Valentine's Day 09, Taste of Asia at the O'Club

Back in November, when Cliff was over here by himself and the rest of us were back in The IV, he excitedly told me on the phone one night that he had made reservations for a Valentine's Day surprise. I chalked it up to him missing us terribly and not having much to occupy his time. Little did I know, this event would be sold out by mid December, and another night would be added...only to shortly sell out again. I can see why...it was amazing!

The funny thing was...he left the tickets with the "Taste of Asia" logo envelope in the console of the van...so on day 2 in Okinawa, I knew what our Valentine's plans were. (It was hard to miss the huge "Taste of Asia" signs all around base...and also hard NOT to notice it was being held on Valentine's Day.) That's OK, though. I didn't say anything...until the day before when I accidentally mentioned it by name...he didn't catch it at first, but then said, "Hey...I didn't tell you that's where we were going." Then I told him I'd known all along and we laughed about it.


Here we are...ready to seriously nom!


This was one of many food stations with the most incredible food from all over Asia. Most of it was seafood, which is my favorite, but there were other things, too. I had to get a picture of this fish that this chef was carving our sashimi from. It was the best I've tasted.



One of several ice sculptures. I should have done video instead, so you could see the water dripping from the dragon's fangs.


I love these lanterns, and I want them all over my house! Even if they do say "Orion" all over them. We'll just tell people it's the constellation...not the beer.


After we were entirely stuffed...the show began with this processional. This 3-stringed, Okinawan instrument is called the sanshin. Coree wants to know if she can quit piano to play this instead.


I LOVE these hats. I think I want to leave here with one.


Their happiness was contagious...


The only thing that you could hear during this part was the sanshin and a few flutes. They hardly moved...like they were floating up to the stage. It was beautiful.


Then throughout the rest of the show...there were LOTS of drums. I loved it...but to tell you the truth...the sound was so powerful, I was ready for it to be over at the end.


We had a demonstration/lesson with the sampan...but we had to give them back :-( . Now that I know how to play them, I have to find my own set.


More amazing drums...they're pretty popular over here.


Look at these guys sitting on the ground. I could not imagine playing the drums so powerfully while basically doing crunches...


My fave, the shi-shi dog (or Shisa). There are 2 men inside of this, and they did an awesome show. Sometimes it was hard to imagine how they were contorting themselves to make this guy dance, stand up, etc. It was really cool.

It's good luck to get bitten by the Shisa Dog...I don't know why he didn't pick me! (More on this lady later!)


There was a lot of audience participation with the clapping and hand waving and small wooden instrument playing. A good time was had by all.


Some more than others. This lady was at the table next to us....and she made her way up to the stage to join the show.
Couldn't resist sharing the video. (That's one good reason not to drink too much while I'm around...not only will I be sober enough to remember...I can take photos AND video...and you might end up here!)


These guys put on a great show! Cliff got major brownie points for not only planning ahead, but for making such a great choice. The food and the entertainment were first rate!