Okinawa in an eggshell, nutshell, half-shell

Okinawa, lying between Kyushu and Taiwan, comprises more than 100 islands called the Ryukyu Islands.

With a mild moderate climate, it is like springtime throughout the year. But somehow the climate is quite similar to that of Hong Kong. However, the beach life is how the Okinawans live it! If only we are all to live life like this all the time...

Okuma Beach 

02.15.10

Tropical and subtropical vegetation abound on the islands. Added with crystal clear water, fine white sand and colorful fish dancing through the coral reefs, Okinawa is a prime diving spot and holiday resort for holidaymakers. Unfortunately for us, it was quite cold, and we both had POOR diving skills (not that we really had skills), so we had to skip that part and dip our toes on shore.

 Emerald Beach 

02.14.10

Quickie Facts
Total Area 49 sq. km.
Population  Approx. 130,000 (2008)
Language Japanese
Currency Japanese Yen (JPY)

Phone Access Codes
Country Code: 81
Area Code: 98

Emergency numbers
Police: 110
Fire & Ambulance: 119

Okay, so that’s a brief overview of the island. I have already told you how I got to Okinawa.  Actually, getting there is quite simple. The next things you will hear from me would be some of the best and fun experiences I had on the island. I will try my level best to recall everything, and will first gather round my stuff to give you a more detailed, if not precise entry.

Seriously, this is cute :)

D is about to leave the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) on Saturday, and says that he will miss everything about it (his basketball team, included). 

I just recently found a picture from one of his FB friends that revealed their team name -- a name that would symbolize what they are truly made of as athletes and enthusiasts, a team name that revolves on their vision and direction.....for the love of the game, and their all-driven passion towards the sport......

Seriously?!

Really now! I find this cute and somewhat appealing. Don't you think? It's like an unspoken kind of trash talk to me. :P

Flying Alone Aboard Hong Kong Express

I was up at 3 or 4 am., but my baggage a WEEK prepared than I was. I had been packing for a week already so, chances of leaving anything behind was less likely to happen. All I needed to do that time was to fix myself, which I barely did! lol

Not only I was THAT excited to be flying again, but also anxious to be flying alone for the FIRST time. I wondered what it was like.

My flight was at 8am, so the driver had to pick me up at 5 to get to the airport at least 2 hours before my flight. EDSA was pretty friendly that Friday morning so I had no problem nor delays in getting there. When I got to the airport, ticket counters already had long queues, and the Hong Kong Express counter had a moderate handful of people. So I killed time by trying to connect to NAIA’s free wi-fi to the hope that I could give him a quick message before I leave.

The connection was a little rough, but I was able to manage a message D and a few friends before reaching my counter.

Past the immigration counters, I had to wait for another hour or so before the gates finally opened. While doing that, I filled out the frequent flyer program, which they called Fortune Wings Club. As if! But, who knows? I might fly frequently soon. I can dream, can’t I?

So the pilot later on announced that we’re bound for Hong Kong! All the thoughts of HKIA got me so excited!

On board, the remaining memories of Manila for departing tourists lie in the snacks that were served that morning -- corned beef pan de sal!

After that 2-hour flight and several sudoku puzzles later, I was in Hong Kong! I then had to go to the transfer desk in order to get my boarding pass to Okinawa. It’s kinda weird  riding the bus going to the main terminal, to get the boarding pass, and then ride again the same bus going near the same area where my gate should be. I almost got lost because I was asked by the counter person to go to gate 511 to get to 502. I asked myself “where the **** is gate 511 anyway?” after seeing signs going to gates lower than 100. But when I found the way for transfer passengers, I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery -- rushing passengers, duty free shops, tourist information kiosks, and others. Finally I got to the bus where we will be taken to gate 502. I know right, 511, then 502. 

What’s nice about HKIA was that I got to enjoy free internet access and was able to use my iTouch to send a quickie update on my Facebook page, as well as a message to D via YM. He was supposed to run errands for our trip so I knew he wouldn't be able to read my message anymore. I could try, could I?

I still had 2 more hours to be an ultimate tourista at HKIA, and pretty much of a time to kill! How I was wishing to be with him already since I was only hours away from Naha!

 Taking random photos for the kill!

I was already boarding the HKG-OKA flight and in 3 hours or less, I would be seeing him again!

Here’s what I had for lunch (HK-OKA flight):

Imagine my sheer boredom

I am happy for the hearty meal. Again, I got bored so I answered some sudoku puzzles installed in my iTouch. It was a great time killer!

I can tell that I was already in Japan! See below: 

What better way to first glimpse at Japan than to see a Pikachu plane! :)

I finally landed Okinawa at around 3 or 4PM (JST). I was sooo excited to see him! I knew he was already waiting for me, but I had to get past the IR scanners for AH1N1 screening. So much with excitement, I even forgot to fill out the embarkation card. After several tries in filling out the form, I finally got to the immigration counter where the Japanese officer asked me a series of questions regarding the Japan visa attached to my passport, my husband, my purpose of visit, etc. The immigration officer even asked for his work phone number. To my panic, I wasn’t able to immediately provide because I knew D‘s cellphone got busted. But then again since the lady was persistent, I gave the cell number, but explained that his phone was being fixed that time.

After I got my bags from the conveyor belt, I was so damn eager to get past customs, that I also forgot to fill out the Customs Declaration form. I wasn’t quite sure why Hong Kong Express was not able to give us some of these while on board. But anyway, I could be sleeping that time.

Just past customs was the door that had D waiting for quite sometime now. He even took a video of me when I arrived!


I know I looked less excited, I was too shy to show. Haha!

To see how bored I was on my flight:

Okinawa: Getting There!

It has been a year since I was out of the islands, and was likewise my first time flying alone! Part of my travel wish list would be Japan. It was quite a pain getting there because of the difficulty of obtaining a Japan Visa. Now that I have the time and the resources (visa included), that dream was starting to materialize. 

Done with the visa, next would be my quest for the cheapest, easiest way of flying the friendly skies. Philippine Airlines (PAL) used to have direct flights from Manila (MNL) to Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA). I’m guessing that they discontinued the service due to poor demand,. Boo! Other than PAL, there were no other carriers that could fly directly to OKA.

So I first checked out Cebu Pacific since they may have promos for international flights. Bad news is, they only have flights to Osaka and I would still have to search for a connecting flight to OKA.

Cebu Pacific's Manila-Osaka Flight

PAL's Manila-Osaka Flight

When I checked domestic flights from Osaka to OKA, the range would be from $200-$400. Moreover, there were schedule conflicts too. Then again, I realize that I also need to check my luggage twice because I will be transferring to another airline. That would be very stressful then.

That’s when I decided to stick to an airline that could cater to both Manila and Okinawa at the same time.

I did more research on this until I stumbled upon a site that lists down all the airlines that fly to OKA. It showed that the biggest airlines flying to OKA are China Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Hong Kong Express.

D used to buy tickets at China Airlines because there are flights from Taiwan that connected the two countries. I almost resorted to that $800++ flight (I know right) when I found out about Hong Kong Express. They launched the Hong Kong-Okinawa flight just last 2008, and was so glad take advantage of this cheaper alternative. Besides, I get to spend a 2-hour stopover at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), for a possible sight seeing and tour of the airport. Haha!

So to ease the burden of having to transfer from one carrier to another, I picked Hong Kong Express to try out their services.

By the way, if you are going to book flights online, they currently accept Visa cards only. Make sure to print out your e-ticket/itinerary to be presented to the ticket counter. When flying, it is important that you bring the very same credit card that you used in purchasing your e-ticket to validate your identity, or they‘ll refuse to take you in.

Take note as well of the guidelines for checked baggage:

All Flights
Business Class                                               30 kg (66 lb)
Economy Class                                              20 kg (44 lb)
Infant^(Economy & Business Classes)     10 kg (22 lb)

1. An excess baggage charge will be levied on any baggage that exceed the free checked baggage allowance at the airport. For excess baggage rates, please contact our Reservations Office.
2. Baby strollers and wheelchairs must be checked.
3. Oversized and overweight items will only be accepted subject to the available space on board on the day of departure.

      ^Infant refers to a passenger under 2 years old who does not occupy a seat.

To avoid delays, you must also be aware of the ICAO Guidelines for Liquids, Aerosols and gels. Various countries have implemented restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in compliance with the new guidelines laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (http://www.icao.int/icao/en/nr/2006/pio200617_e.PDF)

For Japan:
http://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/03_information/13_motikomiseigen/gaiyou_e.pdf

By the time I secured my slot for Feb 12, I had nothing in mind but the memories I will be having with him by his side. Cheese much!

I'm Back!

Still not in my usual blogging frenzy though, but I just wanna let you guys know that I'm definitely back in hot and humid Manila, and just cooling down a bit. I missed home a lot, but I surely will miss Okinawa.

I guess I can say that I loved the semi-chilly sub tropical islands of Okinawa, Japan with the ever so loving husband on the side. What more could I ask for?

Pure bliss, I should say.

I vow to come back to the islands again with him some day.

More entries and pics to come!