Shirahama (白浜) revisited
Summer. Hot and humid. What that all calls for?
That's right. Beaches.
So, like two years ago, the Brazilian group in Kyoto - myself included - left to Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture from August 14th to August 17th.
This time, though, we decided to have a little more comfort during the trip. No more Seishun 18 Kippu. We took a "highway bus" (高速バス) to Shirahama instead. It's just a couple of hundred yen more expensive, and it stops just beside the main beach, while Shirahama Station is kilometers away.
The only setback is that since we went during Obon. That meant crowded roads that delayed our bus by more than one hour and a half... And since I am such an airhead, I also forgot my "beach supplies" inside the bus as we arrived in Shirahama. Fortunately, I was able to recover it the next day thanks to the lady at the ticket shop.
Like we did two years ago, this year we also stayed at the university beach house: Shirahama Umi no Ie (白浜海の家). This time the place went through reforms (it's safe to say they rebuilt the whole thing) between 2007 and 2008 and looked brand new.
The obasan was still there, but this time the group figured out how to deal with her. Wake up early, clean your mess and pamper her a little bit and you're good to go. Ah, and don't break the rules.
That being said, the group went all days to the beach. With some other activities around. On the first day, the skies were perfectly clear; an excellent weather to watch some shooting stars.
On the second day, the group hit the main beach Shirarahama and met a group of friends who stayed at the same place, playing at Shirarahama until night, when the traditional fireworks festival was held. And this being during Obon, there were also fire lanterns along the beach giving a deep atmosphere to the event.
Third day. Day to play it slow, enjoy the beaches and getting frustrated again for not being able to take a picture of the sunset at Engetsu Island (円月島)... Damn cloudy weather! To compensate, we did the traditional barbeque, but this time with fish and it was delicious! To close the day, nostalgic music by the veranda... Does anyone remember "Mamonas Assassinas"?
For the fourth day, some people decided to do something a bit different and went some touristic spots: Sensojiki (千畳敷) and Sandanbeki (三段壁). Being to the latter for the second time, this time we decided to explore the cave, even though the entrance fee is quite expensive. It was interesting, but we should have gone during the high tide...
After those four days, I returned to Kyoto. Tired, but relaxed.
And during the trip sometimes I remembered the events of two years ago. The group changed a lot from that time, even though the spirit was kept. Going to some places I've been back then made me finally realize that time flies and my turn is coming. Hope someone keeps the "tradition" next year as I'll graduate...
That's right. Beaches.
So, like two years ago, the Brazilian group in Kyoto - myself included - left to Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture from August 14th to August 17th.
This time, though, we decided to have a little more comfort during the trip. No more Seishun 18 Kippu. We took a "highway bus" (高速バス) to Shirahama instead. It's just a couple of hundred yen more expensive, and it stops just beside the main beach, while Shirahama Station is kilometers away.
The only setback is that since we went during Obon. That meant crowded roads that delayed our bus by more than one hour and a half... And since I am such an airhead, I also forgot my "beach supplies" inside the bus as we arrived in Shirahama. Fortunately, I was able to recover it the next day thanks to the lady at the ticket shop.
Like we did two years ago, this year we also stayed at the university beach house: Shirahama Umi no Ie (白浜海の家). This time the place went through reforms (it's safe to say they rebuilt the whole thing) between 2007 and 2008 and looked brand new.
The obasan was still there, but this time the group figured out how to deal with her. Wake up early, clean your mess and pamper her a little bit and you're good to go. Ah, and don't break the rules.
That being said, the group went all days to the beach. With some other activities around. On the first day, the skies were perfectly clear; an excellent weather to watch some shooting stars.
On the second day, the group hit the main beach Shirarahama and met a group of friends who stayed at the same place, playing at Shirarahama until night, when the traditional fireworks festival was held. And this being during Obon, there were also fire lanterns along the beach giving a deep atmosphere to the event.
Third day. Day to play it slow, enjoy the beaches and getting frustrated again for not being able to take a picture of the sunset at Engetsu Island (円月島)... Damn cloudy weather! To compensate, we did the traditional barbeque, but this time with fish and it was delicious! To close the day, nostalgic music by the veranda... Does anyone remember "Mamonas Assassinas"?
For the fourth day, some people decided to do something a bit different and went some touristic spots: Sensojiki (千畳敷) and Sandanbeki (三段壁). Being to the latter for the second time, this time we decided to explore the cave, even though the entrance fee is quite expensive. It was interesting, but we should have gone during the high tide...
After those four days, I returned to Kyoto. Tired, but relaxed.
And during the trip sometimes I remembered the events of two years ago. The group changed a lot from that time, even though the spirit was kept. Going to some places I've been back then made me finally realize that time flies and my turn is coming. Hope someone keeps the "tradition" next year as I'll graduate...
1 comment:
So nice to see you're having a good time there, Madness!
Also, it's really interesting revisitng places where you've been, specially places abroad our original country.
Many things really change in 2 years nowadays. I expect to see you soon. Shirahama seems to be really peaceful altough you've said it was full because of the obon period.
Beaches and Japan really don't fit me (really) right in my head. I've been there in summer, but it's nice to see japanese people spending days on the beach more or less "like" in Brazil.
Nice photos! Looks like you've enjoyed very much!
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