Hari Kotrotsios | Helping organisations tell their stories
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Projects
  • Blog

Sake & simulator rides don't mix

27/1/2013

0 Comments

 
The motorbike skidded along the pot-holed road, took a sharp turn and launched itself across the river. It landed heavily and continued its accelerated journey across the uneven terrain.
Strapped securely into my seat, I could feel the nausea slowly creeping up on me; I wasn’t sure how much longer I could contain it.
I staggered outside as soon as the ride was over only to be assaulted by a scorching sun and swarms of Japanese students enthusiastically shouting “hello” in English. 
It probably wasn’t the best day to be on a simulator ride at a theme park after a long night of drinking sake.

Read More
0 Comments

I wasn't born to shop

22/8/2012

12 Comments

 
“What! Only three hours?” my Japanese students hollered in protest.
“Surely that’s enough time,” I replied. “Why on earth would you want to spend more time at the plaza?” 
I hate shopping. The only thing I hate more is waiting around while others do their shopping.

Read More
12 Comments

It always ends in tears

16/8/2012

6 Comments

 
Whack. “Speak English!”
Whack. “Shush…please listen when someone else is talking.”
Whack. “Hurry up.”
Whack. It was the most effective way to get the students’ attention.
If only I’d discovered the leather fly swatter a week earlier.

Read More
6 Comments

Baby it's cold outside

16/5/2012

4 Comments

 
“Err… don’t you have any warmer clothes?”
The pair of tourists looked at me in confusion.
“It’s freezing outside,” I said, indicating my coat, boots, scarf and gloves.
“But we only brought summer clothes.” 

Read More
4 Comments

Why I don't like big cities anymore

9/5/2012

4 Comments

 
“Rural life still good?”
“Rural? You mean beach life?” I responded during a recent online chat. “It’s very laid back.”
Life in Coolum Beach (approx population: 7200) is still leisurely, despite the installation of a third set of traffic lights in town - I’m still getting used to our relatively new roundabout on the main street.

Read More
4 Comments

Zen and the art of travelling

20/3/2012

8 Comments

 
“Excuse me,” I said, leaning over to the young man at the next table. “What does that sign say?”
“There’s a free yoga class here tonight from 6pm,” he translated for me. “You’re welcome to come along.”
Perfect timing, I thought. It’s just what I need to clear the jet lag after arriving in Lima, Peru earlier that day following a 17-hour flight.
Yoga in Spanish; now there’s a new experience.

Read More
8 Comments

Raw fish and peak hour trains

5/6/2011

8 Comments

 
“That fish,” Bea grabbed my arm, “it’s still… breathing!”
I spluttered as my gaze rested on the platter where the freshly gutted fish was taking its last gasps of air.
It was skewered to our sashimi plate, head attached to the bones and tail. A decorative array of thinly sliced fish pieces surrounded it on the wooden boat platter.

Read More
8 Comments

Who's going to die?

30/5/2011

9 Comments

 
“Howsitgointoday?”
“Going? To die?”
“No - today.”
“Toodai?”
“How. Are. You. Today?”
“Aah…” recognition rippled across my students’ faces, “you mean today?”

Read More
9 Comments
    ​Guest blog
    3 Unmissable Storytelling Tips to Captivate Your Readers

    PicturePortuguese Camino 2019

    Picture
    Yukon, Canada 2018
    Picture
    Tibet 2007
    Picture
    Athens 2004 Olympics

    Travel blogs
    New Zealand 2008
    Tibet 2007
    New Zealand 2006
    Melbourne 2006
    United Kingdom 2004
    Athens Olympics 2004
    Peru 2003
    Beijing to Athens 1994
    Nepal 1991 
    ​

    Categories

    All
    Bushwalking
    Community
    Culture Shock
    Food
    Greece
    Health
    Identity
    Japan
    Language
    Life Direction
    New Zealand
    Olympics
    Peru
    Technology
    The Babysitter Chronicles
    Tibet
    Trains Planes & Automobiles


    Archives

    December 2019
    November 2019
    February 2018
    January 2018
    July 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011

​© 2023 HARI KOTROTSIOS
​I acknowledge the traditional Custodians of the land on which I work and live, the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi and Joondoburri people, and recognise their continuing connection to land, the waters and sky. I pay my respect to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Projects
  • Blog