Our Anniversary Weekend

We were most fortunate to spend the evening at the Urashima Dinner Theater in Naha. They specialize in traditional, Okinawan dance and music. Here, all the dancers pose for a shot.

A photo to commemorate the evening. My Okinawan friend, Yoshie, surprised us with a delivery of extraordinary tropical flowers. 

One of my favorite dances. A young women saying a tearful goodbye to her love.

Sadness... 

a painted face 

They had a very controlled, precise gliding of the foot and placement of the toes across the polished wood floor. Amazing technique!

Precision and intensity. 

A traditional Okinawan castenets dance. 

This dance portrays a young couple in love. The bright costumes and headdress are most Okinawan.

James enjoying the show... 

We sat so close to the actors that it was hard to escape their intense gaze. 

Celebrating our anniversary at the Okinawan Urashima Dinner Theater in Naha. 

Ichi Go, Ichi E (One opportunity, One Encounter) Tea House

James and I had the great pleasure of witnessing a Japanese tea ceremony out of their home. This mother and daughter duo were most kind and obliging to share this age old custom with us.

The Japanese tea ceremony requires absolute precision and thoughtfulness with each motion. One must go in with a pure mind and a pure heart.

Our lovely mother and daughter hostesses. 

Making our own tea mixtures, achieving zen through bubbles. ;) 

The instruments of the tea ceremony. 

Detail of my stunning kimono I got to wear.

I love my kimono. I had 10 different ones to choose from, but I loved this more formal one. It took 2 women to help me get dressed and some time at that, but only 1 to remove it in less than 5 minutes. ;)

I love my obi!

Enjoying a moment in the Ichi E, Ichi Go Tea house. 

Another quiet moment...

James' Promotion Day!

James Witten makes Captain!! Ooh rah!!

I love this shot of his rugged, booted feet and my sandal-clad ones. ;)

I love my Captain!!