Fried Sazae

Some friends gave us some Sazae (turbin shells) the otherday. We usually eat them on the BBQ, but as it was midweek we decided to try something different. I recalled having fried Sazae in Shimoda, Izu, many years ago at an Izakaya with good friend Take-chan. So, we gave it a crack and came up trumps! !

Aiko's day @ Seaside

We've had gorgeous weather all week with temps around 30 but without the humidity. It's a bit what I remember summers being like back in NZ, especially with the cooler nights. There has been waves everyday and the forecast is for more swell in the coming days with typhoons #15 and 16 to the south of Japan. THIS IS WHY I LIKE SEPT/OCT/NOV SEASON!!!!

 (oops, I cut her head off on this one)

 Naoko and Juju Ken

 Sakuma

Matsuri Photos from Sept 11th

Day 2 and I was free and able to join the fun. I was given the responsibility of being one of the drivers of the Dashi (kind of float). Usually this is reserved to special families with a long history with the shrine and community, so it was a real honour. This was the third year I had been given the opportunity. Guiding the Dashi through some of the narrow back streets can be challenging at best. Fortunately, the day passed without a hitch. The kids (and adults) playing the 'taiko' drums did fantastically as did the veteran flutists keeping the music flowing right through the day with a great showing in front of the station. Well done and otsukaresamadeshita to all those involved!

 Tabi, traditional Japanese footwear is a must!

 Friends

 Kumano Shrine Torii

 Local kids dressed in Matsuri attire.

 Aiko and I

 Starting out with Hirota-san and I at the helm.

 Break time in the shade with support vehicle and drinks!

 Kawana-san and I

 Keiko lending a hand. ARIGATOU!!

 Friends

 Koa and me @ Kamogawa Station

 Nakashima Family

 Kokomo

 Momoko

 Me

 Good fun times

 Tanaka Family

 Kumano and Sanno meet

 Nao, Misato and Aiko

 Aiko and I

 K-chan and Ai-chan

 J and K-chan

 Takashi-kun, Nima-chan and me

Full Moon on a beautiful night!

Matsuri Photos from Sept 10th

After work I was able to catch the last of the proceedings down by the Marina where all of the portable shrines (Omikoshi) gathered. Respect to all these local guys and girls as they have been parading them through the streets of their neighborhoods in sunny, 30 degree plus weather all day and these things weigh a ton!

 The crowd gathers...

 Leading the way...

 Women ONLY!! Kayo GANBATTA!

 Friends

 Break time...

 Fishing @ the carnival stall.

 Kumano Omikoshi.

 Me

 Daisuke (R) and his buddy with the PINK hair!!