Hi...

 

Went to work today feeling a little under the weather with the monday blues, but after a lesson with my students and all was forgotten. 

Today one of the students asked me if I was married and I said no.  Then he asked me if I had a boyfriend and said no.  And then he said to me in his utmost confidence,  why is that?  why is a beautiful lady like you still single?

Don't you love him!!!! He is only 7 and has already learnt the art of wooing a women.  He will go far!!! Smile.

 

But this is just one of many examples that I encounter each day with my students.  They are so honest and frank but at the same time so caring and considerate. 

 

Also they are so curious about me, people and the world around them. Very day I am bombared with quesitons, questions and more questions...

 

This is so refreshing to witness everyday... 

What happens to us as we grow older and lose these great qualities?

My new goal is to try and work hard at try and keep these personality traits and enthuasiasm for life alive and bouncing.  I wonder who the real teachers are;  me or the kids?

 

I have attached a few photos of the adorable little critters for you.  I hope they make you smile.

 

 

Many people ask me about my house and how it is going?

Here are some latest photo's of my place of house/hut....

 

 

I was lucky enough to be invited last week to visit Aragusku Island.  It is a small island which can only be accessed by private boat.  During it's bustling period over 300 people lived there.  Today a population of 7.

 

 The island is called "Panari" by locals because it means "separated". Aragusuku is actually made up of two separate islands that are connected by a coral shoal. During low tide, you can actually walk between the two islands. This area was once home to Dugong which are manatee looking mammals. The locals would catch these dugong and use them to pay their taxes to the Ryukyu Government.

 Aragusuku Island has an excellent coral reef for snorkeling as well as an interesting village to explore. The island is still home to many houses, most of which are uninhabited. The island of Aragusuku was once heavily populated and even had a school. The island has its own type of pottery called Panari-yaki which was made until about 150 years ago. It is said that a great deal of the population was killed in a large tsunami that occured long ago. As the population became older, many people moved away to neighboring islands.

Amazing place to visit, relax, swim and be in total isolation. Heading back there this summer hopefully for a couple of days to really appreciate its beauty.

 

At last I have got connected to the cyber world and worked out how to use the internet.

I am going to try with all my might to keep you informed of my life in Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan. At the moment motivation level is high but you guys need to keep spurring me on when my entries are few and far between.

 

Love you all and hope you can gain a little insight and understanding why I am still living in this little tiny part of the world. Of course my main inspiration is to motivate you all to come journey down here and experience this little bit of paradise yourself.

 

Karen