Rollin...Rollin!

Biking is one thing great to do. You can either enjoy the scenery and get some much needed exercise. Today my wife and I took our bikes down the sea wall from Sunset Beach all the way down passing Araha Beach and all the way down to the 100 Yen store we usually go to. It is almost parallel to Camp Futenma.

The bike ride consist of strolling down and back is about 6 miles. Throughout the sea wall there are some things you need to be aware about. You will have to weave yourself around the walkers and runners. As well as looking out for fishermen and pet walkers. During this time we the sun was already about to set, so either have a glow strap or a vest. Also have a flashlight attachment on your bike because when the sun goes down. It gets really dark.

Today the weather was a little windy but typical because we were close to the ocean. Yet, the sunsets on this side of Okinawa, so if you are lucky you can find yourself looking at one. Also the waves were choppy and rough. Seeing the waves clash with the sea wall as the splashes hit about 8 feet in the air. So, it may seem bike rides are lame and boring. Well, stop talking and just go out there and see if for yourself. You'll be quite amazed.

But along the way you can also enjoy various graffiti or artwork. Just like this one of Sylvester Stallone right below. So overall biking is a must do but i am not forcing you to go. Just enjoy the fresh oceanaic air and overall nature.

MOOD- Moto, fitness & nature
SONG PLAYING-Drive By by Train

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Araha Beach, Okinawa, Japan

*Click on the photos to get a bigger view*

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

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Trying to better myself

(Araha Beach, Okinawa, Japan)

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. 

MOOD- Thinking, Moody & Seeking Self Improvement. 
SONG PLAYING-Wake up by Story of the Year

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Sunsets of Okinawa

Sunsets on Okinawa are beautiful, breath taking and just plain amazing. My wife and I have never seen such amazing sunsets, until Okinawa. Below are some sunsets I have captured with my Iphone. Yes they have been filtered but just to only show you the actual colors and the details that the original would leave out. 

 (HWY 329, Camp Hansen)

Most of the days right afterwork, I would drive home to see such sunsets over Okinawa. Yes, I have taken these while I was driving and I do not recommend anyone doing this. If you do, you are doing this at your own risk. So overall just drive safe or just pull over and take the photo. 

 (Camp Shields)

Some of the sunsets do form something. Like this sunset above, which seems to be an evil of some sort. Crazy right? I actually slowed down for some of the photos but this one. I actually pulled over and took it. This would be the first sunset that had some crazy cloud formation. Amazing though right?

 (Chibana Housing)

(HWY 27)

 (Kadena BX)

 (HWY 330)

Above are some spectacular sunsets of how the sun enhances the sky and clouds. Also, showing how powerful the sun is by showing the sun rays that punches through. 

 (Uruma Island)

 I am not a professional photographer or a person with an expensive camera. Remember these are taken with just my cell phone and enhanced with the options on my instagram. You can only capture such views if you are fascinated or understand how mother nature works. Okinawa has not yet to disappointment me with its amazing sunsets. Remember do not drive and take photos, ensure you are doing this in a safe manner by just pulling over. Trust me here in Okinawa, you wont be the only one pulling over to view the gorgeous sites. 

MOOD-  Living, Journey & Change
SONG PLAYING-It's Time by Imagine Dragons

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Back on the road

(HWY 329 to Camp Hansen)

It has been almost a year since my wife and I landed on Okinawa, Japan. So, far it has been a great experience. Since this is my 2nd tour to this good ole island but this time it's a lot better because I get to share it with my wife. Next challenge for our relationship is getting back into the fleet mentality. Prior to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) we were stationed with 6th Engineer Support Battalion in Eugene/Springfield, Oregon. Serving as an active component in a reserve unit. Times there were rough and a lot of struggles and I am glad that place is behind us. 

Being Stationed in 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa would be a wary one.  Just because most of the unit was still deployed in Afghanistan. Knowing their outstanding reputations as the ESB of the year. So, during the 3 months as a Remain Behind Element (RBE), I was just trying to loosen up the rusty areas as a Fleet Marine. Getting back into the routine, it was non stop inventories, correcting the junior Marines and standing at parade rest. Just the daily life as a Fleet Marine. 

Throughout this year, I can say that our road was not always smooth. Yes, there are times where we hit bumps, make U turns or take the wrong roads but at the end we always tend to find a way to get back on track. This is how unique our relationship is and there are none like it. When it's rough, it's rough and when things are smooth, it's the best. 

Overall living in Okinawa has been great. Sharing my wife the places I have been and ate at. While at the same time, she shows me these places she's found and knows that I would like it. 

(Irinoazana, Shuri Castle, Okinawa, Japan)

[Mood : Strong & Focused ] [Song Playing : Both Of US by B.o.B Feat Taylor Swift]

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