Another whirlwind weekend with the parents who were here for another trip - more food and another location. We went to Okinawa!
It was a 3 hour flight and Okinawa is actually closer to Taiwan than it is to Japan. Another interesting fact was that the island was at one time a tribute of both China and Japan (so the history books say!). We got there and hopped on a bus to the car rental company where we got a cute little Honda Fit for the weekend.
It's easy to drive around the island and it is truly Asia's Hawaii. From the temperature to the roads to all the little things like America Village and Pineapple Park. Definitely enjoyed ourselves. The seafood was also amazing. We tried Okinawa beer (brand 'Orion) and soba (which is definitely not soba on the main island) as well as pork that they are famous for.
The aquarium was also pretty cool with a HUGE tank (the biggest in Asia I think) with sharks and fish and sting rays, definitely really cool to see although it was so crowded! And the beach and coastline is pretty cool too!!! The sand is a bit rough though.
We stayed at the American Village and got to see the sunset... just like in Hawaii. There's a lot to do around there... wish I got to stay longer and do some kayaking or snorkelling. We stuck to land and car based activities as well as shopping... lots of Americans due to all the army/navy bases being in Okinawa also. Would I come back in a jiffy? Probably not although definitely an option...!
