Okinawan Aquarium and Restaurant

Today we went to a traditional Okinawan restaurant. The restaurant was nestled into a hillside on the outskirts of town. There were waterfalls and ponds surrounding us. It was absolutely breathtaking. Like the old style Korean restaurants we took off our shoes before we entered and sat on the floor with a low table in front of us. Reagan wasn't comfortable sitting like that, but I sit criss cross applesauce most of the day, so I actually like it more. The difference in the Korean restaurants is that each person sits on a silk cushion. Here in Japan they sit on tatami mats made out of a straw like material. In both countries they use the bell system for getting service at the table. We had Okinawan soba, which has thicker noodles then you would find on the mainland. 

Do you see the bananas in the tree?! 

Yori to the right

Noah, Jeff, and Luke

These are Shisa statues that look like a mix between a lion and a dragon. They can be found at the entrance of most of the buildings. The one with its mouth open, to the right, brings in good spirits and the one with its mouth closed, to the left, prevents bad spirits from coming into the house. 

We then drove to the Okinawan Aquarium. I have a strange love or some might say an obsession with animals on land and in the sea. I was torn the whole time, whether or not to be upset that these creatures were in captivity. My hope is that they are all rescued animals who could not have survived in the wild.  It was really hot and crowded there. However, the marine creatures were a sight to see. I haven't seen a lot or let alone most of the animals anywhere before.