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Okinawa and Tokyo trip photos, 2014

Okinawa and Tokyo trip photos, 2014

I was already in Tokyo in May for the Cancer Survivor Underwater Portrait Exhibition but I decided to go back again to get those images back to U.S. and to see my mother’s Ikebana Japanese flower arrangement exhibition. This time though, I decided to go to one of my dream islands for scuba diving, Okinawa!

My trip started fantastic with these wonderful and crazy people, my sister and her buddy, Tracy!
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I finally arrived in Narita and spent a night at my aunt’s house. My mother was there already and she was getting ready for her Ikebana exhibition in Tokyo. Cats always have a good life….

Then I took off for Okinawa the next morning.
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Everything went perfect getting into Naha, Okinawa. By just looking at these emerald green/blue water, I thought, I’m home again (ocean)!
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My Okinawan friend booked a shared room for…..400YEN ($4) after I asked for a backpacker’s rate… With a hand written sign saying $12 a night but I guess she got a local price for me! I was an adventurous tourist more than usual. I LOVE islanders though. They are so warm hearted.

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I asked a young (they were all young!) employee where I can get the local food and he took me to a vegan Taiwanese restaurant. $8 for all you can eat buffet!! They were so delicious! It was owned by a Taiwanese family, sister/brother team. They told me it takes only 1 hour to Taiwan from Okinawa. I looked around in the restaurant and the customers were all Taiwanese elderly people. And they were so sweet!

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The next morning, I went scuba diving. First time in Japan and it’s been a looooong time without my underwater camera. It was relaxing and worry free time. The water was still warm. I went up on the deck to hug the whole ocean to myself! VIP!

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These are the divers for this trip. Japanese divers behave different on the boat!! As soon as they get on,  they instantly fall asleep sitting!!! I thought it was from their crazy busy work 🙁 but all of them started throwing up! I tried to keep a conversation going but they seemed not interested. hahaha. (may be I’m too boring)

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Japanese truck is to tiny!

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I haven’t seen this gal, Emiko for more than 10 years! Thank you so much for taking care of me!!

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I went to see some whale sharks and mantas in the tank with all other amazing marine animals. It was mesmerizing and entertaining but I had a mixed feeling about this…

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I saw Great White too… but they still looked sexy.

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One of the famous Okinawan foods, Ocean Grapes 海ぶどう。Grapes shaped seaweed on the right bottom corner. They make noise like a little bubble wrap, party in your month! So tasty.

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I need more than 3 days to stay in Okinawa and explore different islands next time!! Now, off to Tokyo!

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Back in Tokyo after I refreshed my mind and soul with Okinawan spirit! I met my friends I know for 26 years! We are still the same since 1989!! I love them!

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I went to see my mother’s Ikebana exhibition. She did an amazing job! Good job, MA!

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I also went to 3 Apple store locations in Tokyo to promote the underwater healer presentation I did in SF downtown location. My friends were so impressed I went there without any appointments. Hell yeah, I can! Crossing my fingers!

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I went to Odaiba  and I saw Gundam for the first time!

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I’ve been contacting some people for a future project with a 3D chocolate printer!!??

 

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And of course, amazing food everywhere.  I found a sweet red bean pie at McDonald!! SO GOOD!

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Japanese homeless people don’t smell!

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The last day in Japan, I visited my old friend, Teruko in Narita! I’m so proud of her designing her own home! Amazing! Thank you for the delicious dinner!

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My mother is helping me disassemble my cancer survivor portraits and put them back in my suitcase. Thank you, Ma!

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Back in the office after one day flight cancellation, I went strait to my work from SFO. ZZZZ

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Amazing KitKat flavors we can’t get here
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I had a different Japan trip this time. Full on events and actions in 6 days. I needed to decompress for few weeks after this.

But I’ll see you guys there next year! I’m hearing something might happen with another exhibition!!!!???? I’ll keep you posted!

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