yup, it's still beach weather in Japan

Just got back from Iritahama beach in Shimoda, on the Izu peninsula, about 3 hours southwest of Tokyo by train. We were there with a half dozen other families from the British School (but without Terry, who, sadly, is away on a business trip). We all stayed in the Azul beachside hotel, a very short distance away from the shore.

On Saturday a few of the Japanese moms organized a suica wari, or watermelon smash: kids take turns trying to split the fruit open with a big stick, then everybody eats the watermelon afterward. The kids were blindfolded and spun around three times, and had to walk a few yards to their target while everybody shouted orders (take another giant step forward! turn to your left! no, your other left!). Only one child made contact. (Su, one of the moms, had to finish it off.) It was almost as frustrating as watching a bunch of kids try to whack open a pinata at a birthday party (and those ribbons are such a cheat!). It was good watermelon though.

Clare, holding the stick, helped get everybody organized.
Conor's turn! Spectators from left to right: Jinu, Yuto, Kiho, Kiho's dad, Dylan and Maya.There was more watermelon on Sunday. Tomoya, 2, ate three slices.
That's his brother Yuto and their mother Aki in the white bonnet..