We loved going through the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, but it was a dark and depressing experience because of the agonizing feeling that permeated those tunnels. We had been learning about the Battle of Okinawa for 1 1/2 days---it was time for some light-hearted fun!
We had about 40 minutes or so until the taxi was due to meet us at the parking lot of the headquarters, so we headed over to a park that we had heard about that was just a short walk away. We were expecting a regular park with maybe a few swings and a place for the kids to run around and get some energy out. The only playground equipment at this park were a couple of slides.....the best, most awesome slides ever made!
There were some colorful carp flags hanging in honor of Boys' Day that was celebrated yesterday.
These slides were long and twisty, but what made them so fun was the fact that there were metal rollers along the bottom! Tayla is in this picture.
Nathan is heading down a slide in this picture. The metal rollers were hot from the sun's rays, but we were careful not to burn our hands. The slides had a steep decline in some spots and leveled out in others, but the smooth rollers kept you going regardless of where you were.
Caitlin and Audra
A picture of Naha, the slides, carp flags, and a blue shisa dog at the top of a pole.
These slides were such a blast! Even Raymond and I were going down them! We would put Kirstin on our lap and go or else head down solo. We could have stayed here for another hour, but all too soon our taxi came and we had to say good-bye to the best slides ever.
The question the kids asked us as we left: Why aren't these slides in America?
Answer: Because everything in Japan is better. At least, that's how it seems.
As we all piled our hot, sweaty bodies back into the taxi, Audra was screaming and fighting us. She did not want to leave the awesome slides. None of us did, really. But, we had to get to Shuri Castle to see a program that we didn't want to miss and it was only being shown at 2 p.m. today.
These slides were the perfect thing to get us back into "fun mode" after learning about the sad Battle of Okinawa!
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