Shuri Castle, Okinawa

This is Missy outside the gate to Shuri Castle.  This is were the central government once ruled.  It has been home to many rulers but it is so old nobody is sure when it was built exactly.

Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa

Okinawa Peace Memorial and Student Peace Monument

Missy traveled with her friends to Okinawa.  They toured many places.  She learned that during WWII, many women and children hid in caves, throughout the fighting. It is important to remember these brave Okinawan people.

Touring in Okinawa

Many, many people died during the Battle of Okinawa.  There is now a Peace Memorial to honor those people, and to help future generations learn from this time in history.

"We the people of Okinawa in marking the 50th anniversary since the end of the Pacific War announce the construction of the Cornerstone of Peace.  We feel the strong need to console the precious souls of all who were lost in the war and to pass the lessons learned from the tragic war on to future generations.  Furthermore we hope that the cornerstone of peace will help spread the peaceful spirit of Okinawa and will contribute to everlasting world peace."

Student Peace Monument

Osaka Aquarium

AAHHH!  Giant Lobster.

Osaka Castle

Here is Missy at the Osaka Castle.  The castle is over 400 years old.  It has a moat.  I think Missy might be thinking it could be good for swimming...

Taking closer look at the "Battle for Osaka Castle."

Missy Finds Her Sisters in Asakusa

Tsukiji Fish Market

The first market that Missy has ever seen is way more hugemongus that she thought it was going to be.  It is the worlds biggest fish market.  Wow!  It is very crowded, and the fish are very expensive because it is brought from all over the world fresh.  Missy thought that it was very impressive.

Missy Takes a Train Ride

Missy is a little nervous about riding a train for the first time.  She is excited to be going on one of the most important kinds of transportation in Japan.  Travel like a local!

Missy Goes to Japan

When Missy finally got to Narita International Airport she was so excited, that she fell over on her side.

To recover, she went to go eat with her friends.  But she was still so excited, she didn't have much of an appetite.  So she stocked up on candy for later.

Missy

This is Missy.  She is a swimmer.  Her favorite stroke is backstroke.  Missy loves swimming with all her best friends.  Another thing Missy enjoys is riding her bike.  She often rides her bike to the snack truck to buy snickers and jelly beans, and shares them with her friends at the pool.  While Missy is traveling she hopes to see swimming pools around the world, and maybe even meet a famous swimmer!