ECO Japan Day

July 11, 2013
My friend, Deidre, and I joined forces for another ECO Japan day and decided 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. After all, they were some of our favorite adventure spots and nothing like these students from the mainland would ever see back at home!

So, our first stop was Zanpa Point...

This guy cracked me up!!

He had given his camera to one of the other boys, then would stage his own camera shots of himself!!

When we stopped by the giant shisa, this gentleman was there selling snacks. We bought/tried a couple and gave him Y200 (~$2) to take a group shot for us.

Then, it was off to Deidre's for lunch.

The first thing we introduced them to was an apple peeler/corer/slicer which amazed them!!

Many of them took turns giving it a try, so we had plenty of apple slices to go with our sandwiches!

Roller slide and sea glassing fun after lunch...

A crazy sight!!

Our last stop of the day was a little souvenir shopping. The girls found the photo booths, my boys found the arcade where they taught me how to play the taiko drum game. Kinda like Guitar Hero, but on the taiko drum!!

Didn't realize/imagine that would be my last ECO day, but it was..... But, so glad to have the chance to participate!!!

Happenings of July 2013

There were a handful of fun events during the month of July.

First and foremost, was Rodney's birthday celebration with ribs and hot wings...

...and crazy friends at SAUCE Live!

Brownies for dessert (in a Krispy Kreme tin)!

THANKS, Reggie!!!!!

We had an adventure day with the Bailey's for July 4th...

...visiting "melody road" in the village of Futami.

Grooves cut into the road, when driven over, produce a song named "Futami Jyou Wa" which celebrates the beauty of the area and the people. Reportedly, the best speed is ~40kph (almost 25mph), which we did on our first run, but tried it a bit faster on the repeat.....

The folk song was originally written by two Okinawans relocated to this area during the war who decided to make the best of things by writing a song to honor their new home. (according to mapitokinawa.com)

The following vid credit goes to my friend, Diane!!

You can tell by our faces we were amazed!!

http://youtu.be/4JH-HUWCmYQ

Then, it was on to a little roll-with-the-waves time!!

Rodney was off sea glass hunting!

On the 6th, we had the pleasure of attending a LT Dan Band concert!!

Presented by the USO and the Gary Sinise Foundation

Poor Rodney--- stood in line for almost 30 minutes to get our concert hotdog dinner!

Gary Sinise!!

A super fun evening together with friends!!

One day later in the month, I was out walking Truman and noticed something odd in the water--- a jellyfish!! I came back with my camera as quick as possible and it was still there!

After researching, I finally learned it was NOT the dangerous box jellyfish native to the area. Instead, it was a non-poisonous white spotted jellyfish which is native to Australia!!

Over 3500 miles from home!!!

Off to more adventures.....

Futenma Flightline Festival

June 8, 2013

This annual event is a huge deal to the community relations between the military and the locals, as they are invited to the base for the event!

Of course, there's food!

Yummy yakitori!

Grilled chicken on a stick, dipped in terriyaki sauce

And games!

Fishing for Anpanman to win a prize.

Aircraft and big rigs to explore are the backdrop.

And, don't forget the rides!!

Rodney had to try out the game we were going to run--- the Wizzer!!

But, first, we had to take a train ride...... during a rain break!

Finally, ready for guests!!

What festival would be complete without platform tennis shoes!

Some of the volunteers neglected to show, so Rodney stayed to work another shift and I headed on home.

My departure view crossing the flightline...

...and on home.