It was a quick trip to Hawaii, but we had a nice time. Most importantly, Akihiro's Geriatric Board test went well--an 8 hour affair! Thanks to many of you who prayed for him! We'll know the results in a few weeks!
We went snorkelling at Hanauma Bay after we saw a gorgeous sunrise. We were able to see some beautiful fish and also some sea turtles. The weather was windy, but nice.
I made a trip to Walmart while Akihiro took his test. It was wonderful to be able to read all the labels! I got some much needed supplies--including wrinkle releaser (thanks for the tip, Laura L.!) as hanging out t shirts on my balcony doesn't do much to take the wrinkles out (although I did learn one tip on Japanese laundry--fold up the shirt and smack it with your hand--works ok!). I also visited some of the botanical gardens--beautiful!
We enjoyed eating some American food--especially a thick steak at Outback Steakhouse--but it did make me realize how few vegetables Americans have in restaurant meals! Another day I got a turkey sandwich with American style bacon (both things we don't get in Japan). Akihiro and I are still discussing which bacon is the "real" bacon--Japanese or American!
The last day we went to Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri, and USS Bowfin. It seemed interesting that here we were--a Japanese and an American holding hands as we toured this site of the start of the battle between our two countries! The picture is on the surrender deck of the USS Missouri where Japan surrendered to America. (Hopefully as Christians, though, we are both surrendered to Christ and to eachother!)
At first when I got in the car in Hawaii, I thought I would be a better driver because I could drive on the right side of the road, but I guess now I have gotten a little used to Japanese driving. I'm grateful for the advice we heard about keeping the driver towards the center of the road--no matter where I am. Ughh! Looks like I am always going to have to concentrate on driving (something I should be doing anyway says Akihiro!)!
We left Hawaii Wednesday morning and arrived home in Japan on Thursday afternoon--the date line/time change thing is quite something! When we arrived home, we discovered that we finally have neighbors living below us! They are a young couple with a darling little boy--about 1 year old. We met the wife today and she was very friendly! I hope I can learn Japanese language quickly so I can communicate better with our neighbors.