Okinawa - November 2019: Day 3

After 2 nights at this wonderful apartment, we checked out to move up north.

Stopped at the Okinawa Christian School International for some scenic shots.

 

We also stopped at Kaiholo Cafe for breakfast. It's a really popular place mentioned on Tripadvisor and many blogs, but it's a very small restaurant ... and frankly, not very friendly services. Food's ok. But their real saving grace is Hana, their pet dog.

From there, we went to Cape Manzamo, probably the most scenic cape we've seen so far.

  

 

I love this shot of Nadine trying to get rid of the twigs from Aaron's jacket ... if only they're so loving all the time!

Next, Nago Pineapple Park!

It's quite a mish mash of a park, with a pineapple field, many snacks, drinks, wine made from pineapple, and a dinosaur section! 

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After that, it was off to find our 2nd Airbnb - a cabin in the Izumi forest. And as we were looking for the place, I understood why the owner kept asking where we'll be coming from, so that he can send us the precise Google map direction. The address led us to 2 tombs!

But once we found the right place, we were totally wowed by it!

The kids were totally thrilled with the place. They loved the hammocks, Aaron loved the telescope, which unfortunately, we didn't get to use because it was cloudy the 2 nights that we were there. And I loved the washer and dryer!

After resting for a bit, we headed out for dinner in a nice French-Japanese restaurant owned by a young chef. Place was beautiful, food was excellent and chef was handsome! Reminded us of Korean drama Temperature of Love.

It has an adjoining glass studio, and all its glasses are one-of-a-kind. 

Even its cup is unique

Very satisfying dinner! Each dish had a myriad of taste, French and Asian, very subtle and unique, and the different flavours all combine really well. The chef didn't just cook well. He baked really well too. Very talented. If this restaurant is in Singapore, it'll definitely become one of our favourite restaurants!

Okinawa - November 2019: Day 2

We started Day 2 by going to the Toya Fishing Port for a super fresh sashimi and salmon soup breakfast.

It's a very small fishing port, with a mini cafeteria called Kaijin Cafeteria. But the fish is even fresher than those we'd had at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo because they were freshly caught. And sooooo cheap!

The kids were not too thrilled with the fishy breakfast. So we drove to the nearby Jakkepoes Pancake House for a 2nd breakfast.

Halfway through breakfast, it started to rain. Actually, a few days before departing for Okinawa, we already saw from the weather forecast that the week ahead would be cloudy and rainy. We just prayed that our holiday would not be rained out and we would still be able to enjoy it!

We drove to Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, and braved the drizzle to take some photos!

Nadine was not too happy to be in the rain though, kept hurrying us to get back to the car. Such a princess!

On the way back to the car, spotted this pretty kitty

As soon as we drove off, it started to rain. And this is what it looks like for the rest of the day

So we took refuge in the Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom - biggest mall in Okinawa, with a mini aquarium.

We spent the rest of the late afternoon shopping, had dinner and then headed back to chill in the apartment.

Okinawa - November 2019: Day 1

For our year-end vacation in 2019, we were not able to join the Gans, despite months of discussion on where to go and planning ... Daddy's leave for December was not approved as the quota had been reached. :-(

So instead, we went to Okinawa on our own in November.

The red-eye Jetstar flight to Okinawa was actually quite bearable, and the kids kept their promise to sleep through of it. Didn't wake up to eat though, so here's their first meal after we landed and collected our rental car - in-flight chicken rice.

It was too early for us to check in to our Airbnb, we drove to Makishi market.

Saw this quaint place near where we parked. There are lots of nice cafes, pubs and restaurants around the area.

And the seafood in the market were huge and glistening! But the kids were not in the mood for a seafood meal.

Neither were they in the mood for photos. Only Daddy and I were cheery at this cute salt ice cream shop.

Aaron was interested to photobomb though ...

and climb mini stairs ... monkey around.

Kokusai Dori is just next to Makishi market. We were amused with all the sweet potato and salt snacks, and sake/beer sold in the souvenir shops.

For lunch, we found a restaurant serving Okinawan food by chance. Food was yummy, slightly different from the usual Japanese food.

Okinawa has its own unique food culture, due to its location and complex history. It used to be an independent state called the Ryuku Kingdom, and was an important trading hub linking China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. So its food had influences from all these countries.

After lunch, on our way back to the car, we saw street performances of traditional Ryuku dance. It looked like there were troupes from different clans, and there were even little kids performing! Maybe that's how they hope to pass on the Ryuku culture to the younger generation!

After that, it was off to our 1st Airbnb apartment in Yomitan, near the Toya Fishing Port.

  

  

*Photos from Airbnb 

 It was very spacious, well-furnished apartment with 3 bedrooms - so each of the kid has a room! Aaron slept in a room all by himself for the first time!

The owner was very thoughtful. Provided a coffee powder, tea, sugar and some basic cooking condiments. She even provided plasters, and souvenirs (+ bubble wrap) for us to bring back! 

1st night, we went to the Mihama American Village, an outdoor American themed shopping and dining area.

By the time we got back to our apartment, we were ready to crash. So tired from the red-eye flight and full day of being out!

Just as well that we got back early. Because we discovered that we had a flat tyre when we got back! Thank God for bringing us back safely!