The 2012 calendar was only available for a couple short months at the end of 2011 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was July's page {Click on photos to enlarge}:
American Village
FinneyFerris
Photo credit: Sheryl Finney, www.flickr.com/photos/sherylandremypics
"Sweltering, still air
Summer's setting sun...
CONTRIBUTED BY ASHLEY CONNOLLY
Cat Cafe 1
Cat Cafe
First of all, I love cats. I have even been referred to as a crazy cat lady. So when I heard there was a café where cats just hung out with you I was amazed and had to go. If you love cats, too, then this is a place you must go to....
For those of you planning a move to Okinawa soon, we hope Marie's descriptions of the process of their travel and first months of settling in can help you with a few of the "unknowns." To read more of their story see links at the bottom of the post.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
Pouring rain. Heavy traffic. I'm driving home from...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Mt Hedo Shrine
During my last visit to Dai Sekirinzan Park, I noticed a few trails leading off the yellow trail. Later down the trail and inside the center of the blue path, I noticed a small white structure on top of the mountain. I asked the park staff if it was accessible, but I’m not sure...
CONTRIBUTED BY LEEANN STEVENS
Sea Garden View
My husband and I found the perfect restaurant for our date nights. Sea Garden is right by the sea, perfect ambience and delicious food!
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. We preferred to sit outdoors. As the sun sets, you can see American village light up. If you decide to sit outside, the staff...
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
Tomb
The tomb of the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom is located in Yomitan, a fact not known by many. It was moved from Shuri when the first Sho Dynasty was taken over and the second Sho Dynasty began. During a coup d’etat, survivors of the royal family were forced to flee, so they took with...
Follow Sarah's OCONUS to OCONUS journey here: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FORTE
This is the second in the “Our Olympic Move” series. Mike and Sarah are preparing to PCS to Germany from Okinawa this summer. Here’s the latest:
Every Olympic athlete needs to train. Around the world there are complete training centers dedicated to coaching future Olympians. For...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FORTE AND MARIE LEWIS
We were recently invited to enjoy complimentary massages at ChuChu Hawaiian Massage in partnership with Plat Okinawa. Sarah and Marie enjoyed the massages, but the opinions are all ours.
In a word association game, I’m sure “Massage” and “Relax” would often go together, but unless you are Hawaiian, I bet you wouldn’t think of...
For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something to aid in your search. Parents of children who attend various preschools on island have filled out a series of questions about the schools for the benefit of the rest of us. We welcome more than one voice on each...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FORTE
Here is a fun Okinawan game! Match the noodle names to the descriptions below. (The answers are at the end of the article.)
A. Ramen ラーメン
B. Tsukemen つけ麺
C. Soba そば
D. Udon うどん
1. This kind of noodle literally means “dipping noodles.” Noodles are served with dipping soup and toppings on the side. They are thicker and a bit...
CONTRIBUTED BY LISA WILLIAMS
Are you looking for a resort to enjoy away from the well-beaten path? One that combines luxury, beauty and available activities for your various wants and needs? Last question: What are your feelings about gourmet food and sunsets over the aqua blue coastline of Okinawa?... I thought so! Ready for more?
I went to Kafuu with my...
For those of you planning a move to Okinawa soon, we hope Marie's descriptions of the process of their travel and first months of settling in can help you with a few of the "unknowns." To read more of their story see links at the bottom of the post.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
"What's been your favorite thing about Okinawa so...
CONTRIBUTED BY CHRIS DONG
Growing up in California, I had the good fortune of going on deep sea fishing trips with my father and grandfather. Early morning drives to the port were filled with contemplative silence, father and grandfather secretly hoping to win the day’s bragging rights for most fish caught. Me, I had sushi on the mind. Following a...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE
A decade ago I was a brand new Army wife. My husband and I married two weeks before I began my senior year of college; I returned to live in my school's dorm which was located two hundred miles away from the nearest military installation, and he shipped off to attend his first (of many) Army...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
The first time I rode through Nago on a trip with some co-workers, it seemed like forever. It was the middle of the summer and we seemed to catch every red light on the way up north. Every trip that required travel through Nago after that had the same results, especially during the summer.
Along the route...
CONTRIBUTED BY BRIAN T. GUNKEL
15 March 2012, started just as it did the year prior. The weather was getting warmer, beaches start to look more inviting with every passing day, and our little sliver of paradise started showing her true colors from Peace Prayer Park to Cape Hedo North of Okuma.
Sitting at my desk, plugging in numbers and sending...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Katsuu Peak
For a quick, but tough hike with an awesome view of Nago, head up Mt. Katsuu. It took me about 20 minutes to reach the top, the trail was rough, muddy & in some places, steep. Once I reached the top, I saw as far as Cape Zanpa in one direction and Kayauchibanta and Kouri-jima...
CONTRIBUTED BY CALYN PAQUIN
Hi again, I hope you found the information helpful in Hong Kong with Kids, Part 1. This time, I would like to mention more about the Peak which most people will talk about, but there is so much more than an incredible look out. Well first, you have to make your way to the peak tram...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE INDYK
CJs Exterior
When we first arrived to the island a few weeks ago, jetlagged and still scoping out our new surroundings, the familiar was a comfort. This was what we found and more at CJ's Sunset Grill at Torii Station.
CJ's food is American style - burgers, hotdogs, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, fries, pizzas - for those times...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FORTE
Our beloved on-island manager, Sarah, will be PCSing from Okinawa to Germany this summer. We've asked her to share insights into her journey for those of you who will be following in her footsteps soon! She and Marie will be trading off telling their coming and going stories...
Follow Sarah's OCONUS to OCONUS journey here: 2, 3, 4,...
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
Strikers Interior
Striker’s Café is a little known secret hiding inside Emery Lanes Bowling Alley on Kadena Air Base. At most bowling alleys you find the usual fast-food joints, but here, you get great food, great prices, and an entertaining atmosphere.
Their menu offers burgers, sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, soups and salads, kids meals, Asian bowls, and yummy...
CONTRIBUTED BY MELISSA RUISZ NAZARIO
Seaside Sign 1
Monday and Tuesday closed. Monday and Tuesday closed. If I repeat this mantra over and over, perhaps the next time my appetite craves a meal from Seaside Ristorante, my brain will remember to check what day of the week it is BEFORE I show up to an empty parking lot. Perhaps.
Seaside Exterior
A note...
The 2012 calendar was only available for a couple short months at the end of 2011 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was June's page {Click on...
CONTRIBUTED BY KATHRYNANNE WRIGHT
Ashi Entrance
Deep in the green and concrete jungle of Okinawa, a small restaurant lies in it’s vast and busy city of Naha. Between a castle and it’s surrounding modern businesses, Ashibiuna Restaurant settles modestly between them, nestled in a rich garden of sand and flowers.
Ashi Walkway
During a rough visit to Shurijo Castle Park, my husband, son...
CONTRIBUTED BY ADRIEKE OSMUN
OYFL Kid
Last December, I was sitting on the bleachers watching my son during his football practice and a wave of emotion came over me as I heard colors begin. I saw every player on that field stop running drills and snap to attention as the trumpet wafted through the Okinawa air. I was struck at how...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Arashi Sign
I found this place driving to Nakijin to see the castle site. I saw the famous white signs guiding you to this area along Highway 505. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the quick detour up the hill. The route starts out with twists and turns as the road winds sharply...
CONTRIBUTED BY CALYN PAQUIN
Ahhhh Hong Kong…. so much to share but I will try to condense it with as much information as I could. The last time I went there was in 1994. Phew that sounds like a long time ago. Wait… it is a long time ago. Sadly, I can’t remember much of that trip until I pull...
For those of you planning a move to Okinawa soon, we hope Marie's descriptions of the process of their travel and first months of settling in can help you with a few of the "unknowns." To read more of their story see links at the bottom of the post.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
I'm sure I wasn't the first spouse...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH HOFFMAN
Happy Surfing Exterior
I had surfed a bit as a child on the US east coast, and wanted to introduce my children to surfing too. I live by the Sunabe Seawall and see a lot of surfers, so one I asked around for a surfing instructor. A few people recommended I call Danny Helhado from...
Mahou Sign
CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTOPHER DONG
Lazy. That’s what she called me… I mean, sure, I was in no position to argue the facts, lying face down, wrapped comfortably in the covers crepe-style (burrito took a bit too much effort at the time). Lazy though? Too strong, even as a passing joke. Energy-less, maybe, or my favorite Japanese “my-pace” I could...