Alie in Oki

The last part of our vacation with Alex and Cathy was 4 days in Okinawa.

Grayson didn't waste any time taking advantage of two more people to read to him.

But, we were soon on our way again.  Poor Cathy was crammed in our SMALL backseat with Grayson and me.  One of those situations where you have to suck in your belly and hold your breath to get the door to shut.  Darn small Oki cars!

We began our tour of the island with a trip to Shurijo Castle, one of the most historical spots here.

This is the Shureimon Gate; it's featured on the back of the Japanese Y2,000 bill (~$20).

It wasn't hard to figure out why this is considered a World Heritage Site with the likes of the Roman Coliseum and the pyramids of Egypt.

Some of the outer buildings have been transformed into museums.

The castle itself used to be the home of the Ryukyu kings of Okinawa.

A replica of a state affair being conducted in the front courtyard area.

We were able to enjoy a show of many different traditional Japanese dances.  I couldn't help but think of Memoirs of a Geisha.

The throne room.

A mini bonsai in the royal garden.

After the castle we did dinner in a tree house.  Why not?

My brothers and I built many a tree house in our day.  We totally should have thought of this idea.

Dinner was complete with a sunset over Naha Harbor.

 Next up was a morning of snorkeling in the East China Sea, an afternoon of spa treatments, and...

an evening of gambling.  We tried to play the Japanese game of Pachinko.  Basically, it's cracked out pinball.  The object is to win more ball bearings; you don't need any skill.  You just sit there and hold a knob.  

Gambling is illegal so you have to win a prize that can then be sold back for cash.  Doesn't make sense to me, but we didn't need to worry about it because we lost very quickly.  These Pachinko parlors are everywhere.  I still don't get the hype.

No venture to Oki would be complete without a peek at the world's second largest aquarium.

This time, I let Grayson check out the touch pool.

This enormous observation window was just as cool the second time!

We replaced our pastry obsession from Tokyo with an ice cream obsession in Oki.  Got to find ways to beat the heat.

Grayson with his arm around Uncle Al.

On our way out of the park, we stopped by a traditional Okinawan village to harness our chi.

Another great sunset night.

Our last day together, we went to a glass blowing village.  Apparently Okinawa is know for its blown glass.  Who knew?

Michael getting his glass started.

 Cathy crafting her piece.

Anyone who has ever been to Okinawa knows about Yoshi's.  He's famous for his sushi and has pictures of all the celebs he's cooked for up on the wall to prove it.  Seemed like the best ending to a fabulous time.

Thanks for coming to see us Al and Cathy!  We had an amazing time and miss you already!  Grayson has been reading his new books every day and wearing his new clothes too.  He's kicking the soccer ball around like a pro, trying to teach Bailey.  We love you!  Big hugs!