Day 3 North Island Adventures...and the cell phone incident

Before the adventures of today could begin, I had 1 very important task to complete...paying my cell phone bill. In America this could be accomplished with a click of the mouse. Not so in Okinawa. Let me try and make a long story short. To make my life "easier", I signed up for direct withdrawl to pay my cell phone bill, so I was suprised to find a cell phone in my mail box last week. Only then did I realize that because I had received a new debit card (old one expiring soon), they were unable to collect my cash and thus sent me a bill. Thinking I could take care of this easily, I stopped by GI Bill Pay to add this bill to my account (we give GI Bill Pay our money, they pay the bills, easy for Americans). They informed that unfortunately they cannot pay cell phone bills, instead I would need to go to a certain Soft Bank (my cell phone company) store where they will accept payment for bills. She gave me directions to this "certain store" and I was on my way. 2 Soft Bank stores later, I found myself in the correct store to pay the bill but my account was "frozen" as they were still trying to collect the money from my now expired debit card and until the computer recognized the error, she could not accept my money. She would however modify my payment information to the new debit card. She then proceeded to tell me this wouldn't take effect for the next 2 to 3 months, however I could go to the local Family Mart (similar to a 7-11) to pay the bill "if I wanted to". Her suggestion was to wait it out, do nothing and maybe someday in the next 2-3 months my bill will miraculously be payed. Hmmmm....Can you imagine an American business operating this way? Well, let the games begin. I will see how long it takes them to turn off my phone and/or send the collection agency my way.

Now for the good stuff. Today I visited the north of the island. I started with the Chura Umi Aquarium. I feel the same way about aquariums that I do about zoos and circuses. I feel horrible for the animals all couped up in their cages, but still pay to check it out because the 10 yr old inside of me wants to see and pet all the cute and cudely creatures. Politics aside, I think this is a pretty good aquarium. The majority of the information is translated into English which is rare for Okinawan attractions. The big tank holds 3 whale sharks, that's pretty impressive. The area is part of a larger Expo area, one needs more than a day to really see it all. I suggest buying the season pass. It's good for one year and pays itself off if you go twice. The 10 yr old inside burst forth at the dolphin show, one needs no translation to enjoy the dolphins frolicking and splashing about.
I'm pretty sure I was that freaky American, sitting by herself, with a stupid grin on her face while the dolphins flipped around and performed spectacular tricks for fish. All in all, a good place. I will visit again despite the guilty "zoo/circus feeling" I get. Don't judge me!

Next, Nakijin-jo Site (Nakijin Castle Remains). The ruins are part of the 13/14th century fortress that once stood on the northern part of the island. This is a quick tour that can be easily added onto a few other trips if you find yourself up north.
It's also very close to Pizza and Sky and The British Wine and Tea Shop, two restaurants you must visit. On the way home I just happened to drive right by The British Wine and Tea Shop (see previous blog) and my mouth started salavating with the thought of scones and tea. I was forced, no lead, by a strong force to stop and visit John and Maki. Ever the attending host, John and I shared fun conversation while I enjoyed my scone and tea. Thankfully this time I knew what I was doing and there were no critical comments on my tea drinking.

Of note on the drive home. I saw the #1 and #2 plates of Okinawa. Perhaps I'm just a naive American but I thought that was pretty crazy and pictures were necessary. Then, I was almost taken out by the tourist-rental-car-japanese. This is a breed much more dangerous than the old-person-driver-japanese or the brand-new-driver-japanese. They come to Okinawa from the mainland, have no idea where they're going, and act like they own the road. I've included a picture to help you identify these pests. Feel free to ride their ass on the expressway!

Okinawa license plate #1. Sweet ride!

Okinawa license plate #2. I kid you not, I saw this one not 10 minutes after seeing #1. What are the chances?

This is a rental car. They all look like this only they are in a rainbow of colors, usually hot pink and lime green. Watch yourself on the expressway. They like to charge you down, ride your ass, get in front of you and then slow down 20km/hr. Why? Why??