Naha Cuties

We discovered this little temple tucked in along the path.

A few pictures too cute not to share...

Looks like even a dog can have some fun at the fair!

Our train back to the car at the airport.

Another fun adventure in the books!!

Naha Tug-of-War -- Take 3!

In 2011, we arrived just in time for the pulling (see four posts in January 2012). For our second attendance, we arrived early to watch the parade and opening ceremony (see 3 posts in November and 2 in December 2012). For our final visit, October 2013, we went down later in the day to explore the food, festival, and fireworks!!

We took our traditional train ride with photo!

Grand entrance to the festivities

These booths were typical fair food and games.

Bouncy houses and a few rides

Olivia won a prize at one of the games!!

"Holy, moly there's Mushroom among us!

Grow the cutest Mushroom!"

The 'food court' area contained some tasty choices!

We were able to sample a bite of steak from Stripe Steak Ramen. It was delicious! There was a new store location up the road from us and we tried it out later-- yum!!

We also discovered some okonomiyaki and decided to give it a try. It was okay, but not as good as what we had in Hiroshima.

We found another location making another form of okonomiyaki.

The batter being funneled onto the griddle, topped with shredded cabbage, then topped with noodles and bacon.

The Japanese take their trash/recycling very serious.

My fireworks pictures didn't turn out very well, but the fireworks themselves were typical Japanese fascinating!!
Next up-- some fair cuties!!

Typhoons Fitow and Danas

We started October 2013 with back to back typhoons!

Introducing the sisters, Fitow and Danas

Neither typhoon was much to speak of, as far as typhoons go. Just lots of wind and rain.

Typhoon Fitow didn't even slow down the construction workers next door!!
"Typhoon, shmyphoon" they say!

Two days later little sister arrived.

(I find the different satellite graphics intriguing!!)

Of course, the winds always made for great wave watching!

Her biggest claim to fame was the brilliant pink cast on everything before sunset.

And then there were none.....
Just a gorgeous fall morning left behind!!

Side note:

One afternoon in early summer, I heard bells and chanting. I investigated and discovered the source-- monks were performing a cleansing/blessing ceremony in the empty lot just over from us. Then, a few days later
 construction began....

The building was not yet completed when we left, so a friend stopped by and took a couple of photos of the end result...

seawall view

...a nice little apartment building (3-4 apartments, maybe) is now tucked into that tiny lot!! 

(Notice the under the building parking!)

street view