Sept. 21 - Living through eight hot summer weeks in Tokyo, I consoled myself by looking forward to visiting Okinawa. Although the weather in Japan's southernmost province might also be hot, at least I could enjoy beautiful white beaches and colorful flowers, I thought.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived in Naha to find the weather much cooler and more pleasant than in Tokyo. The thermometer at my hotel registered 2-3 degrees Celsius cooler than Tokyo, but with Okinawa's open spaces, plentiful greenery and cooling sea breezes, the atmosphere seemed much cooler. As I changed into my "kariyushi" shirt, I thought that this was much more sensible attire for Japan's summer months.

On my first evening in Okinawa, I enjoyed something unthinkable that week in Tokyo's heat. I ventured to an outdoor restaurant for a leisurely dinner. Unfamiliar with my neighborhood in Ginowan, I wandered around and found a nice-looking place that was crowded with families. The friendly waiter recommended a set dinner with "chinuku jushi" rice, tofu "champuru," and miso soup. This simple meal tasted especially good with a glass of cold Orion beer. I savored the refreshing outdoor atmosphere.

Until next time,

Jim