Golden Week
“Golden Week” is the term given to the four consecutive Japanese holidays in early May. This year I spent mine here in Tanegashima, starting with a lovely BBQ at the beach. Lots of delicious food, beer and baseball under the sun. It really marked the start of the summer which already feels like it’s going to be hot one!
I woke up way too early one morning and took a trip on a fishing boat. My friend Kume-san (who is also a fantastic photographer) works on the boat and let me come aboard to take some photos. The whole experience was amazing – beautiful morning light, sharks, swordfish. Back at the port and whilst sorting the day’s catch, hawks were swooping down from above to snatch the fish that had fallen from the crates.
As well as playing drums in the Tanegashima Wind Ensemble, I also now meet regularly to play some rock songs with a great group of guys. The guitarist, Sogi (pictured below) owns a pottery and a monthly concert is held in his workshop. Surrounded by vases and bowls, you have to be careful where you wave your drumsticks! We always have a great time and for me, it feels great being able to play in a more looser style and hurrah, without sheet music!
It seems like Golden Week is almost always Drinking Week for me and this year saw a lot of visits to Minamitane’s two bars (yes, two) Precious and Moon. The owners of Moon, Mads and Tomoko have come up with an explosive cocktail, The HIIA Rocket Fuel which contains absinthe and, after setting light to the mixture, involves the drinker inhaling the boozy fumes through a straw. *hic*
Luckey you had a great golden week.
Did you catch any fish too?
I would like to try the HIIA fuel, sounds like a big shot!
Hehe, I was just taking photos but Kume san did give me some sashimi as omiyage. It’s in my freezer, waiting for the next BBQ!
The HIIA Rocket Fuel is hardcore. Mads now has Bulgarian absinthe and French Vodka, the latter is 98 percent alcohol. Smells like something I use to use in chemistry class at school! 頑張ります！