From Yobuko it was only 25
miles to Fukuoka. We left early and reached Hakata-wan just after midday on
October 18th.
There was a race underway and we scanned the bay for familiar yachts. After another mile or so an unfamiliar sailboat approached us with people waving and shouting. Thanks to mobile phones the case was soon clear: One of our marathon buddies had bought the boat and some others were with him, wellcoming us. WELLCOME HOME! they shouted.
In Atagohama friendly fishermen were waiting to show us where to tie up and the first meal of Meinohama fish was delivered that night. Yes, this is home. And if we didn’t realize it yet, the cats sure did. They jumped ashore and disappeared for a few hours. These cats, who always looked over their shoulder to make sure they could jump back onboard if needed to, who would then slowly proceed further, but never loose Alishan out of sight, they were gone, re(dis?)covering their old hunting ground.
Edwin and Melissa had another 2 weeks with us. Our niece, who is a veterinarian paramedic, had arranged to do some practical training in Odo Marina animal hospital. Noriko sensei took her under her wings and Melissa went there most working days, coming home with stories, learning and sharing all the time.
When Noriko isn’t working as a vet, running marathons or sailing on friends’ yachts she is just a good friend having a party for us at her Kame House.
At Shibaraku, our Papa-rin’s restaurant, M&E showed their brave sides and tried to eat sashimi. I don’t think Melissa cared much for it, but Edwin was all right.
We were just in time to see the exhibition of artwork by the daycare patients of Kakoh Orthopedic Clinic in the Fukuoka City Art Museum. Nobuko can be so proud of her work! She does most of the design and coordination. Above a mural made of bits of torn newspaper. Below that the photos of how it was made.
On Oct. 22nd we got another guest:
brother-in-law Sjaak, also from Holland.
He made himself immensly unpolular by leaving Dutch
cheese in his hotel room in Seoul. He had been in Korea for business, so
Fukuoka was just a hop across the pond. We only had him for 5 days, thus we
instantly forgave him and enjoyed his company.
A night with the Kakohs. It doesn’t look nice, these half-empty dishes, but the Chinese meal was very good.
At Kusuda Shrine in Hakata
The five of us did the
rounds, visiting not only old friends, also shrines, temples and other popular
hang-outs. The weather was still nice, the food good, shopping was fun.
Edwin nearly cleared the ‘Edwin’ jeans shop at Marinoa. He is totally Edwin now, down to his undies.
Presents from Nakazawa-san, also known as Papa-rin
Cheering the city marathon. Here comes Noriko!
No, we didn’t run ourselves. Too busy.
There were more parties, here with Miyoko at Kyoko’s house
And another small festival: O’Chigosan, starring Miyoko’s grand-daughter, Miku
Miku, Katsuyoshi
And more 4-5 year olds at the Sumiyoshi Shrine in Meinohama
On November 2nd it was time for our visitors to travel back home. 1 month seems so long and yet so short. It was just enough for them to get a taste of Japan and their aunt and uncle’s life onboard s/y Alishan. And for us to get to know them.
Farewell Edwin and Melissa. Hope to see more of you
sometime. But for now all the best! Good luck with your jobs and further
studies, remember we are only half a world apart.
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