Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

So I go to like sign, but more seal, the rental contract for the house by the sea. The rental people are the model of restraint and patience. We are immediately served with cold tea but this time with optional … Continue reading →

I have watched birds since my mid twenties but in a sort of desultory way. I had binoculars and kept a list but I was a lazy birder in that when it came to really putting in the work and … Continue reading →

Another night in Smugglers in Naha with the best Trad Irish band in Okinawa – The Islanders. For the first time for er some time, we have a full line up. 2 fiddles, 2 flutes, strong guitar and stronger percussion. … Continue reading →

Hmmm, so I finally abandon my garden project. It is just too hard to grow stuff here unless I suspect, you have several generations of  understanding of what to plant when and where. Virtually everything I planted was either; scorched … Continue reading →

It is my sister’s birthday today. I have known her all my life. Can’t say that about many people. Currently 4 I think.   Happy birthday Rosie!!

Stumbling along a beach in Okinawa is different from the same activity on those beaches I have stumbled along hitherto.  Okinawan beaches are bustling with hermit crabs. There are thousands of them. Where do they find their shells? There are … Continue reading →

I get out early to see what I can see post typhoon.  I love to ramble and just take time to look at er stuff.

Cosiness is not a state that I experience much in Okinawa. Essentially it is too hot here to be cosy. However my happiest of all memories are as a child in Scotland when the weather was too awful to go … Continue reading →

“Bottom line: Super Typhoon Sanba, arguably the strongest storm to develop across the globe in 2012 is packing winds around 160 mph, and peaked with sustain winds of around 175 mph on Thursday, September 13, 2012. Sanba will push north into … Continue reading →

I am organizing an exhibition by Inamine sensei, famous Okinawan glass artist. http://www.ryukyucollection-kana.com/inamine-seikichi.html To make a poster, he gives me a piece.  I need photos and I will use a proper photographer but in the mean time I take the … Continue reading →