Picture: Local Artists performing with their Taiko Drum

I have organized many teacher training workshops and art retreats in my teaching career and so I know it takes many hours of hard work and brainpower to organize meaningful and interesting activities. The Setouchi Rally committee did such thorough job that I can't imagine how they did it. Besides the innovative activities, they had pages of detailed events, information on sites visited, tide-tables, charts and more. Amongst the committee members, there must be many talented people, including people with advanced technology skills.

When we returned from the ryokan experience ("ryokan" is a traditional Japanese Inn), we had another party sponsored by Nio Marina and the local community. Again the food was delicious and the drink plentiful. The most memorable thing about the setting was a gorgeous sunset overlooking the marina from the upstairs veranda. It was as if the sky was displaying a light show; it went from yellow-orange to orange, to orange-red and then to dark red with the silhouette of masts and palm trees in the foreground.

During dinner, Gail from S/V "Fifth Season" entertained us by singing and playing her harp, which was lovely. After dinner there was a special presentation by local artists; Taiko drummers. The Taiko drummers had only one big drum between them and were dressed in loose tan colored shirts, shorts, leather sandals laced to the knee, and masks with wigs. The purpose for their attire, and loud drumming, was to frighten away the evil spirits. After performing, the drummers invited guests to play their drum. We all tried it, four people at a time, and it was so therapeutic! It was like taking out all our excess energy, anger and frustrations on the drum and yet it still sounded melodious. We appreciated the taste of Japanese tradition.