How Japan's Internet king lost his crown

Here are some random images from when I was in Shanghai last month (Sept., 2005). This selection in particular is from the French Consession area; as you can see much more a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere out of the hustle and bustle a few blocks away... quite nice. 

Akira, me, & Hui.
FotoBySean

Okinawa
Just got back from my first trip to Okinawa last week. Have wanted to go for a while. The trip was good, if wet - seems we caught the tail end of rainy season, determined to give it one last kick; our first day Saturday was nice, but it was pretty much rain (showers to torrential downpours) for the remaining 4. Nice all the same though.

We stayed on the little island of Kohamajima (say it with me... "Kohamajima"). 16km of road, 539 residents, and atleast 3 goats, 47 cows (Ishigaki-gyu, and sui-gyu - water buffalo), and atleast one rogue peacock. Other than one gas stand, 3 local stores and one bar, the island has peace and quiet. A real change from Tokyo.

In the photo above is Akira - he was the best. Jack of all everything. He was there in the morning, he was there in the evening. He got us food. He got us umbrellas. He got us rental cars. He got us bug spray. He got us snorkel tours. He's originally from Kobe, but has been living on (say it with me...) Kohamajima for 2 years. Actually, more than a few people I met were originally from larger cities in Japan, but had moved to Kohamajima for a quieter life. After working til the wee hours most evenings, I can see why.