Right...the end of the cave and into the Tropical Orchards. Where we saw a variety of fruits being grown. That would have to be the first time I saw actual pineapples growing! (The pineapple in my old office doesn't count since it was never this far along)
From there we wandered into the Kingdom Village. There were many different traditional crafts that you could look at, buy, or even make your own! However, we decided due to time constraints to come back another time and try out a few different crafts. A few examples are Ryukyu Glass blowing, cloth dyeing, pottery, and paper factory.
Moving on from there we ate at the Brewery where they brew beer from the water in the cave! But it does not stop there, because another version contains snake venom! Yes, that's right "Habu Liqueur is good as nourishment, robust power drink." Neither one of us tried it, but there just seems something wrong to me about putting snake venom in a drink?! Maybe that is just me.
After eating we got to watch the "Eisa Dance" where they performed using drums and the appearance of Shisa! The two guys in the Shisa costume were impressive considering with the costume on the one guy picked the other up over his head so it looked like Shisa was standing on his hind legs. We however, were unable to take any photos of their performance due to "no photography" signs.
Last, but not least, we headed to the Kingdom Village Shopping Center and the exit. However, before leaving we found a Shisa, see picture of me holding Shisa, that decided to come home with us!
Now you would think the drive home would be less "interesting", but it wasn't! I think we added an extra hour to the drive home, but the one thing about being on an island as small as ours you just keep driving and eventually you will either run into the ocean or sea. Although it took awhile to get home it was a really fun day and I think we will add it to the list of places we will back to multiple times. That includes for those interested in making the trip to Okinawa.
- Brandon
