Journeys for Knowledge

Recently the Resource Center at OIST organized another outing for researchers, to attend Okinawa’s largest fireworks show at the Ocean Expo Park. I signed up immediately, having never been there myself and spending most of my recent weekends inside. Thankfully we arrived with plenty of time to spare, giving us a chance to explore the park and its attractions.

Of course the most famous of these is the Churami Aquarium, which was unfortunately closing  by the time we arrived. Despite this, there was a wonderful outdoor dolphin tank that was putting on its final show for the day, along with turtles and manatees roaming in their own habitats. The dolphin show was remarkable in just how responsive they were to their trainer’s directions, which involved wide sweeping gestures and possibly musical cues to trigger the various feats.

Despite some heavy intermittent rain, the fireworks show went off without a hitch. It was by far the longest show I have ever seen, with two 20 minute sections and a bombastic finale. Although we did not have the ideal position, it was still amazing to watch, and I most certainly return next year with better preparation. As for the finer details of this trip, I will let my videos below speak for themselves.

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