003: "ashita kaeru." (part 1)

My second day went much more smoothly! After tossing and turning all night, I woke up at the tender hour of 6am and got ready to head out. The hostel manager looked bemused when I left so early, but reminded me to say "itte kimasu" before I stepped out so he could reply with a hearty "itterasshai!" I may still be the awkward duckling in the hostel, but they're doing their best to welcome me.

While I wasn't quite sure what to do, my stomach answered for me: after missing dinner the night before, I was starving. So, I headed back towards Miebashi Station and then straight ahead to find some breakfast. This amounted to about an hour of leisurely exploring.

Crossing the bridge across from Guesthouse Kerama

Trees kind of pop up wherever the heck they want here. 

As do drink machines. There has to be at least one every 10 ft. 

I don't even know, but it amused me.

Finally, I arrived at the end of the street, which faces Makishi Market (more on that later). My choices were to (1) chicken out and go to a konbeni, (2) chicken out and go to a Starbucks, or (3) brave an actual Okinawan kissaten. I chose option (3) at a lovely place called "喫茶 COZY," or "COZY Teahouse." After a brief exchange of greetings, I sat down and ordered a ¥550 "Japanese-styled" breakfast that came with coffee. Out of politeness, I cleared my entire plate (note: it was tasty, but I am tiny).

Miso soup, sausage, daikon/seaweed salad, soft-boiled egg, rice, picked carrot, and some kind of noodles. . .

Extremely full, I trundled back to Miebashi Station and rode back to Naha Airport to pick up my emergency rental phone. While I hopefully won't have to use it, the price I put towards it might be thought of as insurance: if I ever get really screwed over, I know I have something.

Delivered straight to Naha Airport Post Office! Much to their confusion when I asked.

On the ride back, I decided to devote the entire day to exploring and bought a ¥600 one-day free pass that allowed me to go back and forth as much as I wished.

Monorail view. 

Exhausted and overheated, but ready to continue with the day!

Stay tuned for part II. . .