At the 2013 Calgary Japanese Festival, I interviewed Martial Simard, asking him about what it's like to learn the shakuhachi. This bamboo flute is sometimes referred to as a "Japanese Zen flute". It's got a soft-spoken timbre, much like Martial-san.
My feet were so sore after volunteering at the Calgary Expo. For the Calgary Japanese Festival, I made one important switch: different footwear. My Merrell barefoot shoes gave me the sense of being on terra firma all day long. Happy feet and back.
We couldn't have asked for a better day for the third-annual Calgary Japanese Festival. I had a blast documenting the Omatsuri and interviewing the performers. Check out the first article in my 2013 Omatsuri series.
Volunteering with animals - whether it is to help animals in need or you are volunteering with your pet - can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pet.