i went to visit this wonderful survivor named Abe-san who lives in oshika hanto. i pull up to his temporary housing unit at 6am and i knew it was too early to wake him up. i waited a little and was about to leave then i thought to myself “i came all the way here to meet this man and i can’t go back to hawaii without meeting him.” so i wait and wait sitting on the table outside his door listening to the various species of birds singing. it was so peaceful. then at 7am, Abe-san wakes up and finally comes out and says “i knew it was about time you would be coming.” haha. he always tells me that as he gives me a big hug. i sit down and listen to his stories as we talk about the events that took place and will be taking place around his temporary housing. Abe-san’s village nearby got totally wiped out and he told me that they are never ever going to rebuild. pretty sad story coming from a very strong and positive man.

wanted to thank Yumi-chan for the wonderful gifts from osaka! oishikatta!!!

right in the heart of tokyo lies this small mom and pop restaurant a friend suggested to me. they have a special lunch special that i tried for the first time. you get rice, miso soup, tsukemono, tofu, and get to choose any type of fish they have out on the counter. it was super delicious! and only cost $9.80. i’ll be back!

caviar and abalone with champagne? if i saw this on someones blog, i’d hate them too. haha.
well, i’m back to hawaii and back to my normal lifestyle. no caviar, no river mouths, no uni, no hotels, and no long drives. just a simple lifestyle. that 9 days of travel in japan was amazing. i’d have to put it in my top 5 ever trips out of the thousands i took. good waves, good food, good experience, and most of all, good friends. everything was perfect and i couldn’t be a happier traveler. next month i have 5 days off and if i take another trip, guess where i’m going? yes, i’m going again to the land of the rising sun!

Seth Moniz @ Kewalo’s.
So amazing!
Photo by Heff
Good morning 6:30am.
Bowls head hight and clean. 30 surfers out. GOOD WAVES!
Diamond Head overhead and side wind.
Trade winds at 20mph.
Super sunny and warm.
Surfing 2 rounds.
Have a wonderful day!