Last week, Dana had the day off and the older two boys were in school so the three of us (Josh and Dana and I) took off to check out another site that I had been hearing about. It was apparently a castle ruins site though I didn't see any ruins. What I did see though, was about 650 steps UP a mountain to get up to the ruins (or lack thereof). The best part about this place were the stone lanterns that lined the stairway up the mountain; I love them! So ruins or no ruins, we had a great trip. The weather was perfect, the lanterns were beautiful, the blossoms were vibrant and the leg workout was painful. :)
Lets just get this ugliness out of the way:
Octopus snacks that you could buy from that snack shack at the foot of the mountain. I think I will pass. We did get Josh some fries, but they tasted like fish.
I love the contrast here; blue sky, palm trees and cherry blossoms. Am I in heaven? Very possible.
A panel from the bridge in the picture below.
My little love bug.
Josh running down the path.
The boys checking out one of the many shrines for us.
There were walls, walls and more walls with names of the fallen. It was sobering. It is so eye opening to see so many names (thousands) listed for one horrible battle.
The Okinawan's had heavy losses themselves. The local people endured such hardship and tragedy; war is a very ugly affair.
The kids looked for any familiar names they could find.
It was spacious, simple and serene.
They had a huge museum to display many relics, photos and stories.
Ever tried to get a picture of 6 boys after they have been "reverant" in an outdoor park for about 3 hours. This is what happens. :)
Logan and Josh; best friends always (along with a few "tato heads").
Josh and Jake; best buddies all (most) of the time!
