What I've seen....
Well, this is my last full day on the island of Okinawa and I just wanted to share with you some of my observations.
First, in case you missed it, if a button or lever is in a language that you don't understand, don't push it! Not only will it irritate the Okinawans, but you may not survive the experience if you are touring with family. I barely made it out of the Aquarium with my life after my button pushing experience! Just kidding! Seriously, unless you know what you're pushing, don't push it. On another note, a trip to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must see. Not only do you get to see a dolphin show with real and bottle-nosed dolphins, but they have a massive 7500 gallon tank made of 27 inch plexiglass that houses not one, not two, but three whale sharks, stingrays and manta rays, tuna and bonita, as well as a host of other fish. There is also a tank of sharks that houses tiger, bull shark and a couple of other species of shark that at the moment I can't recall. The park is absolutely beautiful with so much to see, but make sure that you are prepared for a walk because the hills can be a little steep.
The Okinawa Zoo is a wonderful place to visit as well. With over 200 species of animals, including reptiles, elephants that you can feed and a petting zoo for the kids, it is a good two to four hour adventure. Again, make sure that you bring your walking shoes because there's quite a few hills. Also, while you're there visit the Children's Museum and the ride area, oh, and don't forget to check out the fishing area.
The Shurijo Castle Park is a fantastic two to four hour diversion if you are in to the history of the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Built in the 14th century it was nearly destroyed in 1945 during World War II. In 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records and memory. The gardens and villa, which we did not get to see due to my granddaughter becoming ill, were laid out to resemble Japanese Gardens on the main island of Honshu or what is more commonly known as Japan.
Of course there is so much more to see that I didn't get to see, but there is the American Village that is home to many different stores that cater to the American tastes as well as a huge Sony arcade. Malls and strip malls are here and there and afford great shopping experiences, but remember what the exchange rate is and keep the yen handy as not all stores take plastic or American.
Okinawa is also home to 38 US Military bases, from Foster in the South to Hansen in the North. According to what I've read, the US Military is responsible for 173.7 billion yen that is spent yearly at merchants all up and down the island.
The other thing that I've noticed is the cleanliness of the island. I have not seen so much as a piece of paper flying around and only a spattering of clean up crews. The island is very clean, period. No road-kill, no litter, no stray animals, nothing. The homes and apartment towers, however are bland and grey and colorless for the most part; most of the color that you will see will be from the merchants and various Pachinko Palaces in the area.
Finally, the most beautiful thing to see is the Pacific Ocean. The reefs, inlets, out-croppings and beaches are things to behold, not to mention the beautiful colors of the ocean itself. However, if you do venture out, make sure that you are on a beach with jellyfish nets in place as these buggers can really cause damage. One might want to familiarize themselves with the local sea life and what to do in emergency cases.
Well, guys, today is all about getting my oldest granddaughter to the doctor to not only get her immunizations, but to find out why she is spiking her temperature. Please pray for peace and calm for mama and me as we go through this and peace and calm for Khloe since she is so miserable. Then it will be home and organizing for me to prepare for my trip home. Take care folks and have a wonderful week.
First, in case you missed it, if a button or lever is in a language that you don't understand, don't push it! Not only will it irritate the Okinawans, but you may not survive the experience if you are touring with family. I barely made it out of the Aquarium with my life after my button pushing experience! Just kidding! Seriously, unless you know what you're pushing, don't push it. On another note, a trip to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a must see. Not only do you get to see a dolphin show with real and bottle-nosed dolphins, but they have a massive 7500 gallon tank made of 27 inch plexiglass that houses not one, not two, but three whale sharks, stingrays and manta rays, tuna and bonita, as well as a host of other fish. There is also a tank of sharks that houses tiger, bull shark and a couple of other species of shark that at the moment I can't recall. The park is absolutely beautiful with so much to see, but make sure that you are prepared for a walk because the hills can be a little steep.
The Okinawa Zoo is a wonderful place to visit as well. With over 200 species of animals, including reptiles, elephants that you can feed and a petting zoo for the kids, it is a good two to four hour adventure. Again, make sure that you bring your walking shoes because there's quite a few hills. Also, while you're there visit the Children's Museum and the ride area, oh, and don't forget to check out the fishing area.
The Shurijo Castle Park is a fantastic two to four hour diversion if you are in to the history of the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Built in the 14th century it was nearly destroyed in 1945 during World War II. In 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records and memory. The gardens and villa, which we did not get to see due to my granddaughter becoming ill, were laid out to resemble Japanese Gardens on the main island of Honshu or what is more commonly known as Japan.
Of course there is so much more to see that I didn't get to see, but there is the American Village that is home to many different stores that cater to the American tastes as well as a huge Sony arcade. Malls and strip malls are here and there and afford great shopping experiences, but remember what the exchange rate is and keep the yen handy as not all stores take plastic or American.
Okinawa is also home to 38 US Military bases, from Foster in the South to Hansen in the North. According to what I've read, the US Military is responsible for 173.7 billion yen that is spent yearly at merchants all up and down the island.
The other thing that I've noticed is the cleanliness of the island. I have not seen so much as a piece of paper flying around and only a spattering of clean up crews. The island is very clean, period. No road-kill, no litter, no stray animals, nothing. The homes and apartment towers, however are bland and grey and colorless for the most part; most of the color that you will see will be from the merchants and various Pachinko Palaces in the area.
Finally, the most beautiful thing to see is the Pacific Ocean. The reefs, inlets, out-croppings and beaches are things to behold, not to mention the beautiful colors of the ocean itself. However, if you do venture out, make sure that you are on a beach with jellyfish nets in place as these buggers can really cause damage. One might want to familiarize themselves with the local sea life and what to do in emergency cases.
Well, guys, today is all about getting my oldest granddaughter to the doctor to not only get her immunizations, but to find out why she is spiking her temperature. Please pray for peace and calm for mama and me as we go through this and peace and calm for Khloe since she is so miserable. Then it will be home and organizing for me to prepare for my trip home. Take care folks and have a wonderful week.
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