"Japanland, A Year in Search of Wa" by Karen Muller
Freelance documentary filmmaker and author Karen Muller realizes one day that her life lacks soul and it needs to change. She heads to Tokyo to attend judo classes though the real purpose of her trip is to find "Wa," a Japanese word that means “state of harmony.” She ends up traveling around the country for a year and takes readers on a tour of festivals, ceremonies, and rituals—things that seem so very Japanese to the Western eye.

In a society full of hidden rules and responsibilities where the occasional cultural faux pas is almost inevitable, Muller makes mistakes and humbly tries to right her wrongs. Her account is funny and touching, although at times a bit too cliché. Nonetheless, anyone who has spent time in Japan will enjoying remembering what makes Nihon such a fascinating country. As for readers who haven't traveled there yet, "Japanland, A Year in Search of Wa" is a must-read for an entertaining introduction to Japanese culture.

Globetrekkin'
Pilot Productions Globe Trekker videos have been a long-time favorite of independent travelers. The only thing that was missing until recently was DVD versions of their shows. Good news travelers, many titles are now offered on DVD. Among recently released videos are the Hong Kong and Taiwan video in which Megan McCormick drives through Taroko Gorge, takes a lesson in Tai Chi on the Kowloon waterfront and witnesses a beautiful sunrise from the peak of Jade Mountain.

We also liked the Tokyo video in which Ian Wright takes a dip at a volcanic spa at the base of Mount Fuji, eats a sushi breakfast in the Tsukiji Fish Market and checks out the newest tech gadgets at Odaiba's technology centers. Wherever they're headed, Globe Trekker guides are always entertaining and these DVDs are great temporary cures for a bad case of wanderlust. Check out new titles at www.globetrekkertv.com.