#liaamaellephotography

[liaasato]

March 18, 2019 - continued

After the village, we head over to Aokazura Awamori (rice liquor) Factory. One of the factory employees took us through the distillery building. We got to see how the Awamori was made. Awamori is one of Okinawa specialty beverages, and is also a specialty of many of the Ryukyu Islands. Although we were not allowed to take pictures inside of the building, I was still able to photograph the outside. The first photo I shared was of one of the barrel storage buildings. The black moss growing on the outside of the building is called, Black Koi. It is actually the same moss they use to ferment the beverage, giving it its strong taste and aroma. We also got to watch a short video on the history of Awamori making inside of the other storage building. (keeping in mind the strong smell of the liquor filling our lungs) After the video we were sent back into the main gift shop where we were lucky enough to sample e few types of Awamori. They had sweet versions with less alcohol which went down smoothly, and they had some that could grow hair on anyones chest, that went down a little less smoother. One that I distinctly remember was the beverage processed like vinegar, which was supposedly good for your skin. All in all this destination was both educational and tasty.

Just when we thought things couldn’t have got any better, our next stop was the Orion Beer Factory. Another tour took us in and around this huge facility where the smell of barley filled the air. They walked us through a room where they showcased the ingredients that went into the beer making, a room where the giant distillery tanks were, and a room overlooking the machines packaging the beer. It was cool to see the whole process that goes into making this work famous beer, but what we were all looking forward to was the taste testing portion of the tour. Straight from the factory’s tap we were able to have a few beers along with some complimentary peanuts. They gave us 10 minutes to enjoy the beers and I was able to snatch a few cool pins and some stickers before we left. Trust me, everyone had a good time on the ride to our hotel.

[liaasato]

March 18, 2019

Starting with a long bus ride to Ryukyu-mura, we begin our second day of adventure. This colorful village was modeled after a traditional Okinawan Village. Following the traditional thatch roofs and stone carved walls, this village  encouraged many arts and crafts activities and performances for us to enjoy. All of the people working there were dressed up in traditional Okinawan clothing, not many of them spoke english. Our tour guide Seiko, supplied us with headsets that allowed her to narrate as we were walking around. 

We were fortunate enough to catch one of the shows. Performers had played songs using the traditional Taiko drums. We also got to watch the funniest lion dance showcasing the playful relationship between the lion and his trainer.

One thing that stood out to me the most at this destination was the bursts of color that surrounded the village. One thing any traveler must do when visiting Okinawa, its to take a second to admire all their tropical plants. All the flowers were so rich in color. 

[liaasato]

March 17, 2019

After Shuri Castle we ate a Teishoku Soba lunch. Accompanying the soba was the most delicious stewed soki (pork spare ribs with cartilage still attached). So Ono!

In addition to visiting the Shuri Castle, we also visited some heart-heavy sites later in the day. 

The first being the Himeyuri-no-to Memorial Park, which commemorates the female high school students who served as nurses during the war time. Due to limited staff, these girls around (15-20 years old, my age) served as military aids to the soldiers fighting in battle. Forced into terrible conditions the girls who had no medical experience or knowledge were tasked with stitching wounds from battle, removing bullets, and wrapping broken bones. Difficult to see in the photo I shared but, there is a ~10ft wide hole in the ground where a make-shift hospital once was. About a few stories under the earth was where many of the girls had sacrificed their lives to serve their home.

Our last destination was the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. Showcasing stone hedges with names of the recorded fallen, exhibits of the war time replicas and recovered objects from the aftermath, this museum was probably the most heavy museums I had ever visited. I remember distinctly not being able to walk through parts of the museum because I just did not have the stomach. Audio and video recordings of survivor testimonies were also being shown along with countless articles and quotes from Okinawans. Despite the heavy subject of war and death, the Museum does a great job in exemplifying and spreading peace. 

“In order that we may mourn for those who perished during the war, pass on to future generations the historic lessons of the Battle of Okinawa, convey our message to the peoples of the world and thereby contribute to establishing permanent peace, we have hereby established, displaying the whole range of the individual war experiences of the people in this prefecture, the Okinawa Prefectural Memorial Museum.” [From the museum brochure.]

[liaasato]

March 17, 2019

Our first day began bright and early with a bus ride to the Shuri Castle. At one point the heart of Okinawa, the Shuri Castle once served as the Ryukyu Kingdoms center for politics, foreign affairs, and culture. The capital stood as an important monument in the eyes of the Okinawans, holding such historical and cultural values. Although signifying strength and pride, the castle had been broken down and rebuilt before. Reduced to dust during the Okinawa war of 1945, was then later reconstructed in 1992. According to a brochure that I received onsite, Shurijo was “designated as a World Heritage Site in December of 2000, the 11th World Heritage Site within Japan.”

For those who may not have heard of the tragic news, on Wednesday October 30, 2019, an early morning fire broke out and demolished three buildings including the Main Hall. Still unsure about the cause of the blaze, fire officials report that there were no fire sprinklers installed. More information about the fire can be found at the Japan Times.

After learning about the terrible event, I felt it necessary to share my photos in remembrance of the historic site. I was completely in shock to hear that 4,800 sq. feet had burnt down. Only 8 months ago was I there, feet directly on the wood that is now ash. Such and unexpected and unfortunate event for the people of Okinawa, but also for the many people who have visited. Being part Okinawan I felt super lucky visiting Okinawa and learning its culture and history. Although I might have gotten the “tourist” experience, I could feel the rich culture through its people, places, and especially the food.