WELL, after that dramatic entrance, I hope I haven't

overly influenced your expectations. There's not much here

at the moment (January 11, 2004, 8:05 am).

My intention is to share some of my observations

and experiences after nearly seventeen years at the helm of

this business.

I'M hoping that it might give you some insight about travelling to

Hana, if you are planning to travel here. Hana is an amazingly special

place.  Some people "get it", others don't. What does that mean?

I can sum it up by telling you that once, when I was opening my

car door in the parking lot at Hasegawa General Store, a young

couple sitting in a bright yellow jeep in the next stall asked

me: Is there, like, a Burger King here? You know the tone.

The look on their faces, was precious. What they were really

asking was: Is this all there is?