Never wear a skirt during a typhoon!

They put me right to work so I've been really busy during the week.  I have worked the past two Saturdays so I haven't had a weekend to travel yet (or the funds really!) 

Here's a typical day in the Child Development Center (CDC) where I've been helping out in the preschool:





We caught a gecko!

   




Drawing merfamilies

 



Raina paints a rainbow

 There is also a typhoon passing through which makes walking to work a little more interesting.  We're experiencing some really intense winds and a light misty rain on and off all day.  I made the mistake of wearing a skirt and came to regret it quite quickly when a big bust of wind almost blew me over.  The weather went from in the high 80s down to the mid 60s.  Either way, I end up all wet by the time I reach the CDC whether it be from breaking a sweat in the hot sunny weather or getting misted on the whole way there (too windy for an umbrella!)  

Last week, while the weather was still nice, I ventured out to Shirahama beach.  I wish I could show you how beautiful this area was but I forgot my camera!!  I will definitely be back though.  I went swimming and got stung by a jellyfish for the first time.





The inside of my arm.  OUCH, but it won't keep me from going back!

  Kelsie and I have made some Navy friends.  They know all the good places to eat and explore in town. 



A restaurant that offered the traditional sitting on the floor style of eating.
(We didn't get a floor table though, they were full)
Tried a little bit of everything here including some "tako", or octopus.
These drinks called Chu-Hi (チューハイ) are sooo delicious. 
I don't know what's in them but they come in a variety of fruity flavors
and are really popular in restaurants and convienent stores.

 



Kelsie hanging her dollar bill on the wall.
Many bars and restaurants that serve a lot of Americans follow this trend.

 



Habu Sake Wine. 
They put pit vipers in the bottle (not alive obviously) which soaks up the venom for you to drink.
I have not tried it.........yet.

 

Here's a better picture from the internet. 

 Discovering the city is really interesting (and at times very humorous) but I can't wait to see some of the natural wonders Japan has to offer.  There are some neat MWR trips that I am signing up for such as mountain hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, castle tours, and waterfall escapades.  More to come!