A lot of planning went into our trip with 9 other families to Tokashiki Island for 3 days. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to do anything but show up and enjoy myself. Unfortunately, at the last minute Steve was informed he could not come along with us because of work, so the kids and I went on without him.
The island is about a 70 minute ferry boat ride from Okinawa. The ride there was rough, but the ride home was much more enjoyable. As you can see, Ella could hang right over the edge with only the water below to catch her. So the entire 70 minutes we were on the boat I was standing against the railing holding Ella who desperately wanted down (would have been nice to have Steve for that!!)
Our sleeping quarters at the Youth Friendship Center, complete with a 2 inch sleeping pad and a very full buckwheat pillow which none of us ended up using. Getting Ella to sleep was a nightmare!
Every morning at 0700 and evening at 1600 we all met around the flag poles for "formation" and the raising and lowering of the Japanese and Tokashiki flags.
Morning stretches.
The tennis courts and gymnasium were right next to our sleeping quarters. The kids hung out there as long as they could...lights out was at 2230.
Our Japanese scarecrow friend protecting his rice paddy.
The main attraction, however, was Aharen Beach where we hung out everyday we were there. This hole was worked on by many of the boys in our group for 3 days. By the end of our visit the hole was so big the boys could stand in it and you wouldn't be able to see the tops of their heads. Why is it so difficult to get them to work that hard at home?
Mailee and her new best 18 year old friend worked on a sand village.
Ella was an attraction herself. "Kawai" you will hear a lot here if you have a little one with blond hair and blue eyes. (translation- cute)
The kids had a great time hanging out on the beach and just doin' what kids do.
It is a beautiful island with clear blue water which made for amazing snorkeling!
2 comments:
Your pictures are amazing! I should have just told Jason to save himself the trouble of doing our blog and refer our family/friends to view yours!!
Wonderful experience and wonderful pictures! I love checking your site!
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