Day Four Okinawa

DAY FOUR: OKINAWA Sunday September 8, 2013

Today our lovely host took us to Bios on the Hill, which is a Botanical experience.  This awesome outdoor site features some amazing plants and cultural experiences.   This is a fantastic place to take kids and caters to them.  Also a fantastic place if you are a plants and flowers fan.  The Orchids were amazing and beautiful.  I unfortunately was a bit distracted and did not get some of the cool pictures of all this stuff that I should have.  However, I did get some so here they are!

The first main area of the site is a fairly open area.  There is a tea house that serves refreshments and sells the tickets for the Water buffalo cart ride.  There are lots of picnic tables that are shaded.  There is also an amazing natural play area/ jungle gym.  Many of the structures are made from natural local woods so it has a rustic appearance but is pretty cool in my opinion.  In this are there are also several games (Frisbee, hula hoops, jump rope, stilts, water guns made from bamboo/ reeds etc.) This is also the animal area.  Below are pictures of some of them.  First is the pig enclosure.  Next is a chicken running around one of the picnic areas, then you have the water buffaloes who were getting ready to have lunch (the male is on the left, and a female in the middle, the care taker did not tell us anything about the one on the right; notice that the ropes are tied through there noses) and last the roosters just outside of the picnic area with their enclosure behind them. I did not get a picture of the goats you could feed carrots to, or the baby goats you could walk around on leashes.  Our timing was good today because they were just getting ready to feed the Water buffaloes and were unyoking one from the cart.  I was fascinated by the fact that the care taker unlatched everything and then made a single click with his tongue and the buffalo simply twisted her head and slid one horn out and then twisted the other way and slid the other horn out; almost like it was simply getting undressed.

Next we got ready to take a boat ride through the river area that winds through the site.  Similar to a pontoon, there were about 30 people on board for the tour.  Unfortunately the entire tour was in Japanese so I did not understand much; however, I did manage to catch the sites by paying attention to the non-verbal signals of those who did understand.  Wherever they looked, so did I.  Below are the key moments and my best guess for what you are seeing.

On this tree there is a naturally growing orchid on the tree branch.  I did not get the shot zoomed in very well but if you magnify or enlarge the shot you can see it.

We came around one bend to find a Water Buffalo hanging out in the river.  The rope indicates that this was not an accident but a purposeful part of the experience.

This is a fruit bearing tree.  My best guess is blood oranges but I am not sure about that.

The tree at the front of the boat is another fruit producing tree that appears to be mangoes (if you zoom in you can see the fruit hanging on the tree)

We came around another bend to find a traditional Okinawan dressed dancer, performing some cultural dance on a moored boat. Again not accidental as we had passed the boat 10 minutes before going the other way and it had been empty.

After disembarking the boat we went on to explore the other paths.  On path lead us to a marshy Lilly filled pond that had a two board plank bridge zig zagging across it.  Indeed, I walked that bridge with only very flimsy ropes to grab on the side.  I made it across, but I was not absolutely sure at the onset I would. Below is a picture of the area and you can see my friend through the trees who was in the middle on the plank bridge.

This topiary construct was near the tea house.  The lattice looking supports are actually the branches of the bush that were shaped over many years to achieve this look. 

After exploring all the areas (Including some really fun adult size swings and green net hammocks in some absolutely gorgeous areas) you exit into the greenhouse and gift shop in which the next picture was taken.

After our adventure in the hot sun all day our host took us by a pet store on the way home called the Pet Box.  While you could find your normal array of pets in the shop (dogs, cat, goldfish, hamsters) there were also so interesting options.  Some of those options included: a ground squirrel, on owl, several types of beetles, some very interesting varieties of turtles, snakes, lizards, and fish.  One of those interesting fish is pictures below, though the picture does not do it justice.  All the tags were in Japanese so I can only guess at the name.  I called it a dragon fish- because frankly, this is the only thing I have seen in real life that actually looked like a dragon.

We wrapped up the day with some Ice Cream from Blue Seal.  I passed over my favorite Green Tea ice cream to try the Beni-imo smoothie.  It is some kind of vegetable that grows on the island. The color is purplish and the taste reminded me of a sweet potato.  It wasn't too bad I have to say.

Well it is almost time for me to hit the hay, and when this post it will be Mid-day Sunday in Kansas.  I believe that tomorrow we are going to have a low key day.  Will keep you posted as I can get time to type it all out!  Best of luck to all those showing in the Kansas State Fair.  Cheers from Okinawa!

Day Three Okinawa

DAY THREE OKINAWA Saturday September 7, 2013

It is Saturday and our hosts took us on another adventure. Today we drove down south through the island to go to the Aquarium.  On the way we passed many tombs that I mentioned in my Day Two post.  Much of the Hour and a half drive was along or near the coastline.  The traditions of placing deceased family members facing the ocean thus leads to many tombs built along these roadways.  I snapped a couple of pictures as we traveled to show how there are not always designated locations like a cemetery for these structures.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is world renowned and was mentioned to my friend as a destination we had to see while here.  This was not like any of the Aquariums I had ever been to before for a couple of key reasons.  While many of the exhibits were the same, the complex was immense.  There were interior exhibits in three story tanks and small tanks that lined walls; exterior exhibits that housed the dolphin show, turtles, and manatees (who eat carrot sticks for lunch); play areas for kids that have net based obstacle courses and mist stations; beach walks, and a free aquatic museum all on the same complex.  Aquariums are fascinating places full of fascinating creatures.  I did not take pictures of all the creatures found there, but I picked some of the highlights.

The four story structure of the Interior exhibits houses a three story tank with a catwalk system on the fourth floor that goes over the tank.  You can walk over the glass bottomed walk and look down at the various species, stand on the third level near the top of the tank, sit in a viewing gallery in the middle area, or sit along the bottom in the cafe or viewing area.  There is also an area on one side of the tank that is bowed in creating a small area where you can walk under the aquatic life swimming above.

In this tank are several schools of fishes that swim in a tornado like fashion (very much like a few scenes from "Finding Nemo"), several Manta rays of various sizes, three dolphins (though I never did catch what specific breed), several shark types (the most impressive being the three whale sharks), and several other things I can't name.  The first picture is one of the Whale sharks.  The second is two of the larger rays.

The three pictures below show the progress of two of the whale sharks behind my head.  This was on the lower level so it kind of gives you an idea of how big they really were.

Who doesn't love turtles?  Here are some of the larger sea turtles that were in the exterior exhibit.

This is a very up close shot of the shark tank.  This tank was full of sharks of various types.  Many of them swim right up close beside the glass.

Coming back through the aquarium, heading to the deep sea section, is the bowed out glass section of the big tank.  Upon arrival there were a few divers in the water cleaning the side of the tank (pictured below).

Up next after the aquarium was Pizza in the Sky.  This is a well known and very popular restaurant near the aquarium.  After driving through a small fishing village you head up a mountain to this lovely little house; because really that is what is on the road.  After finding a parking spot in the very limited parking area you head up a cement driveway where you are treated to this view.

Proceeding up the covered walk you find benches with a variety of puzzle games for the kids, banana leaf fans to use for hot days, and large traditional hats to protect you from the sun while you wait or eat.  Behind the house are two structures that are open air patios.  These are the dinning areas.  At night they are open to a beautiful view of the ocean in the distance and mountains to the left and right. During the hot day a woven grass or reed mat that is as tall as the walls is unrolled to block the sunlight from the table areas.  The view is breath taking but the experience was just starting.  After being seated the menu is on a folded fan, written in the folds, English on one side, Japanese on the other.  There are not a lot of options.  The Everything pizza would be similar to a supreme but here is the list of toppings: Pepperoni, Bacon, Onion, Corn, Green Pepper (Corn is very big here). The salad was ordered to start with and it had: Lettuce, Onion, Peppers, Carrots, Corn and Sesame Balsamic Vinegar dressing.  No where on the table would you find utensils other than chopsticks.  So you served and ate using chopsticks (surprisingly easy by the way) or you had to pick it up with your hands.  The down side of eating with your hands was this was not a tick crust that as easy to pick up. The recommended beverage according to the menu was the Acerola Juice (a cherry juice that was kind of like a sparkling juice).  All in all it was a great experience, great view, and delicious!  

So that wraps up day three.  Tomorrow looks to be another great day.... stay tuned!

Day Two Okinawa

DAY TWO:  OKINAWA Friday September 6, 2013

Our gracious host drove us to a wonderful historical site today. The site is part of the World Heritage system on the island that strives to preserve the culture and history of the Island of Okinawa.  This is the Zakimi-jo Site which is a castle ruin of the Ryukyu.   Upon arrival we went into the interior museum section were no photos were allowed, but we did have to remove our shoes (slippers were offered if you could find ones that fit).  

In these pictures you can see the explanation of the funerary urns that are pictured next.  These urns were from the archaeological site around the castle ruins.  Inside the museum there are explanations and descriptions of life during the time period.  In regards to the funeral practices, tombs were constructed above ground and were usually facing the sea.  After death a person would be laid to rest in a traditional "coffin" until decomposition was complete.  Then the family would wash and clean the bones and place them in the funeral urn.  Many tombs can be found on the Island of Okinawa and are seen in a variety of locations.  There are some areas were there are several together and others were there may be only one or two.

 

The Shisa statues can be found outside the gates or entrances of many buildings on the island of Okinawa. According to " The Art of Architecture on Okinawa and Japan" "originally placed at the entrances to castles and temples and at tombs of nobles, later at approaches to towns and villages, and finally at gates and rooftops of every home" (Daley, 31).   According to our host, the legend states that the male Shisa bares its open mouth to bite/ eat evil spirits and the female Shisa is closed mouth because it stores these evil spirits captured by the male.  An example of these lion-dog statues are pictured next.

On the grounds there was an example of rice/grain storage towers that are like thatched huts pictured next.

Next it was a short hike uphill to the actual castle walls, which is unfortunately all that remains.  Though is is easy to imagine what the castle might have been like.  The pictures below show you the exterior wall and arch opening as you approach the exterior of the castle.  The second picture is from on top of the second interior wall of the castle.  The third picture is a close up of the stone work.  Unlike other civilizations there was no squaring of the stone, but rather a puzzle like formation from natural stones.

The next picture is one that is for knowledge sake.  First let me state that not all bathrooms are like this.  The majority look no different than the ones back home (although some have seat warmers).  However, in older sites many have these types of toilets (I do not know if the men's are similar).  It is an experience and one I thought you might find interesting.  I know I did!

The next picture is taken from the Ferris Wheel above American Village in Okinawa.  This giant wheel does not stop.  It is a slow moving wheel that takes about 15 minutes to complete one rotation.  The operator opens a door and you load and unload while in motion.  I included this picture in my blog for a couple of reasons.  First, it gives you a look at traffic patterns.  In Okinawa the  drivers side of the car is on the right and you drive in opposite lanes from America.  Though I am  not driving it still is a bit weird to me as I keep looking at cars and think no one is in there driving (as I look to the left side of the car).  Second, I love the cross walk patterns at this particular intersection.  This is not necessarily typical of the area, but I love the diagonal walks.  Oh and then there is the ocean in the background as well.  

The last two pictures are just fun.  On the island if you are seeking tourist destination spots, they are often identified by an "Island Fairy" statue along the road ways.  In the American Village there is one sitting outside trendy "American" shop that is painted in a bit more "rocker" fashion.  The second picture is of a mannequin display in a department store. This is typical of the mannequins that are found in most stored in Okinawa that I have encountered so far.  I will say this, they look like they are having a heck of a lot more fun than the mannequins I remember in the states. 

Well, that wraps up day two.  Tomorrow is Saturday and I am sure it will be a full day of fun and new experiences!  More to come- stay tuned!

Getting a brief intro

Day One Okinawa, Japan: Thursday September 5, 2013

There are some things that are no different than in the States.  For example,Starbucks (I have already seen three in the single day I have been here).   However, even at Starbucks there are some different options.

The first thing we did was to go to the Aeon center- similar to a cross between a department store and a mall. Adjusting to the Japaneses Yen was not horribly difficult as it is trading at $1=0.98 so essentially $1.00 is roughly equivalent to 100 yen.  As you can see from the picture a doughnut was about $2.00.  I was very interested in the bread topped with bacon, mushroom, cheese, and sauce in top right corner- but did not try it.

Next it was on through the "department" store were the grocery section was a bit different.  In the pictures below you will see some interesting differences from American grocery stores; selection and packaging were the biggest  differences.

 In these pictures you can see seaweed and some interesting fish selections.

In this picture you can see that some items are simply in a bin available to simply pick up and through in the cart; like chicken quarters.

Next it was time to get some lunch.  We went to the CoCo Ichibanya were they are known for good curry.  I tried the cabbage and mincemeat with root vegetables curry.  I selected a spice level of 4 (I was told that if you have never eaten there, don't start above a 5) and it had a nice kick.

Our last stop of the day were the offices at Camp Foster to get our visitor passes for the Time we are staying here.  Every time we enter the base area we have to show our passport and visitor passes.  

I am very lucky that I have awesome friends in Okinawa to help show me around.  This was a slow first day because there was a touch of fatigue/ jet lag.  More adventures to come!

The trans Pacific Trip

Well I left Emporia, Ks around 5:30 am to head to the airport on Tuesday Morning. Three flights later we arrived in Okinawa, Japan at 8:55 pm on Wednesday (6:55 am Wednesday Ks time).  Below are some brief trip pictures.

Dreamliner plane which safely carried me from Denver, Co to Tokyo, Japan.

First in flight meal ever! Steamed chicken and rice, roll, and fresh salad. We also recieved snacks, ice cream, sandwich, and an omlete meal in the course of the flight.

The last two pictures are the Departure screens for the last flight from Tokyo to Okinawa. If you compare the two photos you can compare the symbols of each language.

More to come as we begin exploring life in Okinawa with the assistance of the best hosts! It is about 10am on Thursday morning here so my day is just getting started as your evenings are winding down. Will keep you posted!

Winds of Change.... Big Gust!

Okay blog readers- I have big news!

If you know me this change will not come as a big surprise.  After returning home from Portland and musing on what to do next and amazing opportunity presented itself. I have a friend who was scheduled to fly to Japan to visit a mutual friend from high school.  On a lark, we decided to see if I could book tickets on the same flight and go with her... and we were able to.  So this morning I will be hopping a flight to Okinawa, Japan!

I will do my best to post fun things, pictures and of course all about the food (squeal of delight).   So here is to a 20 hour travel (shorter than the drive) over several time zones to see a friend I miss terribly!  Can not be more excited right now!   Arrived in Tokyo at 1:00am Kansas time. It is 4:00 on Wednesday September 4th in Japan. Heading on to Okinawa shortly.

Top 10 Musings on a 26 Hour Road Trip

So here are some things that I observed on my week long adventure to the Pacific Northwest.....

1.) The I-80 corridor across Wyoming is less nerve racking than expected. In fact it was very similar as far as road travel to crossing the flint hills of Kansas.

2.) The I-84 corridor across Oregon was more nerve racking than expected with several steep inclines, dramatic declines and hairpin curves on said declines. As well as several miles with a large river on one side and steep cliffs on the other.  Fun, beautiful, but nerve racking.

3.) I can drive across the I-84 corridor of Idaho without stopping. Sorry Idaho- I left nothing in your state but exhaust and purchased nothing to support your economy.

4.) The same stretch of Idaho is the Pacific Northwest equivalent of crossing western Kansas.

5.) I passed 26 Airstream campers.  I am a bit obsessed with these silver beauties.

6.) There are rude, inconsiderate, or just plain idiotic drivers everywhere- in every state.  However, on this particular trip the licences plate said Utah more frequently.

7.) In heavy traffic it really does not matter how close someone rides your bumper to encourage you to get over. With a camper in front and two semi's beside.... never going to win that battle.  People need to be more patient in said situations. 

8.) After this trip I have an even greater respect for the truck drivers who do this all the time.  I also found that when you were considerate of them (slowing so that they can get over and pass; flashing lights to indicate they are clear to come over, accelerating to get past them quickly) they will often return the courtesy.  Additionally in case you didn't know (and evidently there are a lot of people who don't) when passing a semi on a descent (incline of any significance) DO NOT- I repeat DO NOT get back over into the lane in front of them unless you are about 3 car lengths past at least.  Avoid getting into the lane in front of them until after the descent if possible.  Only in an emergency situation should you get in front with a small or minimal distance to spare. 

9.) 500 miles on a single take of gas is a long way; 1700+ miles is a long way; 26 hours is a really long time in a car by yourself!  You tend to a get a little slap happy and find strange ways to entertain yourself!

10.) Once you are within about 40 miles of any major city; if you scan through the radio stations YOU WILL find an 80's tune that you can rock out to and illicit a barrage of looks from passing motorists that will amuse you. :)

This has been the top ten musings from my cross country trek!  Hope it made you giggle at least! Plus one... In Oregon it is against the law to pump your own gas. Stay in your car people! Trust me.