Come Away with Me

The 'evasive' Hanasakis

On Wednesday it was a public holiday in Japan and as they did not have to work on that day the Hanasakis readily offered to show Ros around the island. I could not be happier for without a vehicle (in my case it's more like a license) it is indeed quite impossible to get around the island and appreciate the nature that Goto has to offer.

First stop was this viewing deck near Narao which offers a good view of the surrounding area and beautiful scenery of the many islands/islets that made up Goto. It was a good day with just right temperature but the sea was blanketed with a layer of mist that prevented clear vision.




Top down view of the little town of Narao with a population of about 3000.


Finally a nice and complete photo taken with the camera-shy Hanasakis. I've mentioned them in numerous entries and I'm glad to have a picture to show now. Hanasaki sensei and wife Teruko-san are the really nice couple that had been taking great care of me. They brought my parents and Alvin around when they visited, had me over at their place during new year, helped me weed my overgrown garden when i just arrived, unclogged my kitchen sink, gave me tons of bread and apples, took me groccery shopping on weekends...it's proving to be impossible to list down all the things they had done for me and I really thank my lucky stars to have met such nice people during my stay here.


Ros and the Hanasakis inspecting a Camelia tree; The Hanasakis making their way down to the foot of the hill.

Next we visited this little church that was situated in a really secluded part of the island. Just the drive itself took almost an hour and it was a lucky thing that we had the beautiful scenery along the way to keep us occupied. Like me when i first arrived, Ros found it hard to believe too that the water that we saw at every turn of the road is really seawater and not a flowing river. It's really difficult to explain without a picture (I am not even sure if any photo will do justice to the actual sight), you've really got to see for yourself to understand what we mean by the sea pretending to be a river!


And finally we reached our destination and found ourselves facing a most quaint little chapel. Set against the mountains and fronting the sea, it's got to be one of the most peaceful and beautiful spot I've seen thus far on this island.




Ros taking a picture of the interior of the chapel; Ros posing at the chapel yard.


Another shot with my Narao papa & mama, that's what they call themselves :D


The Hanasakis had something on in the evening and were apologetic for not bringing us out for dinner. What they didn't know was that me and Ros had greater dinner plan awaiting us, a belated Lo Hei in the middle of March! Ros got her mom to send her a packet of yusheng which she brought all the way to Nagasaki just so we could lo hei together, haha :)


And here's a look at the dish that brought much comfort for 2 Singaporeans seeking a little taste of home :)

posted by テレサ @ 3:10 PM