It's National Foundation Day in Japan and More!

 That's like the 4th of July in the USA

It's a National Holiday and most people have the day off. Schools are closed.

Some sort of tropical storm is blowing cold wind and rain so, I hung around inside all day.

 

About 4 PM the wife and a daughter returned from a shopping expedition.

And the young one presented me with this ice-cold six-pack of beer.

I'm really not celebrating National Foundation Day for Japan. I'm American.

Naturally, I thanked the daughter for bringing my favorite beer.

Little did she know, I was gonna celebrate New Year's Eve tonight.

First, we must get back to the Japanese holiday.  

They say Japan began (as a country) in 660 BC.

That's all I can tell you. Read the history of Japan HERE if you need all the details.

How Did New Year's Eve Get in Here Today?

When I thanked the daughter for the Orion Beer I told her it's New Year's Eve.

She looked at me like I was crazy so, I had to explain. It's Chinese New Year's Day tomorrow!

Some folks in Okinawa still use the Lunar Calendar. 

And, the stick with the rituals, holiday routines, and planting of the Chinese Zodiac calendar.

Learn all about the Chinese New Year at this Site.

Adding a little more to all this holiday confusion, the daughter handed me another gift.

Some chocolate, as well as the beer, was her gift to me for Valentine's Day!

It's been a long (almost photoless) day. Two quick shots of the beer and I'm done.

One photo from the front and another displaying the top of the six-pack. That's it.

It's getting dark outside and I have some Lunar New Year's Eve business to tend to.

AMEN

Taiwan: The Heart of Asia -- So I Took Their Tests

Close to Home This Time

Taiwan Tourism contacted me today and, encouraged me to finish this course.

Somewhere along the line, I had enrolled but, never took the tests.

Awhile back, I was planning a trip to Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in the south of Okinawa.

Right before, I was ready to pack up and leave, I got hacked.

Credit card and an email account, somehow got compromised. Groan.

Two banks, notified me of suspicious activity. I chopped up the card and ordered a new one.

Well, I was busy and forgot all about Taiwan and the travel professional's school.

All is well now, with the banks and email so, off to the online course, I went.

Taiwan Would Be a Fun Place to Visit

It's just a little over an hour flight time from Naha, Okinawa. I could handle that.

It's been awhile since, the last time, I visited Taiwan and, that was just the big city, Taipei.

Now, that I've learned some culture, history and geography, I want to see all of the island.

They have stuff like, bears, deer, monkeys and wild boar plus, lots of migratory birds.

Mountains over 12,000 feet, big raging rivers, lots of jungles and, a mild climate.

Heck. It would take me hours, to get to Africa, Hawaii, Mexico or Switzerland !

Should I disappear suddenly, for a week or three, you can probably guess, where I'll be.

Travel Agent Academy

This course was an external one, not at the Travel Agent Academy.

But, taking their courses was probably, how I got referred to Taiwan Travel Bureau.

Around the globe, I have been taking travel agent courses, not because I'm a travel agent.

A travel professional, isn't necessarily a travel agent. It's someone involved in the industry.

Writers and photographers, can be travel professionals, too.

Most to my photography and writing, has been about Okinawa. That's my specialty.

But, I like to peek at other countries and, see what they're promoting for the tourism industry.

It gives me ideas, when I see them, promoting whatever is unique, about their location.

Things like, the fastest train, slowest train, tallest mountain and widest river.

Okinawa has the best beer !

Stumbled Into チキンパラダイス or Chicken Paradise

Unusually Fantastic

The wooden door creaks when you open it, to enter and, slams shut behind you.

It's a dimly lit, tiny little place, that smells like fried chicken.

No cameras were with me. It was, visit the hospital day and, I was heading back to my office.

In case anyone's wondering, I'm in great shape, just had to pick up some medicines for travel.

Blood pressure's fine and, ticker does 68 BPM (beats per minute) after walking a mile.

But, they like to give old folks, monthly doses of drugs, to help the economy, I guess.

Got my meds and was walking on the shady side of the street, when my stomach growled.

All the menu signs outside are in Japanese but, I could read the simple stuff.

Using the iPhone, I snapped some photos so, I could put it on Google Maps.

Big Guy at Counter

He was the only customer in there, I noticed as I squinted to adjust my eyes to the darkness.

Just one dude, wearing a plaid shirt, was at the left end of the counter.

His face wasn't visible. I just figured he was some big sumo dude, eating his lunch.

No sense bothering anyone so, I went over to the far right end of the L-shaped counter.

An Okinawan gal with a round, smiling face greeted me, from the tiny kitchen.

Ordering a Jumbo Chicken Katsu, I asked if, taking photos would be allowed.

She gave me the OK and, I went around the place snapping pictures.

When she didn't look busy, cooking I asked if, the place was on Google Maps.

She wasn't sure so, I told her, I'd get it done today and, shoot more photos later.

It's best for me, to go back there with a real camera and wide angle lens.

Big dude, continued eating his meal, facing the wall so, I guessed he was hungry.

Maybe, he was watching the TV, they had on turned on, near where he was sitting.

Before 5 minutes had expired, this meal came across the counter and, the girl smiled.

Forgetting to take a photo, my growling tummy, made me start eating. Rats.

It wouldn't be right, to put a restaurant on the map, without a food image !

OK. A some of the chicken is missing. Gives an idea what the cooked chicken looks like.

There's salad, a  bowl of rice, soup, pickled veges, and tofu with some greens.

Hidden from view (under the chicken) some thick, fried potatoes. All scrumptious.

There was no way, I could consume all that food so, I had to ask the gal something.

"Do you do takeouts here, too?"  She said, "Yes."  And, I said, "Good."

Big Dude Speaks

This sort of surprised me. He said, "Can I get some more sauce?"

He spoke English. Still, I didn't want to bother the guy. The gal brought him some sauce.

Then, I quietly asked her (in Japanese) "Do you speak English, too?"  She, didn't.

Next thing ya know, the big plaid shirt, saunters, the 4 or 5 steps, over towards me.

This could be fun or, not.  I try to stay flexible. Ready to jump, defend myself or, run.

He was a peaceable individual and introduced himself. "I'm Alfredo from El Salvador." 

We became friends, swapped emails and, tried to connect on Facebook.

He's visiting his daughter and, goes home this weekend. We must do some beers.

He ran back to his room, while I was finishing (what I could of) my meal.

And, he came back with his cell-phone, to make sure, we got connected.

The restaurant gal, packed half my lunch in a takeout box for me.

Then, Alfredo and I walked across the street and, I showed him, where my office is at.

He was heading out, to buy an Okinawan Kariushi shirt, down in Naha.

That's crazy. I gave him directions, to someplace a lot closer and, prices would be lower.

He thanked me and, promised before he leaves this island, we're doing some drinking together.

Maps Got Done Quickly

Back at work, I tweaked the images and uploaded them to Google Maps.

A quick review was done. I had to input the address, hours and phone number.

Normally, it takes a few days, to get a new location loaded and approved, but not this time.

Chicken Paradise is on the map and, I showed the restaurant owner.

Looking closer at the image of the menus, posted outdoors, gave me an idea.

All that chicken (above) cost me only 700 yen.

For just 100 yen more, I could have gotten a Psycho Roast Steak. I will, next time !

Visit Chicken Paradise

Crazy Stuff Happens on Thursday Night in Kin Town

 Sweetheart of a Girl

It had been a terrible week, actually horrible, two weeks if, you really want to know.

It all started when a few banks notified me, my credit card was being used.

Suspicious activity, 5 dollars, 15 dollars then, 60 dollar purchases were being made.

One of my email accounts, got overtaken by someone else, too.

The crooks are smart. They just use a little bit of money at a time. Then, wait.

If, they're not stopped soon, then mega-bucks start getting stolen.

Fortunately, I got to the bank and, got everything stopped.

Had them chop-up my credit card and order me a new one. That, was the easy part.

Recovering a compromised email account, takes a bit more sweat out of you.

Once, I finally got access to my 30 year old, email account, I felt relieved.

The internet, is still a scary place, to me. If, WWIII breaks out tomorrow, I won't care.

Nobody will have access to the internet, credit cards or, emails.

Fine with me. I almost got used to it. I'm ready to go back to living in caves.

It Was Time to Celebrate

With my stolen identity recovered, it was time to celebrate and get UN-Stressed.

A message was sent to the wife, "All is well, I have to go do beers tonight."

The wife is very understanding. She didn't reply so, that meant, OK.

In a favorite, air-conditioned establishment, I slammed several ice-cold beers.

After 5 or 6 Orion Draft Beers in frozen mugs, I got thinking. "Time to move along."

It was around 9 PM and, I planned on grabbing some smokes, on the way home.

Thanking the barmaid, I said, "Goodnight" and started to walk towards the door.

She said something but, I couldn't hear so, she hollered a bit louder.

"Mike, there's Eisa drums playing down the street." 

Sure enough, as I walked out the door, I could hear them.

They were dancing and beating drums, right in front of the store I was headed to.

Sonavagun if, my granddaughter, Marin, wasn't out there, dancing in a pink kimono.

There is never a camera with me, when I'm on a drinking excursion.

But, I had the iPhone and, one of my friends happened to be there, to take this photo.

Pretty good composition and, it made me happy, to get this photo with my eldest grandchild.

Only, I wish someone, would have told me to fix that button, under my belly and belt.

The background images are painted on the front of an Irish Pub named, Bingo's.

So, after saying "Goodnight" to Marin, you can probably guess, where I went next.

The plan then, was to buy the photographer a beer and, have one myself.

After a few more beers, I discovered, why Eisa was being performed, that night.

A bar across the street was celebrating their one year anniversary.

They had hired the Eisa Dancers and drums, as part of their celebration.

The Irishman in the pub, told me I should visit the bar across the street, on my way home.

It's on top of a steep flight of stairs and, I was kind of wobbly but, made it.

Someday, I'll have to go back, with a real camera and, get the place on Google Maps.

Some of my friends were drinking in there and, I sat with them for awhile.

Then, asked the staff if, photography was permitted. Good to go.

None of those iPhone photos will be posted today. There are some unique ones, though.

Once, I wandered into a side room, I hadn't known existed. Pretty big establishment.

A bunch of young men and ladies, were in there, having a grand old time.

One of the gals asked me, "You're Marin's grandpa, aren't you?"

When, I told her she was correct, they all got excited and, wanted to pet my fur.

So, after awhile, I excused myself, finished my last beer and, was home shortly after midnight.

Last night, the wife was surprised. It was Friday and, I didn't feel like going out, drinking.

Too much partying, isn't a good idea so, I took a little break and, went to bed early.

Saturday nights, things can become a little lively, too.

Hey Marin, "Remember how grandpa used to drive you all over Okinawa and babysit you?"

You're old enough now, to return the favor !

Flower Festival at IeShima Okinawa, Japan: A Million Lilies

Time for a Lily Festival

This post was originally created after visiting the 2011 Yuri Matsuri (Lily Festival) on Ie Island.

A quick visit to the Ie Village website, gave me this poster, advertising the 2017 event.

Visit the English version of Ie Island website for more details.

At the heading, you can switch to Japanese, French, Chinese or, Korean.

More than likely, Ryukyu Mike, won't appear during the matsuri, this year.

It is probably the biggest and busiest event held on that island.

So, for local families, wishing to attend, I would recommend going on weekdays. 

Make sure all reservations (especially ferry) are made in advance and, don't be late.

2011 Visit to the Lily Festival

There wasn't time to count them all but, I estimate there had to be a good 750,000 Easter Lilies at the IeShima Lily Festival in Okinawa, Japan.  The island advertises a count of over one million flowers. 

It's easier to just take their word for it, I think.

The main attraction is the hundreds and thousands of white Easter Lilies, in all stages of budding and blooming, dancing in the wind on the slopes facing the ocean.

This is where the annual festival takes place and visitors from all over Japan will be taking the ferry to visit during the next week.

There are plenty more white lilies waiting for me to get them developed.  I decided to give a few of the other lilies their 15 minutes of fame.

One of these days, I may have to start collecting books, or make friends with a local florist, so I can give you the proper names of these flowers. 

There just aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week for me to research them.  Do you suppose florists like beer?

It'd be a lot easier for me if I could just stop by a flower shop and take the photos.  If a florist told me the names of the things they'd get a free photo and could sit down once in awhile and drink beer with me.

The trip to the Flower Festival on IeShima this weekend was a real adventure.  It all started with me getting a black eye before I even got on the boat.  Wow.  It's a good thing it wasn't my shootin' eye.

People on the boat, get out of your way real quick when you walk towards them with a black eye and blood running down your face.  So, it wasn't all bad.  It was kind of like being a VIP. 

Or, they thought I was some sort of crazy, violent person.  Hah, I was just going to shoot Easter Lilies!

There are plenty of other interesting things to do on the island of IeShima in Japan besides taking photos of flowers so, I did them, too.  It may take me some time to get caught up, then you'll get the rest of the story.

Safe and sound, back on the main island of Okinawa, Japan is where I'm at now.  A million lilies were fun to look at and take pictures of but, there are critters and caves I want to go back and see. I'll show you some examples as soon as the development is done.

The next time I visit that island, I might just stay for a week.  That'll be sometime after my face stops lookin' like I'm some kind of criminal and the weather is a little warmer.  Maybe, in the summer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LILY FESTIVAL VISIT THE JAPAN UPDATE

Visit Map It Okinawa for travel details

See My Top Five Attractions on Iejima

Guy Walks Into a Bar Full Moon

April 2017 Full Moon Over Okinawa

It's a little bit late this month. It seemed like this, wasn't going to happen.

Normally, I get out the night before, during and after the full moon is scheduled to appear.

The evenings of the 10th and 11th, we had nothing but clouds so, it was impossible.

The meteorologists, said the sky would clear-up last night.  But, it didn't look that way, to me.

About 7:30 heavy, black clouds were blowing up the east coast of the island.

I messaged a friend and let him know, what time to start looking for the moon.

He lives south on the western coast. I hoped, he'd get some good photos if, the moon showed .

Just getting over a nasty cold, I decided beer would be better than photography.

If the moon appeared before I got too relaxed, I could go back to work and shoot it.

Positive, I made the right decision, I walked out after my first beer and looked for the moon.

Nothing but black skies, was all I saw so, another beer got in front of me.

Relaxing, while watching the movie "Jaws" was all I had left to do for the day.

In the Bar & Cafe Brasil, they have a Reserved sign in a corner of the bar, just for me.

Now, that I think of it, every bar I go to, in this town, has a special seat, just for me.

It's probably because, I look lots older than, I really am or, it could be my drinking habits.

Anyway This Guy Walked Into the Bar

He's the same guy, who wanted to know if, I could use a brand new toilet seat, a few years ago.

We've been friends for more than a few years. He knew exactly where to find me last night.

"Mike, I figured you'd be out there shooting the full moon," he said as he walked in.

He had just finished some ungodly miles of night bike riding and, was excited about the moon.

"Look, I'm watching Jaws and drinking beer, I told him. Somebody else can shoot the moon."

He kept telling me, it was the biggest brightest moon, he ever had seen.

Well, I told him, my camera shooting friend, down in Naha, would shoot it for me.

Off he went and, I finished my beer so, I could go outside and peek at the moon.

There it was. Not a cloud in the sky. I told the bartender, I had to go back to work.

Quick Moon Shots

Normally, I would climb up to the roof of my building for moon photography.

After a few beers, I didn't think it would be a good idea so, I stayed down on earth.

The tripod, camera and lenses are heavy, expensive and, not drunk proof.

A few shots were taken with 420MM of lens and 700MM of lens.

The photo above was shot with the Sigma 50-500 and a 1.4 converter and, I like it best.

A mild HDR image was created to smooth out highlights and shadows.

Everything got downloaded and put away for the night and, by 10:30 I was back in the bar.

If I ever go drinking downtown again, I think I'll buy that biking guy a beer !

A Favorite Out of Fifty

Different Sort of Saturday Night Live

Last evening, I photographed in five different locations, using available lighting.

This wide angle scene was taken in a small bar, before it became overcrowded.

The gal, on the stage, sings Okinawan folk music, known as mineo.

It's a one person act, until someone decides to join in and sing, while she plays the sanshin.

The event, called the Ushina Live Matsuri, began at 6:PM .

Around six, I left the office and walked to Ushina, to arrive a few minutes early.

By midnight, I returned, with over 500 images and, just locked-up the camera.

After watching all the entertainment, it was my turn, to go and do some partying.

Crazy things happen, out in town, this time of year, when you go out late.

Lots of companies, have end-of-the-year parties, called bonenkai.

Some young lady came over and started petting my beard and, saying, it smelled good.

So, I figured the best thing to do, would be drink lots of beer and, catch-up with everyone.

This morning, when I woke up around nine, the wife asked me, what time I got home.

She said, she found me asleep, on the kitchen table, at 5AM. Maybe, I was hungry.

Somehow, I wound up, going to my room and, slept there, I guess.

Then, had to walk all the way back to the kitchen, for breakfast. Groan.

When I've been drinking, looking at clocks, doesn't make any sense, to me.

The best way, to see, what time I got home, is to ask a bartender. They know stuff like that.

It turned out, to be a long day of processing photos. Rainy and cloudy.

About 50 images, were loaded to a Facebook album Ushina Live Matsuri 2016.

This photo was special because, that's one heck of an act, singing and strumming.

And, she didn't go around stroking old guy's beards !

Travel GIF: Ferry Headed to Iheya Island from Unten Port Motobu Okinawa

Planning an Island Hopping Trip

 

 

Today, I was out with a professor, doing the kind of investigation I love best.

Anyone can get online and make plans for future events but, you can't believe the internet.

It's best to go out and see things for yourself and, talk to real people so, that's what we do.

Where the Flip-flops Meet the Road

 

The first thing on the list of things to do, was locate a monument, I heard about.

Well, with the help of some locals, who speak local dialect, we got it done.

While, I was up there, I noticed the ferry leaving the port and, shot this series of photos.

The professor, mentioned, we should go visit Iheya island sometime soon.

My only question was, "With or, without the women ?  That makes a big difference in plans."

He agreed.  That's because, he has similar experience, to me. 

See, guys can sleep in tents, caves, on park benches or, almost anywhere.

The gals, want luxury hotels, shopping trips, steak dinners, flowers and, souvenirs.

Gathering Travel Information Links 

 

Chris Willson Made the trip, with some other photographers and, wants to return.

And, he brought up a good point. There were no fantastic sunrises or sunsets.

That's enough reason for me, to make it a couple of days visit.

Camping and reasonable prices for renting transportation, I found here. 

But, it was written in 2012 so, I'd have to check and, make sure things haven't changed.

Japan Times

This article, written last year, gives some ideas, of the kinds of things, I like to do.

Culture, history and, taking little boats, to uninhabited islands, nearby. Yeah. 

Costs for passengers and vehicles on the ferry - Okinawa Island Guide.

Tips for Izena and Ieheya from Ippei and Janie is another great source.

Formulating the Plan 

 

When, I do all the math, I figure it would be under 500 bucks for a few fun-filled days.

Throw a wife or two, into the formula and, things get a little more expensive.

So, we need to let the women know a few things about the journey.

The ferry boat, bounces around in the sea for, something like an hour and a half.

There's really nothing, they would want to see, over on that remote island.

They don't have any great places to do shopping so, it wouldn't be much fun.

We could give, each of them 300 bucks, to waste on this island, shopping and, stuff.

Then, just the guys make the trip for three days and, everybody would be happy !

Come home, with a gazillion photos of the great outdoors and a nice sunburn.

And, still have enough money leftover, for a month's supply of Orion Beers ! 

Animation -- Cat in the Rock Garden

 Photographing Lizards Didn't Happen

 

  The plan today was, to get some shots of lizards and, they're out there somewhere.

The tripod wad set up and, I was patiently waiting for one of my little lizard friends to show up.

Things were looking sort of grim and, I was about to call it a day.

Luckily, this critter came along and entertained me for a few hundred photos.

Seven images were selected to create this GIF and, more will be completed later.

Initially, I had thought of telling you, the similarities between me and that cat.

Like make a list of, ten things but, I decided against doing it, for a few good reasons.

See, we both have almost pure white fur and, the same color eyes.

Hair grows out of our ears and whiskers stick out around our noses.

Actually, that cat and I, hang around the Buddhist temple sometimes.

But, neither of us go there to pray. Then, I ran out of things to say.

It's dark outside now and, time for me to lock up the office.

Do you suppose that cat, drinks beer, too ?

A Sneak Peek at the Kin Drug Store

Not Really Keen on Drugs

 

 

Anything stronger than Aspirin or Rolaids, turns me into a wet noodle.

Whenever, I feel like a cold is coming on, this is where I go, to avoid seeing a doctor.

 They must have a gazillion types of vitamins and herbs for whatever ails you.

Permission was granted, to do some photography so, I shot the place up.

  

Medicines, hair and skin care stuff are stacked from the floor to the ceiling.

Tissues, toilet papers and diapers, for all age groups can be found. Depends, I guess.

They have sun screen lotions, house cleaners, bottles of water and dried fruits.

Not wanting to block any aisles, I kept the camera and tripod, out of them.

It's a good idea, to know some basic Japanese if, you want to shop at this store.

A few days ago, I ordered something that, I wanted to buy from these folks.

They wanted my name and telephone number but, I din't answer telephones, anymore.

So, I told them to call the wife, when my order came in and, I got out of town.

After a day of shooting outdoors, I returned around 8PM and, the place was still open.

 That's when I discovered, they are open from 8:30AM until 10PM daily.

Today, I was informed, the Epsom Salt (エプソム塩) I ordered had arrived.

Half a kilo was less than six bucks, at today's yen rate.

The people in Osaka are going to wonder, why I ordered 6 more kilos of the stuff.

All my Japanese friends want to buy this item, too.

They know cheap beer, mouthwash and this Epsom salt, gets rid of mosquitoes ! 

Senaga Island: A Few More Photos

There's Always Something New

It was one of those sticky, hot days in June, when we decided to stop for lunch here.

No way, was I looking for a hot spring, to jump into; just some 5 star resort food.

 Not as impressed, with the food, as I was on my last visit, I shot this chandelier.

Then went outside, to see what else was new on Senaga Island.

 h white Corona beer signs, caught my attention and, got my curiosity going.

We're a long way from Mexico.  What's going on here ?

This is Corona Extra not, the regular kind.

It would be a good idea, to document, whatever they're doing in case it's something special.

Upon further investigation, I discovered, what this is all about.

Entrance to the event is absolutely free.  And, there's a real friendly gal, to wait on you.

She invited us, to have a few beers but, we told her, we were working and, couldn't stay.

Next time, I'm down that way, I think I'll give her a different answer.

No Problemo Senorita !

Pass This On to Folks in Mosquito Country

 It Really Works

 

 

The viscous demons have been gone from my home and office for over a week. 

The first time, I heard about this concoction, somebody posted it on Facebook.

I wrote the recipe down and lost it somewhere but, remembered the ingredients.

One, was cheap, flattened beer but, I couldn't recall the quantity.

Cheap mouthwash was on the list, too.  So, I bought this bottle.

The third  ingredient, is in this measuring cup, borrowed from the house.

It contains Epsom salt  (エプソム塩) Epusomu shio, in Japanese.

Try This Simple DIY

Pour everything into an old PET bottle and, let it dissolve.

Shaking helps or, let it set overnight. Then add it to a spray bottle.

The recipe, I used is hidden in the animation below.

It's been my pleasure, giving you this lesson and, here's a bow.

Please share the recipe with all your friends, who have mosquitoes.

It will make their summer months much more enjoyable.

REFERENCES:

Beer: A Natural Insect Repellent

Create a Non-friendly Environment for Mosquitoes

Mosquito Repellents You Can Make at Home