My Brother in Okinawa

My brother is a Marine. Because I don't reveal any real names in my blog, let's call him Paco. No, we're not hispanic. It's his childhood nickname. I probably should call him something fiercer, since he's a marine and all...

Anyway, Paco moved to Okinawa several months ago. He's 5 years younger than I am, so of course when he called me today I had to be the annoying big sister and tell him how cute he was when he was 3 years old (he really was adorable, though!). Now he's a tall, handsome lanky muscular guy. We also caught each other up on our lives. He'll be reading this blog from now on (I forgot to mention it to him before) so perhaps he'll contribute to it too, if he isn't too busy.

Paco told me all about the island. It's as beautiful and warm as Florida, he told me, and the beaches are gorgeous. There are also a lot of mixed families there, because color isn't really seen as much of a barrier. However, the Japanese government encourages prostitutes from the Phillipines so the Marines will leave the Japanese girls alone (I'm sure that's not on any of the tourist websites). Paco says many of the Marines go to Thailand for their prostitutes also, where AIDS and other horrible sexual diseases run rampant. You would think that whole market would've dried up the moment AIDS appeared on the scene, wouldn't you?

Here's a couple of pictures of their fabulous beaches. Clearwater, Florida, has one of the top beaches in the nation. Our sugar-fine sand is spectacular. But this definately rivals Clearwater's beach.
Paco also says the restaurants and the foods are incredible. Our version of a Japanese Steak House in America is nowhere near as marvellous as the real thing. Over there they have elaborate presentations which include fileting the meat at the table. Paco told me what that type of restaurant is called, and I even wrote it down, but I can't find it now.

He says he may stay for another year. Although I will miss him, I really can't blame him.

Of course I worry about him going to war. As many of you know, I don't think we belong over in Iraq anymore (although I'm a moderate Republican). We've done our job, and we're not the world's policemen. I don't think we're 'betraying' our troops by saying that the government should call it off. The government is quick to accuse us of such a thing so that they can continue with their campaign, unchallenged. I haven't fallen for that, and I hope you haven't either. Of course I should add that Paco may or may not agree with me; this is my blog, and I alone am responsible for that sentiment.