Saturday, we take it really easy with just a dip at our favourite beach and then head on to catch the ferry to fetch Yann.
So another crossing on these speed boats (30kn -> 60km/h).
At Ishigaki we knew where to go as we got some tips… a shabby looking shop on the harbour with old lady preparing tuna sashimi and miso mixed with tuna. We then walked part of the way to airport.
Yann was immediately exposed to culture, bus ride from airport with view on sugar cane fields and the blue sea at the back with distinct coral reef curtain… (sorry no photos of all that, too busy enjoying the view, and would not show well on photos)
Bedroom with tatami and beds from futon!
Evening meal at local restaurant… here they fight over some jimami-tofu (tofu not of soya, but from peanuts!)
Next morning we get the first boat back to Iriomote, not missing the milkshake from fresh milk that was recommended to us and which can be found in a little corner shop of the harbour terminal…
Boat trip was somewhat… splashy!! But as water is warm and weather is fine, it is almost fun!
8km from Uehara to Sonai… Hélène and Yann on bicycles, so he gets to appreciate the scenery.
At the farm Kazushige is preparing us a little party, with crabs (Gazani, Mud crabs, home catch as last time) …
And homemade mochi (sticky rice), they have a magic machine for that too!!
A burning hot huge lump of mochi is poured on some tapioca starch
Yann did get to enjoy our beach and did not seem willing to get out!
…just before the evening festivities.
For a first day after this 12h trip and jet lag => kill or cure
… as this was not enough, we convinced our motel hosts to take us for shrimp night fishing (Ebi = shrimp).
Thane, Sawako, Kaori and us 3 from 12 to 2 am…
They are in fact easier to see and catch at night, you need a low tide, low wind condition to avoid waves and a good ( powerful ) torch lamp.
Et voilà:
