Just to let you know this is a huge entry but well worth the effort to see all the photos as I document my trip.To Spencer, Suzy and family I say Thanks for the Memories. I was so glad to get to spend lots of time with Suzy and the kids. I have not spent alot of time with them because they have lived far away. They are so nice, loving and fun to be with. I love you all.
Arriving to Okinawa I was exhausted and went to bed early, but lo and behold I awoke at 4:30 and tried to stay quiet so I would not wake anyone. At 5:30 Sydney and I headed downstairs, and when the sun arose we went out to swing and went for a walk down the hill to the park. Along the way I found butterflies, dragonflies and noticed how funny the cars were.Spencer and Suzy live in the building at the right of the top of the truck.
Wouldn't you love one of these. I thought it was cool. Everywhere we went I noticed the weird cars(Toyota and Honda) and how inexpensive they were and I wanted to get one... but the steering wheel and all parts are on the wrong side!
Shawn having swing time in the back yard. He loves his daddy!
Day 1 we went to Araha Beach where Sydney and I become good friends as we explored the coast, collected shells, and I photographed her , which by the way, she seemed to enjoy.
Thank goodness for overcast days because I do not think I could have tolerated the heat with the sun. It was perfect...I did sweat a lot.
Beautiful beaches and Sydney loved the water, which was so warm compared to our beaches in Cali.
Shawn taking a dip in the water with mom. He is so sweet and so good. Never complains even when he misses his naps!
This is one of the areas we walked to and I ask a passing lady , well I couldn't speak Japanese I just held up the camera and motioned to her and she seemed to understand.
Thought you might enjoy seeing how the buildings look in the area. They are all built to withstand tsunamis, earthquakes and typhoons; hence the cement square shapes. Love the colors.
Early morning play time with grandma so that Spencer and Suzy could sleep in. The loved the box rides.
Next visit was to Cape Zanpa where Shawn enjoyed the animals before we set off to hike to the cliffs and climb the light house.
Suzy and Sydney with the lighthouse in sight. It was cloudy that morning but cleared up as we started out day... it was a super windy day but made the humidity bearable.
We all made it to the top! It was a zillion steps and Suzy carried Shawn all the way to the top... I think we left the baby carrier in the car.
Suzy and Shawn with the China Sea in the background. There are areas in Japan where you can see the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean when you are on top off high areas.
Spencer with his prize camera; he has become quite the sunset and landscape photographer. Check out his blog to see.
Holding on to my hat as it almost blew away. Shawn and I taking a rest, I think he is eating my camera case ...oops!
All over Japan there are Shisa dogs which the Japanese believe ward off evil spirits... this is probably the biggest one around. Most of them are on buildings.
A trip to a Max Value Japanese grocery store where everything is written in Japanese,and prices are in Yen. You loose 25 cents on each American dollar when you convert your money so things cost more there. Sydney loves to be the shopper and use a cart just her size.
What should we buy???
The Japanese stores have freshly made tempera fried meats , veggies and sushi. Of course we had to try some.
That watermelon was 12 American dollars. Spencer and Suzy have only had watermelon 1 time since they have been here. They said off base the prices can go up to 30 American dollars for a melon so I bought it and we enjoyed it for a few nights.
The first Sunday we went to a baptism and I so wanted to show everyone how beautiful and impressive it is to be baptized in the ocean. It was special, made me think of John the Baptist and Jesus.
This is how the children watch the baptism.... they climb the rocks and sit and stand on them. This made me a bit nervous as I was afraid they were going to fall.
Suzy though I would enjoy the Mini- mini zoo where they have a bakery that makes Japanese cream puffs and sells fresh eggs. They are the best cream puffs ever. They are not to sweet, light and fluffy, and filled with lots of cream. I had to have them 3 times while we were there. One evening I was craving chocolate so I made chocolate frosting and put in on the puffs. Best chocolate eclair ever.
Sydney and I in a silly photo.
This is atop the Nakguska Castle Ruins, which were destroyed during the battle of Okinawa.
Lots of really steep stairs... and Suzy and I ventured here without Spencer so we took turns holding Shawn. I think we both lost a couple of pounds that day from the exercise and lifting.
This was the most beautiful sight to behold as we sit atop the ruins. The views were awesome.
Sydney loves to climb walls and stairs.
I love the picture. Shawn loves his mommy.
Do not know why this video showed up here and can't get it off so I will try and load it later. You will certainly think it is the cutest thing you have heard!
A visit to the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. I would have to say one of the most up to date and beautiful. Look at that view. Shawn is kinda cute too.
Happy to be together and excited about what we will see.
Spencer is still the comedian! Have to love that guy!
A rare shot with all of us. When we could get someone to help us .
One of the largest tanks in the world. Those are whales.
I loved all the garden and flowers. I had to get a shot of the cherry blossoms.
This is what the museum looks like, one small part of it. Very modern and ornate.
Part of the aquarium is a Okinawan village. We were able to go in, of course you have to remove your shoes.
One of Suzy and my favorite stops was the Hydrangea gardens that a private family allowed the public to come and see. You will think these photos are stunning. We were in awe of how beautiful it was.
Shawn gave us a great smile and he had no nap that day. We carried him all around for hours.
I love this photo of Spencer and Shawn.
So many days it rained and then cleared up later in the day, which always made me happy because it lowered the humidity of the outdoors. This day we were going Shuri Castle... we almost cancelled but because it was a warm soft rain we chose to go. I am so glad we didn't let the rain stop us because it stopped halfway through our tour. Sydney toting her umbrella... so cute!
Entering the castle...
So majestic and ornate. The walls and the whole set up reminded me of Mulan and the Huns.We were not allowed to go to the Kings quarters and my camera did not do well inside. I took a few but it is a new camera and I was not familiar with the settings but it was again a spectacular sight to behold.
Somehow the next three photos got out of order. This is at the end of our Nakaguska Castle ruins.
A resort that was started and built on ancient burial grounds.Many construction workers died so the project was stopped and it is said the spirits were upset.No one is allowed to enter this area. When we got to the top of the ruins this was off to the side.
In Okinawa the have a 7 story sports complex that has different activities on each floor. Suzy and I went to the floor with arcades, balls, bikes, ping pong, climbing structures and a skating rink. One evening Suzy and Spencer had a date night there and were able to explore without kids. They have bowling, volleyball courts, darts, rodeo bulls, basketball... pretty much everything in one area. We had a good time.
Suzy entertaining Shawn and enjoying a slide herself.
So cute!
Sydney talked about Round 1 so much to me , so I am glad we took the time to go. She and I both injured our toes. Mine hurt for a few days. She had big bruises the next day, but we recovered. It was worth the aches.
I think the balls were the favorite spot for all of us. Shawn loved it!
We especially enjoyed trying a few restaurants. This had the best sushi in town. It is Gen restaurant and is close to Spencer,s clinic so we took him to lunch. My favorite place to eat was the Ticket restaurant because they had the best fried rice. It comes on a sizzling cast iron pan with all the toppings; the eggs are frying in front of you. You mix it and then enjoy. It was fun because you put the Yen in a machine and pick a photo of what you want. Out comes a ticket which you give to the server. I suppose since no one in the place speaks English, except the American military families, this was a great way to communicate. Fantastic... we ate there 3 times!
This is still Gen but I wanted to tell you of another place we ate. One evening we went to American Village and had authentic Indian Curry. The Japanese love curry but it is different from Indian Curry. I left my camera at home this night; but if you go to Okinawa this is a great meal, and a great place to see the shops, Japanese bakery and doughnuts, which are not at all sweet like here in the US. I think that is why the Japanese are so skinny. They eat little sugar and chocolate.
A visit to Spencer's dental clinic and his office. This is his Japanese assistant... I forgot her name,but she speaks English and is extremely nice. She loves Spencer and spoke of how gentle,kind and patient he was with the patients.
Spencer treated Suzy and I to a pedicure for our Mother's Day gift. We were pampered, had a massage on our legs, and picked a hand painted design for our toes; which they use acrylic paint and tiny brushes to create the masterpiece.
I wanted mine to be bright and bold so I could show it off at home... I got what I asked! Lots of comments in the LA airport. Women wanted to know where I did this... I said Okinawa! You should have seen their faces. I think some of them though I went there just for the pedicure. Well I hope you enjoyed sharing this with me. I have 100 more photos but I tried to be selective and cut them down.... perhaps Suzy will post some of the others. I will have to check her blog. Love you all! Thanks for stopping by.
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