Monday we were supposed to experience our first real typhoon, but it turned out to be a total dud! It barely even rained that day... but I'm sure more will come.
This week we were able to buy and pick up a bedroom furniture set from another military couple about 10 km from our base. We saw the set online and loved it, just weren't sure how to get it home. We were able to fit the dresser and nightstand in our little Demio on two different trips, and thankfully were able to borrow someone's van to pick up the rest. Lesson learned: have it delivered next time! The problem is that there aren't many delivery services out here so their prices (I think) are pretty high. Especially to go such a short distance. So I was glad it worked out and we were able to get it all here ourselves. Once we get the headboard put back together and get a mattress, I'll post some pictures. I think its a pretty nice set aside from a few dents and scratches.
Friday, I was able to walk to one of the elementary schools to meet the two teachers in charge of their summer enrichment program (I learned about 400 students will be attending). It starts next week, and it seemed like the perfect place for me to volunteer (and it will keep me busy while Dan is at work!). Once I got there, they asked if I could stay and help that day which I wasn't really expecting. But it was great to help and get out of the house. They were just doing some last minute things as the summer program starts this Monday. I'm excited to see how it goes! It only lasts from 9-12 in the morning, but its something! :D
Saturday, we decided to go up North (about 2 hours away) to see the beautiful scenery at Cape Hedo. We have heard that is something that you should do sometime while on the island, and the forecast didn't seem too rainy for the day, so we went for it. We made some pb&j sandwiches, filled our cooler with soda and water, and hit the road. Last weekend we drove on the expressway for a while, but this time we decided to stick to the highway and save the 700 yen each way. Well, I guess you do pay for what you see! I was a little disappointed that the view wasn't as gorgeous as last weekend, but it was still neat driving through little towns and seeing different things. We were going to stop and hike to see the Hiji Waterall but we passed the entrance and decided to hit it up on our way back. But we did stop at the Kayauchibanta Viewpoint which was incredible! We had directions from a website but we weren't exactly sure if we were following the right road because we parked in a little dirt parking spot and walked through a very faint path that didn't seem very used anymore. BUT it was so worth it because we saw this!
Once we got on the road, it only took about 3 minutes to get to our final destination, Cape Hedo. The view was beautiful and we took tons of pictures to try to remember its beauty! There were some interesting things there that we didn't know the meaning of. Guess its time to learn how to read Japanese!
It only took about 10 minutes to see everything, and then we hit the road again. There really wasn't much up there at all, except for running into the one person on the island Dan knew from High School who happened to make the 70 mile trip by bike that day... pretty crazy! I guess I was expecting to see more shops or something. I think there was one little restaurant. We went down the east side of the island on the way back, so we sort of made a giant circle on the island today. The way back was less water and mostly trees and windy roads. Since we ended up on this side of the island, we didn't make the stop to go hiking. It was a pretty scenic trip altogether, and next time we'll have to make a stop at the resort and make a weekend out of it!
Tonight we decided to try an Italian restaurant called Marinos. It was phenomenal! I'm not sure if I loved it so much because we've been eating sandwiches and mac & cheese so much lately (so gourmet huh?) or what, but I loved every bit of it! We ordered the plate for 2 people and got a Caesar salad, some type of pasta, cheese pizza, and dessert. We also ordered the cheese fondue after hearing great things about it! So good. We parked in this giant parking garage which was recommended in our directions and because we couldn't actually find the restaurant. So we went in this giant mall that was also like a supermarket and had a few restaurants (Starbucks/McDonalds) and got completely overwhelmed. hah It seems like their stores have SO much stuff and all so close together. Maybe its just the Japanese characters and not being able to read them that throws me off, but it is definitely an experience. We finally found the door to the outside and then right in front of us was the restaurant! Here is a little view into what we ate:
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