Taketomi
We are on Taketomi, a tropical island near Taiwan. Taketomi is a living museum, with strict building laws to keep its traditional appearance. One third of the population is over 70 years old. Homes on Taketomi are guarded by vicious and funny looking Shiisa.
We found these clay lion-dog hybrids on roofs and gateposts. The male shows his fangs to scare away evil while the She-shiisas keep their mouth closed to make sure good luck stays with those they protect.
A walk on the beach revealed thousands of hermit crabs (and one cat) sifting through the debris washed ashore with each tide. Timid at first, their beach comber’s curiosity eventually gets the better of them and they check out the giants who picked them up.
We also saw these shrimp and fish made from drinking straws and plastic cord.
