Okinawa's Ferris Wheel

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

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Baskin Robins: U.S.A. ➤ Japan

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? 

Must try Ice Cream Flavors: Easter Egg Hunt & Popping Showers.

MOOD-Adbenturous, Tasty & Tourist
SONG PLAYING-Yes by LMFAO

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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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Tsutsuji Matsuri - The Azalea Festival

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. 

MOOD-Tourist, Explorer & Botanist
SONG PLAYING-Say Yeah by Wiz Khalifa

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My Two Best Okinawan Quick Eats!

These two places below will satisfy your stomach without emptying your pocket and they prepare the food in a timely manner. You will keep coming back and never leave these places disappointed.  

Hotto Motto

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. 

MOOD-Hungry, Full & Satisfied
SONG PLAYING-YOLO by The Lonely Island Feat. Adam Levine & Kendrick Lemar

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Where is the Motivational Cadences?

(Movie: Full Metal Jacket)

From what it seems, that we have lost our motivational way in the Marines. I do not get how some Marines who have been in for a little while, do not know the simple basics that you are expected to learn. Such things as marching, cadences and hygiene. 

If you were called out to lead the platoon in a cadence run, what do you expect yourself to do? Learn some cadence songs, so that you do not look like a fool later in a Battalion run. I remember, I was always motivated to go out and lead the platoon in a cadence run. This was when I was a Private First Class (E-2) in 2005. I am pretty amazed that there are some Marines that have been in for a while and do not know anything. Even the easy and repetitiveness, "Little Yellow Birdie," or, "C-130 rollin down the strip." C'mon now! Get your ass in the game and listen to some cadences because if your expected to lead them. Your expected to know the simplest shit! 

(Motivation! *not my battalion*)

"Turn up the Volume!" because it is the only way we can determine how motivated you are! Even when you have 5 or 8 platoons trying to mute you with their high motivation. 






MOOD-Motivated, Dedicated & Disappointed
SONG PLAYING-Mama' Can't You See! by USMC Cadence

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