Hiroshima

On my last visit to Iwakuni to help out with their endodontic needs I was able to visit Hiroshima because my return flight was delayed by a day. The day was beautiful and sunny. The main "attraction" is the Peace Memorial Park, which is basically ground zero for where the atomic bomb hit. The picture above shows one of the few remaining buildings that are still left. Because the blast attacked the building from virtually straight overhead, some walls escaped total collapse. Along with the wire framework of the dome, these form the shape that has become a symbol. At some point it became known as the "A-bomb Dome."

The picture of above is of the Kintai bridge in Iwakuni. It is one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. From the time of its conception, it took almost a decade of research, experiment, and test construction before the bridge was completed during a period of three months in 1673. One year later, this bridge was washed away because the footing of the stone piers was weak. Improvements were made and a stronger bridge was constructed. This one lasted 276 years until a large typhoon washed it away in 1950, but it was rebuilt in 1953.


I thought that the number of signs along this side street in Hiroshima was amazing. The city itself is beautiful and very clean. It was very sobering to walk through the museums about the atomic bombing, but really interesting to see all the pictures and items from right after the event.

Our Everyday Walk

One Saturday I decided to bring the camera with us on our everyday walk and capture the images we see all the time. Here is what we saw on this particular day. 1. Waves splashing on the rocks along the seawall near our house. Not such big waves on this day but typical or a normal day. 2. This is not something I see everyday. It is a guy fishing while sitting on a chair out in the ocean. We walked past and I thought it was funny.

3. Clear water.

4. What I thought was a photogenic gecko. Then I noticed the tire track and the crispy tail.

5. Beautiful flowers.

6. A spot where people often have their wedding photos taken. It is a beautiful place for wedding photos.

7. Finally we arrive at the beach. This day was early in the season so there were only Americans there. It was funny to see the Americans in speedos and the Japanese in sweaters at the same time and place.

Okinawa Zoo

We visited the Okinawa Zoo and were delighted to find a place on Okinawa where our kids can see animals up close. They both love animals so our new season pass will come in handy. Here is a picture of Grant visiting Duane's favorite animal at this zoo. He can almost touch the hippos. On another trip the Zoo employee let Grant feed them grass cubes. They are loud chewers and have a lot of slobber.

These beautiful ducks are mesmerizing to watch because of their brilliant colors. Just bellow them in the water are hundreds of fish you can feed. There are bright orange coy fish and fish which look close to 15 lbs. They come to the surface with their mouths open and it looks like they could swallow a baseball.

There were some preschools visiting on this day. The children wore matching outfits and hats. Here they are waiting for the teachers instructions before going to see the animals.

Grant has already learned a lot about the animals here. He knows his way around the zoo. In this picture he is showing me where the ostriches and giraffs are. Some of the cages are close together.

This is Will's favorite. He sits and looks at the Tiger and says Woooooh, Ahhhh, Woooooh, Ahhhhh. It is cute.

Pizza In the Sky

After we were finished walking around looking at the cherry blossoms in Nago we drove to eat at the Pizza in the Sky Restaurant. The road leading to the top of the hill where the restaurant was located was an adventure, but well worth it.

The views from the outdoor seating were beautiful. We were able to enjoy the sunset while we ate.

The pizza was also an adventure. There were hot dogs and corn on the top, which wasn't as bad as it sounds. You don't get a choice of toppings, the menu just said: small or large pizza.

The restaurant building was traditional Japanese style, surrounded by several banana trees.

The weather was perfect, and the sunset was the highlight of the day.

Cherry Blossoms (Nago)

Duane had Super Bowl Monday off from work. Yes, the Super Bowl started at 8am on Monday here in Okinawa. After the Super Bowl was over we decided to drive to Nago (about 1 hour north) to view the cherry blossoms which are now in bloom.

Some of the trees were in full bloom, others were just starting. The walk up the stairs in the Central Park area was beautiful

Katsuren Castle

We went to the Katsuren Castle Ruins on our way back home from the island hopping trip. Just like the other castle site we have posted on the blog, the views from on top were spectacular.

This castle dates back to the early 1400's. None of the buildings are left but the stone walls are still in place.

Island Hopping (by car)

We spent Saturday exploring a few of the outer islands on the Pacific side of Okinawa that are accessible by car (bridges). We were able to drive to Hamihiga Island, Henza Island, Miyagi Island and Ikei Island.



The weather was great and the boys enjoyed walking around on the various beaches.



These pictures are from a small fishing port on Hamihiga Island.

The hermit crabs were Grant's favorite.

The pictures below are of a secluded beach we found on Hamihiga Island. We had fun looking for shells and throughing rocks into the water.

The next few pictures are from Ieki Island. The water was very clear and we saw several fish with amazing colors from up on the rocks.

We ate lunch at a cafe attached to a sea salt factory that we stumbled upon on Miyagi Island. The food was great and the view from the outdoor seating was amazing.

Here is a picture of our new car, a Honda Stream.

We drove through several farming areas. Below we were able to see some people harvesting sugar can by hand.




Duane and Grant also went and got their hair cut together at the on-base barber shop.