Okinawa

We just returned from Okinawa a couple of days ago. We had a great trip. It's hard to describe it all in one blog post so instead I'll just pick out some highlights.

Travis and I were very excited about the budget vacation we planned. We contacted and made a reservation through a Japanese travel agency, which was no easy feat. We had to fill out all of the forms, etc. in Japanese. Anyway, we got a great deal! But, we also learned that you usually do get what you pay for. 

Here is the luxurious bath tub/shower room. It was, well, red and rusty. Nevertheless, it served it's purpose. And, so far there are no signs of any foot fungus.

I took this picture from Peace Memorial Park, which was the highlight of our visit. The Park includes a large memorial area recognizing all Japanese and American lives that were lost during the Battle of Okinawa. We toured an extensive museum, which was quite interesting. I had never been to a war memorial based on another country's perspective. So, it was fascinating to read stories of accounts from the Japanese point-of-view. Regardless, it was a somber and meaningful experience. Mostly because my maternal grandfather, whom is still alive and going strong, fought on Okinawa in the famous battle of Sugar Loaf Hill. He was the only survivor from his troop. I'm so grateful to be able to better understand what his service to my country really meant and to have seen firsthand where he risked his life.

After we finished up at Peace Memorial Park, we headed to the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters. We were able to tour the tunnels used during WWII. While at the site, Travis found a book outlining the Battle of Okinawa, and we realized we would be able to easily track down the exact hill where my grandfather fought. So, we headed there.

And, here it is, well pretty close anyway. This picture was taken near Shuri Castle, which is very close to Sugar Loaf Hill. This view is of Naha, Okinawa's capital. It's easy to see why this location would be essential during battle.

Switching gears...we also went to Nago Pineapple Park, which was a pretty goofy tourist attraction. Anyway, I love pineapple more than any human should so we had to check it out. They had pineapple everything-lots of different cakes, chocolate, wine and more. While there, we decided to indulge in a little dessert.

Okay, maybe it wasn't so little. It was delicious, though.

Another highlight was going to the local market in Naha. The spread of meats and fish was astounding. 

You could purchase any of these fish and take them upstairs to a restaurant where they would cook it for you.

We also visitied the Okinawa Churuami Aquarium. We went with the family who invited Travis to join the marathon this year so it was especially fun to watch their two-year-old and four-year-old become mesmerized by the fish.

This window actually set a Guiness Book of World Record for being the largest acrylic window. Additionally, the pool is home to a 7.9 meter whale shark. 

Lastly, we enjoyed a variety of Okinawa's traditional cuisine. Most of it was delicious. The picture above, however, is of pig's face on the left and pig's ear on the right. It was not so great, but I can now add pig's face to the list. Yikes.

If you would like to see some more pictures from our trip, go here and here.

It's hard to believe, but Travis and I fly home tomorrow for Christmas! So, I most likely won't be updating the blog for a few weeks. Off to finish packing...