Going to Sueyoshi Shrine -- A Great Nature Walk

This is one of the most interesting shrines you can visit.

It's what you might call, "off the beaten path."

But, it is flip-flop friendly.  I am living proof.

More shrines and temples should be built in places like this.

That way, when people go to worship, they would get a good dose of nature, too.

What more could you ask for ?

Note:  This trail is the easy way to reach Sueyoshi Shrine.

If you plan on going, stop by Map It Okinawa for directions.

An Excellent Fortune at the Kin Temple Today

 

Kin Kannon Temple JAN 4, 2014

 

This afternoon the skies were looking good over my neighborhood.

With one camera, a tripod and wide angle lens, I decided to go shooting.

The temple wasn't overly busy so, after a few clicks of the shutter, up the stairs, I went.

 

All Shrines Don't Have the Same Rituals

 

 

The good thing about being a cameraman is you get time to stand back and observe.

There are different sects of Buddhism and sometimes you may be at a Shinto shrine.

With as many places as I go, things can get confusing.

Now, I don't want to make a fool of myself at somebody's house of worship.

So, I get myself a refresher course before I go up there.

Watch and See What the Old People Do

 

 

That's what I do.  Next, I just pretend I am one of them.

At the top of the stairs, I bowed and looked like I was praying and tossed a coin.

Then, reached in a box and pulled out my fortune.

This One's a Keeper

 

 

So, I didn't tie it to the fence or, a tree.

It's right here, in my office and, I'll quote some of it to you:

"Given time, the cherryblossoms on the hillside, which seemed to have been withered, begin to

bloom and smell sweet."

"Your Fortune:  Excellent

In the beginning your fortune is not good like a cold winter, but later it is getting better and better like spring comes."

It goes on about advising me on certain areas of my life.

GOOD STUFF:

Wishes: Will be fulfilled later

Expected Visitor: He or she is sure to come, even if late

Business:  Take your time

Study:  All right.  Continue studying

Game and match:  Depend on your partner or team mates

Illness:  Don't worry.  Be faithful

Love:  Be faithful to your lover

BAD STUFF

Missing Thing:  It will fall into other hands

Travel:  Little profit.  Something bad may happen on your way home

Speculation: The market is fluctuating now.  It's time to wait

CRAZY STUFF

Childbirth:  Keep regular hours

Marriage proposal:  At first it seems not to go well, but later it will be settled

END OF QUOTES

Now, I'm pretty satisfied with the fortune I threw my coin in there for and, I

usually don't go around poking fun at any governments or religions.

But, I just have to say something about that Crazy Stuff.

Maybe some sensors, in those steps, need to be adjusted, for the fortune telling.

For sure, I thought, I did everything according to the book.

Darned if I can figure out what went wrong.

Do you think, I waddled up the stairs like some kind of pregnant, unwed mother ?



Shrines and Temples in Okinawa Day and Night

10 Photos from New Year's Day 2014

New Year's Day the sun shined down beautifully and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Never one to complain, I looked around for some clouds to help me.

At the time of the day we were out shooting, the light was fairly challenging.

So, I sneaked-off into the shade to shoot these fortunes.

The whole first week of the new year, people swarm to the Temples and Shrines.

After a while,  deciding the sun was to bright at some of them, we came up with a plan.

The Map It Okinawa Dude and I planned to do some night shooting.

We were at this small shrine, out in the country, in the afternoon.

The shadows and light were so horrible, I threw the images away, to save my reputation !

Lucky for us, a pretty gal came along and told us the place would be open at night.

 Nobody else, came along after dark, so I had plenty of time to use slow shutter speed.

 They didn't have one of those big bells, you ring with a log.

Did you know, they ring those things 108 times, for the vices of man ?

Well, I rang this one, just 3 times.  Don't try to guess why.

Next, we went to a real busy place in Nago City.

 It's a little tricky taking photos when lots of people are moving around.

So, I took a break and bought some trinkets, for good luck.

And, I got enlightened.

Quit shooting, where people are moving around and, aim higher !

This is the view looking down the street from (護佐喜御宮) the temple in Nago,   

also known as, MamoruTasukuki Omiya.