Ishigaki

This is our view out our room--not too shabby!!!

We arrived on this tiny island around 7 pm 
after a bumpy flight. Of course, Steve slept through it all--- but they were not even serving beverages-- due to the bumpiness. I did not like that, but I never felt like I was not safe. JAL is the airline, and they are a darn good airline. For some reason they can always leave and arrive ON TIME, and planes are clean, every little thing--down to your trays, work--they are just all around good.


Our hotel was not far from this airport--however, the drive through the little town we saw, told us right away, sure hope this is a good hotel, because there is NOT MUCH here in the way of FOOD!! We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived, the hotel was really very nice!! They had 4 different restaurants, a spa, onsen, indoor and outdoor pool--- all that we would need.  We, of course had to try the food out pretty quickly. We were not disappointed. We went to the tappenyaki grill, and it was FANTASTIC!! Ishigaki is known for its beef, I am pretty sure they do not import, but it was just as good ---if not better-- than the famous Kobe beef. It was delicious, so you know we were happy!!!

Our first days there, we were both really into very good books. Me, a James Patterson, and Steve a Tom Clancy, so we were perfectly happy to wander a little, then read. This hotel has a 'kids camp' that is very active, so there were lots and lots of families at the resort. We had a fantastic view of the ocean, and pool so we were not complaining.


One day we went to Takietomi island-- about 20 minute boat ride from Ishigaki. This island has no paved roads, but very few cars, and we took a bus to the center of the small island. That is where we rode on the water buffalo carts. The tour guide spoke only Japanese, so Steve and I had to make up our own version of what he was saying about the town. We guess they are all afraid of some demons, because EVERY structure had this little gargoyle-like figure, on the 'slant' of the roof, that we are sure kept the demons away!! 
There was not much to do on this island so after our ride, and an ice cream cone, we went back to Ishigaki.

One of the little guys, but he is on a wall, and has GLASSES!!!

It was a very relaxing trip, we are glad we went, but would not go back. Now--- perhaps to the big island of Okinawa (which is where we THOUGHT we were going) we would go to, but only if the opportunity presents itself.
Here are some pictures from our quiet week end in Ishigaki.