! Taking a break from quitting coffee to sip something high quality is the most indulgent thing I can think of:
And good smells. There is something exquisite about nice scents:
Laura Eppinger 