It's New Years Day here in Okinawa. Although my parents and I did not stay awake past 9:30 last night to ring in the first minute of the new year, we did have a good time celebrating today. Not only was today my first day of 2009, it is my last day in Okinawa. My parents and I got to go to see Tops in Blue this morning. It is one of my favorite things to go see! Basically, some of the most talented vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists, and comedians audition each year to be able to tour with Tops in Blue. They tour for 10 months with their spectacular show! They sing, dance, bring laughs, and just put on a good show. This year 
was as good as the rest. They also always end it with such a strong hitting patriotic punch. I love it when they sing God Bless America and the whole audience rises to their feet in pride. Something special to see. We then went to the old house that we used to live in off base, and went to a few stores around the island. After shopping, we walked along the sea wall for a while. It was a very windy day so there were actually waves and it was beautiful. We finished the day by eating pork (yuck, but I did it for tradition's sake) and black eyed peas.
New years is one of the biggest holidays celebrated here, so there is a lot of hustle and bustle leading up to this day. They sell all sorts of New Years decorations and always give lots of gifts, usually money to children in traditional New Years envelopes.
All in all, this was a pretty good trip home. It was long, but very busy. Working
with my mom at her preschool for a week, visiting what seems like every shop in Okinawa, site seeing like a new tourist, and spending time with my parents, not to mention celebrating Christmas and the New Year.
was as good as the rest. They also always end it with such a strong hitting patriotic punch. I love it when they sing God Bless America and the whole audience rises to their feet in pride. Something special to see. We then went to the old house that we used to live in off base, and went to a few stores around the island. After shopping, we walked along the sea wall for a while. It was a very windy day so there were actually waves and it was beautiful. We finished the day by eating pork (yuck, but I did it for tradition's sake) and black eyed peas.New years is one of the biggest holidays celebrated here, so there is a lot of hustle and bustle leading up to this day. They sell all sorts of New Years decorations and always give lots of gifts, usually money to children in traditional New Years envelopes.
All in all, this was a pretty good trip home. It was long, but very busy. Working
with my mom at her preschool for a week, visiting what seems like every shop in Okinawa, site seeing like a new tourist, and spending time with my parents, not to mention celebrating Christmas and the New Year.