FC Ryukyu

A while back in early September, while Tom was still here, we had a chance to go see the Football Club Ryukyu (FC Ryukyu) play. It was a little warm out, but there was a nice breeze. It was a good game, and it was fun to watch it with Tom. I am glad to say FC Ryukyu won this game. They are working very hard to build this team, started in 2003, to compete in the Japanese national soccer league. It is looking as if that will happen.

Why I love Japan!

So, there are many things about Japan that I love, however, this is just one. Last night Emily and I went to Sunmarina hotel to see Hisano-san's show. She did a great job as usual. When we got there, of course we were late, we sat at a seat in the back off to the side, that didn't have a table, and it wasn't really setup for drinks. A little while later, I went to the cashier and ordered two drinks, for Emily and I. As you read the next part, remember that in Japan there is no tipping! The guy I ordered the drinks from offered to re-seat us so we would have a table, but I didn't think it was necessary, so I declined the offer. I told him where we were sitting, and asked him to bring the drinks over. I went back and sat down. A few minutes later, prompt service, he came over with the drinks and asked if I wanted a table brought over. As I was telling him it wasn't necessary his partner came walking up behind me with a table, and set it down for us to put our drinks on... Remember there is no tipping no incentive for this treatment, other than to do their job well. I love Japan! And to boot, since we go there often, we even got a discount!

Ishigaki 2006; Ishigaki Gyu!

In Japan there is beef, then there is good beef, then there is really good beef, then there is Kobe beef, then even better than that (in my opinion) is Ishigaki beef. Emily and I went to a cattle ranch for dinner. This ranch has a restaurant in the middle of it, however, you have to drive by all the cows before you get to it. Fortunately I was able to sneak Emily in the side so she didn't have to look at the cows before we ate them. If you look closely at the picture to the right you can see some of the cows! We ordered the first order and started cooking it Yaki Niku style. I tasted it and... There has only been one time I have cried over food, until now. It was soo good I sat back and my eyes watered up. I have never had beef so good. For Pete and Tom, it was Kobe x 2. It was unbelievable. I went to bed that night a very happy man... The next day, still dreaming about Ishigaki Gyu, Emily and I went to Ishigaki Kumamoto, AKA Ishigaki Yaki to look at pottery, and to discuss some business ideas. We ended buying a coffee cup as a gift for Hisano-san's father, and a serving platter to show off in the states. I absolutely love this pottery I think it is so beautiful, and it amazes me that only 30% of the attempted pieces actually come out like this. From there we went up to kabira bay where they make black pearls. We were sad to leave the Ishigaki, especially as we had to return to real life. However, we were happy to see our little Molly girl.

Ishigaki 2006; Taketomi-jima.

After our trek into the Jungle, we decided to take a ferry to a quite little Island called Taketomi. Taketomi jima is a very small island that has mostly traditional houses on it. It is a great way to see what traditional Okinawa used to look like. We rented some bicycles and rode around the island, again very calm and peaceful. This picture is of us infront of an actual thatched roof hut. This is not what most houses look like, most houses use the red tiles. This was just very unique! We had a very relaxing and fun time peddling around this tiny island and taking in all this sights. It is refreshing to be somewhere so quite, where the pace of life is so much slower. It gives you time to think and reflect on life. While we were riding around I saw a unique shisa adorning the roof of one of the many traditional houses and had to stop and get a picture. As we were heading back to the return the bikes, It started raining... Luckily we were almost back to the shop, so we didn't get too soaked. It was actually kind of fun to ride the bike in the rain. We took the ferry back the the main island, got changed and went out for Ishigaki Gyu!!!!!

Ishigaki 2006; Miyagi-san!

Since this trip was at the end of a business trip, one of the guys I work with was with me. His name is actually Satoshi Miyagi, or as is polite to call him Miyagi-san. I couldn't believe it when I first got here in 2003, I was working with Mr. Miyagi!!! Anyway, Emily and I went out to dinner with him at a Garlic restaurant the night Emily arrived. The food was very delicious, but its a good thing Emily and I are already married, our breath was kicking!!!

Ishigaki and Miyako 2006.

About a year ago I had a chance to travel to Ishigaki and Miyako islands for work. During the trip I took some vacation, and had Emily join me in Miyako Island. The picture to the left is from 2005. We stayed at a Minshuku (Japanese Inn) and had a grand time getting to know the other guests and the owner. We toured the island and saw as much of the beautiful ocean as we could. There is not a lot to do on Miyako, however the island and the water surrounding it are breathtaking.

Well, this month(Sep 06) I had another chance to travel to Ishigaki and Miyako. This time I decided to take Emily to Ishigaki. We stayed at another Minshuku, however, this time we were too busy to really spend much time at the inn talking. As soon as Emily got off the airplane we hopped in the car and started driving around the island. We eventually made it to Kabira bay. This bay is breathtaking. Every time I go to Ishigaki I go to this bay, and every time I see it I am amazed at the beauty. Unfortunately the weather was overcast so the colors are not very vivid. Oh well, not too bad for 6 days after a Category 4 hurricane...

The day after Emily arrived we took a ferry to Iriomote Island, and took a boat up one of the rivers into the jungle. The boat let us off, and we hiked into the jungle to a beautiful waterfall. The hike wasn't that far, however, since this was planned at the last minute, Emily wasn't really expecting a hike. I wont say Emily whined the whole time, because I think she stopped whining once to take a drink... Just kidding Hunny Bunny ;-) Anyway, we had a great time, even though the weather was kind of overcast. The Waterfall itself was gorgeous, however, there were a lot of people, so it was difficult to really take it in in peace. That night we went to a Yatai (outside Izakaiya). It was very peaceful, and because it was on the roof of a 7 story building, you could look out over the city and the harbor. I really enjoyed the quite, and the calm breeze.