Where am I? General Location

These are admittedly not the best maps, but the best I could find on the spur of the moment. Japan is just east of North and South Korea. The mainland stretches approximately 1400 miles from north to south, from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Then another 400 miles off the southern tip of the mainland you will find the island of Okinawa. It is a 2 hour flight, minimum, from either Tokyo or Osaka, the main airports in the country.

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The island of Okinawa itself is approximately 67 miles long and ranges from 2 to 14 miles wide, east to west. It is subtropical weather here. In other words, HOT and HUMID. Take it from me, that's exactly what it is. It is also typhoon season right now. We are not currently seeing any typhoons in our near future, but I would be happy to experience a MILD one, just to get a little feel for one. Typhoon season lasts through September so it is still a possibility.

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Looking at the second map--if you look on the western side about 2/3 of the way to the south, you will possibly see the names of Yomitan and Kadena. Yomitan is the area near us here. Kadena is the Air Base a few miles away. And Ron's apartment is actually located on Cape Zanpa, or Cape Zampa, which is the most westerly point from the Yomitan area.

Sushi go round

So, last night Ron and I went out with a few of his friends to a 'sushi go round'. All Japanese food of course. The various food items are placed on different colored plates. The color of the plate indicates the value of the course. At the end of the meal the value of the pile of plates is totalled to make your bill.

The plates, the size of dessert plates, generally hold two of the same item. The food, usually rice and some sort of fish, is artistically shaped and draped on the plates. The plates are placed on a conveyor belt that is run in front of the customers at the counter. See one you favor, grab it.

During the meal I sampled shrimp, Yakitori, octopus, and fried arms of squid. All very good. Surprisingly. For dessert we headed to the Dragon Palace which had an ice cream stand with a few flavors most likely not found in your local Baskin Robbins. I decided against the orange sherbert, my first choice, which I could have back in Iowa and instead had two flavors, mango and sweet potato. I knew mango would be good but the sweet potato, purple in color, was a real taste surprise. Very good. But I still doubt I will be able to order it at the Dairy Queen any time soon.

Shi-sas -- Icons of Okinawa

The one item I see more of around Okinawa than any other is shisa dogs, or shisa lion-dogs, or shi-shi dogs. All the same bird, or guardian of the gates.

The shisa facing the right has the closed mouth and is said to keep the good spirits in the home while the shisa facing the left, with the open mouth, is said to ward off evil spirits. This pair of shisa are identical to a pair I brought home from Okinawa in 2000. Very colorful and very decorative.

This small pair of Shisa are at home on the counter between Ron's kitchen and dining room.

That's some view! East China Sea off Cape Zampa

This first view is from the upstairs balcony of Ron's apartment. Low tide. There were several snorkelers with this catamaran, but I have seen as many as 16 or 18 drop overboard from this same boat.~~~~
The second view is looking in the direction of Nago. Look closely for the rainbow. It was stunning to see it for real. It made a complete half circle with both ends in the water. Would have to dive for those pots of gold. Not too bad. The water is said to currently be 82 degrees. And there are lots of divers and snorkelers here. Okinawa is known for it's scuba diving.

Iowa State Fair-Aug 9, 2008

What would summer in Iowa be without the great Iowa State Fair? A summer without butter cows, and Snickers and pineapple, both fried and 'on a stick'. But my last Iowa adventure before leaving the States was indeed the Iowa State Fair. And it always ! lives up to it's reputation as the greatest Fair in the country.

Before leaving for Japan, Ron and I, along with his mom, brother, Ken and his wife, Jill spent the day at the Fair. We saw the largest steer, and we awed over the largest boar, the mighty Frieght Train, weighing in over 1200 pounds. That's a lot of bacon!

We listened to a gospel quartet and joined in at a hymn singing at the old church. We maneuvered our way down the Varied Industries Building, checked out the modular homes on display, watched swans, and ducks and turtles and fish in the Fisheries and Wildlife exhibit.

Lunch was at the incredible Iowa Pork Producers tent. I did vary my request a tad this year. Last time I visited and had an Iowa Chop I ended up performing a self Heimlick maneuver over the back fence when I choked on a bite while trying to eat and talk at the same time. Gracious, I never want to repeat that experience. So I substituted the Iowa Chop with a Barbecued Pulled Pork sandwich which was undoubtedly the best pork sandwich I have ever had!!

My favorite taste treat at this year's Iowa State Fair had to be the already mentioned 'fried pineapple on a stick'!! My mouth is watering with the memory. I intend to start trying to replicate that fabulous flavorful feat soon. I have been advised that the secret coating is funnel cake batter. I think I can handle that.


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One of the highlights of my time at the fair was seeing the Budweiser Clydesdale team. Simply incredible! And I loved the dalmation on the seat with the drivers.
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And as incredible as it may seem, I didn't buy anything at the Fair that I didn't immediately eat or drink. I can hear the many doubters voicing their disbelief! But if I had bought something, it might well have been the 'designated driver' T-shirt. But getting a photo was just as good.

La Ballena Gris - The Gray Whale

On Monday, March 10, I was privileged to take a journey to Lopez Mateo, on Magdelena Bay on the Pacific Coast of Baja California to view and even interact to some small degree with the incredible gray whale.
The yearly migration from the Bering Sea of Alaska brings the gray whales to one of 3 different lagoons in Baja where the young are born and nursed for their first few months. By April the mothers and young whales begin their long journey north to the lush feeding grounds.

But while in Baja the whales show a surprising gentleness and even curiosity about the many humans, in pangas, dinghy's, etc who come to have a close encounter with these incredible mammals. We spent 2 hours in their presence. They swam around and under our boats, scratching themselves on the bottoms, and frequently popping up close for a personal scratch on the nose, side of the head, or whatever whale body part the sometimes overeager sightseers could reach. What an experience! I personally was honored to be able to pet and scratch these incredible beasts no less than 6 or 7 times! I also was privileged (?) to find myself covered more than once with the aerosol mixture blown from the whale's spout. But it was taken in stride. Just part of the adventure.

Musica y Danza on Saturday Night in La Paz

There was this ice cream cone calling my name this evening. All the way down the Malecon. So what could I do? I went to answer the call. But I found, in it's place, a wonderful evening of Mexican folkloric music and dance!

The costumes were very brightly and beautifully decorated. The swirling and twirling of the dancers sent explosions of reds, blues, yellows, whites and pinks splashing and dashing before our wondrous eyes.

In Spanish it was the "Presentation

de la Banda de Musica del Gobierno del Estato y Ballet Folclorico "Aztlan", de Curtura Municipal. It was held on the plaza fronting the Wyland mural just off the Malecon.

Pelican Posts

This fellow looks as if he has been following our yoga class. This looks surprisingly close to our 'spinal twist' pose.

Just a little get together in the neighborhood, or local panga hangout. You know, - - -how's the fishing? Catch anything? Beautiful weather we're having. Did you hear about all that snow and ice up in Iowa? How's the family doing? Did you hear about . . . .?

Aloha Oahu, Hawaii

And Mahalo~~~~everyone.

For My Brother

Says it all:

Hike Up Diamondhead Crater

No, it's not exactly revisiting Mt. Fuji, (which the legend goes 'everyone should climb Mt. Fuji once, but only a fool will do it again' to paraphrase). I have vowed not to repeat the Mt. Fuji expedition. But this was the biggest climb I have had in quite some time. And I have the certificate of proof. As told in the brochure: From the crater floor to the summit of Diamond Head on Mount Leahi is a rise of 560 feet. It is achieved over a .8 mile long trail which is unpaved and has an uneven rock and dirt surface. It is loose and slippery in places. There is a steep stairway of 74 concrete steps which leads to the first tunnel. The tunnel is lighted and is 225 feet long. The second stairway is a very short distance away and consists of 99 steep steps. Another short passage and there stands yet another 98 steps up a narrow spiral staircase inside an unlit bunker. The reward for this strenuous hike, is an incredible panoramic view of south Oahu from Koko Head to Barbers Point. It takes about an hour and a half and is surely worth the effort. Easily said when I am safely down and full of Advil and Gatorade. ~~~~~~~~
Gorgeous sights and my last big expedition before leaving the Island of Oahu and heading back to La Paz. It's certainly been a wonderful experience. Wish you all could have been here!

~~Aloha~~Aloha~~Aloha~~Aloha~~

Papaya Post?

This was one tall, lovely, lush papaya tree. What a glorious crown of fronds encircle the fruit! On a stunning background of puffy white on blue. Why, it looked good enough to eat!

Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~

Now I am aware that Iowa is due to be hit by the latest winter storm, blizzard, in the next few hours. The Internet tells me so. Rain, freezing rain, ice, 8 inches of the white stuff, and falling temperatures. So I thought I would help you thaw a bit with the next few posts.

Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Ahoha~Aloha~Aloha

Lest I Jest, It's Ginger!

Lovely Ginger growing in carefully cultivated beds at the Hale Koa Hotel ~

Hale Koa is a military Hotel here in Waikiki right on the famous beach. It is also home to the first rate luau we enjoyed on Valentine's Day. Excellent food, excellent entertainment, excellent weather, and most excellent company~~~!!!

Balmy Palms of Hawaii

As I am just standing around looking at the palms that are also just standing around~everywhere! Can you say "Love it?" Yeah, I can.

Lei Making

Most of the leis that we have been given, either at a store such as Hilo Hatties, or a casual function, are made of small shells laced together in often fairly intricate patterns. These are mostly made in the Phillipines. But the really nice, fresh floral leis, given for special occasions are handmade here in Hawaii. It was very interesting to watch the process as a prelude to our luau dining.

Polynesian Hula Dancer at the Luau

Feel warmer now? I'd bet some of you do!

Dog Day At The Beach

I don't know what the title of this picture is. I saw it on the wall next to an elevator and knew I had to take a photo of it. I love this little fella watching "?" on the beach. Waves, another dog, his master or mistress? Who knows, but it is a dear picture and I wanted to share it.

Polynesian Cultural Center

With a few of my new 'cousins' at the Polynesian Cultural Center where I spent Saturday. I not only enjoyed getting to know my new 'cousins' but loved all the gorgeous costumes, dances, canoe pageants, and the wonderful food, especially the evening luau. The evening was capped by a Horizon song and dance extravaganza with the most incredible extras, such as the fire knife dancers and the fire walkers. Wonderful day of family entertainment and education as well.

Elvis Presley sat HERE

This is taken at the Polynesian Cultural Center which is an incredible place. Different Polynesian villages are highlighted with exhibitions and activities. Among these are Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, the Marquesas, Tonga and Easter Island. Along one of the numerous waterways that run through the center was this stream. The rock I am sitting on was sat on by THE Elvis Presley to sing some Hawaiian love song to some co-star in some movie long ago. Obviously I don't keep up with Elvis movie history. Lovely spot.

Yikes! Got to watch those Yokohama Waves!

We toured the north part of the island today. A goodly share of the drive was just along the beaches and the views were incredible. This wave didn't get us but the next one did. I wasn't expecting it to get to me, especially as I had on a good pair of leather shoes I really didn't want wetted down with salty sea water--but no matter, the next one came at me as I was trying to get a shot. It was on me before I knew it. Thankfully it was only up to my knees and didn't knock me down. Wouldn't have done my camera any good that's for sure. Just afterwards the lifeguard showed up on his 4 wheeler to warn us about the high waves! Only a couple of waves too late. But it was absolutely breathtaking--and the shoes will dry.

Shopping in Waikiki

We headed to Waikiki today, not to go to the beach, although we were there a very short time, but to go shopping. But I caught this little guy peeking at us from the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Actually he was probably 6 feet tall and trying to hide behind some of the lush green landscraping at the hotel. He's probably there for good luck. Everything in Hawaii seems to be for 'good luck'.

Stained Glass Nautilus Shell in the Waves

On our travels today we stopped by a condominium complex where Ron used to live in Hawaii Kai. Lush beautiful landscaping everywhere. And this was a stained glass window I found in one of the public rooms. If I could only find a smaller version that would fit on Argo. I did buy a nautilus shell yesterday, but it isn't quite so impressive as this. Except that it is the real thing.

Byodo In Temple

Yesterday we were able to experience a bit of Chinese culture, and today it was time to turn to a bit of Japanese style culture. And a more beautiful, serene environment would be hard to imagine. Set in a valley of steep slopes called the Ko'olau mountains is the Byodo In Temple and grounds. Byodo In translates as " Temple of equality-not to discriminate". It is home to an 18 foot tall golden Buddha, Arnida, that is thought to be the largest carved figure since ancient times. The temple itself is a replica of a temple built over 900 years ago in Uji, Japan on the outskirts of Kyoto. This temple was established in 1968.

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It was a warm, rainy day but Jackie and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. We also made sure to ring the enormous bon-sho, or sacred bell. It is 3 tons and 5 feet tall. A person who is able to ring the bell, using the soft wooden log, called a shu-moku is said to gain good luck. Even the sound of the bell being run was awe inspiring and amazingly tranquil for such a large emanation.

Chinese New Year 2008, Year of the Rat, Celebrated in Chinatown

After a full 4 hours of shopping at the immense Ala Moana Shopping Center, we were off to see the celebration of the New Year, 2008, in Chinatown. This happens to be the Year of the Rat. The parade with the lion dancers, bands, Honolulu's mayor, kung fu martial artists, ethnic dance troupes, etc. made for a wonderful parade to mark the New Year--at least until it started to rain on the parade. Well, this is Hawaii and that is to be expected.

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As I read somewhere "Anticipating problems and finding solutions are traits of the Rat."

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In the year of the Rat you are smart, clever and chatty with a very long tale. Happy New Year!

Jackie and Joy Del Join Us in Paradise

On day 7 of my visit to Paradise, I mean Hawaii, Ron's mom, Joy Del, and his sister, Jackie, joined us from Santa Cruz, California.
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Ron greeted the two ladies at the Honolulu airport with gorgeous and incredibly fragrant traditional Hawaiian leis. As he had also greeted me almost a week previously.

After a tour of Hickam Air Force Base we were chauffeured by Ron to the Sammy Snead Tavern for a scrumptious mid- afternoon meal. We were perched on the balcony overlooking the 18th hole of the golf course. It was so good and we ate so much that dinner was not necessary later. --- All right, I will admit to a large slice of Passion Fruit Chiffon Double Layer Cake later before bed. But that's my Red Hat training coming out. Eat dessert first. If you are hungry after that, try the entree.

Makapu'u Point

This was day 6 of being in Hawaii and I can't say that I am a bit tired of the scenery yet. Thank God for digital cameras or I would soon be broke paying for film and processing of photos. Not only do I love the ocean views but the mountains are spectacular in their own right. The mountains show a variety of greens that rivals the blues of the water. A person could soon run out of superlatives to describe the beauty of this State of Hawaii.

Pyramid Island on Marine Corps Base Honolulu

This was an especially beautiful place. The wind was blowing fiercely and throwing sand like a sand blaster. I probably lost a layer of tan to the sand out there, but I also hated to leave. Mesmerizing.

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The current was so strong that the guard would not allow anyone to try to swim out in the ocean. I can't imagine anyone being foolhardy enough to even want to. But a few brave souls took on the sand and the sun to play volleyball and make sand castles, or who knows what. Really a magical view.

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Hitting the beach in Hawaii

Yeah, you see, someone needed to help out Frank and Cait so they could go see their kids in the States. But having two dogs unable to travel with them, they needed a house and dog sitter. It was a tough decision but Ron decided to sacrifice his time to the cause. I agreed to help out as well. So here we are, staying in Kailua, on the windward side of Oahu, about a 30 minute drive from Honolulu. A nice place to stay, a few minutes walk from this beach, a vehicle to transport us around the island, --and carry our shopping finds back home. Not to mention two very sociable dogs, Grunt and Bagle for my frequent doggie fixes.


The top photo is my first view of the Kailua Beach. Not too shabby. The most gorgeous turquoise color of water I can possibly imagine.


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I would guess I don't look too put upon in this photo. And, little brother, I want you to especially notice that I have my hat on in the tropical sun!