Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

Anticipation is nearly always more thrilling than the act or event. The tycoon was pretty good but not much more than that. I would call it a severe tropical storm. It started off quiet but Okinawa took it seriously. Schools, … Continue reading →

About 7 years ago,Tim gave me a plant. It was n’t very big and was in a tiny pot. It has gone through phases of prosperity and collapse that correspond to my presence or absence from Okinawa. When I got … Continue reading →

Well, rainy season really. Ever since I got here in March, it has rained. Mostly fairly gentle stuff, but enough to give me an excuse for not doing much and also for the promotion of wonderful flowering trees. A slight … Continue reading →

I have made it to 74 – hooray! Tomomi san and Ichiro san ask me round for a birthday celebration meal. Such fun! We eat so well. Very good birthday!

Kiyuna san is disturbed by my physical condition. ” Neil san, it is too hot . You must go home and rest. You look like man on T-shirt.” I get up very early and head off to the Lily Fields … Continue reading →

So nothing exciting really, just record of time past so I can remember what I have done. I will start with a diversion. Middle son, James, had a birthday recently. So life here in Okinawa has been very pleasant but … Continue reading →

No drama really just the generally delightful experience of living in Okinawa when it is cool. I order my usual dose of meat from a Halal butcher in Tokyo. https://aminhalalfood.com/collections/lamb I go down to the Tomari fish market. The marina … Continue reading →

The incomparable Kikuta Ichiro san https://kikutaichiro.com drops by to give me my unique byobu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byōbu I think I am safe n saying that it is the only piece in the ancient tradition of byobu painting that depicts Puffins. Ichiro san … Continue reading →

San Francisco is such a pleasing place to live. Last week was particularly notable due to day after day of sunshine and blue skies. I have had a lot of trouble getting a ticket back to Okinawa. Something to do … Continue reading →

The daughter of one of James’ colleagues is a baking fanatic. She cooks him a Prickly Pear Pie. She is 14 and already has subscribers who get a cake of choice each month. Friend and ex colleague, Arisa san, brings … Continue reading →