Wide open space, blue sky, green grass, sandy beaches (even some fun waves!), good food and friends. What a great long weekend we just had down south in Kochi. I couldn’t have asked for more (except perhaps for better surf).
As per usual our departure time was delayed, so it wasn’t until about 3pm that we eventually managed to get away from Tokushima. After passing through the many tunnels that disect Shikoku’s rugged mountainous interior, we reached the south coast of the island. It was still a considerable drive after exiting the highway, so it was well and truly dark by the time we reached our destination, a campground by Irino-Matsubara Beach.
Our friends En, Chiharu & Latch had arrived ahead of us and kindly reserved a campsite for us. They also very kindly helped us erect our tent after we arrived. After putting Reni and Syd to bed, we enjoyed a few beers and a delicious spicy Indian-style curry cooked by Latch.
The following day the weather was gorgeous. After a leisurely breakfast En, Chiharu, Latch and I headed off for a surf. The beach was only a short walk from the campground along a trail through a thin strip of protective pines. Yoko and the boys followed soon after. While they built sandcastles and dipped their feet, we enjoyed the small fun waves.
After a pleasant morning at the beach we headed off down the road in search of an udon noodle restaurant owned by an acquaintance, Manabu, a local surfer. Following a good hearty slurping of noodles we went outside to soak up the sun and enjoy the fantastic location. The boys had a ball running around,laughing and playing on the big wooden deck and wide expanse of lawn beachside.
The day finished as it had begun for us guys - in the water. While we surfed, Yoko and Chiharu took the boys to a nearby horse stable. The boys were curious about the horses but didn’t get a good chance to see them as they’d already been put inside for the night.
Our second night was much the same as our first. After a wash at the local onsen baths we gave Syd and Reni their dinner and put them to bed. For our dinner we enjoyed some local fish and snacks and another spicy curry, again courtesy of Latch.
The last day of our trip also wasa repeat of the previous day. While we went surfing Yoko and the boys went back to the stables. This time the horses were outside and within reach. Reni was quite prepared to pat them (unlike dogs) however often fearless Syd took a while and a cried a few tears before he overcame his fear.
To complete our trip we had udon noodles for lunch once again. After allowing the boys some time to burn up some energy running about we set off on the long drive back home, content after a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.
I admit I am a little biased however Reni’s class was without doubt the stars of the show. They performed a play titled “Buremen no ongakutai” (The Band of Bremen) as well as the opening and closing numbers.
Reni was one of four robbers in the play. He and his mates looked very cool in their black and blue robber costumes. They clearly enjoyed their roles too.
