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This summer I was able to return home to see family and friends for the first time in 3 years. The best word to describe the experience from beginning to end is "FANTASTIC"! I was able to see everyone I wanted to see and do everything I wanted to do. My only regret was that the time passed by so quickly. Although I didn't take a lot of photos while I was away, I did take a few. This is perhaps my favorite. It was taken while walking with a dear friend from her house to the country church I attended when I was young. It was such a glorious morning and my heart was full... 
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We went on yet another short trip to Awaji Shima – our third since the new year. We ended up staying in the small town of Sumoto. This wasn't our first time staying there since usually, we visit in February when it is much colder, and our options are limited. This time the weather was gorgeous, and we spent most of our time outside exploring the town and enjoying the beach. We also discovered some fantastic local restaurants. On the morning we left, we visited a local indigo dying studio, AiAii, which had a small shop. They grow the plants used for dyeing locally, and the process is very time-consuming. It was all very interesting, and I'd love to take one of their workshops one day. We will be back – but probably not until next year. Sumoto Trip Advisor: www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1022843-Sumoto_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html AiAii (Japanese): aiaii.blue/ AiAii FB Page (English): https://www.facebook.com/AiAiiIndigo/  The beach at Sumoto  The beach at Sumoto  The beach at Sumoto: Looking back at our hotel  The view of Sumoto from the 8th floor terrace of our hotel. We ate our convenience store breakfast up there with not a soul around.  A morning stroll through Sumoto  And a return to the beach On Awaji Shima, there is a famous weeping plum tree called 八木のしだれ梅 (Yagi No Shidare Ume / Yagi's Weeping Plum). It's a single tree and is spectacular when it is in full bloom! It's located in the countryside at the Murakami residence and is a popular place to visit in the early spring. This was our second visit to see this tree. The first time the tree was in full bloom. This time, it still had at least another week to go, even though we were visiting on the exact same day as the year before. Ah, well. It had been unusually cold for most of February, resulting in everything being a bit behind. Not to worry, though! It was still stunning. If you'd like to know more about the tree, visit the links below. English: https://yousakana.jp/weeping-plum/ Japanese: https://kankouawaji.com/yagiplum18/ (Oh, by the way! The last time we visited, they were selling small weeping plum trees - the same kind as the one in their yard. We bought one, brought it home, and this spring, it bloomed! I posted a photo of it on February 28th.)  Yagi's Weeping Plum Tree at the Murakami residence, Awaji Shima, Japan  Yagi's Weeping Plum Blossoms, Awaji Shima, Japan  Yagi's Weeping Plum Blossoms, Awaji Shima, Japan  Yagi's Weeping Plum Blossoms, Awaji Shima, Japan  The Murakami residence, Awaji Shima, Japan  Looking away from the Murakami residence, Awaji Shima, Japan (My husband is heading for the car. The parking lot is usually full but not today.) I love visiting Awaji Shima, and we go several times a year, usually in the early spring when we have a break from work. We always drive and, over time, we have discovered many enjoyable places to visit, shop, and eat. There's always more to explore, of course, but still, it's fun to revisit the familiar. (One of my favourite stops is a store for local farmers. I have found many treasures there that I can't get in the big city!) The next few posts will be related to our last visit in late February. It was pretty windy and chilly with highs of +7°C, but the sun was out, and spring was in the air. We had a wonderful time! We always do! (^.~)  The view from the pier within minutes from our hotel.  A closer look later in the day  One of the many stray cats along the pier. Food had been left out for them but they did not like people. On Monday, we enjoyed a short trip to Awaji Shima. My husband found a hotel offering a last-minute discount – it's off-season after all – so off we went. Our hotel had a fantastic view of the ocean, so we decided to get up early to view the 6:40 am sunrise. Ah, glorious!  Awaji Shima Sunrise |
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I'm a photographer based in Osaka, Japan. I love to take photographs. I like to share.
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