Journeys for Knowledge

Having finally found time on a weekend, my friends and I decided to return to the Ocean Expo Park to visit the Churami Aquarium we were unable to visit during the fireworks trip. The aquarium is world famous for having the largest single aquarium window in the world, connected to a tank holding 3 whale sharks, one of the largest fish in the oceans. Although most people make the aquarium a higher priority when they visit Okinawa, I was skeptical  of how amazing Churami was since  I had previously been to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, another world famous aquarium.

What I did not expect was the level of nostalgia the aquarium would stir up within me. In my youth, I was always fond of the lionfish for its intricate fins, and the whale shark was always my favorite for being the gentle giant of the sharks. Seeing them here in person was a remarkable experience, compounded with the sheer diversity of the coral reef ecosystem around Okinawa. Turning the corner into the whale shark tank was awe-inspiring, as the cool blue hue washed over all the visitors. I felt as if I had rediscovered a side of myself hidden away long ago, an innocent sense of pure wonder and curiosity. For this alone the trip was worthwhile, and although I do not intend to return anytime soon, I will continue to carry that sense of wonder with me as I continue my studies.

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