Thursday, February 25, 2010

Okinawa Comprehensive Park



I went with my wife to the Awase Home shopping center (also known as the "OK" and "Gracie" stores). While out and about, we headed over to what many Americans call, "Comprehensive Park." I think it is actually called the Okinawa Athletic Park.

The park is huge! There is a nice 5k running course that is well maintained and even padded. There is a freshwater pond, and the large carp and placos will eat anything you throw at them (watch your fingers!).

I hunted for a geocache there, but the only thing I found at ground zero (GZ) was a bunch of garbage and junk. There were plenty of sharp objects in the brush (glass, an old steak knife, discarded cans, etc), so I didn't really poke around in there very much at all. I questioned the cache placement, since there were plenty of other secluded spots in the very large park. With that one quickly placed on my "no thanks list," we soon departed.

On the way to Kadena Air Force Base after a stop at the park, I saw yet another "engrish" sign. I enjoy these, and think that they give Okinawa plenty of personality.

3 comments:

Erika Jean said...

Ugh, bummer about the cache. I hate when they place it in a place like that when there are other good and CLEAN places!

Maneki Neko said...

Agreed on the cache.

Why do think it is that with all the people who speak both Japanese and English perfectly well, that Engrish is as pervasive as it is? I can't imagine an American trying to market to Okinawans without making darned sure that their Japanese is flawless.

Just John said...

I think there is just such a huge difference in the languages that there are bound to be errors. Those errors will continue to be just one of my favorite things about living here!

Thank you for stopping by.