Hitting the ground running...

Our flight was pretty much hellacious, but nothing a nap and hot shower couldn't fix! Once we felt revived, we hit the ground running. First stop...the Sydney Harbor.

Jason and Amy with the Harbor Bridge behind us.

This is the section of Sydney called The Rocks. It used to be the hub of the city. Now it's a quaint, high-end area of town.

Jason and Amy with the Sydney Opera House behind us.

About this point, Jason started daydreaming about us living on the Harbor. Maybe someday!

Sunset on the Harbor Bridge

Jason peers up at the genius of the bridge structure.

Amy with the Opera House all lit up.

Ready for a Merry Christmas...or rather a Happy Christmas, as the Aussies say.

Check back for further Christmas in Sydney posts....LOTS more pictures to come!

As Promised!

There's been plenty to blog about...yet, the poor blog has gone unattended to. Sorry to leave yall hanging! As promised, I'm getting back into the swing of things. Our AMAZING trip to Sydney is the perfect motivator!

Stay tuned for:
- Multiple posts on Fabulous Sydney
- Long overdue pics from Robyn's visit
- Long overdue pics from my trip to Taipei
- Whatever else I can find to throw in there!

Going to the beach with Aspen and Mike

After church on Sunday, we took a quick trip to one of the beaches along the East China Sea. Aspen and Mike were itching to get their toes in the sand.

Isn't she beautiful? Not sure that I want to lay beside her on the beach.

Jason and I enjoying the coolness of the water while the sun beats down on us.

The East China Sea

Mike and Jason: kids at heart. They couldn't wait to run into the water.

Eisa Dancer/Orion Beer Festival

Last weekend was the 54th annual Eisa Dancer/Orion Beer Festival here in Okinawa. It also happened to be Aspen and Mike's first weekend here. So, the four of us headed out for a night of fun! How ironic is it that the first thing Aspen and Mike do in Japan (after leaving Germany) is go to a beer festival????

Below is one of the many food vendors.

And as you can see by the happy customers below (who happen to be in mid-chew)...the food was pretty yummy. We tried yakatori (chicken on a stick) and soba (Okinawan noodles with chicken and veggies).

Below you can see some locals enjoying the festival food as well. It's very typical to see the Japanese "pop-a-squat" anytime they want to rest. Notice they are dressed traditionally also.

These guys stood on a podium and entertained the crowd, almost like jesters.

Mike and Aspen with some taiko drummers.

Below is video of the dancers, musicians and drummers. Photos are great, but they don't quite capture the essence of this tradition.

One of the many groups of Eisa Dancers and Taiko Drummers.

Jason and Mike pose with some Eisa dancers giving the peace sign.

The little boy below stole the show. He was dancing and beating his mini taiko drum. When he saw me taking pictures of him, he squatted down and posed for me. He was so ADORABLE!!!

Past meets the present: The Eisa Dancer wears traditional dress while talking on her cell phone and drinking a beer. Who says a beer festival isn't a family event? The little boy in green and blue uses his architectural skills to make use of all the empty beer glasses.

It was SO hot and humid. Aspen and I were quite envious of the Japanese with their fans. Finally we found a table where they were giving fans away. We made good use of those fans the rest of the night.

Who knew we'd see a Japanese guy with a fro?

Posed for their group photo. You can see the musicians, taiko drummers, Eisa dancers, and group flag.

The great thing about Japan is that they love photos as much as I do. This group saw my camera and posed without me even having to ask.

The kid below was having such a great time.

At the end of the night all the groups took to the field waving their banners and singing.

As if we weren't entertained enough, we were treated to a splendid fireworks show...one that could rival any 4th of July show.

The Japanese Holiday of Obon

On Saturday night Jason and I heard drums and singing. Turns out that the local Japanese were celebrating the holiday Obon. Obon is a Buddhist holiday honoring the departed spirits of one's ancestors. They believe that at this time each year, their ancestors spirits' return to visit. Throughout most of Japan you would see "bon odori," traditional folk dancers. But in Okinawa, the "eisa" drum dance is performed instead. Quite interesting and cultural!

This particular dancer was really interesting. He was very serious about his dancing/drumming. You could tell this was something he took great pride in.

The men pictured are playing the traditional Okinawan instrument "sanshin." It is very similar to a banjo. The body is covered with snake skin.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Today Jason and I participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It was our second outting in the area, and it proved to be just as enjoyable as the aquarium was last weekend.

Below is our tea master. Before we enter the ceremonial room, we all need to cleanse ourselves. Here she shows us how to properly do so. First we must cleanse the left hand.

Then the right hand...
She watches on as Jason washes off.

Then it's my turn...

I also cleansed my mouth (which was optional).

When we first enter the ceremonial room, we are suppose to take notice of the banner hanging. The banner is prepared especially for us by the tea master.

The tea maser shows us the banner.

Then we bow to the banner as a sign of respect (not worship).

Next we are given napkins and utensils.

The tea master watches as the apprentices serve us. First they serve us a pastery. It sweetens the pallet for the bitter tea.

Our tea master shows us how to properly hold the bowl (tea cup).

Below Jason bows in appreciation of being served tea while I sip my tea.

Both of us enjoy the tea.

Proud to show off our empty cups/bowls.

Us in front of the scroll which wishes us hope and prosperity.

The tea master and her apprentices

Me sneaking in with the apprentices