Add remaining shuri text and images

Author: brianjester

okinawa-castles/central.html

@@ -472,6 +472,9 @@ <H4>Overview - Shuri Castle</H4>
 			  <p>Wander through the castle grounds, and you'll see a captivating mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Ryukyuan architectural styles—a testament to the kingdom's role as a trading crossroads. The Seiden (main hall), while currently under reconstruction due to another fire in 2019, was a prime example of this fusion, showcasing influences from both China and Japan. Be sure to admire the Shureimon Gate, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese pailou architecture.</p>
 			  <p>Strolling through Shurijo Castle is like stepping back in time. It's a journey through the legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a reminder of Okinawa’s unique cultural tapestry.</p>
 
+              <img class="rounded" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Shurei-mon.jpeg" alt="Shuri Gate / Shurei Mon" width="75%">
+              <BR><small>nnh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons</small>
+  
               <H4>On The Trail - Shuri Castle</H4>
               <p>Hey there, fellow travelers! Get ready for a journey back in time as we explore Shurijo Castle, the crown jewel of Okinawa and a symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom's vibrant past. Now, forget those cookie-cutter Japanese castles you might have in mind—Shurijo is a unique blend of architectural styles, a cultural cocktail with dashes of Chinese, Japanese, and, of course, Okinawan flair. It's like stepping into a captivating blend of the Forbidden City and a traditional Okinawan village!</p>
               <p>Our adventure begins at the iconic Shureimon Gate, a symbol of Shurijo and a star attraction in its own right! Built in the distinctive pailou style of Chinese ceremonial gates, this bright red beauty hints at the cultural fusion we'll encounter throughout the castle grounds.</p>
@@ -487,7 +490,11 @@ <H4>On The Trail - Shuri Castle</H4>
               <p>Now, before we enter the heart of Shurijo Castle, let's take a moment to appreciate the walls themselves. Notice their unique, undulating shape—a hallmark of Ryukyuan castle architecture. These walls weren't just about defense; they were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, reflecting the Ryukyuan belief in living in harmony with nature.</p>
               <p>Passing through the Houshinnmon Gate, the last gate before the inner bailey, we enter a realm where rituals and ceremonies once dictated the rhythm of life. During the Ryukyu Kingdom, this gate was the setting for a daily ritual marking the opening of the castle, a symbolic transition from night to day.</p>
               <p>While the Seiden (main hall), tragically destroyed by fire in 2019, is currently undergoing meticulous reconstruction, we can still envision its former glory. This grand, two-story structure, resplendent in red lacquer, was the heart of the Ryukyuan court. It's here that kings held court, received dignitaries, and presided over elaborate ceremonies.</p>
-              <p>Venturing deeper into the inner bailey, we'll discover:</p> 
+              
+              <img class="rounded" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Naha_Okinawa_Japan_Shuri-Castle-05a.jpg" alt="Shuri Throne" width="75%">
+              <BR><small>Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas</small>
+			  
+			  <p>Venturing deeper into the inner bailey, we'll discover:</p> 
               <UL>
                 <LI><B>Kyo no Uchi:</B> This tranquil wooded area wasn’t just any garden—it was the spiritual heart of Shurijo Castle, where priestesses known as kikoe-ookimi performed rituals to ensure the kingdom’s prosperity, safe voyages, and bountiful harvests. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the scent of incense, the chanting of priestesses, the rustling of leaves—the atmosphere must have been magical.</LI>
                 <LI><B>Yohokoriden:</B> This building once housed the unmarried princesses of the Ryukyu court—imagine the stories these walls could tell! Today, the Yohokoriden has been adapted for a modern purpose: a theater showing a film about Shurijo Castle and the Ryukyu Kingdom. It's a fantastic way to delve deeper into the history and legends we’ve just explored.</LI>