This trip I spent in Kansai because I was hanging out with my family and friends from Hawaii.  14 days goes by pretty fast when you’re having fun.  At the end, I was pretty tired and ready to come home.  I want to thank my Wakayama guides for the kindness to us.  My Sister-in-Law was already looking for a ticket for her next trip.  Haha.  

Thank you Te-chan, Kimura-san, and all the Wakayama locals we met along the way.  My family and friends have fallen in love with Wakayama because of you guys!  

On the flight home, all I could think about was grabbing my wing and foiling.  

The worlds biggest golf ball. 

Usually when I get home, my baggage is already waiting for me when I pass immigrations.  This time, it took 1 hour to get my baggage!!!  When the conveyer belt started moving, everybody started clapping and cheering.  Hawaiian Airlines on Hawaiian time.  Haha.

One of my favorite places to eat is Ushio.  Been coming here ever since I started coming to Wakayama.  It can’t get any fresher than this.  These fish in the tank looking delicious.

Then the Master takes one out and starts his magic.

Half of the fish he prepares for us sashimi style.

The other half he cuts up and gets it ready for nabe.  I was looking at the cut up pieces and it was still moving!!!

My favorite part of the fish is the liver.  So good!

Then we cook it in the nabe.  Warming up our lives.

Then the most tender pieces of steak for dessert.

When I go back to Hawaii, I can’t eat out anymore.  Kimura-san spoiled me again.

I came to Japan this time with my family and friends.  My goal was to see the sakura.  And I didn’t want to see it with one million people, I wanted to see it just like this.  Mission accomplished!

From the first time I went to Okinawa 25 years ago, I fell in love with BEGIN.  Their music to Okinawa is like how Kalapana is to Hawaii.  Songs about the island, songs about love, and songs about life.   Each of their songs brings back great memories of Okinawa.  So meeting them this time was super special to me.  These are 3 humble guys that love to sing, and love Okinawa.  Thank you guys for spreading your songs into our hearts.  I can’t wait for your next concert!

Went to check the waves these past 2 days.  FLAT, and very very cold!!!

I give Japanese surfers a lot of respect.  This is passion. 

Kimura-san and Jaco under the cherry blossoms.  

Thank you Wako-san for taking us out for a ride on your boat this morning.  I can’t wait to dive with you when the water gets warmer. 

I’ve been eating a lot of whale recently.  One reason is because it’s culture here in Wakayama, and another reason is because it tastes good.  The Greenpeace and Sea Shepard guys will hate me for this.  BUT, I don’t care.   If they can’t respect Japan’s culture, I can’t respect them.  

Hanging out with Te-chan and Kimura-san has been really fun.  Two legend surfers that know a lot of people, know a lot about surfing, know a lot about history, and know a lot about kindness.  All the things they teach me is priceless.