aaaaaaah

It is so good to get away from the city. Miyazaki is sometimes called "the island within an island" because of its isolation. Located in the south-eastern corner of the southern island of Kyushu, it has only one substantial city (not much in a country of 127 million) and no high-speed trains.

Which makes it ideal, as far as I'm concerned.

At this time of year, the crops are already in, the loudest and largest of the insects have already had their day, and the next year's cycle is already in the works. This is a place that sees citrus ripen in January!

We're staying at Mari's parents' place, and while the doorways only come up to my shoulders I find it a really relaxing place. The whole family shows up on our occasional visits, and everybody just seems to get along great.

We're here 'til Tuesday this time, one of our longer visits.