Sunday, April 26, 2009

Katsuren Castle and Ikei Island

When Ryan spent every weekend in the office, we dreamed of a leisurely weekend exploring Okinawa. This past weekend, we got it! With everyone in the defense department out of town, Ryan has been able to come home before 9pm and spend an entire weekend with me! Saturday started out wonderfully - I made the coffee and Ryan made me breakfast, which we ate out on the patio. After we got ready, we decided to continue Castle Quest '09 and explore another Ryukuan castle - Katsuren Castle!

Located in Uruma, a part of Okinawa we hadn't explored yet, Katsuren Castle is not far from Ikei Island, which is accessible via a bridge. There is another castle on Ikei Island, though we couldn't find it. Instead, we found an adorable cafe overlooking the Pacific Ocean which had the nicest hosts and delicious tea and coffee.


Ryan enjoying his cafe au lait.


The view from the bar.


Me and a view of the little cafe.


Ryan in front of the cafe which also had a little garden area.


A dragon statue Ryan liked as we left Ikei island.

After we were refreshed, we explored Katsuren Castle, which was the stronghold of Lord Amawari. Lord Amawari defeated Nakagusuku Castle before he was destroyed by the army of Shuri Castle. The castle was breathtaking! It gave me an opportunity to use my Canon Rebel Xsi DSLR camera and test out my photography skills. I'm still learning, but I think some of these pictures turned out really well!


Katsuren Castle from the foot of the hill.


This is one of my favorite pictures.


Ryan exploring the grounds.


The staircase up to the first enclosure.


Enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean.


A view of the second enclosure from the first enclosure.


Ryan enjoying the ruins.


Ryan took this picture of the beautiful mini palm trees.
Me having fun at the top of the castle

A view from the top. It was a pretty cloudy day.

Some photos of my favorite subject to photograph - my handsome love!

The castle ruins are just so naturally beautiful (so is the man in the pictures)!


Sayonara!

No comments: