11 Comments

I really enjoyed reading your post. As a Japanese, I've never even thought of an aspect of being isolated, but indeed, geography does play a big role in our culture. Thank you for your insight and beautiful photos. Best wishes for the new year from Kanazawa!

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Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I adore Kanazawa. Happy new year to you too ☺️

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Thank you for this! Through this essay I have gained conceptual inroads into Turkey, New Zealand, Laos, and, of course, Japan. This feeling of international consideration is what makes the web so amazing!

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Thank you for making time to read this lengthy post, I really appreciate it.

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Dec 10, 2023Liked by Burcu Basar

Thank you so much for your enlightening analyses, your advice and the beautiful photos. Having just returned to Switzerland after a three-month stay in Japan with my Japanese wife, I found your last letter to be a remarkably accurate reflection of my own experiences. I eagerly look forward to your future posts. Wishing you joy throughout December!

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Dec 10, 2023·edited Dec 10, 2023Author

This means the world to me as I was a little scared that this last letter would come out as a little too critical/controversial. And I have to say that I adore Switzerland, one of the bad sides of living in Japan is no longer being able to go on yearly hiking trips to Switzerland.

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I am really enjoying your writing! Best wishes for the new year from Wales and I look forward to reading more about your insights into your life next year!

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Thank you for making time to read my posts. It truly means a lot to me. I also wish you a very happy new year!

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My pleasure!

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A really insightful piece! Speaking to the New Zealand section, as a kiwi, I can say you’ve done a brilliant job at capturing the spirit of the place.

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So so happy to hear it. It is an exceptionally beautiful country but what makes it even more precious is the welcoming attitude and thank you for that.

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