And no Stuporbowl for our Argonauts. The WFTGA conference begins tomorrow, February 9th, in Fukuoka. Fukuoka is in the southwest of Japan on the island of Kyushu and is considered the gateway to Asia. It's about a 100 mile ferry ride to Busan, Korea from Fukuoka.
From Kathleen:
"Mark Leuthold, Barbara Dimas and Kathleen Bennett proudly representing San Francisco TGG at WFTGA in Japan.
Here we are at the Red Devil Sulfer Hot Springs in Beppu, Japan on Sunday, 8 Feb (no Super Bowl for us :-)"
And from Mark Leuthold:
"Huge snow storm and wind, when we woke up on the pacific beach of Beppu Sunday morning during our pre-tour. Second greatest thermal wonder of the world in regards to thermal activity after Yellowstone in Beppu. Visited the beautiful hot springs and bloody hell hot Springs before lunch. We had to drop some of the program due to ice and snow flurries, 28 F and ended up back in Fukuoka. We had the most amazing dinner for five people with 50!! freshest sushi plates and endless beer and saki, in a conveyor belt Restaurant. We never needed to speak to a single person from reservations to paying for six people for $100. This meal was so delicious and fun, before we ended up in the Irish pub near the hotel hanging with our European colleagues.
Tomorrow is the big opening ceremony of the convention, and bidding for 2028 WFTGA location. We suspect it'll be Kazakhstan."
Beppu Onsen・Beppu Tower and Mount Tsurumi
The area of Beppu was part of ancient Bungo Province. During the Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), due to its onsens, it began to be used as a health resort for wounded samurai.
And if you're curious about Japan, I compiled a bibliography of well over 100 well-chosen books about its people, history, and culture. You can find that at the bottom of the Forums under Programs.
Greg