Edea Kramer's Orphanage: This MIGHT (and I mean to stress MIGHT) be a reference to a particular orphanage in Japan. After the Second World War, the Occupation, the Korean, and the war in Vietnam, American and European soldiers found themselves stationed in Japan. There, they well...YOU KNOW...with Japanese women. Children often resulted from these encounters. Thus far, for the most part, the fathers are either unaware of their progeny, or have not taken responsiblity for their actions. These "half-castes" (a word I absolutely HATE) or Eurasian/Ameriasian children are sometimes abandoned by their mothers, given over to the State to raise. A Japanese woman, Mrs. Miki Sawada, started an orphanage for Ameriasian children. She takes them in, provides a structured and loving enviroment, education, and the other necessities of life for these children born to a society that may or may not accept them (KUDOS for her!!!) I believe that Matron may be a reference to Mrs. Miki Sawada, and that the Centra orphanage may be a reference to her home for the Ameriasian children. On a grander scale, I believe that the orphans of Final Fantasy VIII might be themselves references to the number of Eurasian/Ameriasian children who are fatherless in a rigid patriachial society. They are not wanted, but hey, did these kids ASK to be born into this situation? NO. So, to the liberals of the Japanese society: "Guess what!? There is only ONE race here, the HUMAN race! There are NO half-humans!" To the fathers of these children: "Wake up! Take responsibility for your actions!" Okay, I am getting off my soap-box now... :)
Centra Ruins: I believe that the Centra Ruins might be a reference to either the Egyptian pyramids, the Celtic stone monoliths, ancient Carthaginian, Greek, or Roman temples, or to the Toyko tower. Take your pick.
Trabia Garden and the Trabia region: A direct reference to the Trebbia river region where Hannibal Barca, the great Carthaginian general of the Second Punic War, crossed over into Rome. There was a battle there, and using the element of surprise and surround, Hannibal defeated the Romans. The Trebbia river is a river in north Italy near the French border.
Abadon: This is a reference to the Hebrew name for the demon that rules the Pit of the Abyss. His name is Abaddon.
Creature at Obel Lake: A reference to the Loch Ness monster!!!!
Ok, those are all that I can think of right now. When I find more, or if I find some more information, I will add to this list. Thank you!
Phoenix
