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Showing posts from July 4, 2010

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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Things are surreal. You know, in a dreamlike state. There are lots of new experiences, faces, stories, places and things. It energizes me. I am in Kansas for part of next week. I always wanted to go to Kansas so I can better understand, "You're not in Kansas anymore." Although, I doubt the trip will help on that dimension. Interestingly enough, I have never been to Kansas, one of the very few states I have left to visit. I am working on my travel schedule. It is tough to plan with the European holidays; actually is is OK to plan, but difficult to get things done. OK. I am an American, admitted. I am sure my friends will convert me given the opportunity. It is considerably hotter in NY state than it is in Georgia the last few days. The heat followed me North and did not return with me down to Atlanta. I am semi-moved in to my apartment. Everything went like clockwork, deliveries, etc. That definitely added to the surreal aspect. I am still in a hotel, as my command ...