Watching "Memoirs of a Geisha" reminded me of a scene which I have seen many times in my dreams. It was when the Geisha after astounding everyone with her talent was invited to go to a party held by the Baron. On the way to the Baron's estate we can see towering bamboo trees on both sides of a road. I have seen similar scenes many times over and over again thru various movies dealing with Japan. The towering bamboo trees, a gentle wind rustling the tiny leaves. Sometimes even a gentle rain, which never reaches the path because the towering bamboo is like an umbrella which protects the earth.

 When I was a child, my father was stationed in Thailand. I vaguely remember a trip our family once took to go to a famous beach area far away from where we lived. The journey was arduous and we had to endure the stifening heat and humidity, not to mention how bumpy the ride was in the truck-like vehicle we were using to get to our destination. A side trip I remember was up a mountainside covered with all forms of beautiful vegetation and exposed rocks surrounded by towering bamboo. At the top was such a beautiful waterfall. I think from that moment was when my appreciation for the beauty of our environement first started. It looked like a tropical paradise.

 When we finally reached our destination, it was a perfect white sandy beach with towering coconut trees and huts with roofs made from palm or coconut leaves. Somewhere someone took a picture of our family as we played in the ocean. We looked like such a happy little family. i can't remember any of the details of what transpired during our stay there. Such a shame because I'm sure they were one of the happiest memories I've ever had.

  I don't know how that happy little child has turn out to be a man who is emotionless and uncaring sometimes. I wish I can go back and become that young and carefree child again, safe and protected by my parents in our little tropical paradise.