Day Fifteen

Tuesday, October 30th

Well ladies and gentlemen it is with great trepidation that we will be boarding the first of two flights back to American within less than 15 hours. We have had an amazing time with our good friends. They have been MORE than hospitable and it is amazing that four totally different people and personalities have co-existed for over two weeks without a single issue. It reminded me of being in college again with wonderful roommates. But you had a bunk mate this time :) and there wasn't a weird roommate with crazy issues.

Matt and I have enjoyed seeing a totally different part of the world. They enabled us to see things that I never thought possible.

I cant wait to hear what Tara's parents think of Owkinawa. Get exited!!! They will be coming in March for a couple of weeks. I think Tara is going to start her own blog so we can continue to see what they discover.

Today we got up early and did the last few things on our list. We had lunch at Macaroni Grill and took pictures of some things that Matt wanted to see. Tonight we went to dinner at Daniel's NCO Club. We are about to eat our cheesecake!!

Thanks for checking on us. We have enjoyed your comments and we will be back in the states soon. We just have to take two flights and travel back a day in time. ;)

Laura

Day Fourteen

Today we got up and started wrapping up on things that we wanted to do. Tara and I ran some errands and then we all went to a Thai Restaurant. We had never tried it and we were adventurous. It was pretty good, but I am not sure if we would try it again.

Then we came home cause Tara had to teach and I spent time working on our photos and reading. Matt took a nap and watched his new favorite station the military channel.

When Tara got home we had dinner and watched the discovery channel. They headed off to bed and Matt and I worked on getting ready to leave.

I can't believe it is about to end. After months of preparation and planning it is all going to be over. Its been a great trip and its sad to think it will all be over soon and we will never be here again. But lots of great memories and we are very appreciative of Daniel and Tara for having us. They put their lives on hold to entertain us and made sure we got to see lots of cool places. They have been great hosts and we will miss then when we are back in the states. Hope you are all doing well. Time to pack. Laura

Camp Lester

Our Toes

Japanese Ambulance

Day Thirteen

Sunday, October 28th

Today we got a late start. I worked on our pictures, Matt slept, and Tara and Daniel went to a baby shower. When they got back they took us to the officers club for a huge brunch. They had breakfast foods, shrimp, and crab legs.

After that we met up with Tara and Daniel's friends to go to the Shuri Castle Street Festival. We never found the festival but we enjoyed walking up and down the streets. Its similar to being in New York but cleaner. Enlarge the pic below. Its expensive Saki with a prize.

There were some Japanese guys that thought they were in Grease. They had music and were dancing on the sidewalk. One guy split his pants and another one slide across the concrete. Not sure about these guys.

After walking around for a few hours we decided to get dinner. We went to Sam's Anchor. It's similar to our Japanese Steak House. Great food.

The street at night looks like New York.

Great day had by all. Hope you are all doing well.

Laura

Day Twelve

Saturday, October 27th -

Today started off with Tara and Daniel running errands while Matt and I got ready. Then we headed off to the Japanese version of El Corporal (Mike's) for some Mexican food.

I was really upset with myself. After we left the restaurant we pulled up to an intersection and there were a group of Japanese girls on bikes that all matched. I tried to take a picture out the back window and they saw me and started waving and posing for the picture. They were soo cute but the camera wouldn't work and the light changed! BOOO!

Then we headed off to Naha for Shuri Castle. Here is the link for more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuri_Castle

They had dancers entertaining the crowd. It was great to see their costumes and they were soo pale. Here is a picture of all of us in front of the castle. We found another American to help us take a picture.

There were several groups off of the Princess Cruise lines. They were being shuttled around in groups and they all had to wear stickers. It made me think of Grandma Sherman, the Newlin's, and mom and dad.

This is a picture of the King's chair.

Here is a picture of us at sunset overlooking Naha.

When we left we ran into a street festival. It was the Japanese version of Apple Blossom. Very cool! After that we headed home for dinner and watched Mr. Brooks. Have a good day! Laura

Ghost Tour Part 2

This is the inside of the Hospital Hill Cave on base where 17 Japanses women killed themselves with handgrandes instead of being captured by the Americans. Spooky!

Ghost Tour

Here is a picture of the house on base where a military father killed his family. I will include a picture and the article I found on the site. There is a daycare behind the house and it is rumored that two families died in the house and that the daycare children continually through toys over the fence to children they see in the yard playing. Oh course the teachers can not see anything.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=140&article=32897&archive=true

Day Eleven

Friday, October 26th

Tara and I jumped up and got ready for an appointment at Cocok. We had a feet massages and our nails painted. The women there are amazing. They paint whatever you want and do no use a stencil. Totally freehand! I will have to take a picture of our toes.

Then we came home and got the boys motivated. We went to have Sushi at a really cool restaurant. It was really cheap and the plates come by on a belt and you take what you want. You are changed based on the color of plates you have when you finish. Hopefully we can make it back there one more time before we go back to America!

After that we went by the bakery and took Daniel home for a nap. He was soo sleepy :).

The rest of us went shopping and hung out. Close to dinner time we went and got sandwiches because we had to be ready for the ghost tour. Tara signed us all up for a ghost tour of the Island. The Airforce has buses that they use for tours. So we all loaded up and traveled around the base and town looking at haunted sites. Really cool! I will post on that in a minute. We came home and watched a scary movie and Matt watched his new favorite channel the military network. Hope you are all doing well.

Laura

Mr. Champ

Ms. Elle

Matt's Fav Part of the Trip

The Vending Machines

He stops at every one looking to see what is available. He has tried several kinds and we really are into the apple tea in the Coke Machines. They need to bring that to the states. Also, the vending machines are EVERYWHERE! They will even have then in the middle of now where, agriculture fields, on every corner etc. You will be driving along and all of a sudden there will be a vending machine with nothing else around.

Japanese Photo Booth

Update Coming!!

We are off to bed after a long and exciting day. I will post in the morning.
Laura

PS- Here is a pic of Tara and I getting our toes done.

Quote of the Day

"I don't understand how they are so concerned with hygiene and where they wear their shoes when they don't even have soap in the bathroom." - Laura

Check out the moves

The little girls were so cute. Matt video taped the classes.

Day Ten

Thursday - Let's see....what did we got into.

Thursday was another lazy day. We got up late and took showers late. We had a great lunch. Matt and I found this bread in town that is amazing. Tara and Daniel will have to keep going there. We made sandwiches and relaxed.

Late afternoon Matt and I went with Tara to see two of her dance classes. They were so cute. I would like to say that Tara is an amazing modern dancer but she is also soooo great with the kids she works with. They love her and she knows exactly what to do with them.

We came home and Tara and I made tacos and homemade chocolate chip cookies and watched a movie.

Hope you are all doing well. Laura

Day Nine

Let's see what the Americans did today...............

Tara and Daniel both worked. Champ is feeling better! Matt and I hung out until Tara finished this afternoon and then we went to Camp Foster for some personal errands.

After the outing Tara went to workout and the boys have been playing college football on playstation.

Take a good look at the picture. Tara took us to a really sweet restaurant. It's amazing!! I want to open one in the states. We can not tell what the name of it is but we are going to refer to it as Ice. (Kevin and Marcia get excited!!) They bring you out Japanese salad, nan bread, veggies if you want them , steamed rice, and a plate of raw steak. Then you get to cook the steak just as you like it on the fire pit at your table. Great fun! They also had the buzzer for the waiters at the table so they only come when called. I want to open something like this! It would be a huge success. (Oh and you can pick any type of meat you want..one price all you can eat for 1980 yen).

We are now at home. The base is closed for those that want to leave. There were several cars trying to get out. Matt and Daniel are back to playing football and Tara is cleaning up. I am going to help. Ya'll have a great day! It's quiet no planes!
Love Laura

Clothing Specimen

The Japs run around with American T-Shirts with broken English. Please translate the shirt that we saw yesteday at Jusco Mall. Plus what is up with the dual pockets at the bottom?

Club Sega

This place was crazy. Tons of adults everywhere playing video games. They have come a long way from Nintendo Original.

Dinner Last Night

Last night Matt and I went to dinner at Depot Garden. They used jeans for place mats.

Warning! Warning!

So this week is base exercise week. For the past two days we have heard sirens going off and planes flying at all times of the day and night. They are simulating an attack to the base. Pretty interesting its just hard to sleep sometimes with the jet fighters over head.

The Actual House

Tara and Daniel actually live in this brand new apartment building. Its really nice and spacious. There are only 4 apartments per building. They have two big bedrooms, a large kitchen and living room, and an office. There is a porch on the back which Champ likes to go out and sit on and they have lots of closet and storage space.

Day Eight

Not too much to report today. I got up and read book #2 of the trip and Matt watched Monday night football. We hung around the house while Tara taught dance and Daniel took Champ to the vet. He does not have stones or crystals so they are going to try another medication.

In the afternoon Daniel took us into town and dropped us off. Matt and I went into a mall called Jusco that was quite unique. It was like a Macy's with several food courts, a spencers, arcade and a grocery store. We spent a few hours there just looking at what they deem to be "clothes worthy" (still stuck in the 80s) and what they carry in the grocery store.

After that we strolled around to several other free standing stores and went into Club Sega. Similar to a Chuck e Cheese for adults. Matt was very excited!! I will have to show a pic later as it is late and I don't feel like downloading the camera tonight.

Then we went to Depot Garden for dinner. The service was amazing and they take your order on a PDA. America is far behind! And they also have a button you can push when you want your waiter. We need to start that! The food was really good. I had fish and Matt had pasta.

Daniel came to pick us up and we went back to the house for the evening. I watched Daniel play College Football on PlayStation and then we all watched two episodes of The Office.

My mom wanted to see pictures of where Tara lived. Here is a picture of their apartment on base. Their room is the door on the left and ours is on the right. Quite peaceful! And mom you were correct with the picture.

Ya'll have a good day. I am off to bed!

Laura

What is this?

Can anyone guess what this is....anyone...anyone???

Day Eight

Well we havent seen much blog traffic. Maybe you all are tired of looking at our little adventure. We are sorry to report that today did not pack alot of excitement. For starters we got up to watch the Indians lose to the Red Sox. Daniel is still in shock and Tara had to go back to work today. Her feet are hurting and she is overly exhausted as it was parent observation day.

Matt and I hung out around the house. We had lots to eat and read

our books. Daniel did some work related activities and we went to the BX. After Tara got home we went to Chili's for dinner. Hope you are all doing well. Mr. Champ the cat has a urinary problem. Tara and Daniel have been running around behind him cleaning up. Good thing Matt and I are use to it. He is going to the vet tomorrow morning so say a little prayer for him.

Have a great day ya'll. We will be heading to bed shortly.

Love Laura

Day Seven

Today we left the house before 2! YAY! And headed off to the beach at Okuma in Nago. On the way there we stopped at Pineapple Park. (Please refer to quote below). It was a great choice! We were able to sample pineapple wine, cookies, cakes, juice, chocolate, etc......all made of PINEAPPLE! Whew...what an experience. We were able to view lots of different types of plants and pineapples while riding in the pineapple cart. (Please refer to quote below).

We continued north on 58 to our destination. Matt enjoyed taking several and I mean several pictures of the landscape. We finally arrived at Okuma which is a resort/camping/recreation area for the Air Force. They are able to provide lots of entertainment for the Airforce families (golfing, beaches, trails, snorkling, putt putt, etc). We spent several hours on the beach. Everyone but Laura got in the ocean. Afterwards we had dinner at Okuma.

We are now home and ready to relax. Hope you are all doing well.

Laura and Tara

Hair specimens

Remember the '80s? Well they are stuck in it! Look at the haircuts on these fine young gentlemen.

Specimens of the foot

Here is an example of two men and their footwear for a day at the aquarium.As you can see....Tara and I did a great job of making it look like we were not trying to take their picture. Doesn't Tara look cute in pink?

English?

Remember "tuching is bad!"

Quote of the Day

Tara and Daniel took us to Pineapple Park. They have golf carts that run automatically around a track. You are able to view their display and listen to a Japanese lady explain what you are looking at in English and Japanese. Here is the quote of the day given by the Japanese lady.........."Do you know what pineapple means? Let me explain. Pineapple means pine and apples."

We couldn't contain ourselves. The Japanese try so hard to use American terms but it comes out incorrectly. I will have to show some examples of their signs.

So today boys and girls you have now been told that pineapple means "pine and apples."

Matt may not come home!!

While touring the countryside Matt found a Japanese fire station and made some new friends. They were really nice to him and even provided him with a hat, shirt, and stickers. We were there for an hour!

Day 6

Well there is not much to report today. We basically took the day off and rested. The guys watched tv and movies. Tara and I ran a few errands but relaxed as well. We had planned to go to the beach but it was so windy all day that we decided to wait.

Tara made dinner and we just layed around and went to bed early.

Hope you all are having a great weekend. Congrats to Chris and Katie!!
Laura

Squatty Pottys

One of the four of us did use this!~

Peace Park

McDonalds

I guess Ronald has taken up residency in Japan.

Day Five

Well we got started a bit earlier but hung around the house so Daniel could cheer on the Indians. They unfortunately disappointed him!

We took off down the island past Naha to Tomoshiro-City to see the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquaters. The Headquaters were used during World World II. I tried to provide you with a link to the Headquarters history but the internet seems to be touchy today. You can try okinawa.usmc.mil/.../Archive News Pages/2006/060901-cave.html

After that adventure we went to McDonald's for lunch. Let me tell you their McDonalds puts ours to shame. The ladies that work there wear heals, hose, skirts, and work really hard at their job. The place was spotless and they were sooooo friendly. I will post a pic of McDonalds for you.

Then we went to Peace Park which is their World War II monument park. It was great! Matt and Daniel ran around taking pictures of the 50+ monuments and Tara and I enjoyed the view and the stairs. (Japanese people must love to have STAIRS!) My calfs are still hurting.

I can only include one picture per post so I will try and add a few pictures after this.

We closed the park down and headed for home. Tara made dinner, we watched a movie, and headed off to bed. Hope you are all doing well.

Love Laura

Coming Soon!!!

Sorry but we actually had a really long day today and Matt filled up the camera. So posting tonight was a bit overwhelming. I will try to do Day 5 in the morning and Day 6 at night. We are off to bed. Just had a wonderful dinner from chef Tara and saw the movie Shooter. Its excellent! Ya'll have a great day. Sweet dreams for us.
Laura

People!

We know you all are out there waiting impatiently by the computer for our next post but we also want to hear from you. We look forward to the comments back.....

So if you are out there. GIVE US A SHOUT from America!

It has been great hearing from you all.

Day Four

Thursday, October 18th. Well surprisingly enough we could not get motivated and fell behind yet again. We had to change our whole day to not be rushed and even had to eat lunch in the car. For some reason we have a hard time getting ready in the morning and Dr. Phil screwed us up this time. Tara’s tv is amazing. It’s the entire size of her living room wall. No joke! I will take a picture and it’s easy to get sucked in. (Warning: Kevin and Marcia….keep the tv off when you come)
After the assembly line for the shower, we had the assembly line for sandwiches. While on our way to Expo Park in Nago, where the aquarium is located, we had lunch with an incredible view of the expressway and the ocean.
Expo Park has an incredible view and probably the greatest number of stairs I have ever seen! We definitely got a work out. Connected to the park is the dolphin show. We got to see several of them in tanks and sat for an hour for the show to begin. Tara and I hurried to get refreshments before the show started and walked past the sign that stated we would have to wait for yet another 30 minutes. We should have looked at the sign beforehand. We wasted an hour for the show…hope it was great! We then decided to head into the aquarium since it was getting late. It was amazing. Lots of great fishes and we also got to enjoy our new past time of looking for shoe specimens and exotic haircuts. More to come!
After that we headed back to the base for Tara’s famous lasagna. But it was still frozen so we have ordered out and it just arrived so I am going to eat and probably fall asleep on the couch. Hope you all are doing well! Love, Laura

Coming Soon!!!!

Tara and I are on the hunt for footwear and hair specimens. You would be amazed at what people wear (especially on their feet) and how they have their hair cut. We have been compiling some examples and will present the best ones in the next few days.

Grass Ninja Part 2

Maybe a thong?

Grass Ninjas!!!

Matt found a great specimen today. Really what do you think they are wearing under those clothes?

ROCK ARRIVES IN JAPAN!

I looked out the bedroom window and what did I see....... R O C K Not in the USA.

COMING SOON!!!!

Tara and I will be presenting the first ever view of Grass Ninja's. She drove me around today hunting some really nice specimens but I haven't been able to capture just the right pics. Maybe we will have more luck in the morning.

Quote of the Day

"I really don't understand their idea of footwear."(Laura) After watching Japanese people walk by in high healed boots and pointy toed shoes at the beach.

Day Three

Well this is going to be short since Danielson is requesting that we watch one of his comedy videos. Today we got another late start. Daniel had to work a few hours this morning and Tara and I went for a quick walk. We had a lovely steak lunch and watched the Indians play the Red Soxs.

Tara eventually got everyone off the couch and we headed off to Sunset and Arahah Beach and to American Village. We took some pics but I haven't taken the time to download them. I will do that in the morning as it is 9:45pm and I want to go bed! :)

After the outing Tara and I went to Chili's to meet up with two of her friends for girls night. Matt and Daniel showed up and sat at the bar. They said they were trying to pick up two brunette chicks that look alike. I think they enjoyed having dinner, drinking a few beers, and watching sports center.

Well I am off to watch the video and then crawl into bed. Hope you are all doing well.
Laura

Danielson and TRAH

Aren't we cute! This pic was taken Tuesday at Rukuya Mura. The Jap translation is HOT STUFF!