Another Life at 40s    by Sio In my 30s, I backpacked across continents with no plan. I ventured into the Amazon, crossed remote borders, got lost and sick — life felt like a romantic movie.  A decade flew by. I no longer roam, my body won’t let me. Long flights hurt, jet lag lingers. Checkups feel like lottery. Midlife has arrived, but I’m not ready. 10 hrs of walking at Expo left my knees failing. Doctor said it might be early aging. I panicked: “I’m only in my 40s! Is my a

Into The Japanese Mind   by Sio You need to be fully naked in a Japanese onsen. I used to think it’d be awkward, but on my first visit, everything felt so unfamiliar — I was too busy copying others to feel embarrassed. The moment I stepped into the water, heat wrapped around my body and soul. So relaxing. The sound of the water was healing. I was instantly hooked. Later I realized, Japanese people grow up being naked with others. No wonder their collective mindset runs so dee

Life Reset Journal by Sio My first lashes salon in Tennoji used Google Translate, but the result was so-so. Then I tried one in Namba and loved it. I decided to stick with it. But the 2nd visit I fell into a 4D black hole. The beautician fired off rapid Japanese. I showed her my phone, but she didn’t even glance. I pleaded in broken Japanese for her to check my phone, but she still didn’t care. Her lips kept moving, her voice drifting from a 4D space. Just as I spaced out, s