Northern Highlights

The day after Christmas Alex and I went on a tour with MCCS to visit some places that we needed to see before we left the island. Liz, Lonnie, Raquel, Juan, and Emilio joined us for this fun filled day. The first stop was at the Nago Glass Factory. There the girls made their own glass with help from the professionals. I was unable to multi-task on the last step. We had to roll with the left hand and use the tongs in the right hand to make into the cup shape. After glass blowing we went to Fruit Land for lunch also while there we feed the birds and goats and walked through the butterfly area. Then we headed to the Pineapple Park. We skipped the ride since we already been on it before and went straight for the free samples. We tried wine, cookies, candy, juice and even a pineapple pickle(NOT GOOD). The last stop was the well anticipated stop for the guys, Orion Beer Factory. They didn't care much for the information given on the tour but could not wait for the two free samples.

Christmas Day

I woke up around 630 and laid on the couch for a little bit since Alex was still sleeping. We opened our presents. Alex got a wedge set, golf bag, and two jackets for Sapporo. I received a Mintpad but was later returned for an IPod Touch since the mintpad would not work with our computer. Santa also brought me a pair of Coach flip-flops since he knew my feet would be hurting half way through the New Years Party at the O'Club. Alex and I headed over to the Browne's house for waffles and ham. We have been going over there since the first year we were here. For dinner Liz had us over. We had lasagna, manicotti, salad, and garlic bread. I also brought over the chocolate fountain for desert. I sure have put the fountain to use this year. It was a fun time for all of us to be together and remind others of what happened the previous night. We exchanged gifts and watched a few movies.

Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve we went to Raquel's house for the 2nd Annual Christmas Eve Beer Pong Tournament. The week before we made tamales. Now we got to eat out creations. Santa came for a visit to drop off some presents for everyone. We all sat on Santa lap. Then the fun started. We played several games, the first was unwrapping kisses with oven mitts relay. Alex, Lonnie, Kayleigh and I were all a team and we won (thanks to Emilio doing the Captain pose). We also played a round of beer pong.

Sumo in Okinawa

Alex and I have check off another box on our "To Do List While In Japan", we went to a Sumo Tournament that was held here on Okinawa(I know a shocker Liz wasn't with me). Last year was first time in 10 years that they came and held a sumo tournament here in Okinawa and ever more shocked that they came back this year. We showed up and the wrestlers were warming up. Then what Alex called the B league come out and wrestled. Next was the major leagues. These guys were huge. It is funny to all the Japanese people were running up to them and getting autographs and pictures. We have no clue who they are so we sat in our seats.

Pottery Festival

Liz and I decided to explore the island by going to a pottery festival down in Naha. We both were looking for bowls and I was looking for some Christmas presents. While we were there we ran into a lady who was allowing people to make their own pottery. So Liz and I waited for our turn to make a bowl or cup. The language barrier wasn't a problem until we wanted to keep our cup and bowl. We get to pick them up near the end of the month.