Pizza in the Sky

After our adventures at the castle site and Sachi's, we were ready for some food, so off we headed to Pizza in the Sky...

It was discovered there was a "shortcut" to get there from Sachi's, but since we had a language barrier, Sachi's husband led our caravan.... I just really don't think we could have found our way on these roads!! 

 We made it safely and were greeted by this little guy...

 ....and this guard dog!

The main entrance 

 The main part of the restaurant is traditional Japanese seating. You walk in the door (above), remove your shoes and tuck them in a little cubbie, then sit on the floor at your table.

 The view...

 We sat in the outdoor seating area which has typical picnic table seating.

(Both tables are our ladies.)

The menu...the flip side had it written in Japanese!

Then came the drinks, mine being an ice coffee. Presentation is BIG over here. My own little tray with my own little bouquet complete with sakura! The little cup is cream and the bigger cup gum syrup. The little rocks on the cute little saucer are black sugar!! The coaster under my drink is a little kimono! (Sadly, I wasn't smart enough to get a picture of it... )-:

 Then came the pizza!! Handmade, baked in a stone oven...they only have one kind: pepperonis, green peppers, onions, and, of course, corn!! It was VERY tasty!!

It was a GREAT day!! Thankful to the ladies who put it together and that command for providing the opportunity.

Now I can't wait to take Rodney on this adventure :-)

Sachi's Japanese Antiques

After our romp around the Nakijin Castle site, we loaded up our little caravan and headed to Sachi's Japanese Antiques....

One of the views along our journey...

This was one of the first of MANY handmade Shisas to greet us! He's so fitting since the Japanese tend to throw up a peace sign when getting their picture taken :-)

Then we were guided through the process of making our own Shisas. Since we were wearing gloves while working with our little wad of cement(?) I wasn't able to take pictures during the process, but here is my finished product! And, since we only made one, it had an open mouth to capture those evil spirits ;-) 

 Sachi's husband taught our class. The trick is he doesn't speak English! So, it was a demonstration lesson--he'd demonstrate each step and we'd (attempt!) to do likewise! BTW~ her husband is the one in the blue shirt NOT the orange shisa creature!!

This little guy was on the wall I was facing when creating my Shisa.

His seashell tail is cute!

Once our Shisas were created and set to dry, we got to explore the grounds. She actually has an antique shop(s) on the property, but since she wasn't there that day, the shops weren't open. As it turns out, though, there was still PLENTY to see....it truly was a feast for the eyes!!

 "Back in the day" these would have been pens to house pigs or other animals. Now they are a brilliant display of greenery and hand-crafted creations.

 We could peek into the shops, but not go in to purchase

 Her place has a great view!!

 I thought this guy was just awesome!!

 These are little Shisas playing on this piece of rock...I'm not sure if it's volcanic/lava type rock or coral-type rock...Probably the latter..... But, adorable none-the-less!!

This guy bade us safe journeys.... 

It was then time to carefully place our (still not dry) Shisas into the vehicles and make our way to lunch at 

Pizza in the Sky!!

Nakijin Castle

SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY!!

I had the pleasure of joining some spouses from one of Rodney's groups in a special day outing! Our first stop was at Nakijin Castle, then to Sachi's Japanese Antiques, followed by a late lunch at Pizza in the Sky.

 It's a beautiful place to catch the sakura (cherry blossoms)!!

 You purchase your ticket back at the Welcome Center, then give it to the person at this little booth (on the right) and enter the site through the wall.

 

 This is at the top of the site, but since its not labeled in English, we're not sure what exactly this was.

 The picture below is looking back up at where I was standing for the above picture. We decided the areas kind of marked off (see below) show where buildings originally stood.

 I thought this was such a cool tree!

 Two of my new friends :)

 Then, it was time to head to our next new experience---making our own Shisas at Sachi's Japanese Antiques!!

Iwo Jima

On January 14, Rodney had the honor and privilege of being "command directed" to join a group of Marines making a day trip to Iwo Jima!! The island is now under the command of the Japanese and few groups are allowed to visit and is NOT open to civilians.

Loading the plane bright and early

Yep, its a cargo plane...they were knee-to-knee with those sitting across from them....for three hours!

 

Remains of a gun and a bunker....

...and a plane.

A Japanese canteen in one of the tunnels

Mt. Suribachi

A gun turret

A memorial at the entrance to a tunnel

A memorial atop Mt. Suribachi

Looking down at Red Beach

 The marker of the raised flag

Visitors to the island may leave something behind, many leave dog tags or a uniform accoutrement....

 ....Rodney left a Chaplain cross.

  

 Red Beach

 A last look back at the island