Two Sides to Every Island

I noticed my last two posts might have been misconstrued as "un-Okinawan." They were not meant that way - just a little venting on why I should be a Luddite because I can't handle technology - and the demise of the USPS! But, I can totally see where someone might think I am not enjoying my time here.

Truth is - this is not ever where I expected to be at this point in my life! We'd done the Asian thing and thought I'd checked that block. I have a son in college that is now 10,000 miles away - and soon our 2nd will follow - so you might understand the reluctance to jump right in. I knew enough from the first go around that Okinawa is a few year behind - and if I, as the least technology inclined person, feel that way - you can imagine what a savvy teen has to adapt to! But, here we are for better or worse.

To set the record straight here are things I do like about Okinawa.

First - we are on an island. I don't think I need to elaborate. Water is everywhere and some of the views are spectacular. You can be having the worst day of you life, suddenly be at the top of a hill - and suddenly your breath is taken away by the beauty of the island.

2. I have a mama-san that comes once a week and cleans my house. I did fight this because I'm not too busy to clean my own house - and the kids aren't so busy they can't clean. But, after realizing I am giving up a lot to be here - I conceded and she comes once a week. She is the most adorable lady. She tries to teach me Japanese - mostly with disastrous results - but I can say "delicious" and "rain" with no problems! I changed the living around over Christmas and yesterday she told me it was "deluxe." Sometimes she cooks dinner for us - and well, I'm going to love anyone that shows up with food!

3. Sushi Go Round. You push a button and a train delivers your sushi. Even if you don't like sushi - what's not to love about that?

4. Island Gift Shops run by spouses organizations. I don't even know where to begin...Goodies from Thailand, Viet Nam, Japan, Hong Kong and even Germany and England! The merchandise is spectacular, very reasonably priced - and best of all - all the profits go to charities.

5. Japanese radio. Sometimes FEN (Far East Network) plays some horrible music in the middle of the day - it's like club music - which would be fine at night - but not at 3 in the afternoon. So, I will switch it to a Japanese radio station. I can never understand what they are saying - lots of giggling followed by "kudasai kudasai." (Kudasai is a request - I don't know what they are asking for) - and then they will play Rhinestone Cowboy. Very random music. Sometimes the DJs will speak English - but it doesn't translate very well. "Music flavored ice cream" is a favorite and I also like the sponsorship of KFC "Ve do schicken lright." I am not being mean - I think it's cute. One day I also heard the Doobie Brothers. The DJ identified them and followed with "They are not really brothers." Thanks for clearing that up!

6. The activity bus. Oh, praise Jesus and all the saints - why doesn't every school system have this set up? If the kids have an activity after school - sports, drama, tutoring, anything....they take and activity bus home. Mama doesn't have to stop whatever it is she's doing and pick them up! I love this.

So, the next time I am on a hill viewing the ocean listening to Japanese radio while my mama san is cleaning my house - I will have time to go to the gift shops and sushi go round because the activity bus will be taking my children home!