Tokashiki Island

Finally, the pictures from Tokashiki Island. There would have been more and they would have been better had my finger not covered the lens on half of them. Hope you enjoy.

Ramblin' On

As I sit in the hallway outside my room to write this, there is a guy practicing riding a unicycle down the hallway. He has failed quite a few times already, and now he has asked me to take him to the hospital if he hurts himself. Needless to say, I respectfully waited 5 minutes and then walked outside to sit in the picnic area in between my dorm and its twin.

I guess I will go ahead and warn you that this really has no purpose, so if you don't appreciate/like my rambling you can probably stop reading now and save yourself valuable minutes of your life.

Oh, I want to apologize for the snorkeling videos, those were the first ones I have ever done and underwater videography is definitely a skill that I lack. So keep a trash can close by if you actually watch them. I would practice more, but I don't know how much snorkeling is left. It is starting to "cool down" here, which means its low 80s. I'm not complaining, after the snow fest the east coast suffered last year, this is a nice adjustment, one I can live with for sure. Not going to lie though, Christmas in the 60s is going to be odd.

Word on the street is if I can find a guy named Mr. Miagi I can see a mongoose fight a habu snake. I think that would definitely be a sight to see. It's up north somewhere near Nago.

This island is really small. Basically it's like a drive from Stokes to Raleigh to go from Nago to Naha. The biggest difference is the speed limit is 80 kph (about 50 mph) versus I-40s at 65mph. That is one thing that cracks me up about this island. All the movies would make the average westerner believe that all Japanese drive supped up cars and drift around all the time. Now don't get me wrong, there are drifters, but that’s the 5% of the hoodlums that cause 95% of the problems...at least from what I see.

They have yellow plate cars here. That means the have a yellow license plate. What this means is they have an "economy sized engine" aka slow. But hey, they have a better carbon footprint than I do.

A really cool thing they have here are karaoke booths. You go in with you and your friends and you sit in like a "U" shape around a low table and you have unlimited karaoke (and drinks and food if you choose) for the amount of time you choose to pay for. It is a real treat, because you don't a) have to worry about making a complete fool in front of anyone besides your friends and b) the slit-your-wrist songs are unanimously vetoed. Cool idea...might try it back in the states sometime...if all my other career choices don't work out of course.

Steinbrecher-Hoffmann says hi.

Last night a whole bunch of us from the Marine Detachment Fort Meade got together and headed out the gate for a little reunion and to hang out with one of my buddies, LCpl Rogers, who is down from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni for pre-deployment training. It was great to get to see everyone and hang out. Everything was good until we tried to come back on base. The base commander had issued a 100% search of all honchos (cabs) at the gate. They had drug drugs and random urine analysis. So instead of our honcho ride being around 800 yen it turned out to be 1520 yen. With the yen rate being 79 yen to 1 dollar, that was the difference in about 10 bucks. That really griped by batooter. Nevertheless, I participated in the search and went to Chili's Too. Those bacon ranch quesadillas are the best. I ate about half of it and gave the other half to the honcho driver that took me to the dorms. He was grateful and I think he was actually going to eat it. Which is somewhat awesome if I do say so myself.

After I got back I went bowling with a couple friends. I bowled a 167. That never happens. If they had a lottery here I would have bought a ticket...because it was my lucky night.

The thing I love most about Okinawa is the low crime rate. It's awesome. You never really feel in danger here. People are honest and kind. It's rather amazing. It's like walking through main street in Walnut Cove at night. The only difference is millions of people live on this island. For America to be like this we would have to get rid of "big business." Don't get me wrong, I am not saying competition and the drive to succeed should leave, that is what has shaped us into the country we are, but where did we lose sight of "the melting pot?"

I am reading a pretty awesome book series. It's by Steig Larsson. It started with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, then The Girl Who Played with Fire and finally the third book The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest. I highly recommend these books if you are looking for an engaging fiction read. The books are lengthy, but there is never a dull moment.

The food here is very different than the food in the states. Take McDonalds for instance, I never eat McDonalds in the states. The cooks take zero pride in their product...it is so different here. I order a big mac and it actually looks like the picture. It also looks like the employees actually wash their uniforms each night.

People here are so accommodating. Me an English speaking westerner can go pretty much anywhere and have a somewhat effective conversation. I pity the people that visit or immigrate into America. Most people don't even know Spanish. The mentality is "if you’re in my country, know my language." That is ignorance and lack of initiative my the government and school systems.

I have always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, but that is hard being an American. Everything is self-driven with the purpose of personal gain. No matter what you do. For me, I see this never changing which is upsetting. Probably the most selfless people in America are teachers that teach because of their passion. As well as volunteer firefighters. Thank you for what you do.

Well, I guess that is enough rambling from me. I will leave you with this quote from my dad, "if guns kill people, then pencils misspell words."

Videos

Videos from snorkeling at Maeda Point. Hope you enjoy.

September 2010

I haven't had time to write on the weekend because I haven't been in my room except to watch college football from 0100 to around 1200 hours on Sunday mornings. That's right, we watch the games live. Right now, as I type, there are some really good games on. Florida/Alabama, Stanford/Oregon and Penn St/Iowa...and yes it is only 0921.

Anyways, I have been snorkeling at Maeda Point and Tokashiki Island, as well as camping at Okuma.

Maeda Point is absolutely breathtaking under the water. There is an unbelievable amount of coral down there. The water is really shallow, so you run a risk of getting cut. I have gloves and booties so I am good to go. Here are a few photos that I took with my friend’s underwater camera at Maeda.

BEFORE HEADING INTO THE CAVE

SEA CUCUMBER

THESE FISH RARELY MOVE, AND BLEND WELL.

THESE SCARE ME.

ME WITH THE CLOWN FISH.

NEMO'S FAMILY.

STARFISH ARE EVERYWHERE.

SEA LIFE/CORAL.

SCHOOL OF FISH.

MORE FISH/CORAL.

MAEDA POINT.

ME AGAIN.

THIS FISH FELT THE NEED TO GET CLOSE TO THE CAMERA.

Okuma is also gorgeous. A few people from work got together and camped out for the night up on the ridge. Okuma has a lot to offer people that come to visit. They have jet skis, wakeboarding, kayaking, a beautiful beach, snorkeling and more. So if you are around this area I highly recommend you check it out. Here are a few pictures that I took of friends while we were up there.

J NAVA

RACHAEL AND AMANDA (THE INTERN)

NATE CARBERRY

CARBERRY GETTING IT DONE.

BEACH AT OKUMA.

MORE BEACH AT OKUMA.

Finally, the visit to Tokashiki Island…it was absolutely gorgeous. We started out with a 70 minute ferry ride out of Tomari Wharf. The boat ride was peaceful. The we arrive at an island that you only believe can exist on a 72 inch lcd hdtv with 3-D goggles. It really is breathtaking. I bought a disposable underwater camera for the trip so I am waiting to get that developed before those photos can be posted. Nonetheless, here are a few photos friends took with their I-phones.

ME, NAGLE AND CARBERRY ON THE FERRY.

CBS SHOULD DO SURVIVOR HERE... AND CALL IT SURVIVOR: PARADISE ISLAND.

TAKEN FROM THE FERRY.

ONCE AGAIN, MORE BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS.

TAKEN ONCE WE GOT OFF THE FERRY.

Other than my weekend adventures, I have just stayed busy with work. As of tomorrow, I will be the NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge) of the News department at AFN. So that means added responsibilities, but nothing I can’t handle. I am starting a “Day in the life of…” series. I hope that it works out like I envision. The first of the series will be completed tomorrow and go on air Tuesday night.

We are looking into a way to post the newscasts from work so that viewers can download them. If anyone knows of a site that we can upload videos to and have viewers download for free that is accessible through the NIPR network please let me know.

I have some pretty funny random thoughts, but I can never remember them when I come to write. So I think I am going to open up a word document and keep a compiled list there. So stay tuned for that.

Hope everyone is well. Keep the family of LCpl Ralph Fabbri in your prayers. He was a combat cameraman killed in Afghanistan.

Until next time, stay classy blog readers.

Marine Corporal Meredith Brown, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.

8-23-10

Wow...it really has been forever since I last blogged. My apologies, but just so you know it took me 15 minutes to log in because I couldn't figure out how to translate the page.

So I guess I should start with the most important news in case someone is in the dark. Gil and I got married on July 10th! We went down to nan's condo at the beach for a week and had an amazing time. He is coming out here for Christmas so that we don't have to spend that time apart.

A lot has been going on as of late. I had the pleasure of going TDY (temporary duty orders) to Yokota Air Base in mainland Japan. It was really an awesome experience. I sadly did not get to go to Tokyo, however, I hope to get to soon. Disney looks awesome.

I also went snorkeling for the first time here at Mieda Point. It is unbelievable. I think a few of us from work are going back this weekend, so I am going to invest in a cheap underwater camera. You won't believe what I saw. There was a sea snake, a couple lion fish, multiple clown fish (nemo's), hundreds of starfish and sea cucumbers. The list goes on and on.

Tomorrow night I plan on cooking dinner for a few of my co-workers. I feel like a real person right now because I am house/dog sitting for some friends while they are on leave. I think we are going to have sirlions, whole kernnel corn, mac and cheese and cresent roles. I hope it turns out well to say the least.

Believe it or not, I have actually taken a few pictures, so I will try to post them soon.

This week is the Japanese holiday obon week. Obon is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating thier ancestors. It is believed that each year, during obon, the ancestors spirits return to this world to visit. Traditionally, laterns are hung in front of houses to guide the ancestors' spirits, obon dances are performed, graves are visited and food offerings are made at house altars and temples. At the end of Obon, floating laterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back into their world.

I was at a friends house who lives near the sunabe sea wall and we saw a parade in celebration of Obon. One guy had a camera, so hopefully he will post picks soon and then I will repost for you all.

Also, on September 1st I pick up Corporal, which I am super stoked about. Well, thats all for now.

Reporting from AFN Okinawa, I'm LCpl Meredith Watts.

3 Paychecks Later

S20, Carberry and I all had our pics made at the beach before Schwab Fest. You can tell that it was rainy. Thats because it was Saturday. Haha.

So I realize that it has been 3 paychecks since I last updated. That is not my intention, however, I haven't really been doing much of anything compliments of all the rain. The "rainy season" is no joke. It never fails...it will be beautiful all week and then rain Friday thorugh Sunday (except during the 96 then it rains through Tuesday). I had a crazy experience this weekend. I went to bed rather early after range week on Friday. When I woke up the following morning I had a slight panic attack... I looked outside and it wasn't raining. I honestly thought I had slept until Monday.

Me driving to Schwab Fest.

I went to Schwab Fest since I last updated. They had some belly dancers perform, as well as a local band "Kentucky Rain" followed by the main event, LIT. Kentucky Rain rocks. LIT was just eehhh. I met some really cool people there, however, I never got their name. It really is a shame I know. However, I got to hang out with another Stokesian, Taylor Hall. Needless to say we had a good time.

Belly Dancers

Random guys I met.

Me, Chelsea (s20), Taylor and Random guy.

Random drunk guy dressed as Tigger.

Guitarist from Kentucky Rain. Also plays at a local bar (Al's Place) on Gate 2 Street.

Like I said early I had range week. I finished qualifying this past Friday. I shot a low expert. It wasn't what I wanted, but Schwab is the worst range in the Marine Corps so I guess I will take what I can get.

This past Saturday a couple people I work with and I went to our intern's high school graduation. It was pretty much like a graduation in the states, but somehow they make it last longer. I was glad I had the opportunity to support her nonetheless.

From left to right: LCpl Alisa Helin, Amanda the Intern, Air Force SSgt Rachael Garneau, Me

Helin was dressed like someone else at the graduation so we had to get a pic.

Also, here are a few pics from my favorite place...American Pizza Man. Great food and great zombie juice.

A few of us chillin with zombie juice at American Pizza Man.

The soap at American Pizza Man always makes me laugh.

Finally, great news. I am coming home July 6th. So I hope to see you all then.

Dorm 176 a.k.a. home.

Typical "Honcho" or cab.

Reporting from AFN Okinawa, I'm LCpl Meredith Watts.

Diddle Daddle

The above photos are from Jack's Place and Chili's where we had Cpl Malta's going away dinner.

Learned/Experienced/Observed

1. Kimchi is awesome.

2. I think I will eat pretty much anything that is cooked or in some cases not cooked by a Japanese person.

3. They don't import U.S. pennies here and I wonder everyday how much money I lose with each purchase.

4. I hate doing dishes, but I think my own cooking is amazing.

5. I am bad at remembering my camera, but I always see the picture I should be taking.

6. I hate how I meet cool people and then they leave.

7. I am the most prepared person ever when I get locked out of my room. (Will explain shortly).

8. I wish U.S. culture was more like it is here. The people are so nice and humble.

9. The yen rate needs to be at least 1:1.

10. Sushi hear kicks sushi in the U.S. butt.

11. It is hard to grocery shop and buy meat and bread for one person.

Okay, so yesterday at around 5 pm I grabbed my bag of Uncle Ben microwave in 90 seconds rice and walked to my microwave to cook it. All was good until I heard the click. BAM! Just like that I was locked out of my room. See, last week sometime they decided to put automatic locking door locks on our room and common area doors. So, if you even go to the bathroom you have to remember your key.

So anyways, back to the story. I was locked out, but you know I could survive for a little while because I had my bag of Uncle Ben rice and conveniently enough a fork that I had washed and left to dry by the sink. Also, I had my wallet. I was wearing my baggy black sweatpants and my black blood giving t-shirt without shoes. So needless to say I was in no way ready to go out in town until my roommate got back and could unlock my door.

So I sat patiently in my common area for like an hour doing nothing but eating my rice. Then Carberry came and I told him I was locked out of my room, but then I remembered I had been doing laundry and the dryer didn't drive my civilian load the first time so I had switched the dryers and then forgot about them. So in this load of laundry I had blue jeans, t-shirts, socks, undies and a bath towel.

So I took a shower and got dressed with my nicely washed clothes all folded neatly in my common area. I had everything I needed but a pair of shoes, my phone and of course my room key. Well I knew the phone and keys were a lost cause, however, I the shoe problem could easily be fixed. So I went and got a pair of flip flops from S20 that was way too small, went and got Carberry and we trucked it over to the BX.

Once we got there, I was on a mission. I was getting me a new pair of tennis shoes. Then I saw them. It was as if there was only one pair of shoes in the store. I had to get them...these plaid Nike's are (insert you're awesome, epic, astounding word here).

Thus is the tale of how I am the most prepared and resourceful person to get locked out of my room for 6.5 hours.

Also, this morning I was super-not-lazy. I went to the commisary got groceries and cooked an amazing bacon-egg-cheese on hamburger bun. So I felt obliged to include a photo.