Ryukyu Glass with a Side of Whipped Cream

On the same day that we visited Peace Memorial Park, we also took in the artistry at the Ryukyu Glass Village. Okinawa is known for its unique Ryukyu glass, including the techniques and materials used. Stepping inside of the main building at the Glass Village, this is the beautiful sight above:

Ceiling at Ryukyu Glass Village

When we first arrived, we were able to watch the craftspeople at work making glassware. The gentleman who we watched was able to amuse the girls by setting small pieces of newspaper on fire with the molten glass. All of the tile mosaic you see on the walls in the pictures below is made of small pieces of glass. It's a beautiful place, and a must-see for anyone visiting Okinawa.

The craft of making Ryukyu glass goes back well over 100 years; however, after WWII, glass was in short supply. The local Okinawans recognized that Coke bottles could be used for raw materials, and so the uniquely Okinawan way of glass craft began again. Eventually, they were able to learn more about adding the vibrant colors that you see in the photos.  We bought two beautiful glasses with an orange-colored base that are perfect for a whiskey (or a margarita). Stop by when we get back to Durham and we'll pour you a drink!

Despite the incredibly long day, we wanted to head somewhere scenic for dinner so we headed to the place in Yomitan where we had made salt earlier in our stay. We plugged in the address and initially thought it would take 30 minutes. We had read the clock wrong and it was actually 1 hour and 30 minutes. Add slow roads and traffic, and we were all ready for the cold beer and the below-average pizza.

But Okinawa never fails to disappoint when it comes to natural beauty, and so this was our view after our long day.

The next morning, we needed a day off from the sight-seeing and so we planned to swim and relax at my mom's hotel in Onna.  We started our day off at a Hawaiian Pancake house called Paanilani. The kids were a bit skeptical of trying a new place since we loved the Dutch Pancake house Jakkepoes that served M&M pancakes.

Suffice it to say that the skepticism ended when Maddox received her "side of whipped cream". You know, because two chocolate chip pancakes the size of her torso wouldn't provide enough sugar.

I selected the pumpkin pancakes which were presented as delightfully as any meal in Okinawa. The pumpkin is not the kind we are used to and they don't add all the cinnamon and sugar to make it sweet, but it was still delicious, and indeed made for Good Morning! Good Pancakes!

With our svelte, post-pancake bellies, we headed to the Sun Marina, braved the wind, and enjoyed some time at the pool and waterslide.

Grandma Jean and Zo-Zo

Sisters

The absolute best part of the day, however, is the part for which I do not have a photo. It was an 'enjoy the moment' kind of thing.  Grandma Jean wanted to treat us to something special, and so Grandma, Maddox, and I hopped on the BIG MABLE!  This is essentially an inflatable couch that is pulled on a jet ski around the ocean. I am not sure I have ever seen my mom laugh so hard. I couldn't hear her laugh for the screams from Maddox: "THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!"

If any of you are photoshop pros, feel free to photoshop a BIG MABLE photo of me, my mom, and Maddox. It could be amazing!