Sakurajima Public Footspa

A good idea is a good idea, and today I stumbled on just that: footspas are a good idea. If someone said, "Hey, I've got a good idea. Let's go to a footspa.", I would respond with something along the lines of, "thanks but not thanks." Luckily no one told me to go to footspas. I stumbled upon them all by myself.* I'm now in Kagoshima, the southern most point in "mainland"* Japan. Just across the bay sits an active volcano. The plan for the day was to ferry across the bay, go climb up the volcano (or at least to wherever they allow), take a picture*, and then come back. My encounter of the footspa came at just the right time. There is just something about sitting outdoors almost up to your knees in [naturally] warm water after a respectable hike and watching a wonderful sunset. If I had brought a clean pair of socks, it would have been that much better, but I'm not going to complain.

Sunday March 15 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Sun 15th Mar, 2009 07:38 pm PDT melissa (in toronto) said: living vicariously through your posts.. can almost feel the water warming up my frostbitten toes! (okok an exaggeration) looking forward to more adventures! ************************ on Sun 15th Mar, 2009 08:38 pm PDT per said: 'stumbled upon a footspa' Brilliant!The Japanese don't foots around with soul contact. Sorry, Wren but seriously if you come across some Jika-tabi I would consider giving my first born (plus the going rate) for a pair of work boots. ************************ on Mon 16th Mar, 2009 12:03 am PDT Wren said: Per, what size? A mission is always a great thing to have when traveling. ************************ on Mon 16th Mar, 2009 01:13 am PDT Joe said: is that so your centaur costume will be all the more believable per? ;-) they look like hooves. ************************

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Ode to Beach Trash

Ode to Beach Trash Why, beach trash, why Is all I can say My time at the beach Has been ruined today In this idyllic place With so few people around Your bottles and packaging Seem to cover the ground Floats, ropes, and buoys Cans, bulbs, and crates Lighters, balls, and pens Flip flops without mates If I block out this feeling Deep in my sould There is much intrigue That your treasures hold "Hey this might be useful" Or "Wow, look at that" "I didn't know it til now but I need a hard hat" But that feeling creeps back One of sickness and gloom Each time at the beach It seems to linger and loom But you're not to blame You're the victim here It's us humans that did this That fact is quite clear We use and consume At a furious pace Sometimes forgetting To put trash in its place Still if we do Put trash in the can It could end up here Atop your fine sand 'Cause stryofoam and plastic Don't ever die We often forget that When we choose what to buy Though it may not be pretty I take your image to heart And share with my friends So we can all do our part Why, beach trash, why Have we caused you to be But give us a chance We'll change, wait and see

Thursday March 12 2009

File under: Japan, poetry

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on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 10:33 am PDT Amanda said: Harkens back to The Lorax ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 09:30 pm PDT Mom said: Me thinks you have found yourself a job, matey. Pull out those latex gloves and get to work cleaning up those beaches! A few big black plastic bags, a day at the beach, and bingo you've got yourself a pristine hideaway, eh? ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 09:38 pm PDT Jule said: All that beach trash and I have yet to find a glass fishing float!!! If you find one, it is MINE! ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 09:46 pm PDT Wren said: I found the bottom seam thing to a couple but no dice on the full deal. I'll keep my eye out, though. ************************ on Sat 14th Mar, 2009 10:51 am PDT Andrew said: Ahh crap! There's my water bottle! I was looking for that! ************************ on Sat 14th Mar, 2009 05:15 pm PDT Sweet Julie said: yes! Glass float! Yes, please! Looks like you have a new E.P.O.T.M! ************************ on Sun 22nd Mar, 2009 03:42 pm PDT Mira said: I'm using this one in class.Thanks for the birthday greeting. Where will you find my next one? ************************ on Fri 27th Mar, 2009 11:14 am PDT rus said: sometimes if it aint too bad I try to pick a little of it up. Im not doing anymuch else anyway. ************************

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Proper Zamami Post

Satellite image of Zamami courtesy of Google Maps Zamami Island, where I've been staying with Dave Sensei the last week, is a special place. I felt that my previous Zamami post didn't really do it justice, so I've worked up a proper one so you can hopefully share in some of its specialness. Zamami, part of the Kerama archipelago, is some 40km* from Okinawa, although it feels much farther*. Its 6.5 square miles of area are basically covered by 15 or so miles of paved roads, which can easily be explored by bicycle* in one day. Of the 600 inhabitants of the island, 500 live in the main village, a perfectly sized city, at least for some good down time. (Here's a shot of Dave walking to school on Main Street*.) Big enough for a few restaurants but small enough that you start to recognize the same people around town, it has served as a great counterpoint to Taipei and some of the other cities of Taiwan for me. Despite the small size of things, there is plenty to explore. (With exploration, of course, comes geocaching.) Around the island on tops of various bluffs and hills, there are 5 observatories for checking out the views and trying to spot whales. Beaches and snorkeling are popular (when it isn't raining, of course) which I hope to get some time in for later this week. But my favorite activity so far is just soaking in the wonderful small town vibe. Having an in with the community to introduce me around and get us invitiations to community-type events has only helped that vibe. People have been asking me, "How's Japan?" I'm somewhat unable to respond. I know practically nothing of cultural/societal Japan is represented here on this island. But time for Japan culture and society will come soon enough. For now, I'm enjoying Zamami.

Monday March 9 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Mon 09th Mar, 2009 08:55 pm PDT Mom said: Any of those 6-ft long I-G-B-Y-A-W-Y-C-A-S-Y snakes there? ************************ on Tue 10th Mar, 2009 08:00 pm PDT Joe said: was that an ipod in that geocache??that place looks awesome, looks like it has a great vibe, beautiful. ************************ on Wed 11th Mar, 2009 01:49 am PDT Juline said: Geocaching! Have you been doing it throughout the trip? What kind of items are in a Japanese geocache? ************************ on Thu 12th Mar, 2009 06:39 am PDT Dave's Dad said: Wren i am glad you are keeping us informed of your stay on Zamami as it seems your host doesn't seem to have time! Have a great time. ************************

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Rainy Days on Zamami

Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. That's pretty much been my sentiment since arriving here on Zamami. My usual routine of roaming aimlessly around looking for neat stuff and taking silly pictures has been greatly curtailed. I got one good roam session in in the 4 days I've been here. Said roam session was great as I saw beaches, tiny villages, and more, but my legs are getting restless. Luckily there have been indoor activities to keep me not only entertained, but getting a backdoor look at the Japanese (or at least Zamamian) culture. I got to watch Dave's Taiko drumming class practice where presentation was focused on just as much as the music being produced. We also went to his boss's house last night to watch Japan play Korea in the World Baseball Championship*. A night of being in a place where I was the only one that didn't speak Japanese* is a definite cultural experience. And in a brief window of no rain, Dave and I headed out to meet up with his grade schoolers from Geruma while they were on a field trip. It basically turned into babysitting duty/play time. As per usual, my juggling and stupid human tricks made an appearance with positive results. While nights sitting around a room not knowing what's going on or spending a couple hours having pillow fights with kids isn't my normal independent travel routine, it is my experience on Zamami so far and you aren't going to hear me complain.

Saturday March 7 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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I Undress Myself

I'm working up a post about Zamami, the island I'm currently staying on, but don't want to rush it. (There hasn't been much good light for taking pictures recently*.) Anyway, in the meantime, enjoy this sign I ran across on the ferry out here from Okinawa. I sure did.

Friday March 6 2009

File under: travel, Japan

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on Fri 06th Mar, 2009 09:49 am PST Mom said: Is this a promotion for schizophrenia or self censorship? ************************ on Fri 06th Mar, 2009 11:34 am PST Saxtor said: That reminds me of the Divinyls song. ************************ on Fri 06th Mar, 2009 11:25 pm PST Joe said: is that a common enough occurrence to warrant a sign? ************************

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