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Some highlights from my trip to Japan, Taiwan, China

Although I have many pictures from this trip to Asia, here are the highlights from each country. First up...

Japan

You think the Obon festival in Mountain View is big...check out these pics from a huge festival that took place on a weekend right outside my hotel. Of all the things I did in Japan, including watching a pro baseball game, this was by far the most exciting.

First let me start with the Obon Princess.
Lots of work go into these performances that include music.
Here is another performance that shows dragons.
Check out this HUGE drum that was pounded all day by different men. Each had their own rhythm. Some went fast and would tank out early and yet others were slow. But they were all constant, and when one stopped, the other was there to keep it going.
These next guys were my favorite.
After this final move, they talked with me for a while. Very nice, and awesome performers.

Taiwan

Next on my trip was Taiwan. Although I was there only for a couple of days, it was memorable just the same. That's because I got stuck in a typhoon. That's their equivalent to a hurricane. Hit us right on the head. I saw rain going sideways outside my hotel. HP was shut down, but I managed to see my contact for half a day. I only have one picture that tells you something about what a typhoon can do!

China

Finally on this trip was China. An unforgettable trip. I visited the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square, the Oriental Pearl, which were all unbelievable. But the highlight was this lone shot of me on the Great Wall of China. You have to ride in these gondolas to get up high into the mountains. The precision for that time is unconscionable....AWESOME!

Well I hope you enjoyed these. Its a time in my life that I will never forget. If you ever do get to Taiwan, stay at the Sherwood Taipei. It's the best hotel on the island. Also in China, I can recommend the China World Hotel.

C'ya