Makoto the water buffalo did a great job pulling this cart.
Jan. 19 - A friend of ours told us about a wonderful island in the Yaeyama Island group where many residents have preserved the culture and traditions of Okinawa. Ann and I very much enjoyed visiting Taketomi Island to experience this atmosphere for ourselves.
Taketomi is a very small island, but it has two wonderful beaches including one famous for star-shaped grains of sand. (Before visiting this beach, I did not believe this claim, but as we explored the beach Ann found several star-shaped grains of sand!) Although the sea was too rough for swimming, we enjoyed the views of the coral reef and Ishigaki Island off in the distance.
We especially enjoyed riding through the main village in a cart pulled by a water buffalo. The residents, proud of their culture and traditions, have preserved traditional Okinawan homes with their colorful tile roofs, coral walls and shisa guardian lion-dogs.
Our guide sang a beautiful folk song from Taketomi Island accompanied by the san-shin, a three stringed instrument made from wood and snake skin. If you would like to experience this cart ride and hear her song for yourselves, please watch the short movie that Ann made of our visit to Taketomi. After seeing her video, I am sure you will want to visit the island yourself.
Until next time,
Jim
I enjoyed reading your story about Teketomi Island, which I visited 30 years ago. I am sure it is as beautiful as it used to be. We were able to swim off the beach even in March. We also found the star shaped grains of sand eroded from coral. The color of the sea are magnificent reflected the colors of coral. Your story reminded me of the university life in Kanazawa.
