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November 26, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Illuminating the Season
Clockwise from the top: Thomas Alan Smilie, Subbotina Anna/bigstock.com
Dare to Test Your Limits
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ach year when the nights get a little longer and the days a little cooler, some places shine a little brighter. The colorful lights glowing into the night sky of Okinawa are a sure sign that Christmas is right around the corner. Businesses decorate their storefronts and hotels light up their properties, displaying decorations for all to see. However, there are some places that take Christmas lights to a whole new level—places you won’t want to miss. Whether you want to bring the whole family out for some holiday fun, take that special someone on a romantic date, or maybe just stroll around solo while enjoying the beautiful sights, these illumination events are for everyone. From north to south, the lights seem to brighten the island. Visit one— or all—and you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face. Peaceful Illumination takes place in Itoman City, just south of Naha. This incredible event is meant to
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send prayers of peace to the whole world from Okinawa. There will be a variety of different programs such as concerts, fireworks and laser shows. The venue will display over 1.3 million lights which represents each citizen of Okinawa. Next you can head over to Kanucha Stardust Fantasia, a resort transformed into an illumination event, marked with a 40-foot tree and more than 100,000 colorful lights engulfing the hotel. Bring a camera and dress warm, but mostly, enjoy yourself, the pretty lights and the joyous holiday season. Last but not least, visit the Southeast Botanical Gardens near Chibana and gaze at their annual illumination show. Enter through a tunnel of lights and enjoy a dinner buffet in their restaurant, Peace. Tens of thousands of lights dramatically transform the gardens to a magnificent illumination show. For details on these attractions, contact your local Tours+ office or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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est your swimming skills and sign up your four-person team to compete in a two-hour relay race at the Distance Dare Unit Challenge. The goal is to cover the most distance within the time limit—a true test of speed and endurance. This free event will take place at the Camp Schwab 50-Meter Pool on December 12 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To participate, teams must sign up at the Camp Schwab 50-Meter Pool at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the race. Participation will be limited to 16 teams. Ribbons will be awarded to the top finishing teams within each division and age group. For more information, call the Camp Schwab 50-Meter Pool at 625-2023 or visit mccsokinawa. com/aquatics.
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