Okinawa beach fail

We caught a bus to the beach because it is Monday and the museums are closed. The bus route runs around the island and takes ages because the traffic is so thick. Most of the area is built up. The only open spaces between blocks of apartments or offices are US bases. When the Americans eventually leave there will be some open space left. I hope that they manage to conserve them for recreation.

We found a beach with some resort hotels and a white sand beach. But the reef is miles away and we were told that although we could use flippers and a face mask, snorkels were not allowed in the bay! When we asked at the dive shop, they said we were too old to take on their extravagant snorkelling tour! Perhaps there was miscommunication. But we have decided to stay put in Naha in our favourite hotel, the Tokyu Bizfort.
For lunch, I ordered a Rice Taco. It is perhaps a good example of Okinawan fusion cuisine. 
Heat up an iron pan, throw on some hot rice mixed with cheese, sprinkle over some sausage meat, some spicy tomato sauce and top with lettuce. The rice gets a yummy crunchy bottom. It was strangely satisfying but that might be because we were served hot rice with tomato sauce as kids. The next day it was served as desert with milk and sugar. The joys of nursery food!
The local mascot is either a lion or a dog asking to play. Here is one outside the Prefectural building.