Where are we today? Ishigaki, Okinawa
Happy Emperor’s Birthday Weekend! We were welcomed by a group doing a lower energy form of the Yosakoi dance. Emperor Naruhito was born February 23, 1960. He turns a year older today, and Japan is celebrating with a three day national holiday. Two things I didn't know about Japan, but probably should have, are that 1) The Japanese drive on the left hand side, a la the Brits. 2) Okinawa, itself, consists of 160 islands! We boarded a cheerful red bus for a 45 minute drive across Igishaki Island. This was after the long immigration process for Japan, which included checking our fingerprints. Apparently, neither Dave nor I are wanted by Interpol or anything like that. 😆 Our destination was Kabira Bay. Kabira Bay is known for its black pearl production. Despite its gorgeous golden white sand and beautiful water, you are not allowed to swim there for fear that you would interfere with the pearl production. Also, there are strong cur...