Travel

After reading about it and finally having a day nice enough for it, I decided to take a trip up Nago Mountain. What’s really cool about this mountain besides the view and the satisfaction of a good workout, is that is has more than one way to climb to the top.

ONNA, Okinawa - A bus travels down narrow, winding back roads leading to an open field and what appears to be a cabin hidden in the thick vegetation atop one of Okinawa’s loom

Any visit to Shuri Castle would not be complete without a walk along the ishidatami michi, or stone-paved path, in Kinjo-cho. Located on the south-side of the castle, this is an area where high ranking samurai lived. The path, paved with Okinawan limestone, currently runs about 300 meters downhill from the castle.

Taking time to relax and treat ourselves can help relieve pressure brought on by work or school, not to mention normal military life stressors. To aid in this journey toward a Zen-like peace is The Spa, located behind the escalators of the Kadena BX. Like its name, it’s small but effective.

Crystal-clear waters teeming with large marine animals, idyllic beaches, friendly local folk, a unique culture — and peace and quiet. This is the island of Ishigaki. While most visitors to Okinawa stay cooped up on Naha and the beaches of the main island, there is so much more to experience in the area.

Editor’s Note: AFN personality Kellen “K-Cruise” Carr found a piece of paradise in Bali, Indonesia. If you have found a piece of Paradise of your own, we’d love to hear about it. Submit your story and photos to Paradise@Stripes.com by Jan.