x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Rambling Ramsbothams

Zeb & Annie Ramsbotham

Ever wondered what it"s like living as a foreigner in Japan? We"re Annie & Zeb Ramsbotham, and while our Japan journey might be rambling, we hope this podcast isn"t! Join us as we move from the United States to Ishikawa Prefecture, work in the JET Programme, explore Japan by bike, and navigate our new home. We"re looking forward to having you along for the adventure. If you"re enjoying the podcast we"d appreciate you subscribing and reviewing it on your preferred podcast platform! And as always

society & culture personal journals

All Episodes

35:05

Surprise Anniversary Trip & Best Dinner Yet in Japan...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/10/13

Last week, Zeb planned a wedding anniversary trip that was a surprise for Annie! They were already planning to head down to watch the F1 Race at Suzuka Circuit (that's in Part 2!) but Zeb had an even better idea on the way down. What made the hotel on Lake Biwa so unique? Listen to this week's episode to find out!Plus, we talk about conveyor belt sushi, a kaiseki dinner that was Annie's favorite meal ever, and the new "tsukimi flavor" mcflurry at McDonalds in Japan (what

en-us

45:47

We Rode Bikes From Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/10/04

The route was steep, questionable in places, and exceedingly beautiful - How many miles was the bike route? How many wild pigs did we see? Is winter really the best time to visit Shirakawa-go? We'll answer these questions and more!We also received our first email, and will be answering questions about the JET Programme application (deadlines are November 18th for USA applicants!) and what the cycling scene is like here. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese

en-us

40:01

Japan Borders Are Open Again!

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/09/27

Have you heard? Japan is finally opening! Starting October 11th tourists are free to come to Japan without all the border restrictions previously in place! We'll talk about what that means & also the internal tourism subsidies rolling out for travel within Japan. We also talk about what we did this past week, including a "welcome party" that our neighbors hosted! We got to enjoy a Japanese barbecue, traditional games, and crafts like origami and calligraphy. Listen to the end of

en-us

42:13

Our Noto Peninsula Cycling Trip in Japan's Ishikawa...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/09/20

This past weekend we took a bike trip around the Noto Peninsula here in Ishikawa Prefecture! We started in Uchinada and cycled the perimeter counter-clockwise in three days, stopping in Wakura, Notojima, and Wajima. It was 250 miles of scenic coastal views! We'll talk about the onsen towns we stopped in, Annie's new favorite town mascot, highlights of the route, what we packed, what we ate while biking, and more. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese

en-us

28:51

Hello from Kanazawa Castle Park, JET Programme...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/09/13

Today's episode might sound a little different, because we're recording from the park near Kanazawa Castle! We're in the city for Zeb's orientation with the other Ishikawa Prefecture ALTs in the JET Programme, and found a spot to record how this past week went. We'll talk about Zeb's second teaching school (Kanazawa Chuo Senior High), how to mail packages from Japan, and how to pay for tickets & bills at the konbini. Finally, we'll reveal what we got in the

en-us

36:06

School Is In Session! Zeb's First Week of Classes,...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/09/05

This week was the start of the school year for Zeb at Uchinada High School! Hear about his week of classes, first impressions, and how his introduction went at the school assembly. But the high school-ers weren't the only students this week... Annie and Zeb started taking Japanese lessons at the town's Cultural Hall in Uchinada! We'll talk more about those classes, a beach cleanup, bike rides, and a dinner with the other JET Programme employees from the surrounding area in this

en-us

36:05

Furnishing Our Japanese Apartment, Bike Riding, and...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/28

We finally have a couch and a kitchen table again! This past week our Nitori furniture got delivered, and so did our gravel bikes from home! We've already been able to go on a few longer rides around the beach, in the mountains, and to Kanazawa. How's the riding around Uchinada? Where can you get coffee in Kanazawa? What is Omurice? Is it better to bike or take the train into the city? Is Kenroku-en Garden a good place for a picnic? Join us this week to find out! Listen to the end of every

en-us

35:02

Hiking Mt. Hiei & Daimonji Bonfires (Gozan no...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/26

It's the 2nd half of our episode about celebrating Obon in Kyoto! This one is all about our hike up Mt. Hiei, visiting the Enryakuji temple, and seeing the Daimonji fires for Obon (the Daimonji Gozan no Okuribi). Don't forget to listen to the end for our Japanese word-of-the-week! Interested in hiking Mt. Hiei (Hieizan ) yourself? https://www.hieizan.gr.jp/en/hieizan/If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, check it out to hear more about what about Obon is, the Sanjyusangendo

en-us

36:47

Sanjyusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Dera, & Obanzai...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/22

Get ready for another 2 part-er! There was so much going on last weekend in Kyoto that we couldn't fit it all in one episode. In this one, we'll talk about what the holiday of Obon is, seeing the 1001 Buddhas in the Sanjyusangendo Temple, and visiting Kiyomizu Dera Temple. We also get to enjoy an Obanzai dinner in Kyoto! Stay tuned for later in the week to hear about our hike up Mt. Hiei, the Enryakuji temple, and seeing the Daimonji fires for Obon. Plus, the Japanese word-of-the-week

en-us

0:35

What is Rambling Ramsbothams? Listen to Our Trailer!

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/20

Ever wondered what living in Japan is like for foreigners? We're Annie & Zeb Ramsbotham, hosts of "Rambling Ramsbothams". While our journey in Japan might be rambling, we hope this podcast isn't! Join us as we move from the United States to Ishikawa Prefecture, work in the JET Programme, explore Japan by bike, and navigate our new home. This podcast is for anyone curious about moving abroad, or what life in Japan is like for a couple of Americans. Subscribe to Rambling

en-us

42:48

Our First Week in Uchinada, Japan: Beaches, Bikes, &...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/14

What have we been up to during our first week living in Uchinada? Join us as we talk about our new apartment, shopping for furniture (and curtains!) at Nitori, and visiting the Sea of Japan for the first time. We also get to buy (and register!?) our new mamachari bikes. There's a Dino Park, a forest promenade trail, and a bakery just outside our apartment - what more could you want? Also, follow us at @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram if you want to see the current cardboard box recording

en-us

47:15

Part 2: How Did Annie Get To Japan?

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/11

Part 2! It's our first weekend in together in Japan! In this episode, Annie talks about final packing, the process of entering Japan after the flight from the United States, and what she and Zeb have been up to so far. Hear about ramen, Yamato luggage shipping, cicadas, art installations, and vintage markets. There's a lot to do in Shinjuku for the Tokyo weekend before heading up to the new apartment in Uchinada! Listen to Part 1 to hear how Zeb arrived in Japan the week before, and what

en-us

51:12

We're In Japan! Part 1: Zeb's JET Programme Training...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/08/07

We're finally both in Japan! This is the first part of a two-part episode, where we talk about our arrival to Japan, Zeb's orientation in Tokyo, seeing Uchinada for the first time, and finally meeting up with Annie a week later. How was the 13 hour flight? What was the JET Orientation like in Tokyo? How did Zeb get his Japanese residence card? What was the first day of work in Uchinada like? We'll discuss all this and more in today's part 1! Listen to the end to hear Zeb's

en-us

29:35

Road Trip: Final Day Before Departure to Japan,...

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/07/31

It's finally time to go! This is a special "road trip" episode where Annie takes Zeb to Nashville for his final day in the USA. They make a few pit stops along the way: picking up their International Driver's Permit, getting their passports (with visas!) from the Japanese consulate, and of course, lots of road trip snacks! How do they spend the final day in America before Zeb catches his flight to Tokyo? Tag along for their last American road trip before making the move to

en-us

34:12

Omiyage, Checking vs. Shipping Bags & Planes vs. Trains

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/07/25

We're counting down the days until Zeb's flight to Japan! In this episode we'll talk about how we're taking all of our stuff to Japan. Should be check or ship our bikes? We're also planning our first days in the country and talk about our preferred methods of travel. Should we fly or take the bullet train between Uchinada and Tokyo? And last but not least we'll cover the hotly contested "Omiyage" or souvenir. Are you expected to bring a gift for all your

en-us

31:11

Phone Contracts, Culture Shock & Breakfast in Japan

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/07/15

What's your Cookout tray order? What kind of phone plan should you get in Japan? When does "culture shock" set in? Zeb leaves for JET Orientation in 2 weeks and we're getting final details set before moving over, rambling about food, and reading the JET Programme General Information Handbook. First we'll visit Annie's favorite regional fast food joint (Cookout!) for one of our last good ole American drive-thru experiences before moving to Japan without a car. This

en-us

30:03

Apartment Contracts in Japan!

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/07/07

We chose an apartment in Japan! In this episode we'll talk about the rental contract process, the final paperwork that has to be completed before moving, and finally read a journal entry that a previous JET Programme ALT left us. What was their first experience in Uchinada, Ishikawa Prefecture like? Where will we be living? All that and more in this week's episode. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on

en-us

27:24

Contact From My JET Programme Predecessor

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/06/28

Unlike the classic film from 1997, this signal came from our planet. Zeb's JET ALT predecessor reached out to him with a nice and informative email! In this episode we'll dive into that email and discuss some of the implications of this not so extraterrestrial contact. We've also decided we're enjoying podcasting and we're doing our best to improve the quality. We hope that you'll bear with us as we continue to make some tweaks here and there. Thanks!Listen to the end

en-us

25:53

Learning About Our JET Programme Placement!

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/06/24

en-us

27:02

Moving to Japan: The What, The Why & The Where

Rambling Ramsbothams ·

2022/06/22

en-us

120 results

Similar Podcasts

The Daily Horoscope

The Daily Horoscope

The Michael Decon Program

Michael Decon

Kalimera Koveos

Andrea Koveos

The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

Smarter leben

DER SPIEGEL