Niginohama at sunset

Looking towards Nogita from the end of the sea wall.
Again towards Nogita from where a small stream comes down to the beach.
Looking back towards Keya no Ooto

Nephew Tom in Kyoto

Recently my nephew, Tom visited from England. It was his first trip to Japan so I took him up to Kyoto to see the temples and gardens. I was very happy to be back and I think he had a great time too.
Kiyomizudera was lovely in the fading sunlight.
We walked through Gion and were lucky enough to see a lot of women in kimonos and even a Maiko.
I have been to Kinkakuji before but never when the weather was as good as this.

Fukae Bay

I went on a short bike ride yesterday to Fukae Bay just across the way from us.It is a pleasant place which not many people know about as it is a little off the beaten track.

It was another baking hot day and I got sunburn on my arms.Must wear long sleeves in future!

Sumo Tournament, Keya

Yesterday, September 1st. I took part in the local Sumo tournament. It is meant to ensure a good harvest. Jake also fought. We both lost unfortunately but we will be back next year!

Bike Ride to Zubaiji Dam

I went on a short bike ride to a nearby dam this morning with Chris.We both thought this mountainside was pretty cool.
It was pretty misty up in the hills.You wouldn't think it was the beginning of June from the temperature.Chilly!
This is the dam.Quite a pleasant spot in good weather I guess.
We didn't see many other cars on the roads.We will be going up there again.

A Day Out in Nogita

A view from Nogita beach back towards Keya.It is a great place to play around in summer.Very shallow sloping beach.
Natty Dread, a hamburger and jerk chicken restaurant on the beach.The owner seems to have built the place from driftwood.

the view from the balcony of the restaurant below.
This is the newest restaurant in Itoshima.I will be teaching the staff English in the future.

Today we went there to try the food.Very tasty indeed!
The sashimi was fresh and delicious as usual in this area.
The main course was Suzuki in a mint sauce.Very nice too!

There were a total of seven dishes between the start and finish of the meal.We were stuffed!
This is the genkan of the place.A very nice tsubo niwa.

Fukuoka Dome Bouncy Castles

We took Jake down to Fukuoka Dome the other week to bounce around in 'Kid's Adventure Land', a bouncy castle event.He had a great time while we stood in the cold watching.

The Cat Crept In

I finally finished the cat-flap.It fits in one of our windows because our doors are very difficult, if not impossible to fit a cat-flap to.

The cats are starting to get the hang of coming in and out through it now.They were a bit bemused by it at first,But when we stopped opening the door for them they got the idea.