We went to an uninhabited island (Yanaha jima). But before that other things did happen, I shall relate them to you in chronological order.
On Saturday we went with Kelly to the pineapple park in Nago which was a lot of fun. For a measly 500 yen one gets a ride in a buggy around the park then pineapple wine tasting and lots of food tasting (all pineapple products). On the Sunday we returned to my fair isle in time for the festival at the old folks home. This festival was a much more sedate affair compared to the previous three but good fun none the less. There was the usual festival food plus games for the kids and then several traditional Okinawan performances on an outdoor stage included an awesome eisa (Okinawan drum and dance). The finale was a surprisingly good fireworks show.
That brings us too the island! On Monday we were taken by Yoshiaka and his friend to an uninhabited island that lies on the far end of the lagoon around izena beach. We were dropped off there at 10am and then picked up at 5pm. It was a fantastic day of exploring the island and snorkelling. Highlights included coming across a lair of wild goats! I was lagging behind (playing with the camera) while David and Anna climbed up a sandy slop to have a look in a cave. The next thing I now there is an alarmed cry and a huge Billy goat rushes out of the cave past me! Apparently this island is inhabited by wild goats! I am also proud to say I managed to spear not one but two fish! I and David bought spears in a whim and took them to the island with no real hope of actually getting any fish. Admittedly my fish were tiny but I felt pretty good about spearing them. We also found two enormous clams which made a tasty addition to our barbeque later.
Sunday was my sisters birthday, Happy 20th birthday Anna! But because of the festival we had the barbeque/party on the Monday. As we were getting off the small fishing boat that had taken us too the island the captain beckoned us over and opened a large cooler packed full of huge fish and a one lobster.
“For your sister’s birthday,” he tells me proudly! We were shocked and touched, I had been drinking with this chap once or maybe twice and didn’t know him that well. Not only did he supple more fish that we and all our guests could eat the cooked it all too! He refused money for it all later but we sneaked it into his car. The barbeque went really well, we did out own fireworks show, had a cake and Nakamura san even did some magic tricks. A proper birthday!
Good old Izena.