Mariko...it's such a pleasure to finally meet you.

I would love to hear about how your relationship evolved over time. Manshimajin has told us his observations...that you were hesitant at first about this sort of lifestyle, even about being intimate with someone from a different culture...and then something changed. How did you feel and how has this feeling changed? Oh, there are so many more questions...I'm sure I'll never run out of them.

Interesting question you raised about more women than men responding to this thread...I don't know why this is the case, really. Maybe it is like you said, that women are more drawn to the deep emotions captured in your stories and pictures? It certainly is true for me - I get goosebumps when I sign on and find a new post here. I'm looking forward to get to know you better, Mariko. Thank you and Manshimajin for sharing your story and thoughts so freely.