Spontaneity

Yesterday.  Daniel came up with this brilliant idea to go to the Aquarium!  Normally I would have planned all week for a trip like this; checking out what all there is to do around the area, check the best times to go, and all that good stuff.

We ate lunch and Daniel asked how long it take to get there.  So, I went on my new favorite website...Okinawa Hai for all the details.  It said it takes about an hour and a half if you take the ExpressWay (toll road).  And we're off in 15 minutes.  Aiden napped in the car which was perfect!  I had pack a few snacks and we were golden!

We finally make it there after a 2 hour drive due to unexpected Sunday traffic.  There are SEVEN parking areas... Did I mention that there were 7 parking areas?  This place is huge!  There are 12 different areas in the Ocean Expo Park.  We only made it to 2.  I guess we'll be going back again!!  Here's the link if you want to learn more about the place.  Ocean Expo Park you can choose to view the page in English and the Aquarium.

We had so much fun!!  Aiden was free!  When you first walk in they have a touch pool, which was too crowded, so we walk to a very large tank with none other than "Dori".  To our amazement and delight all of the signs and informational plaques telling you what is in each tank were in English!!!  I really need to learn some more Japanese.

Daniel, Aiden and I made our way through the crowds.  Everything I have told you has been all about how wonderful everything is and don't get me wrong it's a dream but...  One complaint...I have found that the Japanese are not very considerate.  Let me explain.  First I think there were more adults than children at the aquarium, and all of them with a camera.  (I don't mean your point and shoot, I mean the biggest and most expensive Nikon/ Canon)  They crowded around the exhibits and took about 20 pictures at each one.  Poor Aiden tried to squeeze in where he found a spot, but got pushed.  Ok complaining over.  We made it to the large tank.  I shouldn't say large, I should say GINORMOUS!!!  It had so many Manta Rays and 2 HUGE Whale Sharks!!!  This exhibit had stadium seating and had a second area where the sea life swam over our heads!

The indoor park is over and now to the Turtles, Dolphins, and Manatee (Daniel's Favorite!)

Sidenote:
This blows my mind!  The Japanese have all these advances in technology and live to be over 100, and are so healthy.  They don't put there kids in carseats or seatbelts for that matter.  If you see a carseat in someones car it's usually in the front seat.  Can you believe this?!  I just don't understand.  here's a picture to prove my mind blowing point... this child is probably no older than Aiden!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures!