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May 15, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Explore the Island Underground an
stay for two atthe YYY CLUB iE RESORT
Visit mccsokinawa.com for details
Pool Parties
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Gyokusendo's stalactites are a sight to see.
he bulk of Okinawa is composed of coral fossilized into limestone. The composition of rock, coupled with plentiful rainfall, created numerous caves throughout the island, ranging from minor crevasses to five-kilometer-long fissures decorated with stalagmites and stalactites, strange formations and intricate pillars. Okinawa’s caves have served as places of worship, hospitals and clinics, places of burial, bomb shelters, defensive positions for Japanese forces and hiding places for Okinawan civilians during World War II. There are many caves in the remote parts of the
inside
island that remain untouched since the war. Most of the entrances to the larger caves are blocked off for safety reasons, though many caves are open to the public or used by locals to store awamori. One of the island’s most famous caves is Gyokusendo, located in Haebaru Town in southern Okinawa. Gyokusendo is over 5,000 meters in length, making it the second longest cave discovered in Japan. Visitors can safely enjoy the beauty of the caves by joining the Tours+ Valley of Gangala and Okinawa World tour. For details, see page 5 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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he summer is just around the corner and before you know it, the weather will be hot and humid. Finding a way to keep cool can be a challenge on Okinawa, but don’t sweat it—MCCS Aquatics has got you covered. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy a day in the water at one of the Pool Splash Bash events. Each bash will have fun activities, games, free food and music by the pool. The pool party season begins on May 26, with one Pool Splash Bash at the Camp Foster 50M Pool and another at the MCAS Futenma 25M Pool. On June 14, put on your bathing suit and head to the Camp Kinser 50M Pool for more fun in the water. On July 4, celebrate Independence Day at a Pool Splash Bash at the pools on Camps Schwab, Hansen and Courtney. For details, please call 645-3180 or visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.
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