Smiley Faces

22 years ago we first set foot on land in Japan.

That was after a yacht race: sailing 5500 miles from Auckland, NZ to Fukuoka.

One of the first Japanese people we met was Mr Nagazawa and his wife. He promised to look after us and he STILL does so, so we think he is our best Paparin!

That time our boat was sy Jan Haring and for the race we had extra crew on board: Sister Marleen.

Now Marleen and hubby Loek are visiting us... a good reason for a reunion.

Hence this picture with Smiley Faces;-)

BTW, it is Yamakasa Time here in Fukuoka, we are standing in front of one of the display floats. The thingy is 20 metres tall...oops didn't fit on the same picture.  Read More