My second to last day in Okinawa was interesting. A friend of Mari's took us a to a little known site used by Japanese soldiers. After heading up a steep tree covered hill we got to a spot with some small man made caves which we did not enter. To the left of the path was a metal and wood frame covered with a tarp. Underneath we're the remains of 5 Japanese soldiers with 2 skulls, a spine, and a few other bones visible. It was as fascinating as it was eerie and a reminder how different Okinawa was now. Afterwards we drove to anothier shrine in the woods that you could reach by walking up a small stone trail. There were a lot of peole there and some very cool rock formations. I think Mari said that it was a place of healing or cleansing.
My last day in Okinawa was spent on a pristine beach with Mari, where we rented some goggles and did some diving. The water was very clear and we took a boat ride as well which took us to a spot with even clearer water. Had the water been any cleaner you'd thnk the boat was floating on air. The guide pointed out some 5,000 year old coral and fed some fish as well so that we could see them come up. We headed back and swam one last time and I spent my last few minutes holding Mari in the ocean watching small tears well up in her eyes. The day was about as bittersweet as could be with both of us knowing we'd soon be separated.
That night Ameku, A guest Fromm the house named Sho, Mari and I headed to Naha where Mari and I met with Banks Sensei and Tanaka at a bar I had visited with Tanaka and Banks before. It's a small place up some steep narrow stairs and can't hold more than 15 people. It's run by a mother daughter couple. The mother is apparently the wife of a baker in Yonabaru, the same place Banks Sensei and I stopped every morning on the way to Nakazato's house. Okinawa seemed to get smaller every day. After a few beers we headed over to Naohide's bar where we asked him a number of questions. I had wanted Naohide to put some technique on me so I could evaluate him but when Tanaka didnt seem to understand that I just wanted to feel the technique. When he asked Naohide he kept using the word oeshite - which means to teach. For one reason or the other Nahohide thought it was a strange request but later started to show a number of techniques and also taught us a number of exercises. It was pretty damn cool and was exactly what I was looking for.
Ameku and some friends stopped by after and we all drank Awamori and a number of people karaoke'd which was extra cool because the blind piano player played while they sang and Naohide played the clarinet as well a few times. He also produced a small, round, metal instrument that fit in the palm of his hand. It had a hole to blow into and a few small holes on top. He played a pretty cool little tune that left me very impressed.
We left and Ameku and his friends left Mari and I to hit the town so that we could enjoy our last night together. We found a cheap club where we some drinks and that was the night. Woke up the next day, took some pictures with everybody and Left with Banks, Mari and Tanaka for the airport. Airport was a bit scary because we go there late and I thought I'd miss my flight. Mari stayed with me till the security check point where we said a very sad goodbye.
Looking back at Okinawa there are a few things I'll never forget. Walking into the hostel and meeting Mari, our first night of drinking. My second night where Mari, after she'd been drinking, snuck into my room and crawled in bed with me. Nothing happened but she laid next to me and said in that smooth, soft, heavily accented voice of hers "Damon, I like you" which at the time was the most complete sentence I'd heard her say in English. Sitting on the beach watching the sun go down. The fireworks that got shot off from the the opposite side of the bay the night after while Mari and I sat on the beach and Mari exclaiming "romanticu!". Watching Tanaka karaoke while Naohide rocked the clarinet. Standing on the bridge in front of the hostel at 4am my last night with Mari, holding her and telling her I'd bring her to Colorado. Bit cheesy but things I'll never forget. Okinawa was the best experience I've ever had and Tokyo has been pretty lame in comparison. But it never had a chance to begin with.
Tokyo is interesting though, some cool temples near the hostel. Ate udon and tempura with Dai and his mother. Was very happy to see them again after meeting them last year in Colorado.
More to come
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