Japan Trip, Day 4

Chloe still woke up at 5am, even though we went to bed much later last night. We again headed down to breakfast early this morning. It felt like we were walking into Moe’s; all the employees yelled (well, loudly said) “Ohayo Gozaimas” as we walked in. Today one hostess sat us and another came around offering coffee. It was much more formal than the other days. There were also many fewer people there. I am starting to think that this is used as a tour hotel off-season. Maybe people come on a 2-day 1-night trip to Okinawa, which is why breakfast is crowded, but the hotel is deserted during the day?

After breakfast – we all ate much less, since we had dinner last night — we went for a walk to the “Family Mart” a little way down the street. They had bread and bananas (and Yellow Tail!). We bought these (well, not the wine) to pack lunches for a big tour. During the rest of the morning, we worked on packing for our tour. Rob left for work, and the girls watched Star Trek in Japanese.

store – 18 jun 2008

We headed down to the second floor and showed our “ticket” to the bellboy, who came to get us when the bus came. The guide knew less English than I knew Japanese, and that’s saying something! We got on and found some seats and listened to the guide prattle on. I’m sure like tour guides everywhere she had some set of wonderful facts to bestow upon us, but it was all Japanese to us. Chloe said “She talks a lot” (the pot calling the kettle black).

We understood the words “pinappuru parku”, “banana”, “papaya”, “concretu”, “cementu” and that was about it. However the scenery was fantastic, and I loved the bus trip. We just went with the flow and opened our windows when everyone else did (struggling AC) and then closed them when everyone else did. The guide held up cards to tell us what time to be back at the bus.

I had read that the Japanese were sticklers for being on time, but I have NEVER been somewhere that everyone was on the bus BEFORE they were supposed to be. We even left the aquarium, the main attraction, earlier than we were supposed to be back!!

Next, I MUST mention that my girls were perfect on this trip. I said MOVE, they moved. They went with the flow (I had no idea what to expect and could not prepare them) so easily. I know that our frequent travels have truly prepared them (and me) for trips to far-off, exotic places.

Our first stop was the Butterfly House. We walked in the gardens and saw lots of butterflies, but then went in the house, where there were hundreds of butterflies. They especially like the red baseball caps that were placed around. Chloe really loved the hermit crabs that they had for sale there (birthday gift idea?). I notice that my clock (my camera clock since our cell phones do not work on the Japanese network) was five minutes behind the clock at the butterfly house — oops. We got to the bus just in time. I fixed my clock just as fast.

butterflies – 18 jun 2008

Our next stop was the “real” purpose of the trip. The Churaumi Aquarium. We followed our guide, having no idea what she said other than we had to be back at the bus at 14:35, across the park to the entrance to the aquarium. Both girls were amazed by the tanks. So much so that there were other tourists enjoying the girls and their enthusiasm. Chloe was sad that there were no jellyfish and only a few seahorses, but she LOVED the whale sharks and tropical fish. Camille and I were impressed by the comparison of the shark and dolphin brains.

aquarium – 18 jun 2008

After we left the aquarium and headed back into the extreme heat, we found a covered area with tables where we could eat. I’m so happy that we brought peanut butter and jelly and bought bread. Our sandwiches really hit the spot. After lunch, we looked at the bottlenosed dolphins and the sea turtles. Then we headed to the dolphin pool for a fantastic show! Yes, those dolphins use those brains! After the show, we looked at some exotic animals –the manatees given to the Japanese by the Mexican government.

aquarium – 18 jun 2008

The girls got some soft ice cream that they ate as we RAN to the bus — no way were we going to be late. We got there with three minutes to spare, and the guide and I shared the same comment “Atsui desu ne!” The bus left 2 minutes early from the aquarium complex – playgournd, Okinawan village and more left unexplored.

aquarium – 18 jun 2008

Our next stop was gimmicky beyond gimmicky. Pinappuru Parku. We were rushed through the “plant” and “cellars”. Forced to smell pineapple perfume. Encouraged to try pineapple wine (20 and over only). Asked to sample cakes, candies and cookies. Pushed to buy gifts. We left with full bellies and full pockets (we didn’t buy a thing).

glass – 18 jun 2008

The final stop was a glass blowing place. Chloe was fascinated by the ovens and the glass. She wants to glass blowing place in Atlanta. In the store, Camille very nicely asked if we could buy some small souvenirs, so I picked out a turtle, Chloe chose a dolphin and Camille chose another turtle. If we were not so far from home, I would have bought WAY more. The vases were gorgeous.

glass – 18 jun 2008

We bought some drinks in the soda machine. Chloe got the imported water “Crystal Geyser” all the way from California, I got a chilled green tea, and Camille a lemon tea. The trip back was pleasant. We hung out in the room for a few minutes, went back to Family Mart for some cheese (I was going through serious cheese withdrawal) and other stuff, then went to the pool. I stopped by the desk to see if someone could fix our broken AC remote. The reception guy tried to, but then said he thought it was broken, but wasn’t sure. I said I’d come back after the girls were done swimming.

The girls have the pool routine down! But, I really felt like some of the people there disapproved of the fact that my kids were in the pool and I was not with them. Every other kid had a parent there ready to guide them. I was happy to let my two girls push their own limits. Camille finally managed to swim the length of the pool underwater with no breaths. Chloe got braver and braver about what she would do.

We finally went back to the room for shower. Rob came home soon after. Chloe fell asleep before we watched some military show about an aircraft carrier. One English channel, and it is military focused. Like commercials that tell you to “Avoid tactical vehicle accidents.”

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