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Showing posts from March 19, 2006

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 ...
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This morning we had some snow. It stuck to the trees and was quite attractive. Click pic for video
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Well, I am back from Florida. It was good seeing my Brother, Sister and Sister-in-law Mary. My Sister lives about 3 hrs from my Brother in Jacksonville. James and Mary live in Brooksville. They enjoy the warm weather. I have to admit it was awful nice being outside enjoying the bird songs. Mary, Cathy and I walked and gathered trash along the roadside in the neighborhood. That was kind of fun. We must have gathered about 8 bags. It is somewhat amazing what lurks in the grass. James and I went for a bike ride on a bike path that runs through the woods. We rode 13 miles. It was all paved and I understand they have many more miles to ride as you like. That is fun. I do like bicycling. I ran quite a bit when I was down there as well. That felt good too. My feet have had to make an adjustment to the extra activity. This weekend I am watching tapes on how to gamble and win (lessen house odds) in preparation for our trip out to Las Vegas next week. I am also concentrating on work for the up...