Resort Living

The part of Okinawa where we live is Onna Village, and it is one of the major resort areas on the island. The Dolbows stayed at the Rizzan Sea Park Hotel, just about 5 minutes from OIST.  The beach area at the hotel was netted, protecting swimmers from box jellyfish, and the hotel also had both an indoor and outdoor pool. Like many resorts, there were several water and pool activities to enjoy.

In keeping with her character, Maddox chose the most ridiculous activity to try. I don't know the official name, but it was akin to a plastic ball that you would buy for a hamster or a rat. You know, the small pet runs around inside and  moves around the cage? This was an inflatable ball that floated on the water, which required Maddox to get in the uninflated ball, get zipped in, and have the equivalent of a leaf blower blowing air in to inflate the ball. I might have been a little nervous to try this, but not Maddox. Never Maddox.

It was hard to get an action photo, but the photo above shows the idea. She could run in it with some practice, and enjoyed trying handstands and cartwheels. We are thinking of purchasing one for the backyard in Durham. Garrett Farms neighbors: wouldn't it be fun? Maybe I will speak to the HOA about purchasing one for the pool. 

Also keeping in character, Zoe chose a calm paddle boat ride. This boat was actually powered by paddles that you turned with your arms. She was perfectly content, and mostly tried to run over Poppy.

One great thing about this resort was the all-in-one cultural performance each night. After eating at a massive buffet, we headed to this program which the girls loved. They could get their own drums and castanets to join in with the music.

And there was gingerale which makes any night out a fancy one...

This show was all women, and they were really impressive. The fitness they had to maintain to do the Eisa part of the show was enviable.

At the end of the show, they invited people to come to the front. Maddox was a bit shy, but Grandma coaxed her on stage for some dancing participation.

Meanwhile, Zoe kept banging the drum. "Mom, can you guess this song?" Um, no, Zoe, I can't. She often seems baffled that I don't quite hear what's in her head.

I didn't take the time to edit the photo below (trying not to let the perfect be the enemy of the done), but was glad the girls had a chance to have a photo with one of the great performers.

We are really grateful that John's parents came to visit. Despite blogs and photos, it's pretty hard to describe this place and to explain what our life has been like here. And of course the girls were thrilled to see them and to get a little dose of home. The bright side of the long trip from NC? As Maggie said, it doesn't make Albuquerque seem so far anymore!