Almost forgot to get this one in. During the first few weeks of our time here on Okinawa, we had a Typhoon. Not a bad one, it wasn't a direct hit but close enough to close everything on all the bases and half of the places off base. With no food in the house and the Neathery Troop feeling hungry, we decided to venture south to Naha for the first time. Anne had found an article in the local Okinawa Living (great magazine) about a family owned and operated Sobe noodle house called Ten to Ten. Which translates to Dot to Dot or in their meaning "connecting people". There we had our first authentic Okinawan meal of Sobe noodles, which are hand made of wheat flour, then added to all different kinds of broth and topped with a slice of fried pork tenderloin. They were so pleased to have us despite the language barrier, they spoke very little English and all we knew was Konichiwa. After all eight of our bowls of Sobe the family played with Madilyn, who was just crawling at the time. We had discussed going back several times over the past year but never quite mustered the time to drive an hour south into the heart of Naha and find the tiny vine-covered building, we are still amazed we found it the first time. However nearly a year and a half later with Omi in town we ventured back down for the best Sobe on the island with a new addition to the Troop not quite crawling yet. They even remembered us and let us use the upstairs family dining area again. After ten bowls of Sobe this time we tried their Jasmine tea, and the boys and Madi were taught how to make it. I know it looks like shaving cream but it is likely a several hundred year old method of preparing tea. A great time at Ten to Ten, "connecting people".
Just before the holidays (late Nov early Dec) we decided to take the boys and Madi out to some of the local parks with Mia and the Bowman's. We had been to one of these parks previously, but had not been back in awhile. Little did we know they are literally all over the island, you just have to look for them. I guess some Okinawan kid or big kid figured that the same rolling slides used to move cases of beer and wine from the truck down into the basement also make great entertainment for kids. Just build them solid to withstand Typhoons add a roll cage to prevent falls and sprinkle a few rope ladders, swings and slides around and you've got a genuine "wear my kid out for free" park. It helps to bring a piece of cardboard or a box to sit on/in to help with the inevitable friction that occurs, especially on the bigger faster slides. The Okinawan kids just squat on their feet and use their balance the whole way down, they are insane to watch. Got some great video of the Troop in action, hope you enjoy watching as much as they did doing it. Turn your volume up too!
