Second day…

Posted on by helenhmk

As any seasoned rider will tell you – the second day of a riding tour is the worst.

Day 8

However, I don’t really remember this until I’m on the bike – at least that was the case today.

At the end of the second day you remembered how, at times, uncomfortable the bike seat can seem.

It’s also those last few kilometres to where you are staying… when you keep thinking “how much longer….” and “why didn’t we find a place closer”.

Day 8

As you can see it was long – and as Kym said “At least we got here before 6pm”. On the bright side it will all be forgotten tomorrow!

View from above…

Posted on by helenhmk

Goodbye Naha

Day 7

The airport in Naha was lovely. Filled with moon orchids and palms – and not much advertising, at least in the arrivals/departures areas.

Day 7

Day 7

But the shops do sell pineapples.

Day 7

While I dislike flying- to see the clouds from above is amazing!

Day 7
… and the ability to see the island from above was fabulous.

Day 7

Rest day highlights…

Posted on by helenhmk

Bus tour was pretty good. Visited traditional Okinawa houses

Day 6

Enjoyed sugar cane drink – thankfully not done via the traditional way

Day 6

Visited Cape Manza … along with everyone else (trust me the place was packed)

Day 6
found ourselves immersed in an experience at Fruits World we would not escape.

Day 6
Day 6
… and had an enjoyable time at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It’s not easy taking photos of fish!

Day 6
Day 6
Day 6
Day 6
Day 6

On each occasion you did just exit through the gift shop – but also Enter through them, and have additional opportunities along the way to spend money.

Day 6

I did suggest buying one of these – but it was conditional I wear it on top of my helmet, so I thought the better of it!

To top the experience off we also had Taco Rice (mince meat on top of rice with shredded lettuce, and spicy sauce). Mixed together it was great.

Day 6

Rest day…

Posted on by helenhmk

Every good riding tour has a rest day, today is ours. Okinawa is large… so it’s not possible to cycle where we want to visit. So it’s a rest day, and we travel by bus. I enjoy cycling but it will be good to see outside the city.

Day 6

Breakfast was… as featured below. Pizza is always a good option- even if it is dessert pizza.

Day 6

Instructions have been provided

Day 6

Instahighlights

Posted on by kymdt

We also share some “instant” photos on Instagram. Some of the highlights are below.

Helen and friends admiring a model of a royal occasion in Naha.

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#posing

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Coffee at our ‘local’ in Tokyo.

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#glitch #coffee #tokyo

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Christmas beer!

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#christmaslunch

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Random train shot.

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#focused #naha #japan #monorail

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Customised digital art.

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#besttime #tokyo #digitalart

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Bikes near Shibuya Stream.

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#bromptonbicycle #tokyo #shibuya hot lemonade… ah

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Here comes the rain again…

Posted on by helenhmk

It was a day of rain and sunshine.

Day 5

We did admire the persistence of this family – it was raining at the time!

Day 5

But there were times when we saw blue sky

Day 5

While in the fish market it poured.

Day 5
the best plan of the day was to leave the poncho on regardless of presence of rain!

Airport food

Posted on by helenhmk

Day 4

It’s natural to think “airport food – no thanks”. This does not apply in Japan. So many options are available….

Day 4
We choose sushi…. oh so enjoyable!

Day 4

Afterwards we had a cake from the bakery – After all we had done a bit of cycling today!