A quiet Saturday morning to kick off a 3-day weekend. Good time to catch up with blogging.
I have been busy with a course at work. Being plugged into teaching on a very short notice (upon my return from Singapore), I went through a 3-week intensive course. Now that the course is over, it is time to catch up with windsurfing.
In fact, yesterday (Friday) afternoon was turned into "administrative leave," meaning "Go Home at Noon!" I sailed for some five hours in the afternoon off the south shore, starting from Hawaii Kai and getting about half way toward Diamond Head. It was my first time to sail far offshore on this side of the island. As I left the coast, water gradually changed its color from emerald green to deep blue, and flying fish accompanied my little solo journey.
The race board I got in January lets me go upwind. Yesterday, the wind was rare Southwesterly. From somewhere off Kahala Iki, I turned back and headed downwind toward Portlock. Riding swells back was so much fun, and I could do a much better job at that than now-popular paddle-boarders. (The sail gave me lots of boost than a paddle could.)
During past few weeks, when wind was regular (but light) tradewind (northeasterly), I also sailed off Kailua outside the reef. Circling around the "bird shit" island, heading east toward Waimanalo, the new board has really extended my reach. It has been a good light-wind sailing practice as well.
A friend and a UH engineering professor, Reza, took a few lessons from me, and has been coming along to sail for a few times. He has reached a point where he could sail on his own, follow others to watch and learn some new techniques, and break the barrier into the intermediate level--which many novice windsurfers fail to do (and quit the sports altogether). But, he needs to get his own gears, transportation, and habit to go sailing, in order to get better.
Back home yesterday evening, left-over steak served well on top of salad for dinner. A few glasses of cabernet and DVD performance of Chic Corea and his Electric Band concluded one of my better Fridays.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Luanprabang, Laos
A short flight from Hanoi, Vietnam, a smaller jet plane turned tightly between the mountains to land at Luanprabang International Airport. Having learned somewhere that this was as far as the Vietcons penetrated into the Lao territory during the Vietnam War, I looked at those mountains as if I were a war-time pilot. There were paths on the shoulders of most mountains, but it was not possible to confirm any traffic or people on these paths.
The small town I visited for the first time had a very friendly and laid back atomosphere. I threw both my luggage and myself into the back of a mini-truck taxi (used import from Japan, I could tell) to get to my hotel. From a bridge over a small tributary of the Mekong, I saw local children innocently play in the river.
The purpose of the trip here was to attend a conference on the Mekong River Basin cooperation. The second day was my vacation day before the start of the conference, and I visited all of the attractions in the central part of this small city--note that there are not many. Just walking around in this cute little town among many European tourists was quite a treat. Street vendors selling French-Lao style sandwitches, along with those selling noodle soup, reminded me of the country's colonial heritage.
As I arrived back at the hotel, where were other participants? Nobody showed up that night, and I went to the conference site--Souphanovong University--directly next morning. I was worried that the conference might have been cancelled in the last minutes after I left Hawaii. Luckily, the only last-minutes change I missed was the hotel--everyone else stayed at a different hotel. I learned many new things about this region, and could share some of my thoughts about regional cooperation with the newly developed network of scholars.
On the way back, a Japanese man on his family vacation sat next to me, and he shared his story about a smaller town he and his family visited. While global tourism is reaching every tiny corner of the globe, people in the tiny corner he visited had clearly left a strong mark on his life. Maybe some day, I too will explore further...
The small town I visited for the first time had a very friendly and laid back atomosphere. I threw both my luggage and myself into the back of a mini-truck taxi (used import from Japan, I could tell) to get to my hotel. From a bridge over a small tributary of the Mekong, I saw local children innocently play in the river.
The purpose of the trip here was to attend a conference on the Mekong River Basin cooperation. The second day was my vacation day before the start of the conference, and I visited all of the attractions in the central part of this small city--note that there are not many. Just walking around in this cute little town among many European tourists was quite a treat. Street vendors selling French-Lao style sandwitches, along with those selling noodle soup, reminded me of the country's colonial heritage.
As I arrived back at the hotel, where were other participants? Nobody showed up that night, and I went to the conference site--Souphanovong University--directly next morning. I was worried that the conference might have been cancelled in the last minutes after I left Hawaii. Luckily, the only last-minutes change I missed was the hotel--everyone else stayed at a different hotel. I learned many new things about this region, and could share some of my thoughts about regional cooperation with the newly developed network of scholars.
On the way back, a Japanese man on his family vacation sat next to me, and he shared his story about a smaller town he and his family visited. While global tourism is reaching every tiny corner of the globe, people in the tiny corner he visited had clearly left a strong mark on his life. Maybe some day, I too will explore further...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Beginning, Again
January 3, 2009
Landed on the Port of Kahului, Maui with my car. A short 2-day trip to Maui was solely for shopping. The Molokai Channel and Maui Channel in winter time were rough. Sailing into the blasting trade wind, the Hawaii Superferry swayed and pitched in roaring waves. Poor kids were screaming of seasickness as soon as the boat hit the Molokai Channel. I was imagining riding through those waves on a racing board.
The first destination, Neil Pryde windsurfing store. I was disappointed to find out that parts were missing from the used set of the Olympic-Class racing board, RS-X, despite my reminder via an e-mail to the store manager before departure that I needed a full original set. Several hours of price check for obtaining the missing parts and considering alternatives, I have decided to take the board anyway and as many original parts as available and a few substitute parts for immediate training. A Japanese salesperson, who was a racer himself, was sympathetic and gave me as much discounts as he could. After all, it was fair that I, who spent nearly $400 just to get to his store, was not completely screwed by the store manager’s laziness.
A nice addition to the short shopping trip was that I was able to join my old friend’s family for a dinner. Their Japanese-style house was built by the husband himself in a forest of Haiku, northeast Maui. Several Japanese former windsurfers live there and enjoy rural Mauian life. The visit had to be short given the rural children’s early bed time, but was very enjoyable thanks to the couple’s hospitality.
To be able to attend official competitions, I need to obtain a new complete set. Right now, my budget is totally stretched due to the unexpected cost for obtaining the missing parts. In addition, I must save up for the travel costs to attend those international competitions. It is a concern, but I must humbly consider myself lucky to be concerned about my hobby, rather than my living, at the time of global economic downturn. I cannot wait to try out the new equipment in Kailua.
Landed on the Port of Kahului, Maui with my car. A short 2-day trip to Maui was solely for shopping. The Molokai Channel and Maui Channel in winter time were rough. Sailing into the blasting trade wind, the Hawaii Superferry swayed and pitched in roaring waves. Poor kids were screaming of seasickness as soon as the boat hit the Molokai Channel. I was imagining riding through those waves on a racing board.
The first destination, Neil Pryde windsurfing store. I was disappointed to find out that parts were missing from the used set of the Olympic-Class racing board, RS-X, despite my reminder via an e-mail to the store manager before departure that I needed a full original set. Several hours of price check for obtaining the missing parts and considering alternatives, I have decided to take the board anyway and as many original parts as available and a few substitute parts for immediate training. A Japanese salesperson, who was a racer himself, was sympathetic and gave me as much discounts as he could. After all, it was fair that I, who spent nearly $400 just to get to his store, was not completely screwed by the store manager’s laziness.
A nice addition to the short shopping trip was that I was able to join my old friend’s family for a dinner. Their Japanese-style house was built by the husband himself in a forest of Haiku, northeast Maui. Several Japanese former windsurfers live there and enjoy rural Mauian life. The visit had to be short given the rural children’s early bed time, but was very enjoyable thanks to the couple’s hospitality.
To be able to attend official competitions, I need to obtain a new complete set. Right now, my budget is totally stretched due to the unexpected cost for obtaining the missing parts. In addition, I must save up for the travel costs to attend those international competitions. It is a concern, but I must humbly consider myself lucky to be concerned about my hobby, rather than my living, at the time of global economic downturn. I cannot wait to try out the new equipment in Kailua.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Rediscovering My True Identity
"What the hell are you talking about," you might wonder. I am reporting about the new beginning in my competitive drive. I am getting back into windsurfing racing!
My dear friend, Masako Imai, went to the 1992 Barcelona, the 1996 Atlanta, and 2000 Sydney, and the 2004 Athen Olympic Games. Her good friend, Barbara Kendall of New Zealand, went to her fifth Olympic in Beijing. She has won a gold, a silver, and a bronze medal. Both woman sailors are about the same age as me.
I was one of the top ten finishers (#7) in the National Olympic Training Team qualifier race in Japan in 1985. I did not pursue Olympic training back then, and instead concentrated my efforts on competing in the inter-collegiate racing, winning titles including the best freshman, all-Japan team racing, and a supreme slalomer (twice). My last race was in 1992, Mistral Class U.S. Southeastern Championship in Charleston, South Carolina. I surprised the crowds by finishing first in the first race and fifth in the second, leading the pack on the first day. But, my body could not take any more on the second day as I was hardly sailing at all for four years since I left Japan. (My arms and legs were having clamps all night long.) My much poorer racing performance on the second day of the Championship, including an upsetting disqualification in one race, knocked me off the winning contention.
After many years of studying hard and pursuing academic competitions, I have realized that my true competitive drives (not competitiveness per se) are found on the water, in speed, in strong wind, and between roaring waves.
Out of my three best talents (windsurfing, fishing, and political analysis), windsurfing got the least amount of time left. Instead of continuing to have bad dreams about the races I lost by making mistakes, I have decided to launch an uphill battle to reclaim my place in the windsurfing competitions. Unlike last time, when I was racing for the college team and other responsibilities, my racing this time will be only for myself. Win or lose, I can totally be cool about it. The only important thing is that I will be enjoying the competitions. I am sure I will enjoy as long as my body can keep up. (I need to regain some lost muscles, but I am already in a pretty good shape, having lost all fat by mere elementary yoga.) Will report on the progress of my training.
My dear friend, Masako Imai, went to the 1992 Barcelona, the 1996 Atlanta, and 2000 Sydney, and the 2004 Athen Olympic Games. Her good friend, Barbara Kendall of New Zealand, went to her fifth Olympic in Beijing. She has won a gold, a silver, and a bronze medal. Both woman sailors are about the same age as me.
I was one of the top ten finishers (#7) in the National Olympic Training Team qualifier race in Japan in 1985. I did not pursue Olympic training back then, and instead concentrated my efforts on competing in the inter-collegiate racing, winning titles including the best freshman, all-Japan team racing, and a supreme slalomer (twice). My last race was in 1992, Mistral Class U.S. Southeastern Championship in Charleston, South Carolina. I surprised the crowds by finishing first in the first race and fifth in the second, leading the pack on the first day. But, my body could not take any more on the second day as I was hardly sailing at all for four years since I left Japan. (My arms and legs were having clamps all night long.) My much poorer racing performance on the second day of the Championship, including an upsetting disqualification in one race, knocked me off the winning contention.
After many years of studying hard and pursuing academic competitions, I have realized that my true competitive drives (not competitiveness per se) are found on the water, in speed, in strong wind, and between roaring waves.
Out of my three best talents (windsurfing, fishing, and political analysis), windsurfing got the least amount of time left. Instead of continuing to have bad dreams about the races I lost by making mistakes, I have decided to launch an uphill battle to reclaim my place in the windsurfing competitions. Unlike last time, when I was racing for the college team and other responsibilities, my racing this time will be only for myself. Win or lose, I can totally be cool about it. The only important thing is that I will be enjoying the competitions. I am sure I will enjoy as long as my body can keep up. (I need to regain some lost muscles, but I am already in a pretty good shape, having lost all fat by mere elementary yoga.) Will report on the progress of my training.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Roomies
Some of my fun can be attributed to my roomies. Yes, Roomies--roommates!
I was not writing about them on my blog for respect to their privacy. Instead, I was criticized for not mentioning them on the blog. (Be careful what you wish for...)
Scott
Scott is a military man, who is also a great cook. He listens to every type of music, except disco. He also reads broadly. His love of weight training is quite something, but he is very stiff. (Stiffer than me.) He can also fix things. He used to give bath to and exercise his pet toad, Freddie. A few weeks ago, however, Freddie decided to run for unlimited freedom at the cost of losing free live cricket meals.
Miriama
Miriama is studying at the University. Quite a serious student, having studied through the New Zealand system. She can almost keep up with me when drinking. (Scott falls asleep.) A series of her family members have visited us here over the past summer. Very interesting people, all in different ways. ;) This winter, her daughter is going to visit for the first time, along with other family members who have been here before.
Play Time
We are not playing together all the time. Just sometimes, as we all have many different things to do. Sometimes, however, we (either planned or unplanned) get together at a local bar after work/school. Other times, we are drinking at home, and/or watching movies, or just chatting. Scott's routine of making a big "Farmers' Breakfast" on weekends is always a treat for the later-risers (me, Miriama, and sometimes my kids). It is fun to have some grown-ups around, with whom I can also talk about parenting.
I was not writing about them on my blog for respect to their privacy. Instead, I was criticized for not mentioning them on the blog. (Be careful what you wish for...)
Scott
Scott is a military man, who is also a great cook. He listens to every type of music, except disco. He also reads broadly. His love of weight training is quite something, but he is very stiff. (Stiffer than me.) He can also fix things. He used to give bath to and exercise his pet toad, Freddie. A few weeks ago, however, Freddie decided to run for unlimited freedom at the cost of losing free live cricket meals.
Miriama
Miriama is studying at the University. Quite a serious student, having studied through the New Zealand system. She can almost keep up with me when drinking. (Scott falls asleep.) A series of her family members have visited us here over the past summer. Very interesting people, all in different ways. ;) This winter, her daughter is going to visit for the first time, along with other family members who have been here before.
Play Time
We are not playing together all the time. Just sometimes, as we all have many different things to do. Sometimes, however, we (either planned or unplanned) get together at a local bar after work/school. Other times, we are drinking at home, and/or watching movies, or just chatting. Scott's routine of making a big "Farmers' Breakfast" on weekends is always a treat for the later-risers (me, Miriama, and sometimes my kids). It is fun to have some grown-ups around, with whom I can also talk about parenting.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Time Flies...
Whew! It is already November. I am still running deficit against my promise of posting monthly. Two books I co-edited came out last month, and I am very relieved. Thank you again to all contributors.
This time of the year in the United States is full of events, and time passes quickly toward the December 31st. The Halloween night brought so many unknown children (not all of them were even neighbors) to my house. Luckily my dinner time was not disturbed, as I covered my door chime with a note: "Give us some quiet time as we enjoy blood-dripping steak of childrens' legs." When I could not find one of sandals the following morning, I suspected a "trick" by some pissed-off children, but it was simply blown into the bush by wind and I found it. My kids enjoyed collecting candies from the neighbors. Soon, it will be Thanks Giving, and then Christmas. I still have too many "use-or-lose" leave days... I have to use them, preferrably on windy days, so that I can go windsurfing.
Fitness
I started a light exercise program to regain some muscle strength. I run around my APCSS office building and do several fitness routines en route. I was stunned a few weeks ago, when I could not do a single pull-up. Luckily, in just three weeks, I now can do four or five each for two sets at least. (I used to be able to do twenty in straight.) A long way to go, but a steady progress makes me feel good.
Hawaii
The tourist number for October, compared to last year, was down by 25%, according to the local news. It is a shocker for the local economy, indeed, as recessions normally hit the islands with some delay. The early arrival of recession will likely mean a longer and deeper recession, than its early departure. Just a casual observation on the street shows me an increased number of homeless people since about a year ago. Nonehteless, it is still Hawaii--the home of aloha spirit. Despair and meanness cannot dominate this place.
Good Night!
This time of the year in the United States is full of events, and time passes quickly toward the December 31st. The Halloween night brought so many unknown children (not all of them were even neighbors) to my house. Luckily my dinner time was not disturbed, as I covered my door chime with a note: "Give us some quiet time as we enjoy blood-dripping steak of childrens' legs." When I could not find one of sandals the following morning, I suspected a "trick" by some pissed-off children, but it was simply blown into the bush by wind and I found it. My kids enjoyed collecting candies from the neighbors. Soon, it will be Thanks Giving, and then Christmas. I still have too many "use-or-lose" leave days... I have to use them, preferrably on windy days, so that I can go windsurfing.
Fitness
I started a light exercise program to regain some muscle strength. I run around my APCSS office building and do several fitness routines en route. I was stunned a few weeks ago, when I could not do a single pull-up. Luckily, in just three weeks, I now can do four or five each for two sets at least. (I used to be able to do twenty in straight.) A long way to go, but a steady progress makes me feel good.
Hawaii
The tourist number for October, compared to last year, was down by 25%, according to the local news. It is a shocker for the local economy, indeed, as recessions normally hit the islands with some delay. The early arrival of recession will likely mean a longer and deeper recession, than its early departure. Just a casual observation on the street shows me an increased number of homeless people since about a year ago. Nonehteless, it is still Hawaii--the home of aloha spirit. Despair and meanness cannot dominate this place.
Good Night!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Tonga and New Zealand
September was the month of travel. An APCSS outreach event took me to Tonga.
Although Tonga lies right below the Honolulu-Auckland flight's path, to go directly to Tonga, someone has to be badly ill (or fake one) on board, or one must bring a parachute.
Transit stops in Auckland were no problem for me, for I have several friends in Auckland. It was nice that I had time to see them on both legs of the trip.
The workshop in Tonga went relatively smoothly, except that the night before the opening day was very busy with preparation of the binders. The copymachine was so slow that it became a bottleneck of the work flow, and so many (wo)man-hours had to be utilized rather inefficiently during the day. Once all copying was done, then it was time for the Chinese-like "Sea of (wo)men" tactic to punch holes on and bind the printed material.
There was a nice jetti in front of the hotel I was staying, and there were some big fish in early mornings. Some chases and strikes on my lure, but hooking did not last long. Unfortunately, pre-dawn windows of opportunity were so rare, and there was no notable catch in Tonga. Tuna sashimi in Tonga was much cheaper than in Honolulu, and I enjoyed it very nuch with the local beer, Ikale.
Tonga's main island (where its capital city, Tongatapu, is located) is flat. Unlike Oahu or most of the Hawaiian islands, there is no significant mountain. On the other hand, lagoons inside the reef and some magrove coverage of the coastline provide a different set of sceneries. The place was much more laid back than Honolulu, and for those who want a complete asylum, there are a few small islands that are only reachable by a small boat. Nothing really to do except playing in the sea--no problem for me. I took a mental note of Tonga as a possible place to spend winter months of my retirement.
Time to catch up with kids and enjoy tradewinds and cooling weather in Honolulu.
Although Tonga lies right below the Honolulu-Auckland flight's path, to go directly to Tonga, someone has to be badly ill (or fake one) on board, or one must bring a parachute.
Transit stops in Auckland were no problem for me, for I have several friends in Auckland. It was nice that I had time to see them on both legs of the trip.
The workshop in Tonga went relatively smoothly, except that the night before the opening day was very busy with preparation of the binders. The copymachine was so slow that it became a bottleneck of the work flow, and so many (wo)man-hours had to be utilized rather inefficiently during the day. Once all copying was done, then it was time for the Chinese-like "Sea of (wo)men" tactic to punch holes on and bind the printed material.
There was a nice jetti in front of the hotel I was staying, and there were some big fish in early mornings. Some chases and strikes on my lure, but hooking did not last long. Unfortunately, pre-dawn windows of opportunity were so rare, and there was no notable catch in Tonga. Tuna sashimi in Tonga was much cheaper than in Honolulu, and I enjoyed it very nuch with the local beer, Ikale.
Tonga's main island (where its capital city, Tongatapu, is located) is flat. Unlike Oahu or most of the Hawaiian islands, there is no significant mountain. On the other hand, lagoons inside the reef and some magrove coverage of the coastline provide a different set of sceneries. The place was much more laid back than Honolulu, and for those who want a complete asylum, there are a few small islands that are only reachable by a small boat. Nothing really to do except playing in the sea--no problem for me. I took a mental note of Tonga as a possible place to spend winter months of my retirement.
Time to catch up with kids and enjoy tradewinds and cooling weather in Honolulu.
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