Ishigaki Island-March 29

Had a wonderful day today on the main island of the Ishigaki Island chain in Japan. We first visited the Tamatorizaki Observation Point. We could see the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea from the top of this mountain. It was a bit windy but warm.

We next visited a Palm Tree Grove where we walked about 100 yards in a jungle like situation. There is a palm tree- the Yaeyama Palm- that only grows here. We also saw beautiful blooming flowers. This is a sub-tropical climate.

The island has 47,000 residents and the population is increasing as people in Japan choose to move to warmer weather.

The scenery here is really beautiful and our guide was so good and funny. The bus driver and the “bus girl” even gave us a concert on traditional Japanese instruments. There was a “bus girl” yesterday too. She wears a uniform and her sole job seemed to be to stand and bow to welcome us back on board the bus after each stop and to also count to be certain the right number of passengers was on board.

Went to a weaving studio where we saw some beautiful pieces of fabric which were quite expensive. Managed not to buy anything even though they did accept credit cards.

Returned to the ship to have a tasty lunch in the Grand Dining Room.

We lost our internet connection for most of the afternoon and evening. First time I have ever been on a ship when the Captain anniounced for folks to be careful this evening because of the rough seas we would experience. AND we did rock and roll along most of the night.

We are just now sailing into Taiwan and ready for a full day of touring.