Tour of Okinawa: My To Do/To See/ To Eat list!

It's a slow day at work. Rainy, grey, uneventful.

So I am going to post not one, but TWO blogs!

I have been thinking a lot about my parents' arrival here in Okinawa (only 3 more weeks! Yay!!), and my freshman roommate Sarah's arrival in April (though she isn't coming just to see me ;)). So, I am now compiling a list of Must-See/Must-Do attractions that either I have seen, want to see, or think guests will like. :)

Yay!

To Do:

*****Snorkeling (maybe on an outer island if we can get out there!).

Okinawa is known for it's incredible scuba dive spots, but you don't have to have a license to see the marine life. There is plenty to see near the surface of the water, if you have the eyes and mask to see it!

**** Shopping on Kokusai Dori/ Makishi Market

The perfect place for all of your souvenir needs! Plus, there are always interesting performances and such during the weekend.

? Whale Watching Tour (dependent on weather)

Check out my friend, and fellow JET's, blog about whale watching. He lives on an outer island with direct access to the whales. Lucky!

Photo by the incredibly talented Dave Sensei.

To See:

*****Churaumi Aquarium

The world's 2nd largest tank, whale sharks, free dolphin shows, manatees, and beautiful views?

Well, this is just an obvious choice.

****?Ocean Expo Park

This is actually the park that contains the aquarium. It is pretty extensive so I haven't checked it all out yet, but what I've seen is gorgeous.

***Okinawa World

I think this is a must-see at least once, though I'm not sure I am too keen on going back again. I would like to take some photos of the cave, since my lens immediately fogged up last time and I didn't have my un-fog wipes with me. At any rate, it is a good way to get a full dose of Okinawa culture in a hurry, though it is pretty commercialized.

And the habu show? just sad.

**** Hamahiga Island (and friends)

Gorgeous islands accessible by a scenic sea road just full of things to do. Pristine beaches, jungle hikes, breath-taking views, delicious food, and the birthplace of the first Okinawan.

*** Katsuren Castle

Interesting castle ruins near the sea road to Hamahiga. I arrived here just in time for the sun to set and it was beautiful to be surrounded by water on both sides while the sky lit up on fire. Will aim for sunset again. :)

Speaking of castles:

There are many castle ruins all over the island. Let's explore!

*** Pineapple Park

Take a pineapple-shaped car on a tour of the pineapple garden (with interesting commentary), sample pineapple-flavored everything (mmmm...), and check out the extensive shell display. I thought it was definitely worth the entrance fee, and a great rainy-day alternative. :)

**If we don't make it to Pineapple Park, we can just go to the Pineapple House in Naha instead! It is much smaller than the Pineapple Park, with no cool pineapple car tour, but they also have samples (though fewer) and their pineapple ice cream is delicious!

**** Fukushu-en Garden

A Chinese style garden which is a lovely oasis in the middle of the busy city of Naha.

***??Outer Islands!

I haven't explored all of the islands yet, of course, but I love what I've seen. There are some great islands close enough for a day trip, too!

To Eat

? Pizza in the Sky

While we are up at the aquarium, we have to get the island's most praised (and most elusive) pizza! Apparently the views and the food are worth the attempt to find this place when it's open (though I have been three times unsuccessful... CLOSED on mondays and tuesdays and after sunset? Hmph.)

This is a view from the restaurant next door. I assume Pizza's is similar.

*****Hamabenochiya Cafe

The name's a mouthful and the views' an eye-full.

****The restaurant near Hamabenochiya Cafe (er...what's the name again?)

This place is built right into the rock and also boasts gorgeous views of the ocean with similar seating to Hamabenochiya. They serve some delicious traditional Okinawan meals!

Used a point-and-shoot for this one. Sorry for the quality.

***Naha Harbor Diner (plus one more * for sheer coolness)

You can't miss eating in a tree (even if it is made of concrete)! Lunch is best because you get a salad/drink/soup/desert bar to make the prices worth it. I don't recommend the uni (sea urchin) salad though.... >_<

Other Places I Have Yet to Explore:

? Cape Hedo

? Pottery Village

Photo by Shoshana. Not at the actual pottery village.

? Hiji Falls

I've heard these waterfalls are amazing, but the trip is quite a hike.

? Glass Bottom Boat Tour

I know you guys, Mom and Dad, liked your glass bottom boat tour during your cruise, and the launch point is just down the road from my house. :)

Beach Streak and Beast Smoke

1.Mibaru Beach

2. "Ghost Beach" (Our nickname for the beach because it is supposedly haunted. I don't know the actual name.)

3. Hiyakuna Beach

4. Gushichan Beach

5. Naminoue Beach (Not the prettiest view in the world...)

6. Hiyakuna Beach (again)

For six straight days, I have gone for a walk on the beach,

and it has made a huge impact on my attitude.

Even though I live in paradise, it is easy to get caught up in the daily blah-blah,

but a trip to the beach can completely refresh my perspective and

remind me just how lucky I am to be here.

Yesterday I sadly broke my 6 day streak.

Or, more accurately, the weather broke it.

Up until Sunday the weather was absolutely perfect: sunshine, blue skies, warmth. It was so warm, in fact, that I got a sunburn on Saturday, but Sunday it started to get gloomy and yesterday it was so wet and cold and windy that I couldn't bear the thought of going anywhere but home. The weather is no better today. Worse, in fact.

I need my sunshine and my paradise back!

In Other News:

My car died. Again. Gah! Driving a car here has been the most

stressful, expensive experience of my life.

My poor Beast.

Last night I was driving my friend to her surprise birthday party. When I stopped at a red light, I noticed white smoke billowing from beneath my hood. I pulled the Beast over and my temperature gauge was through the roof. Luckily, another friend was nearby and was able to pick us up.

On the way home, I decided to try and get it back to my house. I made it about a km from home when the smoke and the heat started up again. Fortunately, I was just a block from my car garage so I parked my beast-baby on their door step and left the key in the ashtray.

My supervisor said she would call this morning and tell them why.

Erg.

Now I really need a walk on the beach!

Oldies but (so, SO) Goodies

I've been shamelessly stealing chocolate covered-almonds out of the communal teachers' candy basket all day. I know I am supposed to take just one or two, but they are so good, and no one else seems to be eating them. These little chocolate-covered-almond morsels make me gloriously happy. *chew, chew, much, munch.*

Speaking of things that make me happy, I finally found a place to quite the retro longings of my soul: Kento's.

My absurdly fun and adorable friend, Dana, put together a little Monday night event for us poor souls who had to work on Sunday but had Tuesday free.

Dana

She asked, "Do you like classic olides rock songs performed with choreographed dance moves by Engrish speaking Japanese in 50's and 60's era costumes?"

And every fiber of my being answered, resoundingly, "YES."

Moving to this little island in the pacific was difficult not only because I had to adjust to an entirely new climate and culture, because I had to leave my friends and family behind, but also because I had to leave my love, my passion: Swing Dancing.

*sigh*

I have heard rumors of swing clubs, of swing groups, of swing-ers (not swingers, sicko!) in this crazy little prefecture, and I have chased these rumors as far as possible, each time hoping, praying that I will find someone, anyone to dance with. Nothing.

Well, even though Kentos wasn't a swing club, and no one else knew much about swing dancing, I did get to dance, and I even led a little swing (I am so rusty!!).

What was really worth noting, however, was the band. These guys rocked and rolled and danced and wooed.

They were unbelievable. They even stood on tables and chairs (and were quickly followed by waiters to clean and sanitize everything they touched) while flawlessly serenading us with the classic songs from the 50's and 60's (and some Japanese immitations).

Since it was a Monday night, we nearly had the place to ourselves and it was like a private show. The few other patrons (all Japanese) joined us in our inhibition-free dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

My only complaint was the price. Since most of the people in my group wanted to do the all you can eat and drink, I had to pay the same price. It was a downer for me because I ate before I went to save money, and I was (as always) driving. Therefore, I paid ¥3000 ($30) for a bunch of ginger ales and a few "fried potatoes" (french fries). Ah well. Some people got their moneys worth:

and I will plan ahead to eat my fill next time. :)

And believe me, there WILL be a next time.

To view the website, click the name: Kento's.

To get there:

Going N on the 58: Turn left on the 222 and then take a left after the first Lawson's. Kento's is on your right.

Going S on the 58: Turn right on the 222 and then take a left after the first Lawson's. Kento's is on your right.