Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

Where we stayed and what we ate in Hokkaido! First place : http://mangetudou.net Deep snow, very warm due to the huge Jotul woodburner in main living area. I stagger upstairs to my room and lie on the bed. It collapses … Continue reading →

Ichiro san and I head north for a birding adventure in Hokkaido! Two flights later we arrive at Nakashibetsu airport -deep snow and freezing cold. We are no longer in Okinawa. As we pick up a car, a policeman and … Continue reading →

Hooray, the cherry blossom is out! I do lots of boat stuff. The pipe that runs from the cockpit sump up to pump is blocked. I have spent many frustrating hours trying to unblock it with absolutely no success. The … Continue reading →

Yesterday was the start of the new year; the Year of the Rabbit, A very cuddly year to you all. We celebrated with an epic picnic on the boat. We pass a wonderful afternoon. Kiyuna san and his doggie Jacko … Continue reading →

I am feeling fairly smug as I write this in Kagoshima airport. I am on my way back home to Okinawa after the first mainland jaunt that I have organized all by myself. In the old days I was very … Continue reading →

Sorry, just birds, with a bit of fish. I return to the stinking Triangular Pond so beloved by birds. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Triangle+Pond/@26.1720552,127.6541474,893m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x34e569efb7fbab57:0x465dddfa94de705c!8m2!3d26.1720552!4d127.6563361 The Black faced Spoonbill loves the stench. It is a truly rare bird. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-faced_spoonbill I am so lucky to have … Continue reading →

One of the things that surprised me most when I came to Okinawa was the number of excellent bakeries. I had never associated Japan with bread and croissants. When I moved to Ginowan the outstanding Hoppepan bakery was just up … Continue reading →

Xmas approaches and it is still very cold by our standards. I spot something that I never thought I would see on Okinawa – a hot water bottle! Anyway on Xmas Day we have a fantastic dinner at my place. … Continue reading →

Well, not really but very cold for Okinawa. I actually like this as I can wear a sweater and even socks! The engine is fixed! I start the massive clean up. The boat is filthy. All internal spaces are black … Continue reading →

Japan do not qualify for the quarter finals but they have been magnificent. In some ways, through their joyful play, sportsmanship, good manners and of course the behavior of their fans, Japan won the tournament. There has been nothing but … Continue reading →