towards economic integration 00:38

Busan, South Korea and Fukuoka, Japan have decided to create an economic zone that will become, hopefully, the seventh largest economic hub in Northeast Asia. For those of you that don't know how close these cities are, a speed boat will get you across the strait in less than three hours. I've done it once but I got real seasick on the way back to Busan. Going to Fukuoka was fine though...

This would be the first step towards full economic integration of Korea and Japan. (Or at least they would hope.) The democratic party of Japan winning a majority seat in parliament just recently could, however, make this a reality. The beginnings of an East Asian Union?

couchsurfing 15:56

Back in Korea, while on a trip to Mount Songni with a couple of my friends, we happened upon a German who had studied abroad a year in Mexico and was slowly making his way back home. He mentioned that he was couchsurfing and immediately it sparked my interest.

Now a year later, back home in Los Angeles, I've hosted about fifteen people (mostly from Europe) and some of them have become very good friends. When I tell most people that I do this, they initially gasp for air and seem ready to brand me as being insane. Quickly, I must explain the nature of the exchange and redeem myself. I inform them that one does not need to accept everyone that they come into contact with. They are free to go through their profile and reviews. Then I tell them stories of some awesome experiences and that will usually calm them down.

Remco and Abel from the Netherlands and I. They had been traveling for six months, mostly in South East Asia. Los Angeles was their last stop before heading back home. One of my favorite guests that I have hosted.

Iwan from Switzerland and I. Probably my favorite guest. I promised to come visit him in Switzerland in the near future.