Had an incredible day at the "Ocean world Expo," the worlds second largest aquarium located on the northern end of the island.

The pictures simply can't describe how huge the tanks and it's inhabitants are. Stood for hours watching.
The Japanese were very proud of this facility, and it would take at least two days of touring to do it justice. Everything i've ever seen on the discovery channel, then some. They claim (although not quite the largest) it is the most diverse in terms of species.
They have an intact carcass of Archituthis (giant squid). One of only two in existence in the world. I somehow managed to erase that picture....bummer.
They also have a waterfoundain that shots a scope like mouthwash so your breath is minty fresh. Do not swallow!! Happy Joy Luck Fresh Fountain
Ari came with.

Been doing lots of sailing, yet the biker tan remains. I'm starting to think it's permanent!
Sun rise salutation never felt so zen.

Happy after a full day and lots of Kirn beer
Bud at the marina

Japanese graves face the sea
Snorkeling off the back of the boat
The cliff house on the cape (in the distance)
"Grass Ningas"

Had a good day. Did some touring around the cape and hung out at the marina. Worked on the boat and went snorkeling for the first time. After swimming for a while, I found the good corral reefs and the vast underwater world it supports. Took some good pictures that I can't download to my site. Gotta love computers. Going out early tomorrow on my dad's friends boat. It's a 45 ft. race yacht. I met some girls on the beach that coached me on diving and were to go. Pooped..., I forgot how hungry and tired the water makes you (kinda like cycling). can't wait to see what tomorrow holds

Lots of wild foliage here. My personal favorite.... the Banyon Tree. I've had my eye out for the deadly Habu snakes that chill in the trees and on the cliffs and rocks. This isn't their busy season, but I'm still weary of their presence.

It is a protected species since they are only found in this chain of islands. They are illegal to kill, and there are little teams of Japanese Habu relocators that take them into the interior when found.

Then there's this guy. Ari Daviltelis. He comes from a great Greek family that we've shared many good times with. I've known dude since the 4th grade; back when we used to live in Germany. We played soccer together on German league teams in the 80's. We've been hanging out and catch up on things. He works on the island and has a beautiful wife and daughter; Rebecca and Marina. Went out for Thai food with them last night.

Buddy's boat. The Malitoa. It's a 26 foot sailboat moored in Kadena harbor. In a former life, Bud was crew on some race boats and had his own in Pt. Arthur, Texas. I'm stoked he's in a place where he can once again pursue sailing. He and some local sailing friends piloted it around from the east side of the island two weeks ago. Heavy seas and a strong headwind really put the Malitoa through it's paces. 13 hours worth. He said it's very stable for a small rig, and handled the big stuff no problem. While working on it last week, I could see the tropical fish (a puffer, and some other really bright ones) nibbling on algea under the hull. Can't wait to get underwater.

Been on the island for about 5 days now and am just getting around to creating a blog. Ryan Marle gave me the idea. His looked pretty cool, so I'm following suit.
I'm going to start with just some pictures and not so much editorial. There's just to much to do on the island and I'd rather be out, than thumping on the computer.
This is the view I awoke to the morning after I flew in. The "cliff house" was just finished in August, and is a mavel of Japanese engineering. All the homes here are built like bunkers to withstand any typhoons that come in from the pacific. It's located on Cape Zampa on the west side of the island. It faces the east china sea.

Looking down, it's about a 30meter jump into the neighbors pool. Then another 40m. strait down to the water. Sandy beaches are about a 10 minute walk. The water here is crystal clear when it's not choppy. You can see strait to the bottom. Okinawa is surrounded by coral reefs, so diving is huge here.

The weather has been in the low 80's (delightful) and more clouds than sun. Typhoon season is just about over. Everyone here is complaining about the weather being bad. I'm loving it. Can't wait to see what good weather is like.