Former Japanese Navy Underground HQ

We took time over Thanksgiving weekend to travel on the southern part of the island. We toured the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the city of Naha. The Battle of Okinawa was one of the last major battles of WWII. Total deaths in that battle was 200,656 people (12,520 American soldiers).

Here we are entering the tunnel system. The colorful 1000 paper origami cranes were created to represent grief and pray for world peace for the individuals who lost their lives during the war. Members of the Japanese Navy Corps of Engineers dug the tunnel complex in 1944 for the Japanese Navy's Okinawa Headquarters. They served as underground headquarters to endure the American bombardment and long drawn out fighting and could sustain 4,000 men. The remains of 2,400 people were collected from this tunnel system after the war.

The tunnels were constructed utilizing hoes and picks, and you can see their markings on the tunnel walls and ceilings. It was very interesting to be able to tour the tunnel system, but very sobering as well.

The Underground Navy Headquarters is the place where Rear Admiral Ota and his men fought to the end on June 13, 1945. The picture below shows the commanding officer's room and the staff room with hand-grenade markings on the walls.

Parks and Island Fair

This past weekend we took time to explore some new parks around our apartment. On Saturday morning we found a park with a rope climb that Grant mastered on the first try. It gave Grant a chance to burn off some energy and Will some time to take a nap, so a win/win situation.

Saturday afternoon we went to the Island Fair at the Convention Center (only about 2 miles from our apartment). It was very interesting. There were several vendors selling products from throughout the Ryukyu archipelago (Okinawan islands). Many of the products are difficult to find, as they come from the outer islands. There were free samples of several items, most of which we weren't brave enough to try. The most unique that we did try was smoked sea snake (see pictures below). We also tried a new ice cream flavor, "Sea Salt", not as bad as it sounds, but it did taste salty.

After we had our fill of exotic samples, we walked around the convention center grounds which are right on the water. It is a great area with several open grassy fields that you can use along with ponds with fish in and several sculptures.

On Sunday we drove to Camp Kinser, a Marine Corps base south of our apartment about 15 minutes. We had a picnic at the park right on the ocean. Will and Grant had fun swinging together.

The tide was low so we were able to venture out onto the sand and look at coral and shells. With the weather being so nice here, it is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away.

We didn't bring a swimming suit for Grant, but he still had to venture further out into the water to throw rocks and try to look at fish. He was wet from head to toe and covered in sand, so he had to take a bath when we got home.

This last pictures are from our deck at sunset on Sunday evening (11-23). You can see a few islands off in the distance if you click on the picture and enlarge it. The water has been very calm lately and the sunsets are always amazing.

Our Weekend

Duane was on-call this weekend so we didn't travel too far from home. Saturday was beautiful and we took the boys to feed the fish at Comprehensive Park. We met a retired couple from Colorado Springs who are here doing volunteer work near the Air Force base. They are in the picture talking to Sandy by the bridge. The fish go crazy when you feed them bread.

On Sunday we went to church at Calvary Chapel. We have gone to a few places but this one is the best fit for us so far. Afterward we went out to Sunday brunch at the Officer's Club on Camp Futenma which is just south of Camp Foster where Duane works. The view off the deck from the dining room was amazing. You can see our apartment just to the left of Sandy's head (tall brown building on the water). Grant had to do a little "pose" on the bridge at the front of the Officer's Club.

We thought we should send pictures of our cars. The middle photo shows Duane driving on the opposite side. We are getting very used to that by now. Sandy has a Honda Accord Wagon and Duane has a Toyota Windom. Both are considered "big" cars, you have to see how small all the other cars are here in order to understand.

November

The weather has been beautiful so far this November here in Okinawa, with record highs. It has been in the mid to upper 80's. There has been more rain lately, but at least it is not snow. It's been warm enough to still wear shorts and t-shirts. Unless you get "hot" from riding your bike (like Grant) and need to take your shirt off and have a Gatorade break.

This morning (11-15) we went on a family walk to the park near our apartment along the sea-wall. The sun was bright and warm. It is fun to see all the people fishing, no matter what time of day it is. There were alot of colorful tropical fish that we could see because the water was very calm and clear.

Grant and Will continue to grow and change daily. They have become great pals, and Grant can make Will belly laugh at any moment. Both are learning sign language with Sandy using some DVD's. Grant has been enjoying coloring and writing his name (not the last name quite yet).

Duane attended the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday night. It was held at the Officer's Club on Camp Foster. He had to wear his formal Dress Blue uniform. It was interesting to see all the Marine Corps VIP's in there sharp uniforms with all their ribbons and medals. It was a really formal ceremony followed by dinner.

Work is going well for Duane, he was informed this week that he may have to travel up to Iwakoni to treat some patients in the near future. This may become a biannual event. Hopefully Sandy and the boys will be able to come along and be able see a new part of Japan.