The ritual or ceremony I took part in (clapped my hands and drank)

Me with two teachers from my school and the island dentist (a veteran triathlete)

You may be able to spot me about half way down the line of dancers

As I havn't posted in a while here is a random blog. I have no new pics but I got some more of the eisa festival from Noto san. These last weeks have of course been dominated by training. I have had several new PBs for 10k and 20k and have done the bike and run together in the time I want. Yesterday I also did the 2k swim (plus 20k run pb). I have done the 2k swim before but going up and down the beach this time I went straight out and back (there is a pole marking about 400m). I have mostly got over my fear of swimming out in the oceon, I swam alone yesterday, although I was swimming in a lagoon so not open oceon at all, but still! What else has happened...right now I am at school for a performance by the students for parents etc. I have been involved and there is an english display and performance. On a side note the other day I got a bunch of grapes from the fiance of a fellow teacher and soon to be triathlete, more Japanese kindness (she is not Okinawan). So well anyway! Look forward to pics of my triathlon soon, hopefully triumphant ones! I don't know wether I am chewing at the bit raring to go or living in mortal dread of this triathlon. I'll decide once it is done.