Last night we were invited to the last day of Obon at Isau-san's (my grandma's brother) house. His grandson Mizuki (who is in first grade) actually invited us because he wanted us to go to the tug-of-war that is held in front of the village center. We weren't really sure what it was (it wasn't quite translated as tug-of-war) but we were excited to have another chance to visit with them.
We got there and got to see the traditions for the last day of Obon and got to enjoy a good meal. I learned that tuna sushi is quite yummy! I told Ojisan (uncle) that it was much better than canned tuna and he thought that was pretty funny. As we were finishing dinner we heard what sounded like people clanging pots and pans. Ojisan said that the tug-of-war would be starting at 8.
We got through dinner and began dessert (mixed fruit with mochi balls) when they started walking through the streets trying to get everyones attention. They had young men in camoflauge walking through the streets holding a HUGE rope. We followed them to a big grassy area where we saw another group of men with another rope --making it extremely long! We waited for a while (for what we aren't sure) and then they finally "began". They didn't actually begin tugging but some taunting between the two groups. They picked up the ropes and would walk towards each other and shake it around. Finally they connected the ropes and the tug-of-war started...and ended in no time. I guess they had to add a lot of stuff in so it is more momentous. They did this twice that night as well as some dancing, drum playing, and running back and forth.
While there we somehow grabbed the attention of a news reporter (ok...I think it was probably because we were the ONLY white people there...I'm white enough to stand out in a crowd) who asked us to stay afterwards so he could interview us. He knew enough English to talk to us but did use Ojisan to help translate. He basically asked us what we thought of the show and whether we would join in next year- to which I pointed to my flip flops and said "Yes, with different shoes maybe" which got a laugh. Hopefully everything will be translated the right way because he asked about where we work and got our names.
It was a fun night and we were invited to call again whenever we want to visit.
Today we got up for another day of sightseeing with Rocky and the other new teachers. We went to Okinawa World and the cave today. Mike and I went last year but wanted to go again to see everything at a relaxed pace.
I'm not sure what this sign says...maybe something about Okinawa World or the cave.
Posing in the hall to the cave (see the Shisa dogs on the wall?)
We didn't see this one last time! I thought it was cute how it was resting on it's tail.
All the way down the slippery stairs (glad I wore my better flip flops!)
These are all glass! You can buy them at Okinawa World.
Something I would never have enough expendable money to buy. Extremely pretty though.
Cute glass Stitch (again very pricy-over $100)
When in Okinawa, do as the Okinawans do (not for the rain but for the sun)
So glad I had the umbrella over my head when I saw this!! It had made its web in the banyan tree. You can't tell from the picture but it was about the size of my hand!!
We got this picture for free with the admission price to the Habu Museum at Okinawa World. I was holding it far away because right before she took the picture it was facing me!
Goodbye Okinawa World!! I am by the female shisa dog and Mike by the male.
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