Genghiskan Mongolian BBQ

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. 

MOOD- Starving, Craving & Full
SONG PLAYING-Top of the World by The Cataracs

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St. Patrick's Day Engineer Meet!

History of St. Patrick?

St. Patrick, as the patron saint of engineers, is credited with fostering the development of arts and crafts and introducing the knowledge of the use of lime as mortar in Ireland. He is also responsible for the initial construction of clay churches in Ireland in the 5th century A.D. Another of St. Patrick's achievements was teaching the Irish to build arches of lime mortar instead of dry masonry. These beginnings of ceramic work developed into organized crafts, and that's how St. Patrick became the patron saint of ceramic engineers.

St. Patricks day! A day for engineers from different units and branches to come together and conduct a friendly competition. Today, we had USAF CEG and Redhorse, USN Seabee's, USMC MWSS-172, CAB and ourselves 9th ESB. All who competed in a friendly game of:

(Lumberjack Race)

(Tug of War)

(Sway Bar Toss)

(Dizzy Izzy)

(Chemical, Biological, Radiation & Nuclear *CBRN* Suit Race)

(Modified Iron Man Race)

(7ton Truck Pull)

But there were other events like Rock Toss, Bangalore Race, Chariot Race...

Today MWSS-172 took the win for this field meet but at least we were able to establish a competition between units and branches for the future. Winner just wins bragging rights but we all know that 9th ESB is the best engineer unit out here. Haha! Anyways, this is a great way of bringing all the Engineers of any unit or branch to get together and have fun. 

Chariot Races

(9th ESB)

(Navy Seabee's)

(CAB)

(CEG)

(MWSS-172)

Over all it was a good field meet and a lot of motivation. Friendly taunts but none is directed negatively bad. Good games. Until next year.. We will bring back the trophy. 

An Extra but not a part of the Events. Its just want Marines do on Fridays..  

MOOD- Motivation, Competitive & Proud
SONG PLAYING-Boondocks Saints Theme by The Boondocks Saints Soundtrack

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Containing the Beast!

When people hear or say about the Beast. They mostly think about the Hulk, Beast from Beauty and the Beast or just a untamed animal. Just some creature that causes great physical and mental destruction.

To me, everyone in this world has a beast and it only shows when your angry. This beast is the other side of yourself that you keep contained within you. Stress, negativity or loss of concentration for something important can trigger it to awaken.

This Beast can be really nasty when someone is pushed too far or just frustrated to a certain point that the only way of satisfying it, is to destroy things physically and mentally. That certain anger rage that has been built up within you fuels it up and the beast is let loose. Once everything settles or when you stop, it's already too late to realize what the fuck happened.

Throughout the ages, humans have found ways to contain the beast. Since there is nothing you can do to get rid of it. So, we find ways to keep it under control by doing things that makes us forget we have it. Like being artistic, singing, dancing, weightlifting and other leisures. Or some just tend to linger in loneliness or work alcoholics. Something to keep themselves busy.

Patients is the key to keeping this emotional side of you locked up. By trying to take a deep breath, to calm down in situations or taking a walk to clear your mind before it gets bad. Patients is a lost skill but this skill is worth trying to keep it.

Others use this anger to beat their enemies or opponents. Utilizing the beast at times is a plus but yet it isn't the smartest thing. The beast is not controllable, so at the same time you cannot think and make the right decision or choices because not everything needs to be destroyed.

MOOD-Thinking, Understanding & Patient
SONG PLAYING-In My Mind by Ivan Gough

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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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