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Showing posts from January 16, 2005

Honshu and Okinawa

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I am back. I spent 10 days in Japan, 5 days for work on the main island of Honshu and 5 days of solo adventure in Okinawa. Travel is so invigorating dispite the uncomfortableness. Jetlag, anxiety, crowds, and other discomforts aside, it is mind-expanding and rewarding. Work went well. I flew a new airline (Skymark) from Tokyo to Naha. I am always wary of strange discount airlines and all the traps they set. However, I had a great expereince with "Sky". I was actually shocked. Super easy checkin at the airport, no extra fees even with extra luggage. The primary mission in Okinawa was to visit the Peace Park and the suicide cliffs of Okinawa. From what I understand, at the end of WW2 the inhabitants were encouraged to commit suicide rather than surrender to the Americans and get tortured and eaten. Besides other types of suicide, they jumped off the cliffs at the Southern end of the main island. If you have seen the original color footage taken at the time, I am sure you ...
I went to my first County planning board meeting last night. I think I will enjoy working with these folks. My Brother's mother in law) passed away this week, Sally. Rest in Peace.
It is 10 below zero this evening. it is beautiful outside as you look at the stars and the far off view of the city and its vapor. I have fashioned a muffin fan on the intake of the coal stove to boost heat output. We have to be careful not to overheat the stove and cause warping of the critical pieces. I will be making a more permanent system with feedback (of course) at some point. I heard an inspirational speech at toastmasters today. That is what has kept me going with the organization. I like that. Growth. We don't know where growth takes us. Picture yourself on the end of a sapling. We are warm and the diesel is plugged in.