Okinawa, Japan - Travel Day & Churaumi Aquarium

Started early, in the dark.   Managed to fit Jon's jumbo hockey 'special suitcase', duffel bag,
stick bag, two suitcases (Salli's and mine) and my backpack into their little JUKE car.
Here's the picture when we unloaded at Incheon Airport's long-term parking:

Flew on Asiana Airlines, an older B767-300.   Very comfortable, and again- excellent
service.   Started reading a new book, "The Real All Americans", the lead-up and story of
the 1912 game between the Carlisle Indian School and the US Military Academy.
Carlisle was led by legendary coach "Pop" Warner and Jim Thorpe.

Arrived in Okinawa, and immediately could tell that we were in a tropical climate.
Felt like a hot wet towel hit you!   90-deg and 90% humidity ..  whoa!    Especially after
the pleasant 70's and 80's of Seoul.    It'll be a warm-up to .. Captiva!  (not this ratio!)
We proceeded to the rental car shuttle bus and melted outside.    We loaded our gear into
the car and Jon oriented himself with the fact that Japan drives on the LEFT SIDE !
I suggested Salli move to the passenger seat to help Jon with the navigation system and
to remind him to STAY LEFT.

We proceeded to the hotel, VESSEL, in Chatan Town, north of Naha.   Here's a pic from
our balcony :

Walked down to the beach and surrounding shops.

After returning to our room for a brief rest, we started the long trek to the aquarium.   It was

at least 75 km, one way.   It was way up north, a beautiful drive along the coast.

Here's a sunset picture along the way ..  very Captiva-like :

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium was .. AWESOME, UNBELIEVABLE, a must-see!

The 'Kuroshio Sea' exhibit is HUGE!, 10m deep x 35m wide x 27m back  ... convert these

metric measurements ..   here's some pic's that MAY give you an idea :  (whale sharks!)

What a fantastic experience!  .. for us, for kids, for families.

Another busy day.   Another marathon driving day for Jon.   Another great food day.

Oh yeah, when you visit make sure you try their 'BLUE SEAL' Okinawa ice cream!

Tomorrow-  Jon has THREE hockey games!  Yikes!  Although- they're 13-min. 'running'

periods.   They're at 1-pm, 2-pm, and 5-pm.   Hopefully the ice cream will help ..??!!

Then we'll see where his team places to see if and when his games on Sat. are.

Hi from Okinawa.