Here are some pictures from my trip to Japan in 2009. This time around, I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and oh yea, I hiked Mt. Fuji! I went with my buddy Barrie, and we had an awesome time. We got a chance to see Nujabes perform there (RIP), as well as the And1 Mix Tape tour from the US go and kick some butt! We got to see the fires lit into the mountains in Kyoto at the Daimonji festival, check out the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, and also had a chance to catch an Obon festival at Miyajima. Seriously, this trip was full of so many memorable moments – it’s hard to beat all of those experiences in the span of one vacation.

Oh and seriously, if you meet a couple of German girls, it’s never a good idea to impress them with your knowledge of German that you happen to remember from your World History class in high school. They will not be impressed by your knowledge of unterseeboot, kristallnacht, gestapo or blitzkrieg. Seriously, keep it to yourself.

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I just realized that my old travel pictures from Japan and Hong Kong in 2008 were removed from the website. I think it had something to do with hosting the pictures in Flickr and then having my premium (ie: paid) membership lapse and not having access to them anymore. Well, that’s why we host our own pictures! How do you like me now, Yahoo!?

Anyways, these were some pictures that I took when I went backpacking alone throughout Japan and Hong Kong. I stayed in a bunch of hostels along the way –

Tokyo:
Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Asakusa Hostel Toukaisou
Bakpak Hostel

Kyoto:
Bakpak Hostel

Hong Kong:
Mirador Mansions

All of these places were great and I had a wonderful time, meeting all kinds of awesome and amazing people. It was a great retreat where I relaxed, refound and reset myself. Oh yea, don’t stay in Mirador Mansions, even if it is like $13 a night. Well … I guess it’s not that bad – I met some great people there too, but seriously, you can probably do better.

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I got a chance to work with LamroN a couple of weeks ago for a pop-up dinner at Nieuport 17 in Tustin and had a blast! LamroN was cooking food for a Safe Families for Children Council Fundraising Dinner, and I’m glad that I had a chance to document some of the work that was going on behind the scenes. Of course, it was also great seeing Cody again and meeting Jeff from the LamroN crew and Cameron from Nieuport 17. Enjoy the pictures!

Check out this classic sign that is in the kitchen at Nieuport 17 … Winner winner …

Here’s Cody at work …

And here’s Jeff …

All together now …

And here’s Cameron …

I had a great time guys, look forward to seeing you all soon!

I went to Mammoth this past weekend and it was awesome! We made it up there in 5 hours and did a bit of hiking and sightseeing. It was beautiful up there – I’d only been there in the winter before, but it is really pretty during summer/fall. I can’t wait to go back!

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We went to the fair last weekend. I didn’t eat too crazy and didn’t go on any rides, but I did see a couple of giant oxen and some racing pigs. Yes, I know, quite exciting. Here are some pictures!