Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

I love tempura but have never been able to cook it successfully. My attempts have always been soggy as opposed to crisp. So disappointing. I have suspected that the oil is never hot enough. On a recent boat picnic, a … Continue reading →

Tsuru is Japanese for crane, er the bird. It is number 2 in the hierarchy of birds, number 1 is the Phoenix. The cry of the crane is believed to have great authority. https://japanesequizzes.com/portfolio/tsuru-no-hitokoe/ Anyway, as I am coming back … Continue reading →

So I have had my beloved Tokina AT-X 300 since February 2015. She is a fabulous lens. She only has manual focus, which usually I like very much especially if the bird is sitting nice and still. However on my … Continue reading →

You will remember that I am in the middle of transplants, no I mean implants, fun. A couple of days before my appointment for the next major step in the process, I notice that the temporary crown over the implants … Continue reading →

We sail off in the early evening to dine on the boat. We are Arisa san , Alisa san, Harry san and me. It is a glorious evening and the heat of the day has faded. We go on a … Continue reading →

I spend the day on the boat. There is a determined breeze, which, once you get used to it, makes sailing the best fun. Initially it is scary. The Norfolk Gypsy is a strong boat and likes a bit of … Continue reading →

Harry and I set off at about 6:00 pm. I raise sail in the Marina basin. It is not good. I cannot get the the mainsail taught and there is an ugly crease across it. No amount of tugging on … Continue reading →

Down at the Marina I bump into Kiyuna san. He is excited and invites to his boat for coffee. With much ceremony, he presents me with a prayer scarf that he has made for me. As I understand, he has … Continue reading →

I mention to Kikura san and Daiki san that I would like to go snorkeling before the night tour the next day. They immediately draw up a detailed schedule with bus times, ferry times and hints. They send me to … Continue reading →

Off to the magic isles of Ishigaki and Iriomote to look for birdies. In fact Ishigaki is just a stop over, it has an airport, Iriomote does not. All the action takes place on Iriomote. I have free morning on … Continue reading →