Dear (walking) friends,
As you probably know, two friends and I are intended to walk a big walk in Japan in the year 2009. This is to celebrate the 400 years anniversary of the Dutch-Japanese trading which started in Hirado in the year 1609. In that year the Dutch (Belgium was also part of the Netherlands in those days) achieved an exclusive trading permit from the shogun. Thirty years later, the Dutch were the only European who were entitled to trade with Japan.
A few years ago my walking friend Hans and I walked two ancient routes in Japan (Tokaido and Nakasendo). That time we got a lot of help from two members of the Japanese Walking Association. Because the route we want to do in 2009 is not a well known route anymore, we asked their assistance for this expedition.? One of them, Mr. Masaji Kitayama build a special homepage so that all our friends can follow us during the walk but also in the preparation period. So please may I invite you to visit this homepage which you can find on http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~masaji/bigwalk2009/index_e.html
This homepage is updated from time tot time (almost daily)
I hope you enjoy,
Best regards,
L.L
