Okinawa, Japan

Wed., Nov. 11   Okinawa, Japan is located halfway between Tokyo and Taiwan and consists of 100 plus islands of which 50 are inhabited.  Okinawa prefecture has a population of 1.38 million.  The city in Okinawa we visited was Naha, whose population is 310,000.   We toured the Shurijo Castle which was built in the 14th century.  It served as a fortress, royal palace, political and religious center.  It has burned 4 times, the last time during the Battle of Okinawa at the end of WWII.  Okinawa was occupied by the US until 1972, so the culture is a blend now.   We were back on the ship by 1:30 pm and sailaway was at 2.  We ate a quick lunch and had a nice nap.  The wind has really picked up this afternoon, so the seas are rough!!!