What I Didn’t Buy in Okinawa

What comes to mind when Okinawa is brought up? Is it beaches? Hot weather? Island life? Or shisas? I bet it’s all of the above with an emphasis on the shisas. I say this because you can not be in Okinawa without encountering shisas. What are shisas? They’re basically cute “lion dog” statues that come in a variety of sizes. Some are huge; others are tiny. And the tiny ones make great gifts for yourself and others. So, did yours truly buy one?

No. And no, you didn’t read that incorrectly. I didn’t feel the need to buy a shisa since I already had a pair of shisas prior to coming to Okinawa. The ones I have might not look the same as the ones in Okinawa but they’re similar enough. And as much as I could buy a tiny one, I didn’t see why I should when I already owned a pair of moderate sized shisas. I also wasn’t thrilled with the idea of adding bulk to my luggage. (I did not like the idea of paying Peach additional money just to have my bags checked in. Thus, I was very mindful of every purchase I made.)

I should also mention that the shisas for sale aren’t that cheap. And there’s no shortage of them, most likely because they’re an icon of Okinawa and no doubtly make good souvenirs. Although I ended up not buying a shisa from Okinawa, I did come close to buying one. And I would have bought the small pair of shisas had I found the right store again. While browsing shops on Kokusai Dori (International Street), I finally found one store that had a reasonably priced pair of shisas for sale. They were also more unique than the other shisas I came across on Kokusai Dori. I could have and should have bought it then and there, but my cheapo mind was telling me that I could probably find a cheaper pair elsewhere. What a lie! I ended up not being able to find a cheaper one and when I decided I should go back to buy it, I couldn’t find the store… (Do not ask me how I couldn’t find the store again along Kokusai Dori. lol But to be fair to myself, the store was a bit more hidden from the main street of Kokusai Dori.)

Since I already have my own shisas, it wasn’t a big deal that I couldn’t find this store again. It was a bit sad, considering the fact that I could have gotten a unique pair of small shisas for a reasonable price, but it is what it is.

And it’s not like I didn’t at least end up getting something with a shisa on it. 🙂 Shisa pin, anyone?