Shiraishi Island

We went to Shirashi for the end of Obon. Obon is a week where the spirits return to their families to visit. At the end of the week on the island, they send out paper lanterns on the water that represent the spirits returning to their home. Following that there is a traditional dance on the beach. We were the only foreigners wearing Yukatas. As a result, we made it onto Kasaoka TV. Multiple times. Kinda funny really. We watched the festivities for a while and Gifford even joined the circle. Afterwards we had a huge BBQ on the beach. Wonderful cooks at our hotel made so much food that we shared with any locals nearby. The entire time was just a good relaxation after the workout we got hiking all around Kyoto in the heat. I had a baby puffer fish following me in the water. It's whats for dinner... Basically we played frisbee, slept in hammocks and hung out with our friends Paul and Amy at the Moooo Bar on the beach. Good times.