Grand Mer Okinawa

... learn in person!). Each plant only produces one pineapple and it takes around 2 years for the fruit to ripen. No wonder it's difficult to compete with low-cost producers! I also did not realize that there were so many applications for pineapple -- from cakes, to wine, to vinegar. For those of you that have been to Hawaii, this is probably not a revelation. For me though, it was interesting. <br><br>Today is our last day in Okinawa and it is with mixed emotions that we leave ...

... of the Japanese Navy's main command posts during World War 2. What an interesting and spooky place this turned out to be. Two things really struck us. First of all, these tunnels were dug from the rock by hand using pick axes -- there are thousands of metres of tunnels here. Secondly, many military officers committed suicide here after it became apparent that the battle with the U.S. was lost. The scars from exploding hand grenades can still be seen in some of ...

... this though, I probably would not have noticed this at all -- the signs that this prefecture is a bit behind others are subtle. A shabby building here, some litter in a river there -- things that one tends not to see to such a degree in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, this is quite a nice place and definitely a sub-tropical paradise.<br><br>We will definitely see a lot more of rural Okinawa over ...

... did all of our shopping in fast forward. On our way home, we stopped at the military exchange, the small American-style mall on base. My mom and I went inside to buy silk robes, like the one Julia gave me for Christmas. We also got books for our respective plane rides, and then went to dinner at Macaroni Grill nearby. It was absolutely delicious, and Riley was very funny. While Julia packed at home, my mom and I took Riley ...

... not just Okinawa but many other Pacific islands such as Micronesia, the Philippines, Tonga, and Yap. There were a lot of really cool things to see there, like the stone money tablets of Yap and recreations of ancient fishing vessels. I was mad that there was no gift shop! After that, it was still hot out and we came across a flat fountain with a water show. Riley went over to investigate and got nailed in the face by a jet of water ...

So, I thought that April was busy. May was our first month on our own with Trevor deployed. Though I hate to explore without him. We (me and the kids) needed some distractions. I signed Ava up for a gymnastics class and a ballet class. Of course I forgot my camera most classes I did get a few pictures. The kids made some nice presents for me for Mother's Day, thanks to their provider Jen! We made a trip to my schools' Luau and the kids ...

... After we got the costume off he wanted to go get some more candy and then after a few more houses he jumped up in Jonathon's arms and fell asleep. Maybe next year he will make it through the night. THE SMALLEST COKE CAN EVER here are some pics of Noah and Keira's play house/swing set.

... to go to another beach! What a rubber arm I have! I arrived in Naha on Okinawa-Honto - the main island. I was expecting a tropical paradise and was surprised on how built up this island is - A real city! I got to the hostel, which was complete with a roof-top terrace. As Frederick wasn't in for another day, I hung out and met Nicholas, another Swiss backpacker. We had the welcome sake and went to eat on the town. It was a nice ...

... Oh! He pooped on the potty. Him and Ava went in the pool tonight and they were naked when I brought them in. Sam ****** and I asked him if he need to go poop. He nodded yes! So, then I asked him if he wanted to sit on the potty and agian he nodded yes. While sitting, on Ava's princess seat, he went poop! I know it was a fluke, but I think I might try it more often, LOL. Trevor is doing well. Just incase anyone was wondering. LOL!

... that) between two palm trees and walking barefoot into classrooms to teach English. What we've actually been doing is writing and passing out tracts, helping beautify the grounds of the church(Okinawa International Church-OIC) and leading out in bible studies and helping out in Church. It's so backwards from what we've been doing that it's almost hard to take. But we know that God is ...