Southern Hills Sports World here in Okinawa, was the first place I have ever Ice Skated in my life. Yes, I know being born in Alaska you would think that I would of done all the things that winter had in store but nope. I have yet to snowboard, ski, snowmobile and dog sled. This day, I can say I have ice skated. Walking into the ice rink, they were not kidding about being bundled up because this place was freezing. We both could see our breaths and everyone was all suited up, keep in mind it was about 70 degrees outside. It was about, 20 degrees. haha!
This trip was the main part of my planned date but to tell you the truth, I was kind of nervous. Yes, me being a dude, I played it off like it did not bother me but my chins were telling me different. Haha! They were killing me but I did not budge, Not yet that is. Anyways, we were the only military affiliated folks on the ice but the locals were nice and friendly. They were able to help us take a photo of us (as you can see below).
Overall, through the pain and chilled air. It was a great day for the both of us. One of many things, I could check off of things still to do. Thanks to my open minded wife, if it was not for her. I wouldn't be open or confident on things. So, one I am happy that we were able to find this place and second I was very happy to have my wife with me.
Oh and by the way! I did notfall on my ass. So you can say I'm a Pro!
Climax Coffee is the first place on our date to go to. I know throughout our time here, my wife has told and suggested we should go but I was afraid this place was going to cost a arm and a leg. Well, risking it, I decided to make this one of the places we would venture to on our date. We were suppose to be having breakfast but it was lunch time. Anyways, Climax Coffee is also a popular place, just like the well known Starbucks.
This day I ordered the Giant Chicken Cutlet Curry platter (thinking that being, "giant" wouldn't be as big, since portions in japan is smaller then the states but i guess i was wrong with this platter), Potato Sample Platter which consist of spicy waffle fries, friends and potato balls (just potato rolled up and deep fried).
Overall, the quality of the food is good, portions is enough leaving you full without ordering more. At the same time it is a cafe which they also serve coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, muffins and more. This is a nice, calm place and the servers are always on the ready. I would say this is a good place to at least once, maybe more if your a coffee type of person. Unfortunately, we did not order any coffee based beverages but the mango juice is awesome though. Best we ever had, since being on the island. Anyways, this Climax Coffee is located right off the 58 HWY right across Araha Beach next to Sun A's complex.
Here in Okinawa, when it rains. It really pours and can make it seem like a typhoon is heading our way but typhoon season does not start till June thru November. The rainy season here starts from April - June. It basically makes it seem like, you should get your car ready and prepped before typhoon season.
When the rain drops starts falling and the wind starts blowing, try to slow down on the roads and break much earlier. The reason is because the roads are made from flattened coral. So it makes the roads slick and breaking difficult. When it does rain all heavier military vehicles cease due to that reason. So drive safe!
Finally a buffet that we can enjoy here in Okinawa. This Mongolian BBQ is just like the ones back at in the states. They have different choices of meats like Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb. Then a variety of vegetables and sauces. They also have a small dry erase board with their own suggestion, to include as reminder to only eat what you can handle. Which is a smart way of saving food and not wasting it.
You put your bowl together and top them off with sauces you like. Then hand them over to the cooks as you watch them prepare them for you. Watching them cook your stir fry creation with a spatula and a pair of long chop sticks. I know back in the states, they have a round wok but these are 4 squared ones to only keep up with the tempo of the customers.
Your bowl is ready to eat when they hand it over to you. So that you can finally enjoy your creation. At this Mongolian BBQ is a buffet, so that not one bowl is made the same unless you want to. Beverages are also unlimited and they do also sell Blue Seal ice cream for dessert. They accept dollars but from only Military members or associated with the military such as spouses. It's $1 for 100Yen, so basically one for one and this place is worth it.
Just like the London Eye in London, Singapore Flyer in Singapore, Mall of Asia Eye in Philippines or The Seattle Great Wheel in the United States of America but this one in Okinawa is not as large. This ride takes you 60m high and it gives you a view of the East China Sea during the day but when the sun goes away. You can view the lights that glow during the night life in American Village.
The ride is only 300 Yen for Children and 500 Yen for adults. It takes 15 minutes for one revolution, so it gives you enough time to check out the view from up top. This is one of many places that should be on your, "To Do List," here in Okinawa. Also, this is so close to 3 different bases but it can be easily found.
MOOD-Tourist, Joyful & Relaxed SONG PLAYING-Hello by Karmin
Baskin Robbins in Japan is way better then the Baskin Robbins in the U.S. One reason is because of the Japanese creativity. They take their time to put these creative concoction together. Bringing out the smile out of the youngest child to the eldest person in line receiving their ice cream. For some reason the Ice Cream overall here in Japan have been our many firsts. I have never heard nor tasted such flavors during my whole life in the U.S. but I do understand that maybe Baskin Robbins in an international way have different flavors from other countries. Yet, Okinawa, Japan has the best flavors.
Look What I found, An Easter Egg. Yet, again an awesome creative way of making customers come back. It is such a detailed artwork, inside an egg. How can they fit all that in there?
Araha Beach is one of many beaches in Okinawa. This one is located right outside a U.S. Marine Installation Camp Foster and the seawall reaches towards American Village. Along the beach there are some basketball courts, a Ship playground for the smaller kids and some covered picnic tables. Also, many come and go as they exercise on the pathway, either biking, running, jogging or even skate boarding.
There are some recreation that some locals love doing like fishing, swimming during the hot season, snorkling or just cooling off in the water. Some just love to relax and enjoy the view, smelling the ocean breeze or the smell of the local vendors cooking down the street.
As for my wife and I, we love the spectacular view of the sun setting over the horizon. As you can see in the photo above. These sunsets have a dramatic way of saying good night to this part of the world. Araha beach is a nice place to relax at during the cool season because not to many people venture towards the beaches. We do not like going to places that are crowded, we try to venture away from the populous and seek other beaches that are quiet and calm.
MOOD- Relaxed, Calm & Joyful SONG PLAYING-Die Young by Ke$ha
This floral festivities happens the whole month of March. The Azaleas are part of the genus Rhododendron, with these particular flower being part of the sub genus Tsutsuji. Which is why this is called The Azalea Festival. During this time, there are some performances from the Nishihara Band (maybe a school band), some martial arts and Eisa Drummers.
This Festival is more like a nature walk for those who appreciate nature, flowers or are just proud of their country. Many local Okinawans, mainland Japanese and tourists come and just enjoy the beauty of the flowers. The photo above is a bridge that does not have any pillars or wires to hold this up. So, you can feel it bounce a little but it's strong.
Hagashi was not that long of a drive. On the way towards the festival, I drove by some Angel Trumpets *it was not part of the festival* but they are an amazing flower. Once you go through the 2 tunnels you should see it on your right side. It's a small patch, so if you dont keep an eye out, you'll miss it but when you are heading home. You wont miss it. Other than that, seeing the beaches and the tiny islands and the Okinawan landscape is a plus too.
Hotto Motto is a Bento restaurant, meaning that it is a single portion take out or a home packed meal. So, no dine in, there are seats but there are no tables. Some maybe have a picnic table and trash can located outside of the restaurant but that is it.
Hotto Motto is so far my favorite quick place to grab a bite, at the same time its cheap. During my first tour here in Okinawa, Japan, I never knew about this place or even once stopped in. If it was not for my wife that suggested to go, I would never have been addicted to their Soy Sauce Chicken Wings and Steam rice. I know there are many other choices in the menu but like I said, the wings are addictive.
Sukiya
Sukiya is another one of my favorite places that I have never tried out on my first tour here and yes another place my wife has suggested to eat at. What an outcome, they have different ranges of rice bowl sizes from small to mega. Not like Hotto Motto, there are seats and tables or a bar style seating. They also, have a button like a door bell, to let the waiter know your ready to order.
The main bowls in Sukiya are thinly sliced meat drenched in an amazing soy sauce broth, which tops the steamed rice that sits on the bottom the bowl. *As you can see in the photo* Also, available is curry and rice but we never gave them a chance yet.
Shabu-shabu ( also spelled syabu-syabu) is a Japanese dish. the term is an onomatopoeia, derived from the sound emitted when the ingredients are stirred in the cooking pot. The dish is related to sukiyaki in style: both consist of thinly sliced meat and vegetables and served with dipping sauces. However, Shabu-shabu is considered to be more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki.
I can say that Shabu-shabu is one of the best buffet in Okinawa. We tried this out during the first few months on the island. Since then, we have not found a place to replace it. Being that is cheap is a plus at the same time, it's an experience. The only down fall is that at the cost of 900 yen, with all you can eat Pork and Chicken, the sides are not all you can eat. That would means you would have to pay for every extra bowl of rice, noodles, vegetables and drinks. So be sure you know that at the same time enjoying the delicious taste. So do not forget!
The place is located right up the escalators from the Sega arcade in American Village. So far they are the best place, we've tried another one but I rather not say the name because I do not want to be promoting a place or giving a it a bad name. So if your a foreigner or stationed in Okinawa, Japan. This is one place you should try out.
Throughout human civilizations, humans have always tried to better themselves but in different ways. Some improved and become tyrants, kings, explorers, presidents and heroes. As for me, I try to find a way to mentally and physically be better then who I was yesterday.
Throughout the years of growing up, I have been through a lot more then the kids of today. Spanking was a way of discipline and keeping order in your home. So I was glad that I was able to go through that era. Anyways, what I have learned in high school is that popularity can only go so far, because once you graduate. All that popularity has no more hype.
I know I have struggled many times in after graduation and trying to make ends meet. When I moved away and I was on my own. I learned that in this world, it's only you that can better yourself. No one else. Also, I have learned that making sacrifices to make things meet can only be the way. But a few year later after this. I have made the biggest sacrifice.
Joining the Marines may have topped it all, this is a place were I can better myself. So throughout my 8 years in the Marines. I have been experience many things throughout my time and shared some wisdom with the Marines.
So overall, I am still trying to better myself, which in turn will help me better my relationship.
(Typhoon Jelawat 2012 *Blue arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)
What is a Typhoon? A typhoon is a violent cyclone that occurs in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Typhoons feature heavy rains and winds that maintain speeds equal to or greater than 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour. Similar storms that occur in the other parts of the world are called tropical cyclones or hurricanes. The word typhoon comes from the Chinese term tai-fung, meaning great wind.
(One of my Marines car that is flipped)
Typhoon season begins around June - November and during these times, it seems like every weekend has a typhoon hitting Okinawa. Well it is because this island is in the typhoon alley. Typhoons usually roars over us and ends at Guam, South Korea or Mainland Japan. It is said that this year 2013 is going to have some worse typhoons this season but we are ready. So far since April 2012, we have been hit by at least 3 typhoons. Typhoon Jelawat being the worst typhoon we been in. When it hit, the power was out for at least 12 hours but there were power outages out in town that lasted longer than that. The video up top was one of the vehicles that was blown away by typhoon Jelawat and below would be another one. It's just crazy that not all these cars are blown away. Most of these tiny japanese cars are light weight and boxy.
(Car blown away, Camp Kinser)
Typhoons are kept a close eye on, just like the hurricanes back in states. It's not like these typhoons hit randomly, so there isn't an excuse for people not being ready. So prepare your SHIT!
(2 typhoons lurking around Okinawa *Red arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)
As you can see from the photo above, we are located in the smack dab in the middle of typhoon alley. Yes, it's awesome that we get to get off work but the bad thing is, if we were hit. We do not know if our water and rations will last if stores were shut down but I think we are ready for this year's typhoon season. Below is the chart that we use to keep track of how close and strong the typhoon that's coming.
Current Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness Chart
TCCOR 4: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours. TCCOR 4 will be continuously in effect as a minimum condition of readiness from 1 June to 30 November annually. Now is the time to stock-up on food and Typhoon Supplies.
TCCOR 3: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours. Initiate a general cleanup around homes and office.
TCCOR 2:Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 24 hours. Remove or secure all outside items.
TCCOR 1:Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. No school for DoDDS students. Staff and teachers will work normal hours, unless changed by DoDDS superintendent. Fill any containers you can use for water storage. If you live in low lying quarters, make arrangements to stay with a friend. Make final check of food and other supplies.
TCCOR 1 Caution:Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. All nonessential personnel will be released to their quarters at this time. DoDDS schools will close at this time. Staff and teachers return home or remain home. Base exchange, shops, Commissary, Shoppettes, Gas Station, Services facilities, Clubs, Restaurants, Recreational Facilities and Post Office will close. Movement about the base should be kept to a minimum. SFS will enforce "essential vehicles only"policy.(Reference Base O-Plan 32-1 "Base Disaster Operations Plan)
TCCOR 1 Emergency:Actual winds of 50 knots or greater. All outside activity is prohibited.
TCCOR 1 Recovery: Destructive winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. Nonessential functions remain closed unless directed by the commander. All but emergency essential personnel remain in their quarters.
Storm Watch:The typhoon is moving away but the base is still feeling some effects. Hazardous conditions may exist due to storm damage. In some cases the storm could return to Okinawa , so stay alert. All military and civilian personnel will return to work within 2 hours or at normal duty hours unless otherwise instructed by their commander. The Commissary and BX will resume operations, unless directed otherwise by the installation commander.
All Clear:Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present. Return to normal duties. All Clear is announced when all hazards have been cleared. DoDDS teachers, staff and students will return to school during normal hours. From June 1st to November 30th Okinawa will return to TCCOR 4.
NOTE: The wind speeds shown above for each TCCOR serve as a guide for decision making. The final decision on TCCOR declaration rests with the Commander, 18th Wing based on wind speed, weather forecast, safety and operational and mission concerns.
Source: USFJ 10-4001 and 18th Wing Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 10-2
BE READY FOR IT!!!
(Typhoon Bolaven 2012 *Blue arrow is Okinawa & Red arrow is the direction.*)
MOOD- Prepared, Wary & Ready SONG PLAYING-We Are Young by FUN
