Washington Okinawa

... presence by the locals was very evident everywhere that we went.<br><br>We will miss Okinawa and hope that perhaps someday we can return to visit again. It was well worth it to make the trip down to this place not only for the warm weather and the friendly people but also to learn that, where we come from in Canada, we haven't known (and hopefully will not know anytime soon) the horrors that the ancestors of the people we visited experienced and still feel the pain from today.<br><br>

... was only completed during the early 1990's. This was another interesting spot to take in. Okinawa was for centuries influenced by both China and Japan. Before becoming a vassal of feudal Japan, Okinawa was largely a vassal of Imperial China. The influence of both cultures can be seen in the castle -- there is definitely lots of Chinese influence here from the layout to the colours.<br><br>The Gyokusendo Cave was another stop along the way. Unfortunately I don't ...

... the US invasion forces landed near the end of the war. Apparently this was one of the most difficult and bloody battles of the Pacific War. It is hard to believe that this beautiful place was once a WW2 killing ground. Thousands of Americans died here and hundreds of thousands of Japanese died. I'm sure that the war memorials here will be very sobering.<br><br>It will definitely be an interesting couple of days.<br>

On Sunday, we woke up early again to drive to Shuri Castle, down in Naha. Shuri Castle today is a recreation from memory of the 14th century castle that was destroyed during the battle of Okinawa. Chinese envoys used to come to the castle to crown the Ryukuan king, and there are many portraits and artifacts from these kings inside. You have to take off your shoes to walk around in the museum. We were happy to do so, since it ...

On Saturday, I managed to wake up a bit earlier, which is good because we had to be out of the house and on the road to get to the aquarium. Okinawa's aquarium is located near Nago, on the north tip of the island, and is the seconds largest aquarium in the world after the one in Georgia. It also has the largest sheet of plexiglass in the world for its main tank, which holds three whale sharks. We were very excited to see this, even ...

... Park, so we played on the playgrounds there and worked up a sweat. After that we headed over to Araha beach to cool off and end our fun day by eating Ramen at the beach. We had fun even though it didn't work out how we planned. Other than that we hung out and have sent a few emails to Trevor. We get to talk to him on the computer here and there, but mostly it is just me that gets to talk to him unless he gets a day off. I hope you enjoy!

... also met Matthew and family (Yasaka and Luca), Jenny and Olivier and had lots of laughs and great conversation. The snorkelling on Zamami was the second best in the world (only to Roatan, Honduras), with the most amazing coral, fishies and sea snakes. The water clarity was phenomenal. After two nites, Frederick and I headed back to Naha on the main island, where we nursed our sunburns, packed, and ended the evening with the best ...

Wow! Its been about a month. We have been busy doing a lot of nothing. I have been trying to fill out applications to get into the Department of Defense school system. I felt like I was applying for the FBI! I have also turned the big 30. I wasn't very happy about it at first, but I guess it will happen. We went out to dinner and Trevor got me a digital picture frame, so send me some pictures! I also did a little babysitting for 2 ...

Wow! I am not sure if it's only been 2 months or if it has already been 2 months, I have mixed emotions. I love the 10-20 minutes rides to the beach. We have made some really good friends that helps us to make the transition easier, but we are always missing everyone back home! We have been hanging out with our friends a bit more. We made another trip to the beach. It was a really good ...

... this. It will be wonderful to see our families but we have new families here and it will be a while before we are all reunited. I guess it all just goes to show you that you must be careful where you go and who you meet. It is easy to love and if you are like us. Be prepared to feel the distance when you leave, It hurts regardless of which direction you fly. Do Good. Love Love. Walk with God.