Okinawa 2010

Had the most amazing time spending the last two weeks in Okinawa. Too bad it all had to come to an end. Being a stay-at-the-hotel wife was the best! Even though Scott had to work, we had time to do a lot of really cool things. The sun, oh the sun! It was such a nice change from cold, dreary Misawa. If the dogs were not in Misawa, I don't think I would dragged my sorry butt onto that plane.

So, a few of the fun things I had the chance to experience:

1. Churaumi Aquarium. I LOVE this place, such a beautiful park. Yes, the hippie in me still hates the dolphin and manatee exhibit, but still amazing. The whale sharks and sting rays just blow my mind. This was my second visit to the Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park, but this trip was especially special because I had the chance to see all of it through the eyes of two very sweet young girls. Too fun!

2. Naha Dragon Boat Races. WOW... I love Japanese festivals. They never cease to amaze me and this was no different. Not only did we see the awesome boats race, but it was a beautiful day and the festival portion was a lot of fun. We even saw a pink chicken, yep... it was a prize you could win at a festival booth. I do not, NOT condone the poor chick being dyed and given away to someone who has no clue how to raise it, but it was an image I will not soon forget.

3. Leonard's Rose Garden. My all time favorite restaurant in Okinawa! Love the French toast and the jams! So delicious, I even drink their coffee because it is so yummy! And the best pineapple juice, so fabulous! Luckily, I was able to get in two meals here in my short two week stay!

4. Forest Adventure Park. I was so bummed that I ran out of time for this on my last visit to Okinawa. So, I was SUPER stoked when Scott and I tried it out this time. I had so much fun zip-lining through the jungle while having an unbelievable view of Maeda Point (one of the top scuba and snorkeling locations on the island). This was by far my favorite adventure!!! Two and a half hours of adrenaline rushes and challenging obstacles, LOVED it!

5. The Banyan Tree Golf Course. This was my first time playing at the Banyan Tree. For a military course I was pretty impressed. They have a nice course, fantastic Tee House Restaurant and pretty much perfect weather year round. Can't beat that! Didn't shoot my best game ever, but it was a great time and I even saw a mongoose on the 17th hole! Oh, and I got to see the most awesome planes - the harrier jets - in action! Pretty bad ass day!

6. FOOD. I think if I had not been running every day I would have gained 20lbs! Sam's By The Sea - YUM! Leonard's Rose Garden - YUM! Chili's - YUM! Yogurtland - YUM! Starbuck's - YUM! Hell, even the Rocker Club on Kadena was fantastic... I can't believe that you can get such good food at the Club in Kadena, yet at the Club in Misawa I feel a little sickly each time I try to eat there...

7. Scott. He made the trip perfect. Whether it was spoiling me with presents and dinners and fun adventures, or trying to be sweet and not wake me at the crack of dawn, it was just so perfect to be with him. Deployments suck and I will take every chance I get to spend as much time as possible with the man of my dreams. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. If you would have told me 14 years ago that Scott would make me this happy I would have keeled over with laughter. I am so glad now that we stuck through all the young, rough years.

Of course this is a blog and I can't cover everything. However, I can tell you that I am going to try to get to Kadena whenever the chance presents itself. LOVE the Japanese Hawaii, I am such a beach bum. I will try to add some pictures when Scott gets home with his camera!