Okinawa

For July 4th 2019 I caught a budget flight with Peach Air and have landed on a paradise island of Okinawa, the Hawaii of Japan. Surrounded by East China Sea and Pacific Ocean with temperatures not going below 19/14C and getting at least 10h of day light - it's a wonderful place for a vacation.

Let's go down the list. Aquarium that would satisfy both adults and kids? Check! Numerous gorgeous beaches to choose from? Check! World famous creamy Blue Seal ice cream with new flavors every day? Check and check! Street food and promenades of Naha and American Village? Check! History, culture, nature, amusement parks? Yes!

Fun facts. Did you know that Okinawa has the highest concentration of elderly people some ringing in 100 years young and beyond? How about karate, did you know where this martial arts started? Correct, Ryukyu Kingdom or Okinawa. Made off coral rocks and lime stones, a home to plethora of sea animals and almost 1.5 million people out of who almost a million speaks Uchinaaguchi, Okinawan Japanese - it's a gorgeous subtropical island to visit.

Now without further due, time for my top 10 and pictures that I captured on a quick getaway to the paradise.

1. Visit Cape Kyan or its brothers around the island: Maeda, Zanpa, Manzamo, Hedo. You are guaranteed a splendid view and backdrop for awesome pictures. I personally love the feeling of being at the end of the world, where the island meets the powerful waters.

2. Descend to caves that were only discovered in 1967 - a ticket to Gyoku Sendo not only will give you a glimpse of the underworld but also will extend an invitation to witness Eisa fascinating dance and Habu snake show.

3. We made a quick visit to Ryukyu Glass Village that offers glass blowing classes as well as lots of glass made souvenirs to take home - can be a fun learning experience.

4. Ryukyu Ramen Tondo Oroku Main Branch offers delicious ramen worth waiting for!

5. Shurijo Castle is a 500 year old symbol of Okinawa that regretfully burnt down in the fire in 2019. I was fortunate to see it during my visit and I felt very moved when with my Ladies' Club we raised money to support the rebuilding of the castle. In the mean time, don't shy away from exploring other castles like Katsuren Castle.

6. Delicious rich bowl of Hamaya Soba followed by a walk through American Village and a take out onigiri from Pork Tamago Onigiri Honten.

7. Would recommend this restaurant even for a day trip, so fun! Anettai Chaya (Hammock Garden)

8. Loved exploring and walking around the Castle ruins, for example this one was cool - Nakijin Castle Ruins, even at night, even the part of getting soaked in the heavy summer rain on the way back.

9. A MUST! An automated golf cart takes you up to the state of art building with an impressive collection of shells, multiple decks to gaze into the horizon cut by a beautiful bridge connecting the islands. All of that is - Kouri Ocean Tower. On the way back check out the shop, we scored a great pineapple wine in a gorgeous glass bottle that later became a great addition to our chinaware.

10. If you need some nature, be sure to check out Hiji Otaki waterfalls and Sakishima Sappanwood Tree. If the time allows, be sure to make a pit stop if you see fruit vendors off the road - super sweet pineapples, bananas and all sorts of goodness at a very affordable price!

I hope that together we'll conquer this virus and return to traveling the world freely with a more appreciative and grateful mindset! Until then, let the pictures tell their stories.