Okinawa, Japan
Ishigaki Island is a subtropical island of crystal clear ocean waters, lush green mountains and is the most southern territory of Japan.
Hibiscus flowers flourish and red is the most common color on the island
Ruth Ann's brother, Lloyd, owned and operated a bulldozer and this reminded me of him because Lloyd makes me smile with his sense of humor, whenever I see him.
Our guide today is from Germany. He was asked how he came to reside in Japan and as we have heard many times, it was for the love of a woman. He was here on a foreign study program when he attended a local festival. Near the end of the festivities, pieces of rope used in a ceremony were being thrown into the audience and those who caught one, could be assured of good luck. This German college student was quite taller than the other festival goers so he easily snatched a piece of rope. The young lady next to him was disappointed she didn't catch a piece of good luck. He gave this good luck charm to-- his future wife. It was at the beginning of his college program in Okinawa so they spent much time together and fell in love. However, he had to return to Germany to complete his studies. They survived a long distance relationship. Prior to returning to Okinawa, he had to apply for a visa. The visa process required that the couple furnish photographs and love letters to prove theirs was a genuine relationship, for him to be granted permission to relocate to Japan for their marriage. He concluded his love story by asking, "Who in Japan has the job of reading love letters and matching them to photographs".
The Moody Blues sang in The Candle of Life;
Says we're only
In the hands of time
Falling slowly
It's there for us to know
With love that we can go
Burn slowly the candle of life
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