2020 was the first year of my life that I have not gone to the beach. Very rare for a man from the islands. I could not let two years pass and not dip into the planet covering spiritual waters. Though not all beaches are made the same, you learn to appreciate them all.
Last week a group of us headed down to shizuoka prefecture to a town called Ito. Shizuoka was the first prefecture I lived in when I came to Japan. A small fishing village called Heda. Why did I decide to live there? well, I wanted to be close to the sea.
Play this mix as you read through the post. It is a lovers rock mix by Dj Easy, the perfect beach vibes IMO.
The weather forecast stated that it would rain all week but our spot was already booked and paid for, so there was no turning back. The day before the trip I made sure to ask the creator for at least one sunny day to indulged in some sun, sand and sea. It was granted and even though we arrived at the beach while it was raining, we just did our thing. The kids quickly jumped into the cold ocean and the adults cracked opened their beers (well except the few of us that were driving). It is then the sun came out, there were a few scattered showers but it was mostly decent weather.
I like to grab shots of random things when I go on trips, not just the members as I know they all have those photos under control. Here are some of those pics. Below we can see some seagulls perched on wave blockers while a boat passes in the background with a mini island behind it.
The picture below was taken from our spot on the beach but towards the street. I like how they planted up the palm trees to give that tropical vibe. That mature women to the left looked really fit strutting down the street while taking in the beach festivities.
Random older dudes on the beach drinking the day away. I liked the background of this shot as you can see the colorful tents in the background as well as the houses on the hill overlooking the sea.
It was my youngest's first time going to the beach, he really enjoyed it. He didn't do any diving though, more dipping while I held him and floating on his frog float. Each time I brought him back to shore, he slowly found his way back to the sea. So there is no relaxing and just chilling when you have the kids around. As someone mentioned to me, "when you bring kids on vacation, is it really a vacation?". Well I believe it is, but for the kids, not you the parent.😄
What do you think? Is it a vacation when you go with kids?
We had two full tents for our crew so even if it rained we were covered. The beaches here can be pricey but you just have to go with the money flow. Parking alone cost 2,000 Yen for the day and for adults it is 1,000 yen to enter the beach. kids under the age of 10 get in free. The fee includes use of their facilities like shower, lounge, the tents, chairs etc.
These beach houses are a common sight on Japanese beaches, they offer simple foods and of course liquor, their main money maker. They usually serve foods such as ramen, corn dogs, fried chicken , shrimps, Oysters and more. Vegans, you would probably have to bring your own eats.
Here he goes again, heading to the sea and playing with his float. It was like a distraction, like he was only playing with the float but he slowly drifted towards the sea. can't keep your eyes off the youngsters.
In the pic below you can see my twins, boy did they have fun. At times you have to wonder if they remember all these places they have been to as they are ready to get rowdy on days when we just stay in. Yup, the vacations/trips are for the kids now and it is your job as an parent to make sure they have a good time. Doesn't mean you can't have fun too, just means you have to be more responsible. No getting drunk and passing out on the beach waking up the next day and doing it again...who even does that though?
This is a pic of the beach next-door that I took. It is run by a different set of hustlers' with their own beach house. I have a feeling the Yakuza have their hands in this business in someway, maybe owning the beach house and renting it out as well as dibs on the liquor. Just an assumption.
As I was taking care of the toddler, I did not really take part in a lot of the beach festivities. Not really my thing either, the beach is for chilling and meditating in my world. But the crew did some fun stuff like beach volleyball, flag race, and the sand man with the third hand.😄
Even our friend here got a third leg, not sure what happened to the peak. smart move using a cup to make the shaft though 😄. She was drunk and almost sleeping when twi dudes dug a whole and placed her in there. she is a good sport though.
We spent our time at this spacious longhouse. The road to get here wasn't the greatest and it was rainy, I actually had a few tire slips. At the spot we mainly just chilled, BBQ-ed and the drinkers got drunk while the kids played games. Were covid protocols followed, not really, we only wore masks when out in public places like at the marina or restaurants but the hands were sanitized.
Some of the dudes on the trip brought their snorkels and caught all these shell fish. I do partake at times but it is not really my thing. They go well with liquor, I tell you that though.
The sushi here was really fresh (of course right, being by the sea and all). You could really taste the difference. Pricey, large and worth it is how I would describe these sushi bowls. I don't even think one person needs one for themselves.
It was a good trip, wonderful memories made but now it is back to reality. The truth is it is easier for me to be at work but I'd rather be with the fam.
Cheers 🥂 bull run or not, there is always money to be made and lessons to be learn. have a blessed week peeps.
Posted via ReggaeJahm | Reggae Culture Rewarded
