Well my final day is almost here and my adventure nears its end.
From Tokyo to Nikko back to Tokyo to Roppingi Hills, to Nagano to Nagaizumi, back to Tokyo and then to Okinawara to Ishigaki and back to Okinawa and many places in between. I have experienced the amazing life at Gunma, the sites and sounds of Nikko and a spectacular fireworks dispay, a beautiful facial and spending time with Naomi's wonderful family and being able to witness the families musical talents, a night I will never forget to Iwashime and experiencing living over the ocean anf visiting fish markets, eating amazing food and the very respectful staff and then witnessing beautiful waterfalls & scenery at Nagaizumi and also the safari land, then the extrodinary islands of Okinawa where I experienced snorkelling, riding vessels on the ocean to taking a cart ride with a water buffalo to experiencing ink dying on fabris to glass blowing to visiting many places of interest, to two wonderful fireworks displays to watching a live concert, to listening to the sounds of the Taiko drums to visiting Peace Hall to experiencing the devastation of the war in Okinawa to seeing snake shows to visiting the beautiful Botanical gardens, to Fruitland and the amazing tropical fruits that are grown in this area. Can you believe I have not mentioned doing shopping but retail therapy was very special part of the whole experience. I have done so much, seen so much enjoyed everything and had the most wonderful time. All of this would not have been possible if it were not for some truly amazing people and especially my Japanee families and to my host daughter Ayaka. I have been very priveledged to experience such things and I am truly grateful to Naomi, Mr & Mrs Yoshikawa - their extended family, to Kumiko and Mr & Mrs Fujii and to my special family Yukiko, Hideaki and Yukari and especially to Ayaka who without her and Naomi this trip would just have been a dream I cannot wait to catch up with all my family and fill you all in on the wonderful things I have done. I have many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
To my Japanese friends GOSHINSETU ARIGATOU and eve more important IROIRO ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU and I look forward to you all visiting me and my family and friends in Australia in the very near future. I will miss you all but you will be forever more be in my thoughts.
Sayonnara to you all and thank you for everything.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday
Today we left the island of Ishigaka and went by plane to the main island of Okinawa. Again Ayaka hired a small car to get us around the island.
I now cut these blogs short and fill them in when I return home as I have been on this computer far too long. We left this island on Tuesday and I would love to fill you in on everything we did but it would take far too long. But I will say this trip was far better than my 14 day tour of Japan last year and I want to tell you everything but it is just not possible. I am going to post a blog now that will sum up my trip just in case I do not get the opportunity in the last couple of day.
I now cut these blogs short and fill them in when I return home as I have been on this computer far too long. We left this island on Tuesday and I would love to fill you in on everything we did but it would take far too long. But I will say this trip was far better than my 14 day tour of Japan last year and I want to tell you everything but it is just not possible. I am going to post a blog now that will sum up my trip just in case I do not get the opportunity in the last couple of day.
Now I know seeing is believing but for the time being you are going to have to believe me and seel later as I have the pictures to prove it. Have you guessed?
After a delicious breakfast we were picked up by a small wagon and taken to a wharf. We then put on wet suits (me putting my leg in my sleeve and thinking how in the hell I was going to get this thing on) but once my mistake was realized all was well. We then boarded a vessel which very quickly took us out to see. Here we donned flippers, socks and a life jacket for me and then it was on with the rest of the wet suit and goggles and snorke. Yes you guessed it I went snorkelling in the sea. At first I could not get my beathig correct and nearly drowned a couple of times but once I mastered this activity it was sensational experience to see up close & personal the beautiful coral and sea life beneath the surface. After about 45 mins under the sea we again boarded the vessel which took us to a beautiful beach island called Kohama. We then went on further to Take-Tomi which was another island. Here we dropped off some people who were going to have a picnic. We were taken back to Ishigaki by the mini van. We then drove to Port Ishigak terminal where we caught a boat which took us back to Take-tomi. From there we boarded a cart which was driven by a water buffalo which took us on a tour of the island. The commentator played the banjo while we took in the sites of the island. Ayaka and I then went for a walk to Kondio beach which was absolutely perfect but the weather was stifling. On our way home we stopped at Ishigaki caves. These were amazing inside and went down a very long way. From there we took a 50min ride to a place called Club Med. and what a place it was. Ayaka took me for a walk through the complex and then we went into the dining room for dinner. There were so many amazing things I could tell you about this place but it would take for ever so I will leave it until I come home. We did not arrive back at hotel until about 1am and I was very tired but Ayaka was still partying in her sleep or should I say she enjoyed clubbing.
After a delicious breakfast we were picked up by a small wagon and taken to a wharf. We then put on wet suits (me putting my leg in my sleeve and thinking how in the hell I was going to get this thing on) but once my mistake was realized all was well. We then boarded a vessel which very quickly took us out to see. Here we donned flippers, socks and a life jacket for me and then it was on with the rest of the wet suit and goggles and snorke. Yes you guessed it I went snorkelling in the sea. At first I could not get my beathig correct and nearly drowned a couple of times but once I mastered this activity it was sensational experience to see up close & personal the beautiful coral and sea life beneath the surface. After about 45 mins under the sea we again boarded the vessel which took us to a beautiful beach island called Kohama. We then went on further to Take-Tomi which was another island. Here we dropped off some people who were going to have a picnic. We were taken back to Ishigaki by the mini van. We then drove to Port Ishigak terminal where we caught a boat which took us back to Take-tomi. From there we boarded a cart which was driven by a water buffalo which took us on a tour of the island. The commentator played the banjo while we took in the sites of the island. Ayaka and I then went for a walk to Kondio beach which was absolutely perfect but the weather was stifling. On our way home we stopped at Ishigaki caves. These were amazing inside and went down a very long way. From there we took a 50min ride to a place called Club Med. and what a place it was. Ayaka took me for a walk through the complex and then we went into the dining room for dinner. There were so many amazing things I could tell you about this place but it would take for ever so I will leave it until I come home. We did not arrive back at hotel until about 1am and I was very tired but Ayaka was still partying in her sleep or should I say she enjoyed clubbing.
We are back!
Yes I am writing to you from Ayaka's house in Tokyo and it is Wednesday morning.
We returned from our five day trip at approx 11pm but I did not get to bed until 2am.
We simply had the most wonderful time and I am going to post a few blogs to fill you in on what we did so please bare with me, but there will be lots more to tell when I get home so this will be a little brief, but I have documented it all so that I will remember.
Friday morning Yukiyo awoke about 4am just to prepare breakfast for us. Yukiko is amazing what she does and I take my hat off to her. At 6.30am she drove us to the airport to catch our plane to the islands of Okinawa. We arrived at the main island named Okinawa, it was incredible how many people were destined for other places. Straight away we caught to solitary island which is named Ishigaka. A lot of land here is cultivated by market gardeners, the rest being pretty baron. Most of the population live by the sea. When we disembarked there was a bus waiting for us to take us to the termainal a whole 100 feet away. From there we boarded a people mover which took us to a rent a car office. Here we picked up a Toyota Vitz. Ayaka drove to an observation point about a hours drive away, but it tood her 40 minutes. The speed limit here is 40 or 50mph, needless to say she was a little speedster. We then drove onto our hotel. The hotel is spread out over a large area and is less than two years old. We were shown to our room which was on the 3rd floor overlooking the sea. The room is again very large with 2 three quarter beds and two comfortable lounge chairs and the view out the window is truly spectacular. The bathroom again is very swauve, with the bath & shower enclosed in class. We unloaded our bags and by the time the day was fast closing behind us. At 4pm we left the hotel and headed for Kabina Beach. This was a beautiful spot for a walk on the sand or to paddle your feet but instead we boarded a glass bottom boat and were taken out to see some of the most beautiful coral. I was a bit worried if the boat would pass safety regulations but even if it did not is was worth the trip. I actually drove to this destination but it was very hard to keep to 40kpm.
We then returned to our hotel and had a light dinner at Diego's restaurant. We then returned to our room and donned our bathers and Jimbi's and headed to the basement where there was a magnificent inside pool. The place also had an outside pool, childrens pool, jaccussi, hot stone sauna and public bath outside and inside. It was so relaxing and Ayaka and I were the only ones in the pool for some time. After we had showered we went to the convenience sore for and drink and icecream. We had a wonderful nights sleep but tomorrow is a very busy day and just wait till you hear what I am about to do tomorrow...
We returned from our five day trip at approx 11pm but I did not get to bed until 2am.
We simply had the most wonderful time and I am going to post a few blogs to fill you in on what we did so please bare with me, but there will be lots more to tell when I get home so this will be a little brief, but I have documented it all so that I will remember.
Friday morning Yukiyo awoke about 4am just to prepare breakfast for us. Yukiko is amazing what she does and I take my hat off to her. At 6.30am she drove us to the airport to catch our plane to the islands of Okinawa. We arrived at the main island named Okinawa, it was incredible how many people were destined for other places. Straight away we caught to solitary island which is named Ishigaka. A lot of land here is cultivated by market gardeners, the rest being pretty baron. Most of the population live by the sea. When we disembarked there was a bus waiting for us to take us to the termainal a whole 100 feet away. From there we boarded a people mover which took us to a rent a car office. Here we picked up a Toyota Vitz. Ayaka drove to an observation point about a hours drive away, but it tood her 40 minutes. The speed limit here is 40 or 50mph, needless to say she was a little speedster. We then drove onto our hotel. The hotel is spread out over a large area and is less than two years old. We were shown to our room which was on the 3rd floor overlooking the sea. The room is again very large with 2 three quarter beds and two comfortable lounge chairs and the view out the window is truly spectacular. The bathroom again is very swauve, with the bath & shower enclosed in class. We unloaded our bags and by the time the day was fast closing behind us. At 4pm we left the hotel and headed for Kabina Beach. This was a beautiful spot for a walk on the sand or to paddle your feet but instead we boarded a glass bottom boat and were taken out to see some of the most beautiful coral. I was a bit worried if the boat would pass safety regulations but even if it did not is was worth the trip. I actually drove to this destination but it was very hard to keep to 40kpm.
We then returned to our hotel and had a light dinner at Diego's restaurant. We then returned to our room and donned our bathers and Jimbi's and headed to the basement where there was a magnificent inside pool. The place also had an outside pool, childrens pool, jaccussi, hot stone sauna and public bath outside and inside. It was so relaxing and Ayaka and I were the only ones in the pool for some time. After we had showered we went to the convenience sore for and drink and icecream. We had a wonderful nights sleep but tomorrow is a very busy day and just wait till you hear what I am about to do tomorrow...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Day 3
This morning we enjoyed another Japanese type breakfast in our own private dining room. Before eating Ayaka and I went for a walk in the garden and down to the waterfall. We then started to make our way back to Tokyo. But wait - this is more, on the way home we stopped at a Venetian Glass Museum, it was out of this world, the gardens were immaculate with arches tied with venetian glass and glittering in the sun light. It was then time to eat again, I had a delicious dessert of fresh peaches and icecream. I then dragged Ayaka to the gift shop but she dragged me out so we could head home, but hang on there was more eating to be done, this time we stoppe at a Chinese restaurant and I had delicious spring rolls, oh I was so full, I think I found the 21/2 kilos I lost. We then continued on our way home. Can you believe Yukiko made us dinner, lovely vegetable soup and fried vegetbles followed by cookies and cream icecream.
Help!! Ayaka has just informed me that we are leaving for Okinawa at 6.30am in the morning, I thought we had a day to rest, but not so. I had better go and pack. This will more than likely be the last blog I will make as I will not have access to the computer while in Okinawa for 5 days. We return on the 18th of August.
I hope you have enjoyed by blogs and I look forward to sharing many stories with you when I return.
Sayonnara Judy
Help!! Ayaka has just informed me that we are leaving for Okinawa at 6.30am in the morning, I thought we had a day to rest, but not so. I had better go and pack. This will more than likely be the last blog I will make as I will not have access to the computer while in Okinawa for 5 days. We return on the 18th of August.
I hope you have enjoyed by blogs and I look forward to sharing many stories with you when I return.
Sayonnara Judy
A new day dawned.
We awoke at 7.30am and went downstairs to breakfast, it was buffet and you could eat as much as you like. The setting was stunning, it overlooked a magnificent garden which is used for weddings. Up in our room the view is of the sea crashing against the rocks and you can see the mainland. What a place to visit. Well a new day dawned and with it came another adventure. Just when I thought it could not get any better it did. This time we headed for the mountains but first we visited a very busy fish market, I have never seen so much fish. Ayaka and I had a crepe filled with creme and banana and chocolate chip. We also saw a man making very large omelletes which took 18 eggs to make he offered to let me flip it but I said it would end up on the floor. We then continued high up into the mountains with scenery indescribable. We stopped at a hotel for afternoon tea and I had my first taste of green tea icecream. We then went even higher into the mountains where our hotel was located. Outside was very deceiving but the opulence of inside was nothing short of spectacular. We were shown to our room by a lady wearing a kimono and she served us with green tea. Again Ayaka and I shared an apartment type room but the scenery was the thing to talk about it was out of this world. We looked out of a large window onto the most beautiful waterfall which fell into a slow flowing stream, is was just beautiful and at night it is lit up by Japanese lanterns, it was stunning. Ayaka's family had another apartment which even had a sauna in its bathroom. Ayaka and I went shopping at thegift shop, I could not resist buying something. We then went for dinner, again we hadour own private dining room. We were served a total of 11 courses of food, mainly Japanese style fish, the way it was presented was unreal. We also had a delicious bottle of champayne. After dinner we again enjoyed an onsen (hot spring bath) but this time it had been turned into a spa, we also went to the outside onsen it was to die for. We then went to the massage room and had a back and foot massage. After so much relaxing we returned to our room to sleep the night away.
So much news!
First of all Jane thank you for your comment and you are right I have been doing lots of shopping but still no cool gift for Dale, but cool gifts for you I think. I will definately come up for dinner when I get home, if I ever come home - just joking but I love it here.
Now sorry I have not been blogging for a couple of days but I have just been on an amazing three day trip with Ayaka and her family and what an experience it was. I could never fill you on everything with did but here is a little taste. After another earthquake early this morning we set of on our 3 day 2 night stay to a holiday destination. Because of the earthquake the Shinkensen line and some of the highways were closed. However Yukiko found an alternative route to our destination. Mrs Fujii, Ayaka's grandmother also joined us on the trip. Our first stop was a market stall where I ate fried potato on a stick and a coffee at Starbucks. We drove travelled for approx. 3 hours down soth where we could have had a view of Mt. Fuji but it was covered with cloud. We arrived at Fuji Safari Park. This place was incredible, you drive through several different enclosures each housing different animals. There were bears, lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo's and giraffes as well as many different other animals. It would put Monarto Zoo to shame. We then drove on further & stopped at a Japanese Restaurant for lunch. I had fried pork which was delicious but I could not eat it all. We then drove on even further to a sea port. Here we left our car & off loaded our luggage & stepped onto a small vessel which took us across to an island called Awashime. The grandeur of the hotel was simply stunning from the moment we entered the magnificent entry hall. We were taken to an apartment on the fifth floor overlooking the sea. I thought this apartment was for all of us to share as it was as big as our house but it was only for Ayaka amd me. Just picture a large bedroom with two 3/4 beds a loungeroom with lounge suite, coffee table, television and everything else. You then stepped up to the Japanese style dining room from there you step up to a western style round table & chairs and this leads onto the balcony which overhands onto the sea, what a sight, we could see from here. Off of the living area is a bathroom to die for with twin basins set in marble, the lighting is exquisite, on one end is a toilet which is nearly as big as my laundry and at the other end the bath is located in its own room. Tonight we head to the restaurant for dinner, Oh what a night . Well the dinner was nothing short of oshii (very delicious). we went into a room where the six of us were the only ones, we sat a large bar type table & had our own personal chef who cooked our meal in front of us. We had many courses including mizo soup, fresh salmon and prawns, steak cooked with begetables and all cooked on a barbeque plate. This was finished of with fresh fruit & Japanese tea. Before we went to dinner Ayaka and I enjoyed Onsen (Hot Spring Bath) the water was very hot and took a while to get into. When you get out you have a showere there is shampoo and conditioner and body soap supplied. You then go into the beauty parlour area and dry your hair and put special lotions on your skin. I had a wonderful nights sleep.
Now sorry I have not been blogging for a couple of days but I have just been on an amazing three day trip with Ayaka and her family and what an experience it was. I could never fill you on everything with did but here is a little taste. After another earthquake early this morning we set of on our 3 day 2 night stay to a holiday destination. Because of the earthquake the Shinkensen line and some of the highways were closed. However Yukiko found an alternative route to our destination. Mrs Fujii, Ayaka's grandmother also joined us on the trip. Our first stop was a market stall where I ate fried potato on a stick and a coffee at Starbucks. We drove travelled for approx. 3 hours down soth where we could have had a view of Mt. Fuji but it was covered with cloud. We arrived at Fuji Safari Park. This place was incredible, you drive through several different enclosures each housing different animals. There were bears, lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo's and giraffes as well as many different other animals. It would put Monarto Zoo to shame. We then drove on further & stopped at a Japanese Restaurant for lunch. I had fried pork which was delicious but I could not eat it all. We then drove on even further to a sea port. Here we left our car & off loaded our luggage & stepped onto a small vessel which took us across to an island called Awashime. The grandeur of the hotel was simply stunning from the moment we entered the magnificent entry hall. We were taken to an apartment on the fifth floor overlooking the sea. I thought this apartment was for all of us to share as it was as big as our house but it was only for Ayaka amd me. Just picture a large bedroom with two 3/4 beds a loungeroom with lounge suite, coffee table, television and everything else. You then stepped up to the Japanese style dining room from there you step up to a western style round table & chairs and this leads onto the balcony which overhands onto the sea, what a sight, we could see from here. Off of the living area is a bathroom to die for with twin basins set in marble, the lighting is exquisite, on one end is a toilet which is nearly as big as my laundry and at the other end the bath is located in its own room. Tonight we head to the restaurant for dinner, Oh what a night . Well the dinner was nothing short of oshii (very delicious). we went into a room where the six of us were the only ones, we sat a large bar type table & had our own personal chef who cooked our meal in front of us. We had many courses including mizo soup, fresh salmon and prawns, steak cooked with begetables and all cooked on a barbeque plate. This was finished of with fresh fruit & Japanese tea. Before we went to dinner Ayaka and I enjoyed Onsen (Hot Spring Bath) the water was very hot and took a while to get into. When you get out you have a showere there is shampoo and conditioner and body soap supplied. You then go into the beauty parlour area and dry your hair and put special lotions on your skin. I had a wonderful nights sleep.
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