'He is Risen!' Was the anthem for the Easter Sunrise service held out on the aft pool area of the Lido at 6am this morning. But it happened without me as I don't do mornings well. But I was awake to see the ship slide into its berth at Naha at 8am. Our small group of 12 met in the Ocean Bar at 8:30am and after we cleared a quick immigration check, we found our guide for the day, Kari and boarded the small bus.
We reached the Syuri Castle which was heavily damaged by the US in WWII because underneath it was a military command post. The castle has been totally restored and the design is very reminiscent of Chinese architecture. Nearby is the royal mausoleum (Tama-udun)which was also damaged and restored.
We took a 'stroll' down the Kinjo-cho stone pavement which was actually quite steep. On our way to the Ryukyu garden (Shikinaen), we passed by a large cement constructed agricultural dam. The garden was constructed to impress the Chinese and was quite nice. We then took a stroll down the Pottery Street which led to the major shopping arcade. We sampled some of the local beef, and it was scrumptious. Our granddaughter found an 'owl zoo' and really liked it. While she was doing that I wandered the market One thing I've noticed about Japanese markets is there are very few little electronic shops. But lots of tshirt shops!
We met at a nearby Starbucks and watched a street performer swallow flames. There was also a nearby Burger King and A&W (the first I've seen this trip).
I found it interesting as we drove around that concrete was the typical method of single family hive construction. I don't recall seeing a wood framed house.
Back on our ship, we checked email and FB up in the Crow's Nest while listening in on happy hour trivia. The ship departed just after five and did a 180° clockwise turn while backing up. These turns are super fun to watch. As we departed the port, we watched airplanes land at the airport and then they appeared to hold the airplanes until we left the area of the flight path final approach. I'm pretty certain a 800 foot long cruise ship sailing 90° to the runway and less than 1/4 mile off the end of the runway is quite a distraction. For the first time in a long while I watched the pilot disembark the vessel before we enjoyed Asian cuisine in the Lido marketplace with our granddaughter.
After dinner Phil gave a presentation on Japanese hot springs and baths. The three of us then watched the movie, Dr. Strange and it was strange! Afterwards as I walked into the main stage area, the comedienne, Frank King was standing in the back of the auditorium and commented that he would be giving his show right there as there were only three of us. It seems that he bumped his watch and it showed 9:54pm. When the three of us said it was only 9:24pm, he was quite relieved. After the show I chatted bit with Mr. King who's from Oregon.
Tomorrow we have some interesting and different things to do in Ishigashi
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