House of Yum

Last week, a new restaurant opened here!  This is a huge deal and I'm sure it doesn't happen very often.  House of Yum is an Asian-style fast food restaurant.  Think food court at the mall. The sad part for us is that it replaced the combined KFC and A&W, which was one of our favorite places.  Oh well.  We are excited for the new choice anyways!

Concerts

Since being here, I count that we have enjoyed at least six different concerts.  Some have been for special events like Oktoberfest or St. Patty's Day.  Last night, Vic and I went to another one.  It was a cover band and they played country, classic rock, and alternative.  We always enjoy listening to live music.

I'd say on average, there is one concert per month.  Usually the concerts are offered at the Tiki Bar which is a 21 and up venue.  Lately though, opportunities for all ages have been available too.  For example, this weekend, the band was playing Friday and Saturday nights at the Tiki Bar and also an all-ages concert on Saturday afternoon at the Windjammer Ballroom.

Golfing

Vic went golfing for the first time since being here.  We have a 9-hole golf course to enjoy, and it's cheap!  $8 for green fees with free club and cart rental!  One interesting thing though is that the golf course doesn't get watered here.  I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but gtmo is actually a semi-arrid region and we don't get very much rain.  Because of this, and due to the fact that there isn't a fresh water source on base, we make all of our own water here at a water desalinization plant.  So fresh water is a scare resource and therefore, watering grass isn't a top priority!  To avoid golfing in dry grass, each golfer is given a small square of turf to play on.  Each time a ball is hit, the golfer simply has to pick up the ball, lay down the turn, replace the ball, and swing away!

btw, there is also a miniature golf course here.  It is entirely free and my kids have played several times since it is within walking distance of our house.

Stay-cation!

It's Spring Break around here and Vic is also off for the next 9 days.! So, our first Staycation in gtmo begins.  We intend to take full advantage of everything that our little island has to offer.  I see a visit to each of our favorite restaurants in the near future, actually we will probably visit every restaurant!  Not hard to do when there are only 4 to choose from, not including fast food or to-go only places.

A top priority for this week will be for Vic and I to finally get our boating licenses.  These are necessary to rent boats at the marina and we then hope to rent a boat and visit one of the beaches that is only accessible by boat.  Other plans include plenty of beach days, bowling, some yard work, hiking, and a movie or two at the lyceum.

I think we shall enjoy the peacefulness and simplicity of a stay-cation in gtmo!

He is Risen!

This morning all of the Christian services combined together enjoyed a beautiful Sunrise Service at the beach.  I always find it a huge blessing when we can gather together, regardless of church affiliation, and worship God together.  Being here provides many wonderful opportunities for that.

After the service, we were all treated to a catered breakfast served seaside.  The weather was gorgeous and I must say, at only 68 degrees, I felt quite chilly even with long sleeves!

Now I am home preparing some food for a potluck lunch after the 11:00 service.  There are also activities for the kids planned this afternoon.

Happy Resurrection Sunday everyone!!!

A little blurry, but this gives an idea of the beauty we enjoyed this morning.  I wanted to take a picture of the sunrise, but I realized that a restricted area was in the background and no photography would be allowed in that direction.

Sailling

This morning, Vic and I had the opportunity to go sailing with someone in the bay.  We had such a marvelous time!  There was nice breeze which obviously makes for good sailing, but also keeps things from being too hot.

Boating is a popular activity here.  Affordable too!  I think the boat we went on rents for only $10 per hour!  We were on a 24 ft. Hunter sailboat.  A wide range of boats from paddle boats to kayaks to pontoon boats are all available to rent here at the marina.  Required before renting is that at least one person has to have their Captain's license which is fairly easy to obtain after studying and taking some tests to prove sufficient boating knowledge.

Perfect weather for a day of sailing

Vic took a turn sailing the boat

I mostly enjoyed the ride

Colors

Perched high on a hill and proudly flying 24 hours a day, this flag overlooks all of Guantanamo Bay.

Each morning at 0800, our national anthem blares over loudspeakers that are positioned all over the entire base.  And each day around 1900 (this time changes based on the setting sun), evening colors plays to signify the closing of the day.

I don't tire of this daily ceremony as it serves to remind me of how proud I am to be an American.