Kumejima Island Eef Beach 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 ...

... been conscripted to work as nurses for the military hid in caves during the U.S. assault on the island. Unfortunately, these young girls were told by the Japanese military at the time that they should be wary of surrendering to the U.S. forces. The girls would not come out of their cave hiding place and the U.S. soldiers were unfortunately forced to gas them out, killing them.<br><br>Taking a tour like this is a very sobering experience. On the one hand, you ...

... it became very clear that our stay here on Okinawa will be a hot and humid one. The weather conditions are pleasant though and we are clearly enjoying this a lot more than than the current conditions on the Canadian Prairies. <br><br>Naha is a typical large Japanese city but it is evident that Okinawa is one of the poorer prefectures in the country. I had read about this in my travel research. If I had not read ...

... a blast. Aaron and Estaban, students of mine, helped me out a few times watching the kids and keep them close. On Mother's Day I also ran into a few spouses at a brunch that was held at one of the clubs on base. They invited me to eat with them and then to a new park, Round 1. It was a really neat place with, I believe, 3 floors of fun stuff for the kids to do. They had a blast! We had our usual hangouts with the neighbors and our ...

... to Okinawa, and so very nice to be back in Japan. After an interesting breakfast (more mystery meals - well, at least I could recognize some of it! Ha!), I headed to the beach in Naha. It's not very glamorous, but at least it was hot and sunny. Then it was for a walk around town, which was nothing exciting. The extra time I had would allow me to find out where the to-go places are. Frederick finally arrived, and I told ...

Well the week is over and Jonathon will be heading back to work tomorrow. During his time off we have visited the American village, the Aquarium, swimming, lots of shopping, and lots more. We even took on another dog. A mini long haired dachshund named Max. His family had to be ERD back to the states which is emergency return date. And they couldn't take him back with them. Noah loves him to death ...

So today we decided to go to the beach. Araha beach is one of my favorites to take Noah because it's so kid friendly. There is a shipwrecked pirate ship scene that the kids play on, like a jungle gym, complete with a zip line. How cool is that? None of the parks I ever went to had zip lines. Anyways, so the water there is usually pretty shallow. So much so that Noah can just ...

... charge and we hope that we are doing a good work for Him. This trip is fast coming to an end and I think the prospect of going home is nearly as terrifying as the prospect of actually come was initially. How easy we get comfortable regardless of our circumstance. Life is a strange thing, isn't it. We are eager to see our old friends, but loathe to leave new friends. We'll be happy to ...

... out for the night! We walked about 5 minutes down to the main drag in Naha called "Kokusai Dori" or International Street.We found a traditional Okinawan style restaurant and sat down for dinner and drinks. We ordered so much delicoius food (the Okinawan specialities include pork soba, tofu, Orion beer and awamori liquor) and just soaked up the atmosphere inside the restaurant. People were wearing flip flops and shorts (something that really doesnt happen up here where I ...

I spent my last year in the Marine Corps living in Okinawa, Japan. I was 22 years old, married, and my daughter had just turned 2 years old. Like most Marines, you start off in the states and you end up serving your final year in Okinawa. Since I was married and I didn't want to reenlist and serve three years in Japan, I opted for a one year tour ...