This past weekend, Mr. and I attended a going away party for one of the other Flyboys in our Squadron. It was a wonderful gathering, and I made homemade guacamole and salsa! The wife of the Flyboy who is leaving has had the pleasure of working with some of the local nationals in her office, and they also happen to be part of a local Okinawan dance troupe. So, for her going away present, they performed some traditional dances and played the drums. Mr. and I had heard of these performances, but we have never had the time or chance to experience one up close and so personal. It did not disappoint! Although, by the end of the 20 minute performance both of our ears were ringing and I had a slight headache.
The young men who play the drums were AMAZING! I have no idea how they muster the strength to play so vigorously and with such passion too. Five minutes into the set, both of them were sweating, but smiling! The drums are covered in Habu Skin. Yes, Habu, as in the deadly Habu Viper here on Okinawa. Those snakes are super deadly, but it did make me kinda sad to see the skins used to cover the drums.
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