Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Big in Japan: Bye-bye, but not sayonara
This is a difficult post for me to write...After more than 18 months of blogging from the Land of the Rising Sun, I have unfortunately decided to retire my Big in Japan series.
First and foremost, and I have immensely enjoyed writing about all of the weird, the wacky and the wonderful randomness that comes out of Japan.
On that note, a big domo arigatou is in order for all of the readers who followed my postings, left comments, and encouraged me to keep on writing.
I would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Gadling - you all know who you are - for putting together the best damn travel blog on the web.
So, what's next? Good question (^_^)
I'm going to be retuning to southern Africa for a few months to work on some guidebooks for Lonely Planet. But, as they say in Japanese, this is merely bye-bye and not sayonara.
What's the difference you ask? Great question (^_^)
Sayonara translates to 'farewell,' and this is hopefully anything but. So, stay tuned, as there is a good chance I might make a return in the not too distant future...
Filed under: Big in Japan
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Grant Martin Jan 30th 2009 9:06PM
Sometimes I used to get hammered and call Matt when I knew it was daytime in Japan. Rest assured, we'll keep in touch one way or another.
Best of luck, Matt Firestone.
Aaron Hotfelder Jan 30th 2009 6:37PM
I've always enjoyed your posts, Matt. Best of luck in your future pursuits!
Jeff White Jan 30th 2009 8:02PM
Hey Matt,
I know we didn't have many dealings with each other, but I enjoyed your posts, your ability to reveal those momentary windows into Japanese culture (read: weirdness). I envy your relocation to Souther Africa, place of my birth.
Best of luck in your travels and pursuits.
Scott Carmichael Jan 30th 2009 8:50PM
Looking forward to seeing you pop up somewhere else online, greatly enjoyed your stuff here on Gadling!
Take care, stay safe and have fun!
Justin Glow Jan 30th 2009 10:57PM
Hey Matt, thanks for all the hard work and fun posts you've contributed to Gadling over the past year and a half. We've enjoyed it!
Willy Jan 31st 2009 9:36AM
Bye, Matt. Thanks for everything. Good luck!
(BTW, I pitched for that Southern Africa work and was denied, because of you. You better do a great job.)
Heather Poole Jan 31st 2009 4:55PM
As we like to say on the airplane, Buh-bye! See ya later. Now I know who to call if I'm ever in Africa.
We'll miss you.
james Feb 3rd 2009 12:45PM
Very sad news :( I have enjoyed reading your posts, and always looked forward to them. You truly were "our man in Japan." With that being said, good luck on your future endeavors and we'll miss you.
Tonight I'll have a bowl of Ramen noodles in your honor.
Jamie Rhein Feb 3rd 2009 3:38PM
Matt, it's great that you are off on another adventure. That said, I'll miss reading about Japan through your eyes. It's been great working with you in this unusual world called Gadling.
Jeremy Kressmann Feb 3rd 2009 4:22PM
Good luck Matt - though it saddens me to hear of your imminent departure from Gadling, I wish you the best of luck with your future plans.
And if anyone offers to order you strange kiwi/grapefruit cocktails the next time you're in a foreign country, the answer is an emphatic YES.
Bryan Reynolds Feb 3rd 2009 10:51PM
I've always enjoyed reading your column. I'm sorry to see it go, but good luck in South Africa!
And, thanks for mentioning JAPANiCAN!
Ron Garcia Feb 12th 2009 7:00PM
No more Big in Japan.... thats it i quit the internet
Mariko Feb 22nd 2009 8:38AM
I've met you in Tokyo.Do you remeber me?
Do you still have the SYURIKEN that made it with paper folding?
I continue the study of English.I can't turn back time.But can we be frineds?I' like to see you again.
Bon voyage!
Isaac Jul 29th 2009 10:48AM
It was a great pleasure witnessing first-handedly some of those blog entries emerge from your head. Somehow I feel like a part of those wacky adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.
And in a big way, "Big in Japan" has been a big inspiration to my own Japan-themed blog.
Saludo!
S Sep 15th 2009 10:33AM
Are you his best friend?