Deigo Flower Photos and a Sweet Tune

The Deigo tree, at Ogimi, isn't quite in full bloom, yet.

Early yesterday afternoon, under some harsh sunlight, I couldn't resist taking these photos.

A wide angle view shows the surrounding hills in the background just off HWY 58.

  These flowers, are fairly delicate and may not last much longer.

The first, little typhoon, that comes along, will blow all the red petals away.

 So, I hurried and snapped photos from every angle.

 Just in case, we don't get back up that way, in the near future.

The Deigo Flower Gets Mentioned in a Popular Song

 

 

 Shima Uta, was made popular by the band, The Boom and there are many recorded versions.

This gal, Natsukawa Rimi, does it the best.

If you would like an English translation, watch it on YouTube.

Press, SHOW MORE, under the video and, you've got it.

Listen to that girl sing the song and, play that sanshin.  She's amazing.

If they had a contest between her and the original artists, I'd bet on her !

May 2014 Full Moon and Clouds in Motion GIFs

This was what the moon looked like on the 14th of May.

Fast moving clouds over Okinawa, were a blessing and a curse.

The moon was only visible for a few seconds at a time.

But, I'm glad, I went out to shoot early.

The next night, black clouds kept the moon hidden until way past bedtime.

Somebody has to support the local brewery.

So, that's what, I went and did !

Yes RyukyuMike Wears Leather Shoes to Weddings

 Photographic Evidence Attached Below

 

 

The only thing, I stole was this place-card, because my name was on it.

A brand new pair of yellow flip-flops were waiting for me in the car.

A well known fact: After a few hours in shoes, my feet would be killing me.

Okinawan Weddings Are a Blast

The event was held in Precious Hall at Zanpamisaki Royal Hotel.

And, from the minute we walked in to Precious Hall, we were treated like royalty.

A young gal, pulled out my chair and helped me get seated.

Maybe, she thought I was some visiting dignitary or, a senior citizen.

Someone else will have to tell you if all guests, get seated that way.

I didn't  notice.

As soon as I got comfortable, it was time to look around the banquet room.

It's always nice to know, which direction the food and drinks come from.

The Bride and Groom

 

Takatoshi is the guy who invited me to the wedding.  We call him Toshi, for short.

Who ever the artist was, on that card, did a heck of a good job.

The bride's name is Rui.  She's prettier in person.

Precious Hall

 

It's a huge banquet room with seating for 500-600 people.

The tables are round and each one has eight chairs.

It would be nice to know how many folks attended.

The room, filled up, before I could figure out how many tables were in there.

Anyway, after three beers, who's counting ?

Live Dinner Theater

 

Fortunately, the cameras, stayed at home. No photos, were taken by me at this event.

In case, you've never seen an Okinawan wedding, I'll give some links, later.

While all the ceremonies, skits and dances were taking place, we were eating and drinking.

The round tables, are equipped with Lazy Susans.

And, every kind of food imaginable, from rice pasta to Filet Mignon, was served.

There wasn't anyone going away hungry, after this party.

And, they had my favorite drink, Orion Beer.

Only one act, that took place on the stage, caught me by surprise.

There was an Eisa group dancing and beating drums.

The groom, Toshi, was up there, leading them.

Were they trying to wear him out before the honeymoon ?

Enough Rambling

 

By popular demand, here it is.  No drum rolls, please.

Photo Credit: Miss Emi Iha

Note: Black leather shoes on both of my aching feet.

The peace symbol: It's just what people do in Japan, whenever a camera is pointed their way.

Hopefully, if I ever get invited to another wedding, the theme will be Beach Party !

Preliminary Full Moon Photo May 14, 2014

Almost Forgotten Full Moon This Month

 

 

With windy and rainy weather the moon may not appear tomorrow over Okinawa.

So, I ran outside when it peeked through the clouds and took a hundred or so, shots.

Camera: Pentax K3

Lens: Sigma 50-500mm

Exposure: f/11  1/10sec   ISO 100

Location: Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan

Time: 7:18PM

Going to see if it shows up again but, won't hold my breath.

Peku Cave on Tsuken Island Okinawa: What's So Special ?

There Must be Thousands of Caves on the Ryukyu Islands

 

 

Much of Okinawa's written history was destroyed during the war.

At times legends, passed along by locals, are the only source for gaining relevant information.

The significance of Peku Gama (Cave) is part of Okinawan Karate history.

 

Credit for this bit of information goes to PhD Hokama Tetsuhiro.

Reading his book Timeline and 100 Masters, I learned more about the cave.

Two years ago, Map It Okinawa and I followed the sign to the site.

The entrance looked small and, we didn't really know much about it so, on we went.

Fortunately, I took a few photos, before leaving the island and saved them.

It seems, a Chinese man, named Peku, lived in there, years ago.

He was  a Karate expert who became to be known as, Tsuken Peku.

There are many stories of people from China, being shipwrecked and surviving in caves.

The Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) were a major part of trade routes in the days of sailing ships.

Peku, taught his martial arts to Tsuken Akachu, a local resident.

Akachu is listed as one of Okinawa's Karate Masters.

Just guessing here but, I'll bet Peku taught the skills, in exchange for food and hospitality.

There are no historical dates listed for these events.

And, they came from conversations with village elders, according to Dr. Hokama Tetsuhiro.

Not in the habit of arguing with Karate Masters, I'll accept his written words.

Wouldn't you ?

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