A Few Quick Photos...

Well, I had another wonderful and busy week. Yet again I found myself in Kyushu, this time in Usuki to see "Himatsuri" (Fire Festival). Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Umm, there's a lot going on here recently, all good, but things are very, very busy. When I get a chance I'll write an update on all the details (soon, I hope). In the meantime, please forgive me if communication lags a bit. I really will get on top of emails, blog, and calls again soon!

PS - These pictures are in reverse order, starting from evening and moving to morning. Sorry, my blogger was acting a little wierd...


These Buddhas are carved into the mountainside (landscape view in a photo below)

One of many fires along the mountain path

All those little glittering lights are individual fires...hope this gives you some idea of the size/scope of the festival

A volunteer wearing happi manages the fire...

Lanscape view of some Buddhas carved into the mountainside

Our gang and the Kadota extended family, Yumi's family house in Oita-ken

Interior, cave
Waterfall, entrance to cave
Stone Bridge, Oita-ken


Left to Right: Yumi, Kai, Ms. Shimauchi, Andrea, Aaron on the ferry to Kyushu