2022- Letter…What was I up to during the last couple of year?

Hi Family and Friends! It has been a while!

Quick Highlights from the Past Couple of Years

Now in Portland, OR!
Work, Work Work
It has been fun having friends in the area to explore the PNW
I went on a bucket list vacation w/friends and family this year!
Memorable Birthday

This is my first end-of-the-year letter in the last few years because of my work schedule, and there wasn’t much going on because of the pandemic.

For the two people who don’t know, I now live in Portland Oregon! I moved here for a less demanding position, as everything was pausing during the pandemic. So far, I love it here!

So, what has been happening?

Professionally

Was I redecorating, learning a new hobby, or baking sourdough bread during the pandemic…not at all! Instead, I found myself working 12-16 hours a day on a project that may change the way we address research and major healthcare challenges in the future. The silver lining of all of this was seeing doctors, nurses, programmers, researchers, and industry leaders work together to address COVID questions.

It was moving to witness this unprecedented teamwork centralizing medical record data from more than 230 urban and rural hospitals across the country, creating one of the largest public COVID medical record resource in the nation (The US is behind other countries with this type of resource). This medical data resource impacted clinical guidelines and health policies, and the White House from both administrations came to us for information.

National COVID Cohort Collaborative

Exploring

Most of you know I love exploring. The Pacific Northwest has the most beautiful coastline and stunning waterfalls, and there are still a few old-growth trees that haven’t been cut down. There are impressive views of volcanoes, massive rivers, and crystal-clear lakes. I thought disease was taking out the trees because many of the mountains look like a case of alopecia due to aggressive logging. Portland loves a parade! They take parades seriously, with floats, marching bands, and the dancing Alaskan airlines staff.

And for all of the foodies, this is the place of locally created farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, the birth of craft beers, award winning wines, pizzas, and pastries…yum!

Portland Rose Parade!
Mount Hood and Columbia River
1st Experience w/Smoke from Forest Fires
Fun Attending National Soccer Champions Thorns vs Carolina Courage

Friends/Family/Events

*The kids always look forward to the annual Friends and Family beach trip (2021)!*

Tahoe! — *Tahoe in the Summer with Stacy*

One of my good friends, Stacy, moved out to the PNW for her job which helped make the pandemic bearable. We had a great time attending the Seattle Storms and Seahawk games, visiting flower farms and gardens, and hiking the waterfalls and antique shops. I am so jealous of her living room view of the Seattle sunset over the bay!

After two years of not celebrating my birthday, my S.O. surprised me with a concert in Las Vegas. I couldn’t believe I was seeing Bruno Mars on stage…on my birthday! The concert and the entire trip he arranged were awesome! I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life

This summer we decided to take a quick trip to the US Open. It was so much fun spending the entire day watching tennis and enjoying the events. I think we went to every court this time. My brother and I took advantage of being in the area and visited family we haven’t seen in several years.

It was nice visiting my family in Arkansas this year. I miss them!

Vacation – Yellowstone!

Instead of the annual beach trip this year, we decided to go to Wyoming and Montana for a friends and family once-in-a-lifetime vacation to experience natural beauty in our national parks right here at home! Honestly, I wasn’t sure if the trip would take place. Before our scheduled departure, Yellowstone park closed due to historic flooding, the Jackson Hole airport was closed due to repairs, and the Going-to-the-Sun road was closed due to a huge summer snowstorm. Thank goodness, the lodges and some roads opened the week before we arrived…Whew!

Wyoming
Glacier – Grinnell Lake
Grand Tetons
Montana Glacier
Buffalo

Glacier, Tetons, Yellowstone

Glacier’s majestic peaks and the Grand Tetons glacier lakes were beautiful, but now I know why Yellowstone is so popular. It had mountains, rushing rivers, waterfalls, buffaloes, grizzlies, mud pots, springs, geysers, and so much more! Kate, Sam, Ben and Gabriel has a wonderful time. I highly recommend taking the family to our nation’s national parks to experience natural beauty! Thanks to Annette for making sure we took the trip this year 🙂

The last couple of years was unexpected and challenging for all of us, but as I was masked up I was able to sneak some enjoyment in the simple things. Helping friends move cross country, going to Tahoe for skiing and summer R&R, and attending weddings were just a few of the other things I experienced. Next year, I hope to work less and to see more of my friends and family 🙂 I hope all is well with you!

Have a Wonderful 2023!

Luv Ya, Anita

Quick Peek of My Other Activities

Finally, I had a chance to visit **Virginia City** and their old saloons. The local museum shared stories of weapons designed to hide in their sleeves, the spider web of mines, women, and gold! It was cool visiting the old cemetery and historic buildings with my good friends, but the town was not as welcoming for people of color.

Fun with friends during the 4th of July!

Multnomah Falls
Shinnecock Pow Wow
Oahu

A March for People of Color Who Experienced Violence. It was great to see the support of people from all walks of life with their pets, bikes and kids!

Good Bye 2018…Welcome 2019! Holiday Letter

Hola Family and Friends!

It has been 2 years in Arkansas!

Where is Arkansas?

Major Event in 2018!

As most of you know 2018 was very special because it was the last year with my dad. The past year was tough but I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with him and my family creating special memories.

Fathers Day Gift -Hanging Out at a Durham Bulls Baseball Game

Top 5 Notable Items in 2018

5…Convening Our First Digital Health Conference
4…Visiting a Concentration Camp in Germany
3…My Dad’s Birthday Party
2…Hanging Out with My Niece on Her 1st European Trip
1…Hosting My Uncles and Dad in Arkansas

Professionally

This past year has been extremely busy with starting a new pediatric clinical trial network, trying to hire staff during an unexpected medical center layoff, beginning patient enrollment in another research study and convening the first Digital Health Conference at our academic medical center. I am excited about assisting researchers and doctors launch mobile apps to help children better manage their asthma and address children who are born with an addiction to Opioids.

All of this work has required many weekends in the office but I have finally taken some time to explore the Arkansas area.

Life Changing

There were several significant events this year, one that has changed my life forever. My father transitioned from this life in September of this year. It seemed as if it was all a dream until this past Christmas when I realized that he wasn’t there and wouldn’t be anymore. It is hard to believe he is not with us!

I thought I knew my dad well, but it wasn’t until this year that I realized who my dad was to so many people. He started, influenced or was involved in numerous organizations and activities that touched so many lives. From the ladies who process the water payments to the veterans in his post, people expressed what he meant to them. He was a good listener, established educational institutions, helped people get a job, or gave them a car to get to work. After hearing so many stories and gathering the information for his obit, I felt lazy compared to what he did with his life. I want to be like him when I grow up…making a difference to many and walking 2+miles a day in my 80s!

The Mayor and Our family at Dad’s Birthday Party

Time for Play

It was fun exploring my new environment here in this part of the country, attending culinary festivals and hiking in the mountains. The festivals in this area are all about the food with a side of music. Other than a Razorback football game, these events are when I encountered the most people here.

Festivals I attended…

Food Truck Festival
Cupcake Festival and Contest
Cornbread Festival
Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville Miss.
Sweet Potato Pie Fest and Contest
Art Riverfest in Memphis
Sunflower Blues Festival – Clarksdale Miss

The hiking here is awesome, but I have to get used to not seeing people on the trails. One day I was hiking on one of the highest peaks in the state where I could’ve sworn the vultures were checking me out. My favorite vistas are on Rich Mountain in the Ouachita Mountain range. It is so beautiful!

Ouachita Mountains

When I heard there was a James Beard Award winner in Arkansas I had to seek them out. The restaurant is a small barbecue joint in eastern Arkansas. They sell one item…a barbecue sandwich! The family told me about all about their trip to NYC to receive the award.

Jones Bar-B-Que in Marianna Arkansas. The only James Beard Award Winner in Arkansas

There was a bit of culture sprinkled in as well. I attended a dinner with a member of AFRICOBRA and fine arts photographer Adger Cowans. He was the first African American still photographer on movie sets. I loved his stories!

Chrystal Bridges in Arkansas hosted a lecture featuring Patrisse Khan Cullors, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter. She explained how the movement was started and brought attention to the profitability of the prison system. It gives “made in America” a whole new meaning. It was standing room only!

Patrisse Khan Cullors, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter

Adger Cowans

Hanging Out With Friends & Family

My dad and his brothers visited me in Arkansas, and we had a hot bath in historical Hot Springs, hit some of the highlights in Little Rock and toured the family farm near Pine Bluff. It was fun listening to old stories about their childhood. They were thrilled to carry out their grandfather’s dream of coming back to Arkansas to visit. Our family is from North Carolina but Granddad’s sister and other family members moved to Arkansas more than 100 years ago and lost touch with each other until recently.

Descendants of Lucy Jane and her younger brother William

My niece and I had an awesome time this year when I accompanied her on the school art trip to Europe. I don’t think she realized how lucky she was to leave the country at her age. When I was in junior high, our class didn’t leave the state. Later in the trip we connected with my friend Stacy and enjoyed Greece.

Normalcy was elusive this year, but I did get a chance to go on our annual beach trip with friends. My nieces love going and hanging out with the other kids, playing in the sand, going crabbing and visiting the sites! I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends to spend time with in the sand, sun, and sea.

This year I decided to visit a concentration camp for the first time and found it interesting and very informative. It was mentioned that the Polish were treated as illegal aliens and forced out of the country or arrested and placed in camps because they were not considered citizens in Germany. If you go to Germany there is an awesome Jewish museum that has some unique exhibits.

Symbolism of Missing Jewish Souls /The Wall!

The street art is awesome in German Cities

Kolon is beautiful and I love the chocolate!

Awesome Street Art/Beautiful Sights in Kolon

Looking Forward!

It has been a tough year, but I am grateful. My heart goes out to three of my good friends who are going through unexpected relationship loses. At the same time, I am thrilled that one of my friends is beginning a new chapter of love. I am not one for making New Years resolutions, but with the passing of two absolutely incredible people in my life (my dad & a dear friend), I have some huge shoes to fill to honor their memories.

Based on 2018…expect the unexpected but be the positive difference in 2019.

Have a wonderful new year!

Anita

Dad as a Kid, in Japan and with Me

Enjoying a Football Game

Mardi Gras, Italy, Greece and with Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Stacey McAdoo

Click Here for Indietrekkr Instagram

Happy 2018! My Holiday Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy New Year!

Last year I wrote my first holiday letter (blog) so I thought I would try it again this year.

If you don’t know by now I am writing this from my comfy couch in Little Rock, Arkansas. The first question everyone ask me is…wait, no, it is the second question…how do you like Little Rock? The first question is Why did you move. So far so good, here in Little Rock.

Work

As a researcher here at the medical school there is no shortage of work. The clinicians and public are very excited about utilizing technology to access healthcare especially those who are in rural areas or those who can not visit the medical center. We were awarded a national pediatric network to conduct research to address some of the biggest issues concerning children, such as obesity, and the severity of the problems they face emotionally and physically.

Beyond Work

Slowly, I am settling into a regular schedule but most of my time is spent working so I haven’t had much of an opportunity to explore. Arkansas, which is called the Natural state, is just lovely. On the weekends, I usually hike for about an hour on the river trails or in one of the city parks before heading to the office. Hopefully, this spring I will have the chance to hike the Ozark mountains.

I do miss my old routine, my weekend mountain hikes, live Jazz or Latin music and downhill skiing. In the winter, I usually drive up to the mountains to ski a few weekends during the season on my own, with friends and with my nieces but there are no ski mountains close enough to Arkansas. It now requires that I fly to ski with my niece, Katelyn and Samantha but it is worth it. This past year we had an enjoyable time on the slopes especially because it snowed! Katelyn boarded this year and Samantha started skiing through the trees.

Samantha and Katelyn, Solitude

Anita and Katelyn on the lift at Solitude

Each spring I have lunch in a local garden and with this being my first spring in Arkansas I searched for one and came across a park that has the old mill from the opening credits in the movie “Gone with the Wind” which is pretty cool. There is also a lovely garden in Hot Springs that is known for their tulips in the spring and during Christmas their beautiful lights. When you come to visit we can go together.

Garvin Garden Tulips

Old Mill “Gone with the Wind”

Family

Since moving to Arkansas, family has taken a larger role in my life especially the history.
Previously, I mentioned I have quite a few relatives here which has helped me feel at home. This past Labor day, I attended my first Arkansas family reunion here and visited the homestead where my great grandfather visited when he was very young. The house is no longer there but the family still owns and farms the land. Being there felt as if I was reconnecting his spirit to his sister.

Area where Lucy Jane Walden is buried

I also attended another family reunion in Delaware this year and had a great time hanging out with my cousins. It was nice to see all of my relatives and I was thrilled to celebrate family with my Aunt Catherine who has been on this earth for 101 years.

Aunt Catherine is 101 years young

It was great spending time with my mom side of the family as well this year. While I was in California I took some time to visit my cousins, aunts and uncles. I wish I could’ve visited all of them but it takes hours in the Southern California traffic to drive to just one home. I enjoyed a home-cooked meal while catching up. It was nice seeing you and hopefully we have the opportunity to spend time with each other again soon.

California Crew

One of the highlights of my summer was when my brother, sister and her family spent their vacation here in Arkansas with me! Our Arkansas cousins had a cookout so they were able to meet a number of the family members who live here in Little Rock. While they were here we had an awesome time exploring the Northwest part of state. I was told that a float on the Buffalo River was the thing to do in Arkansas so we rented canoes and spent a wonderful day floating on the beautiful river. In addition to visiting museums we had an excellent view from the bridge watching the fireworks. It was so much fun! I am looking forward to their next trip to Arkansas.

4th of July

Michele, Ed, Katelyn, Samantha and Matthew

Friends

I do miss my friends. Being from the east coast visiting the beach is always an annual trip. I had fun hanging out with my friend Christine, her daughter, Annette and her boys and my nieces for a long weekend this summer. I was thrilled when my friend Annette came to visit me in Little Rock! Annette, it was nice to have some girl talk and to show you around my new home.

Fun at the beach with Christine, Annette, Benjamin, Gabriel & Maya

Samantha, Benjamin, Katelyn and Gabriel

Vacation!

Hopkinsville, Kentucky

It was an extremely busy year at work but I took some time just for me. I took time off of work to spend the day in Hopkinsville, Kentucky! Ground zero for the eclipse. I was determined to see the total eclipse, and in the town of Hopkinsville it was the longest duration. It wasn’t my original plan to go to Hopkinsville, I only wanted to be in the total eclipse zone, but then at the last minute decided to go to ground zero and it was worth it! There were people from all over the world, even a news crew from Japan. A partial eclipse or even pictures do not compare to the real total eclipse. In fact, pictures can not really capture the actual eclipse as you see it in person. I set up my camera and took some photos but during the actual 2min and 40seconds of total coverage I just observed everything around me. This was the highlight of my year even more than the trip I had been planning for years….Morocco.

Hopkinsville KY

Total Eclipse

Morocco

For years Morocco was #1 on my bucket list but it never seemed to work out. Finally! Finally! I was there. The geography wasn’t what I expect at all. There were rolling hills, grassy plains, alpine areas with snow-capped mountains and of course the Sahara.

My friend Cheryl and her 11yr son, Joshua, took the adventure with me but I really wish my niece Katelyn could have been there to experience it with us. I didn’t go with a tour group which made the trip an adventure and the experience richer, but driving yourself across an unfamiliar country is not for everyone. We were there a week but there is so much more to see. I hope to go back one day to visit some of the places we didn’t get a chance to explore. If you ever decide to go I would recommend at least 10 days if you want to visit a couple of cities and the desert.

Sunrise camel ride in Sahara w/ Cheryl and Joshua

Alpine Forest leaving Fez for Sahara

Sahara!!

Looking Back

I spent most of my time at work this year but in looking back I still took some time to experience the world around me. What I realized this year is how much my family and friends mean to me. I appreciate your texts, the phone calls, emails, cards and especially those who took time to come to Little Rock to visit me!

To my Arkansas family, I want to thank you for including me and making feel a part of the family! It has been such an awesome experience getting to know you. I feel that granddad William “Sam” is smiling and happy that I am here.

You guys are welcome to come to visit any time. I can’t wait to see what new adventures are in store in 2018.

Here is a toast wishing you all a wonderful year!

Lomita Winery

Love Anita

A few other memories….

Marrakech night market

La Sagrada Familia

Mormon Chapel in San Diego

Lunch in Fort Lee AR

Park Guell

African American Museum in DC Aunt Yvette, Katelyn and Samantha Halloween with Elena

Happy New Year…My 1st Christmas/ Holiday Letter

Dear Family and Friends, I normally send out Christmas cards but this year I decided to write a letter to reconnect with my friends and family…. it is more of a blog. I hope everyone is doing well.

2016 has been a fantastic year!!

In summary, new experiences, meeting new family members, moving to a different state to start a new job and enjoying spending time with friends and family

The start of 2016…

It started with an incredible opportunity to visit a country that was on my bucket list, Cuba. Cheryl and I toasted to the New Year in Havana before traveling across the county to Santiago, a city with energy and music. It was great having a chance to dance salsa on the streets and to hike the mountains where Fidel once hid during the revolution.

Cuba

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My occupation keeps me very busy but I enjoy contributing to science. Yes, I often work on weekends and on my vacations but there are small breaks here and there. On one of my breaks, I ventured out to Death Valley in California and experienced a rare event, the super bloom. I would not recommend depending on cell phone GPS while traveling through the desert at night. It was an adventure I never hope to repeat. Dirt roads and short cuts???!!! But when I look at my photos it was worth the anxiety 🙂

Death Valley

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Super Bloom

Canada

I had an extra day in Montreal Canada, one of my favorite cities! I ventured up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City to visit the waterfall and the historic district. The drive on rte 138 passes through adorable villages along the river. I just love visiting Canada!

Montreal Cathedral

Adorable Villages

Ski Trips

Every year I look forward to spending time with my nieces and friends on the ski slopes. My nieces, Katelyn, Samantha and I had a terrific time at Snowshoe for my birthday. Katelyn switch from skiing and tried snowboarding for the first time and loved it. Samantha is a natural skier. Stacy and I went to Wintergreen and she tackled a Blue trail this year. My other three ski buddies and I had a wonderful week at Tahoe which is one of the most beautiful places to ski. I always enjoy hanging out with them, laughing and just relaxing.

Washington DC is one of my favorite cities because there is so much to do and many of my friends live there. This year I visited two new places with my friend Elena, Lincoln’s summer cottage and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Elena and I took pictures with the pope 🙂 The basilica is huge!!

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Lincoln Summer Cottage DC

Beach Trip!

My nieces and I took our annual beach trip to Emerald Isle, North Carolina this year. We found sand dollars on Bear Island and huge conch shells on Cape Lookout. Mom, the girls and I also saw dolphins on our boat ride to the islands. It was so much fun!!

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This spring was very busy! I moved from North Carolina to Little Rock, Arkansas to join the UAMS faculty.

Moving Day

Little Rock wasn’t what I expected. The Arkansas river flows through the city with rolling hills in the west. The sunsets are beautiful and there are plenty of locally owned restaurants to dine in. Moving was a job but it was also fun with the help of friends and family.

Road Trip to Arkansas

Little Rock

Football

People are serious about their football here in Arkansas. I attended my first Arkansas Razorback game and a Dallas Cowboy game. I was expecting to watch the Cowboys in 70 degree weather but it was cold! Even though we tailgated in freezing temperatures it was fun. I am not a Cowboys fan but I have to admit that the stadium is amazing. My cousin Cassandra and I attended the UA-Pinebluff’s homecoming and Elena and I cheered at the Hampton vs Howard game in DC.

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Another Road Trip…Cross Country!

This year I did a lot of driving, moving to Arkansas and helping my friend move from Arizona to Maryland in 3 days.

Driving a big truck towing a car across country was an adventure

Family

A pleasant surprise was getting in touch with relatives in Arkansas. They have been absolutely wonderful in welcoming me and helping me feel at home. It has been an incredible experience getting to know my relatives I heard about growing up but never thought I would ever have the opportunity to meet them.

Work has been crazy busy so I couldn’t go to North Carolina for Thanksgiving but my Arkansas family invited me to dinner which was so much fun.

Holidays

For the holidays I went back to the east coast and spent time with my family, baking Christmas cookies, bowling, playing board games and ice skating. It had been 6 months since I had spent time with my nieces so I was excited to see them. I also attended my Aunt Catherine’s 100 year Birthday party…pretty cool.

Aunt Catherine 100 Years Young

My brother Matthew, Katelyn and I at the skating rink

Thinking Back on 2016…

There is so much more that took place this year but this letter is already much longer than I planned.

It has been a very busy year, especially with the job change and the move but as I look back I am thankful for all of the people in my life who have helped me with the transition. I especially appreciate those who helped me pack, drive and move me into my new house. My heart is full of joy as I think about how my Arkansas family made this a home for me. I miss all of my friends, family and favorite activities on the east coast but I am excited and looking forward to creating new memories in 2017.

Wishing you a wonderful 2017. You are welcome to come to Arkansas for a visit!

Luv,

Anita

Other Fun Activities

King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena Arkansas- Home of the Blues.

Beverly Watkins 78 years and still performing

We Escaped!

Click Here to See My favorite Travel Pics from 2016

Tahoe Ski Trip

We had a wonderful ski week at Lake Tahoe

You just may see a famous face. Don Johnson, Liberace, Leonard Nimoy are just a few of the celeb that had/have homes in the area.

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View of North Lake Tahoe Skiing

Gondola Ride Up. It is a great way to get an awesome view of the lake. Go the day you have a ski pass to ride up to the top. Otherwise I think it is $50+

10,000 ft

A view from the top

Preparing for the coldest day yet

Hitting the slopes

Can you believe this view?

Heavenly is one of the few westward facing ski slopes. Provides awesome views of the lake

“This is why we ski”

Tahoe is in need of snow.

View of Heavenly from across the lake

Great Mtn Views

Then there is the beauty of the water…Green today

Then the water is blue…and clear!

One day I took a break from skiing and tried to go hiking. After encountering some ice on the trails I decided it was safer just to drive around the island. It was beautiful and a wonderful time. Take the entire day to enjoy the drive.

Took a drive around the lake. This is Emerald Bay…Lovely

The road is really narrow in places!!!

Truckee is on the North End of the lake

Take the time to stop in Truckee a cute historic town that is known for a group that had to resort to cannibalism to survive back in the 1800’s. The historic area has a few fun shops and a cupcake bar. Just ignore the Sheriff that may follow you around.

I didn’t realize there are casinos in Tahoe

Large Trees!

Heavenly Village

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It is great to have friends to spend time enjoying such a beautiful part of the country.

Interested in Going?

Getting There:

Flying into Reno is pretty easy. Heavenly is about 1.5hr away from the Reno airport and no more than a couple of hours to anywhere else around the lake.

Transportation options from the airport

Renting a car to drive to the slopes
Take the shuttle round trip for about $50

South Tahoe Express is a popular shuttle service but make sure to reserve it in advance. When you arrive at the airport check in at the desk near baggage claim to make sure you get a seat on the bus.

Transportation Options at the Slopes

Nicer resorts have shuttles to and from the slopes
The Bluego bus is great public transport to the slopes and around the village. Costs: Free-$2 exact change.
There are car rental agencies in Heavenly Village at South Tahoe.

Icy conditions can be a factor on the roads during the winter so I relied on public transportation and rented a car for the day to drive around the lake.

Okinawa-Weekend Visit

I visited Okinawa after a business meeting in Tokyo. The island surprised me during the winter visit and I didn’t expect to fulfill any real “travel desires” but I did! Attending the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan!!!

I included a few pictures but there are also photos of some of the ordinary but different!

Nice Airport

Lovely Terminal

Whalefish plane…cute

What Scares Me About Japan

Women’s Public Toilet

But I love these!!

Heated seats, wash and dry!

If You Get a chance visit the Churaumi Aquarium. Initially, I wasn’t too excited about going but found myself in awe of the marine and sea life that I haven’t seen at other Aquariums. Three Whale Fish and a Dolphin show are all part of the ticket price. There is also an orchid garden that is an additional charge. Worth the 2-3hr drive from Naha.

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Cacao Tree

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Of Course there is the beautiful coastline.

Emerald Waters

Lovely water

My Hotel

Hotel Monterey, Tiger Beach

Rooms are really large!

Ryukyu Glass Factory is a great place to get some Okinawa Glass, It is in Itoman near Naha

Everything is made of glass!

Okinawa has the earliest Cherry Blossom Festival. There is a lovely drive up the mountain where the ancient cherry trees line the roads. The blooms were a deeper shade of pink than the ones in DC.

Cherryblossom near the coast

Yes, there are military bases and one of my hotels was right beside the American Village. I walked through the complex but wasn’t really interested in eating or shopping in American stores.

Japanese Flavor

Not quite sure why there is a gargle fountain??? Anyone know?

Great Idea. A place to put the baby while using the bathroom

Green instead of orange for construction

Chapel Grounds They have beautiful wedding chapels

Yes, the food is good! Aahhh Seafood.

Matsusaka, the best beef in Japan. It melted in my mouth!

Okinawa Breakfast! Fish, eggs, seaweed and noodles.

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Interested in going? Travel Tips

Airport

There are 2 airports near Tokyo, Haneda which is close to the city and Narita about 1-2hrs depending on traffic. If you are staying in Tokyo note that trains and buses run only during certain hours so if your flight is very early in the morning or late at night the only transportation may be a taxi to Narita…$175 or more.

If you are arriving or leaving early/late into Narita airport then I would suggest getting a hotel in the nearby town of Narita. There are plenty. There are airport shuttles for most hotels around the town of Narita or near the airport. If not, a taxi or easy train ride is short and not too expensive. Also, a day visit in the adorable town of Narita is worth it. There is a lovely temple with cute shops along a brick road leading to it.

Transportation

I took the Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo then a taxi to my hotel. Best way to get to the hotel if possible. I have taken the train before but it takes knowing where to change trains which can be confusing. Airport Limousine stops usually have someone selling tickets and the bus is rarely crowded. They did ask for my passport to buy a ticket.

Rental Car

You will need an international drivers license so get one at AAA before you leave the states. OK, I rented a car from Hertz but when you arrive in Okinawa there is not a Hertz. They subcontract to other car rental agencies. My car rental agency was Toyota and their cars have navigation systems in English. To find your location enter in the location telephone number or Map Code. The websites or the rental agency can provide you with the map codes for hotels. BUT get a map. Get one from the visitor desk at the airport, from the car rental agency and hotel. This will come in handy when the navigation system doesn’t get you exactly to where you want to go.

Hotels

They can fill quickly so reserve at least a couple of weeks in advance. It feels weird that a woman is the baggage handler at the hotels and they also ask you to park your car before you check in. Stay close to the locations you want to visit because there is lots of traffic and it takes time to reach your destination. There is also a toll road that is supposed to save time that travels north-south so have cash available.

IndieTrekkr – Travel, Explore, Experience

IndieTrekkr – Travel, Explore, Experience

2022- Letter…What was I up to during the last couple of year?

Good Bye 2018…Welcome 2019! Holiday Letter

It has been 2 years in Arkansas!

Major Event in 2018!

Top 5 Notable Items in 2018

Professionally

Life Changing

Time for Play

Hanging Out With Friends & Family

Looking Forward!

Have a wonderful new year!

Happy 2018! My Holiday Letter

Happy New Year!

Work

Beyond Work

Family

Friends

Vacation!

Looking Back

Here is a toast wishing you all a wonderful year!

Happy New Year…My 1st Christmas/ Holiday Letter

2016 has been a fantastic year!!

The start of 2016…

My brother Matthew, Katelyn and I at the skating rink

Thinking Back on 2016…

Tahoe Ski Trip

Okinawa-Weekend Visit