Rob & Satomi
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They finished the pilgrimage. Satomi stayed and worked in Japan while Rob went to China for a couple of months. They have since returned to Kirkland, WA.
Recently (July 21, 2007) Rob, Satomi and I gave a slide-show presentation of our pilgrimage experiences at the Kobo art gallery in Seattle. A good time was had by all. We've been informally asked to make a similar presentation at the University of Washington either this fall or winter. |
Kumon San
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After returning to Hiroshima Youko continued her massage business. She bought a computer in early summer 2006 and has taken lessons on how to use it. We email frequently and although there is still a language barrier, I have come to respect/expect her quick wit and strong character. Youko returned to Shikoku in Fall of 2006 and traveled from Kounomineji (T27 on map 19) to Iwamotoji (T37 on map 30). Youko again returned in Spring of 2007 and made it to T55. In September 2007 she visited our home in Washington on her way home from a friend's wedding party in LA. We had a great time visiting the space needle, the zoo and boating on Puget Sound. She still wore her hat everywhere!!!! |
Tachikawa San
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Sakae started her new career after returning to Nagoya (I still don't know what she does). Sakae San returned to Shikoku in the fall of 2006 and finished the rest of the pilgrimage in just over 30 days. That is awesome. As of Summer 2007 she is planning on visiting Thailand to work with abandoned dogs. |
Masashi San
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Masashi San continues enjoying his retirement. He traveled to China in June 2006. He had planned to return to Shikoku in Nov. 2006, but was concerned about the cold so he canceled it. He is currently spending time with his four grandchildren and planning a return to Shikoku in Spring 2007. I would really like to meet him again. |
Max Furusawa
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As I mentioned in my travelogue Max finished the pilgrimage on May 22, 2006. He has since returned home and says life was a little boring for a while after returning (I tend to agree). He says he will begin Judo Therapy(?) in April 2007.
Max has become a bit of a celebrity in our small group of henro enthusiasts after Rob, Satomi and I each shared our photos and experiences with him. |