With the Typhoon stalling just south and west of us, we were able to sneak in for our visit here, we are thrilled our captain was able to dock here. This is not a guaranteed port, very difficult getting in with the many breakwaters and then the wind, waves and currents.
Our notes on this port are as follows:
Talk with the Japanese a while about the Japanese and you’re going to hear the word shimagunikonjo. The breakdown is simple: shima—island; guni—nation; konjo—consciousness. In one word, it's the firm belief that people who live on islands are different from people who live on continents, and anyone who’s done both is likely to agree. American culture may be the strongest influence in Japan now, but the Japanese will understand the motivations of the Brits a whole lot better. Islands require a different mind-set than continents. Islands require manners.
But what if your island was never meant to be part of another bunch of islands? That’s what’s happened with today’s Okinawa Prefecture. The people who’ve always been there are Okinawan, one of the healthiest, longest-living people on earth. But now they’re part of Japan and seriously outnumbered by the Japanese. (And they’re not at all happy that the Japanese interlopers gave so much of their land over to U.S. military bases.)
Signs of Okinawan culture can be subtle but are easier to pick out in more remote islands of the chain, like Ishigaki. Traditional buildings are a mixture of Chinese and Japanese influences. In the markets, you’ll find fu chanpuru (an Okinawan stir fry dish) and whole-wheat soba, which the Japanese won't touch. The ryuso robe holds on despite crowded kimono stores. The few people left who speak Uchinaguchi are praying for a movement like the Hawaiian renaissance to bring the culture back. The tipping point is close. A trip to Ishigaki now is to witness either the beginning or the end.
Our day turned out very well as we took this information to heart and jumped on a ferry to an island about a 15 minute ride away, Taketomi Island. Taketomi island has about 300 residents and is compact enough to get around on foot. This island is part of a national park program and is therefore protected from any changes. It has beautiful beaches and a small town with some restaurants and other businesses. Renting a bike while here is very popular as is taking a tour using oxen pulling a cart, we opted for the oxen tour, lots of fun. This island has a very slow paced way of life, the people are friendly and seem pretty happy not having the influences of a big city vibe anywhere close. Ishigaki, the main city where we are docked also carries the same feel. Many people from the big cities come here for their vacation and retirement.
Some pics of our day here, hope you enjoy…
On our own today, jumping on a fast ferry
These sculptures on many homes and businesses are for protection from evil spirits.
Lava stone walls with crushed coral roads…
A Tsunami warning speaker system.
Three options, foot, bike or oxen…
Our Oxen driver was very talented.
The main beach is in the background here.
A famous local boxer.
Photographers from the ship.
A massive breakwater.
Pretty much the most southern point of all Japan. Very close to Taiwan.
Our fantastic waiters, Kelana and John.
A fantastic Jazz night last night with our on board musicians.
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