Shikinejima - Day 2

I love nights when I go to bed deliriously happy. Today was one of the most laidback, relaxing days I’ve had in probably more than a year. We swam, we ate delicious Japanese food, we spent time with friends, and we just enjoyed being together. 

I awoke at 6:30 in the morning to the sounds of my husband and son whispering to each other. I awoke well rested, despite sleeping on a thin futon. Since I sleep on a mattress at home, getting a good nights sleep on a futon can be a gamble. We took our time getting ready and joined our friends for breakfast at 7. 

Breakfast was delicious, with the exception of the raw egg. The egg is beaten and mixed with hot rice. Although most Americans run away screaming about salmonella, I don’t indulge because I don’t care for the texture. My husband loves it so much he ate mine as well as his own. 

After we filled ourselves, we walked over to the bicycle rental shop. Although the island isn’t very big, I didn’t want to haul beach supplies all over. We tossed our bag, floatation devices, and kid onto the bikes and headed off for a different picturesque beach. 

A short bike ride and several stairs later we arrived. The water did not disappoint. After setting up our little pop up shelter, we dove right in. The water was warm, with cool currents. There were rocky areas and sandy areas, which allowed for lots of diverse sea creatures. We saw fish and crabs, mostly. 

For the next 7 hours, we played and played and played. We stopped for short stints of drinking fluids, playing in the shade, and eating lunch. 

Around 4, we headed back to the minshuku the long way. We took out time and rode the loop around most of the island. We then returned our bikes and relaxed a bit before dinner. Dinner was simple, yet delicious. Although we loved everything, we all agreed that we could eat a vat of the potato salad. 

Night had begun to fall as we dined, so we headed back to the beach as soon as we were done. The kids were excited to do sparklers on the beach in the dark. It took us a while to get everything in order, as it was windy and although our candle was in a hole, the flame kept going out. The struggle was worth it, as the kids loved lighting the fiery sticks. 

Although it seemed like we had bought a ton, it didn’t take 6 kids very long to set them all off. When we were all done, we all sat on the beach for a while gazing at the bright stars and listening to the waves lapping in. We saw a couple shooting stars which excited the kids to no end. 

It was such a magical day. I’m so thankful that we’re here.