For Friday - photos from last months travel to Miyazaki's Aoshima island separated from the mainland by "The Devil's Washboard of Aoshima" or in Japanese, "Oni no Sentakuita."
First, a meal and pastries at the nearby shopping plaza. The shu-cream, or in English, Cream Puff, was the best I've ever had in Japan.
w
Images from the island itself which was the Mecca for honeymooners in Japan in past decades when travel abroad was prohibitive. In the 60s and 70s busloads of newly marrieds would come from all over Japan to Aoshima Island and its shrine. Note the tied items on the hanging rope which couples would affix to guarantee their happy future. The land bridge to the island is made of crushed shells which are natural to the area and at the shrine special shells found and left there also bring good luck as seen in a below photo.
The below pictured "washboard" formation as seen from the land bridge is naturally created and not man made.
Should add that in the first photo the dish on the far left is Chicken Nanban. It was "invented" in Miyazaki by a chef cooking for factory workers back in the late 50s or early 60s. It has since taken off to become popular all over Japan but still mostly found in Miyazaki. Basically it is a breaded chicken cutlet which has been marinated in a special sauce and then topped with tarter sauce.
Images from the island itself which was the Mecca for honeymooners in Japan in past decades when travel abroad was prohibitive. In the 60s and 70s busloads of newly marrieds would come from all over Japan to Aoshima Island and its shrine. Note the tied items on the hanging rope which couples would affix to guarantee their happy future. The land bridge to the island is made of crushed shells which are natural to the area and at the shrine special shells found and left there also bring good luck as seen in a below photo.
The below pictured "washboard" formation as seen from the land bridge is naturally created and not man made.
Added history relating to Aoshima Island:
Tripadvisor has listed Aoshima Island as number one out of 118 things to do/visit in Kyushu's Miyazaki region. Until 1737 mere mortals were not allowed on the island and in 1934 the unique rock formations surrounding it were designated as a National Natural Monument.
After then Crown Prince Akihito (who subsequently became Emperor Akihito) and Empress Michiko visited the Island it became a popular domestic tourist attraction especially for honeymooning couples who came there to seek blessings for their own marriages. Primary attractions on the small island include Aoshima Shrine at its center and nearby Moto Miya - a praying spot for seeking good fortune in marriage. One can hang plaques with written wishes along the pathway between the two or at Moto Miya toss clay discs into a roped off area while making wishes or either tie small colored paper strings to ropes dangling between two trees for good luck or toss shells at another circular roped off area on top of a large rock to accomplish same.
The small island which can be walked across in less than 20 minutes is connected to the mainland by Yayoi Bridge which extends onto a beach of crushed shells rather than sand making it ideal for walking even when raining. As one exits the bridge and approaches the pathway to the shrine there is a huge Tori Gate under which one walks. Such Tori Gates symbolize leaving the earthly realm for a sacred one. In fact, Shinto belief is that this island is a power center in the Universe and enshrined on it are ancestors of Japan's Emperors who are believed to have descended from these non mortals.
For those fortunate enough to cross Yayoi Bridge at low tide the above referenced unique rock formations that surround the island become evident. As revealed in my photos below, their straight lines make them appear to be man made. However, they have been formed by the action of the ocean waves pounding on the island's strata consisting of alternating sandstone and mudstone over a time period of 7 million years. Their appearance is of a wash board and they are so named as being the Devil's Washboard as translated from the Japanese, "Oni no Sentakuita."
The island is also known for a unique variety of subtropical palm tree and the area's flora is further celebrated by the tropical plants maintained at Miyakoh Botanical Garden located just a few minutes from the mainland side of Yayoi Bridge.
Diamond Mine
The Koffiefontein diamond mine in Koffiefontein, Free State Province, South Africa, has been operational since the late 19th century. Starting out as a relatively small mine, it's continued to grow and expand over the years, eventually turning into the gargantuan pit that it is today.
KOFFIEFONTEIN
Mining first started at Koffiefontein over 140 years ago and the mine’s remarkable longevity is a testament to its quality.
Koffiefontein is a low grade deposit, but this is countered by the very high value of its diamond production. The mine produces white stones of exceptional quality, a regular proportion of which are of between 5 and 30 carats, and occasional fancy pink diamonds. In 1994, a 232 carat diamond was recovered at Koffiefontein, being the largest rough diamond ever produced by the mine.
FY 2022 production at Koffiefontein totalled 35,302 carats.
Not sure what happened to JWP's posted photo of the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Akagi, but below is my posting adding some additional history with regard to the Akagi. (This was a lesson I prepared for Japanese college students when I was teaching them in Japan.)
Today, October 22, 2019, as we meet here in class at 1PM on the campus of this International College, some 120 miles south of us in Tokyo Japan on the grounds of the Imperial Palace Japan’s newest emperor, Emperor Naruhito is being enthroned in a ceremony attended by royalty and world dignitaries including Prince Charles of Great Britain and U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The fact that Japan is able to enthrone an Emperor today is a consequence of provisions in the Japanese Constitution to which the United States of America concurred at the end of World War II.
At the beginning of this week on October 20, 2019 an historic underwater discovery was made locating and photographing the wreck of the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Akagi which had sunk in the turning point Naval Battle of Midway in June of 1942. This historic find following last week’s location of the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Kaga. Yet to be found are the remaining two sunken Japanese Carriers, Soryu and Hiryu. Only one other ship from that battle had previously been discovered through undersea exploration, the U.S.S. Yorktown, the only United States Aircraft Carrier to go down. It was located in 1998 by Robert Ballard more famously known for finding The Titanic. The recent findings were directed by Robert Kraft who stated about this week’s discovery that, “It’s about education and, you know, bringing history back to life for future generations.”
As we have already discussed, The Naval Battle of Midway was a turning point for the United States in World War II. It was the first Naval Battle that Japan had lost in over 50 years and followed Japan’s successful attack on Pearl Harbor by only six months. Although out numbered by ships and with all of its battleships either sunk or damaged by the prior attack, the advance notice due to code breaking of communications relating to Japan’s intended surprise attack gave the advantage to the United States.
Concurrent with the intended invasion of Midway, the Japanese also attacked and invaded the Aleutian Islands in Alaska with the likely intent of diverting the United States attention and resources away from defending Midway. They also likely desired a military presence in Alaska to discourage the Allies from approaching Japan through Alaska. In June of 1942 after attacking United States’ military bases at Dutch Harbor, located in the Alaska Aleutian Islands, Japan seized both the United States Aleutian islands of Attu and Kiska. The battle to retake Attu approximately a year later in May of 1943 is memorable in United States History as the only land battle of World War II fought on American soil. 2,000 Japanese, including many led by the Bonsai Charge of Japanese Colonel Yamasaki, died along with 1,000 Americans. Before Kiska could be retaken, under the cover of fog the Japanese had evacuated it before the United States troops landed there on August 15, 1943.
Comments
Friday
For Friday - photos from last months travel to Miyazaki's Aoshima island separated from the mainland by "The Devil's Washboard of Aoshima" or in Japanese, "Oni no Sentakuita."
First, a meal and pastries at the nearby shopping plaza. The shu-cream, or in English, Cream Puff, was the best I've ever had in Japan.
Images from the island itself which was the Mecca for honeymooners in Japan in past decades when travel abroad was prohibitive. In the 60s and 70s busloads of newly marrieds would come from all over Japan to Aoshima Island and its shrine. Note the tied items on the hanging rope which couples would affix to guarantee their happy future. The land bridge to the island is made of crushed shells which are natural to the area and at the shrine special shells found and left there also bring good luck as seen in a below photo.
The below pictured "washboard" formation as seen from the land bridge is naturally created and not man made.
Should add that in the first photo the dish on the far left is Chicken Nanban. It was "invented" in Miyazaki by a chef cooking for factory workers back in the late 50s or early 60s. It has since taken off to become popular all over Japan but still mostly found in Miyazaki. Basically it is a breaded chicken cutlet which has been marinated in a special sauce and then topped with tarter sauce.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
It's time
.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Algarve Downhill Championship Yesterday...
@JWP let me know this may be a prototype using a gyroscopic system to stabilize it. Thanks!
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
A dreary day in Boston today
.
.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Vintage Ads
.
.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
>
Added history relating to Aoshima Island:
Tripadvisor has listed Aoshima Island as number one out of 118 things to do/visit in Kyushu's Miyazaki region. Until 1737 mere mortals were not allowed on the island and in 1934 the unique rock formations surrounding it were designated as a National Natural Monument.
After then Crown Prince Akihito (who subsequently became Emperor Akihito) and Empress Michiko visited the Island it became a popular domestic tourist attraction especially for honeymooning couples who came there to seek blessings for their own marriages. Primary attractions on the small island include Aoshima Shrine at its center and nearby Moto Miya - a praying spot for seeking good fortune in marriage. One can hang plaques with written wishes along the pathway between the two or at Moto Miya toss clay discs into a roped off area while making wishes or either tie small colored paper strings to ropes dangling between two trees for good luck or toss shells at another circular roped off area on top of a large rock to accomplish same.
The small island which can be walked across in less than 20 minutes is connected to the mainland by Yayoi Bridge which extends onto a beach of crushed shells rather than sand making it ideal for walking even when raining. As one exits the bridge and approaches the pathway to the shrine there is a huge Tori Gate under which one walks. Such Tori Gates symbolize leaving the earthly realm for a sacred one. In fact, Shinto belief is that this island is a power center in the Universe and enshrined on it are ancestors of Japan's Emperors who are believed to have descended from these non mortals.
For those fortunate enough to cross Yayoi Bridge at low tide the above referenced unique rock formations that surround the island become evident. As revealed in my photos below, their straight lines make them appear to be man made. However, they have been formed by the action of the ocean waves pounding on the island's strata consisting of alternating sandstone and mudstone over a time period of 7 million years. Their appearance is of a wash board and they are so named as being the Devil's Washboard as translated from the Japanese, "Oni no Sentakuita."
The island is also known for a unique variety of subtropical palm tree and the area's flora is further celebrated by the tropical plants maintained at Miyakoh Botanical Garden located just a few minutes from the mainland side of Yayoi Bridge.
Hopefully there is some parking immediately behind the structure.
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Athens Greece
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
My YouTube Channel
Diamond Mine
The Koffiefontein diamond mine in Koffiefontein, Free State Province, South Africa, has been operational since the late 19th century. Starting out as a relatively small mine, it's continued to grow and expand over the years, eventually turning into the gargantuan pit that it is today.
KOFFIEFONTEIN
Mining first started at Koffiefontein over 140 years ago and the mine’s remarkable longevity is a testament to its quality.
Koffiefontein is a low grade deposit, but this is countered by the very high value of its diamond production. The mine produces white stones of exceptional quality, a regular proportion of which are of between 5 and 30 carats, and occasional fancy pink diamonds. In 1994, a 232 carat diamond was recovered at Koffiefontein, being the largest rough diamond ever produced by the mine.
FY 2022 production at Koffiefontein totalled 35,302 carats.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
The North End - Boston
.
.
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Not sure what happened to JWP's posted photo of the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Akagi, but below is my posting adding some additional history with regard to the Akagi. (This was a lesson I prepared for Japanese college students when I was teaching them in Japan.)
Today, October 22, 2019, as we meet here in class at 1PM on the campus of this International College, some 120 miles south of us in Tokyo Japan on the grounds of the Imperial Palace Japan’s newest emperor, Emperor Naruhito is being enthroned in a ceremony attended by royalty and world dignitaries including Prince Charles of Great Britain and U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The fact that Japan is able to enthrone an Emperor today is a consequence of provisions in the Japanese Constitution to which the United States of America concurred at the end of World War II.
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Rainbow over Oahu:
From the new Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor:
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members