I'm in California this week for Lonely Planet's Authors Week, which is being held in Oakland. I got in a few days early and headed up to Sacramento to meet some old friends. Then, I drove around Marin County and down to Big Sur. California sunshine is a nice break from the rainy season in Kyoto!
Here's a shot of Big Sur:

Another shot of Big Sur:

Here is a picture of me with some old and good friends. I've known the two guys in the pic since 9th grade: