Ocean Expo Park

Our second trip to Churaumi Aquarium we decided to explore the Expo Park some more.

I have no idea how big exactly this park is...  we walked the board ramps down the coastline for an hour taking in the scenery and then decided to head back for lunch.  But we didn't even make it down to the tropical dream center... granted, our pace was quite leisurely.

The many beaches were breath-taking and so relaxing to sit and enjoy in the gazebos that spotted the path.  O enjoyed looking through the boards down at the sand and water below and trying to pull the giant pineapple looking things off the plants.

There were also many amazingly landscaped areas with ponds and waterfalls, fish and tadpoles galore, water-lillies and little stone paths that went through them.

And, as always, we had to see the dolphin show!  ;)  O laughed and danced with the dolphins and clapped along with the audience.  It is amazing how much more she is becoming aware of her surroundings.

Other posts from visits to this site:
Churaumi Aquarium & Ocean Expo Park
Ocean Expo Park Dolphin Show & Churaumi Aquarium Playground

Shikinaen Gardens

Originally built in the 18th century, the Shikinaen Gardens are located in Naha near Shuri Castle.  The gardens house the royal summer home of the Ryukyu Kings and is one of 9 World Heritage Sites on island.

The garden is done in the traditional Japanese style of landscape gardening with a central pond.  However, the architecture and the chosen plants give it a uniquely Okinawan feel.  The Shikinaen Gardens were completely destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and have since been restored.

After paying only 300 yen per adult, we took several paths through the wooded part of the garden around the guardhouses and down to the spring.  From there you can continue on to the main house or around the pond.  We decided to let our toddler lead the way.  She just started walking, so it made for a nice slow pace.

We toured the summer home which really puts into perspective what a real royal home would be like.  Not extremely large and overly grand.  I can really appreciate Eastern style.  They're attention to details and the way they try to make things be in harmony with nature.  And I really like Tatami floors.  They're elegant AND comfortable.  It's too bad they require so much work to take care of or I might have transformed my entire apartment by now.

We then walked around the pond and over its several stone bridges.  Along the way O had us admire every rock in the vicinity and practiced her stair-climbing.  We also took a small roll down one of the grassy hills and sat and watched the fish swim by.

I think we'll be coming back to this place.  It's very peaceful and I have a feeling it would be beautiful during every season.

Spouses' Warrior Day

III MHG hosted their annual Spouses' Warrior Day on Camp Hansen.  The idea of the event is to give the spouses a taste of what it's like to be a Marine.  I don't think they really conveyed that in an authentic way... but we did get to experience many different areas of expertise and try some really fun and exciting new things.

First we mustered and were split into our training groups for the day.  Then we headed off to our three different locations and activities.

My group started off a Kin Blue at the beach.  Here we got absolutely soaked as we learned how to maneuver the Zodiac boats and a little about their purpose and the training Marines receive for beach landings.  On the beach, we participated in some basics of MCMAP (The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program).  Now we know a few simple moves for self-defense!

Next we rode some of the larger vehicles over to the HEAT trainer (used to simulate vehicle rollovers) and event simulation rooms (used for practicing team communication skills in the field). The HEAT trainer was interesting.  You get in the vehicle adorned in all your safety gear (kevlar, flak jacket, the works) and your weapon tucked between your knees.  Then they lock all the doors but one and proceed to flip your vehicle over and over.  Once it comes to a stop, you must find your way out of the vehicle and secure the perimeter.

After eating our MRE's, we headed out to the Rappel Tower and the Pistol Range.  

At the Rappel Tower, we learned how to make our own rope harnesses and proper rappelling technique. Then, I got to rappel out of the "Hell Hole" which simulates rappeling out of a helicopter.  Many others chose to rappel down the wall instead.  Loved this.

Last but not least, was the pistol range.  We had a safety brief and learned how to hold and shoot the pistols.  Then we got our own personal Marine assistants to shoot at the range from three different distances, supposedly the same ones used for pistol qualifications.  If that is actually so, then I somehow managed to shoot expert!  Woot Woot! My assistant Marine was excellent in answering my questions and giving me pointers.  So props to him.

Everyone else then headed to the closing event for the program where they did some kind of awards thing while having a BBQ.  I couldn't stay for that since I had to get to Courtney to pick up O at the CDC.  But it was a fantastic day.  I can't wait to go to next years event.  Although, truth be told, I hope it's a little more realistic next time.  I wanna get yelled at and PT'd DI style, lol.  0:)