Sunrise Kanko Hotel Okinawa

... learn in person!). Each plant only produces one pineapple and it takes around 2 years for the fruit to ripen. No wonder it's difficult to compete with low-cost producers! I also did not realize that there were so many applications for pineapple -- from cakes, to wine, to vinegar. For those of you that have been to Hawaii, this is probably not a revelation. For me though, it was interesting. <br><br>Today is our last day in Okinawa and it is with mixed emotions that we leave ...

... rooms. It was fascinating to be walking through an area that was central to major World War 2 battles nearly 70 years ago.<br><br>We also took in Shurijyo Castle which is a reconstruction of the primary castle that served as the main administrative centre when Okinawa was still a feudal fiefdom under the Tokugawa Shogunate. The castle had been destroyed several times, the latest of which was during the Battle of Okinawa during World War 2. This latest ...

... this though, I probably would not have noticed this at all -- the signs that this prefecture is a bit behind others are subtle. A shabby building here, some litter in a river there -- things that one tends not to see to such a degree in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, this is quite a nice place and definitely a sub-tropical paradise.<br><br>We will definitely see a lot more of rural Okinawa over ...

On Sunday, we woke up early again to drive to Shuri Castle, down in Naha. Shuri Castle today is a recreation from memory of the 14th century castle that was destroyed during the battle of Okinawa. Chinese envoys used to come to the castle to crown the Ryukuan king, and there are many portraits and artifacts from these kings inside. You have to take off your shoes to walk around in the museum. We were happy to do so, since it ...

... it was a hot day made even worse by humidity.<br><br>The aquarium was very cool (especially since it had A/C, ha ha). There were lots of little exhibits to look at in addition to several big tanks that were chock full of fish. Since we were in Japan, everyone had a camera and crowded around to photograph every fish. Luckily, I was taller than almost everyone there, so I got some pictures too. The big tank with the whale sharks, rays ...

... kids loved it! I can't wait to go real camping sometime in the next 3 years! The kids got to do an Easter Egg Hunt (thanks to one of the spouses clubs!) We had fun and got to see some old friends. I wish we had more time to stay but we had to leave right after the hunt. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Please if you have any to share with me, please send some!

... of Okinawa for over 500 years that was almost totally destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa. The Castle was reconstructed in 1970 and is still undergoing renovations. They also saw a Japanese Dance Show at the castle and went shopping on Kokusai Street, the main retail street in Naha, capital of Okinawa. The prices here seemed quite expensive, so they decided to wait until China for further shopping.

... one. Trevor and I both have started school. He is trying to finish up his Bachleors and I am starting my Masters. We are both doing online classes. Other than that we are waiting and counting down to our up and coming visitor (GaGa &amp; Pop Pop in November, NaNa in December, and Aunt Janet and Uncle Don in February) and taking trips to the beaches and pools! Here are a few more pictures. Missing everyone back home!

... side of the 4 lane road. I was not about to do a U turn! We have seen some interesting bugs and animals. Too bad I can get a few on camera. The rodents here are the size of cats. Well, here are a few more pics. Miss everyone!

... ja Windows vielä siihen päälle, tadaa! Pakko vaan koittaa muistella, että missäs kohtaa valikoissa oli mikäkin juttu ja ränkytellä säkällä eteenpäin :-) Niin ja tämä Kariyushi Beach Hotel on muten Vladimir Putinin "kantamestoja" ja paljon hänen lahjoittamiaan esineitä on täällä esillä joka paikassa (muutama kuva). Nyt koitankin tässä juuri parvekkeella tuijottaa, että onkohan tuolla rantakalliolla horisontissa ilman paitaa kalastava mies itse Vlatimiri? :-) Ja huomattiinpa ...