Why You Should Let Someone Else Do the Fishing

This is a photo I shot at a local fish market.

Some people just aren't the best at catching fish and, I'm one of them.

So, I have to count on real fisherman to get the job done and pay their prices.

Watch this video.  I bet he learns to fish better or, starts paying, like I do.



Why You Should Let Someone Else Do the Fishing

It's not much fun posting flowers of Okinawa, unless a good story goes along with them.


Today, I found out the goodies on these red-eyed devils. 

The trees grow in coastal areas, often around mangrove forests.

Too bad, there were no fruits, hanging on this one.

Maybe, I'll shoot some when they're in season.

You should know what they look like.

They call this plant "Suicide Apple" in Hawaii.

Dangerous and Poisonous 

 

The leaves, fruits and sap from the tree are deadly.

Folks in Madagascar had some rituals where they poisoned kings and queens with the stuff !

Over in Singapore, they say the trees are rare.

 

Wild Singapore, claims they are "Critically Endangered" plants.

The Wiki folks tell me, people ate the stuff to commit suicide in the Marquesas Islands.

Other Than Ornaments What Are These Good For ?

 

Well, I suppose a talking doctor could help someone with them.

If he had a patient who had constant problems with (ahem-ahum) imaginary friends.

Just take these leaves and make some tea.

After your little party, they'll never come back again !



Surprise: We Got to Shoot Seven Sanshin All in a Row !

It wasn't the instruments lined up on the shelf that surprised me.

The location and, the fact they let me take photos, made my day.

This was in the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.

There's just enough redneck left in me to avoid places I can't take my cameras.

Several (formerly) reliable sources had told me "No Cameras Allowed" in there.

So, for years, I avoided going in.

Why would I want someone to take my money, if I can't shoot ?

 

 It Doesn't Hurt to Ask

 

Wednesday, we decided to give the museum a try.

It was one of those days where no outdoor photography would happen.

On a cold, wet morning, Doc Graff and I, both promised the women, we would stay indoors.

As we approached the museum, in Naha, we carried our cameras.

At least photos could be taken, right out in front of the joint.

We took a few shots, then holstered the cameras.

Inside, I walked up to the ticket office and, asked if cameras were allowed.

 

 

Ya Hu Hu Hu Cameras Go Right Through !

 

There are a few restrictions, though.

Some areas, are off limits, for photography.

And, you can't use flash, anywhere.

That was enough to make me run back to the car and, grab all three cameras.

Then, I went and bought a 400 yen ticket.

We hit one little snag, after that.

The lady selling admission didn't mind the tripods.

The gal taking tickets at the entrance, minded.

No tripods are allowed to be used inside the museum.

She let us check them in at the counter and gave us receipts.

Here's how I made the shot of the seven sanshin:

Using a prime 50mm lens at ISO 100  f/1.8  1/15sec we gotterdun.

How do you keep the camera steady when no flash or tripod is permitted ?

Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and, don't drink cheap booze !

More at Okinawa Prefectural Museum 





Have You Ever Seen a Wooden Toy Museum ?

  An Attraction in the Yambaru Hills of Okinawa

 

 

 

 

Here are some photos to give you an idea what it's like.

Knowing what I know, now, I wished I had played with some of the toys.

Everything in the place is made of wood.

The idea behind all of this, is to turn kids-on to nature, in a wooden playground.

Just thrilled, to be in there, shooting photos, I didn't touch any of the stuff.

Back in the office, I researched (online) and learned something.

They made these toys from different types of wood.

Some of the heaviest and some of the lightest woods, in all of Japan.

On the way out of the place I read a sign.

It said something about Forest Therapy and I wish I had picked-up some of those toys.

Should we ever go back to that place again, I'll see if I can feel the difference.

Yeah, Buddy.  I'll go get myself forest therapized !

More About This Museum



Return of the Banana Leaf and More Stuff

 That Typhoon in October Killed My Banana Leave

Every day and night,  I check to see how it's doing.

Things are coming along nicely, since the place got demolished back in October.

That's what the scene looked like (above) during the typhoon in Okinawa.

This photo was taken NOV 11, 2013.

Then, yesterday, NOV 12,2013, a hibiscus flower appeared in the scene.

Here I am, trying to do a documentary on a banana leaf and, look what happens.

This morning, I noticed this, when I set up the camera.

Bright red hibiscus flowers keep popping up in my scenes.

Maybe, I should quit shooting banana trees.

And, switch, to become a hibiscus reporter !