Dec. 18 - Even after 15 years in Japan, neither Ann nor I had ever visited the Yaeyama Island group in southern Okinawa. We decided to vacation on Ishigaki Island to enjoy the warm tropical atmosphere and to experience Okinawa's unique culture. During our stay, we much enjoyed sampling Okinawan food, listening to Okinawan folksongs, and admiring the beautiful scenery.

After stepping off our airplane, almost the first thing we noticed was a profusion of colorful flowers. We began our ride to our resort along a road lined with red and yellow hibiscus plants. Later, we passed traditional Okinawan houses. Their coral walls and red tiled rooves provided an exotic backdrop for magnificent magenta bougainvillea flowers.

Although this was my first visit to the island, I felt strangely at home. Growing up in Southern California, I could see magenta bougainvillea flowers on a large vine growing just outside my bedroom window. Across our lawn was a red hibiscus bush. I was surprised to travel so far from home and yet discover a sight so comfortingly familiar.

On that ride to our resort, Ann and I knew that we would enjoy a wonderful stay on the island.

Ann is much more artistic than I am, and she filmed a video of our vacation. Please click here if you'd like to see it.

Until next time,

Jim