Noodles, Noodles, Noodles...

This is Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda. In the movie, he owns a noodle shop - he lives for noodles. Noodles, noodles, noodles... 

You've learned over the my last few posts that the food in Okinawa has been a BIG part of my journey. Well, this post is dedicated to my favorite food here: NOODLES!

In Japan, there are several different noodle dishes to experience and enjoy!  Soba, in general, is the name for Japanese noodles dishes that are made with buckwheat or wheat noodles. Occasionally you'll be served an egg noodle but for the most part it will be in the wheat family (the thicker wheat noodles are more like udon). You can find them served cold with dipping broths or hot in noodle soup forms (this noodle soup is what we know as ramen). Yakisoba, which is scrumptious, refers to a stir-fried noodle dish. 

When ramen is your main course it will, most likely, have a protein, onions, chives, seaweed, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots. It could have many other delicious items inside but those are the standard items I've seen in the bowls I've consumed thus far. The protein could be pork (which is king here in Okinawa), chicken, tofu, and/or a hard boil egg. Your broth will change depending on the type of ramen you order. The base could be soy, salt, or miso. When ramen is a side dish it's usually seaweed, onion, chives, and noodles. Zach likes his ramen spicy. I prefer mine to be a bit blander - salty is good for me. The best thing about ramen is that there is a flavor for everyone. 

Yakisoba is absolutely scrumptious and unlike anything I've had in the states (same as the ramen here). It has the same vegetables as ramen, minus the seaweed, and is stir-fried in a broth. It is fantastic!

I have tried six different noodle dishes so far (yes, I have a problem) and they have all been delicious and elicited a happy dance. Therefore, when you visit Okinawa (because by the time you finish reading all of my hobbit updates you're going to HAVE to visit Okinawa) try some noodles. 

"Where should we go?" The truth is you could try any noodle place. There is a restaurant here called Arashi that is very good and they do have an English menu, but Zach and I found some incredible noodles just by stopping at a place that popped up as Noodle House on Google Maps. So, my advice? Be adventurous and try what looks good to you!

Happy slurrping and Itadakimasu!

Give Me A Break...

By now you've learned that I am a foodie. My favorite part of traveling is trying new foods and experiencing different flavors. So far Okinawa and I are getting along quite well in this regard. In the future, I'll post more about our different culinary experiences here (which have been fantastic), but today I want to focus on something more serious...

Just kidding... Today I want to talk about KitKats. Many people from home have asked me what things are similar and what things are different between the States and Okinawa. This is a very broad question and can be a bit daunting to answer - which is one of the reasons I started this blog. Well, here's one answer to said question. Something similar between the States and Okinawa is the availability of KitKats. However, there is a difference between the KitKats sold here and the KitKats sold at Walmart. 

"What's the difference?"

THE FLAVORS!

Here in Okinawa, the flavors are different and a bit more creative from what we're used to in the States. Our KitKat adventure started when we were shopping for cleaning supplies one afternoon. Passing by an aisle we were captivated by this rich green packaging that had the words KitKat written one it. Before Zach realized what was happening, his hand was outstretched, reaching for the shiny package, placing it in our cart. We would later find that the rich green package contained Matcha flavored Kit Kats. 

Side Note: Since Matcha is a fine powder made out of green tea leaves these KitKats are not very sweet so if super-sugary candies aren't your thing - this is the KitKat for you! 

(FYI: The Matcha KitKat is Zach's pick)

During the same shopping trip, I was intrigued by the pastel pink package stacked next to the selection of green ones. Once again the words KitKat graced the front. I eagerly grabbed the package to find raspberries on the top corner of the bag. RASPBERRY!? Yes, raspberry. 

Once we paid for our cleaning supplies and candies I ripped into this bag. These KitKats are delicious if you like the tartness of real raspberries. They do not taste like the fake raspberry flavoring we're used to in candy but like real raspberries. So, like the Matcha, they are not overly sweet, but they are sweeter than Matcha. I like these so much that I have already bought a second bag (good thing I walk more in Okinawa) and while doing so convinced someone else to buy them. They're that good!

I've tried two other kinds of KitKats in the short time we've been here (feel free to judge). One was a Cookies and Cream ice cream flavor and the other was a fancy cranberry almond flavored KitKat.

The cookies and cream flavor is very good. If you're looking for a super sweet KitKat this is the one for you. It is rich in flavor but very sweet. In my opinion, one is all you need of the cookies and cream. 

The cranberry almond KitKat partners with Chocolatory to make a different kind of KitKat. These are individually wrapped and have toppings on the outside of the bar. This flavor received a 50/50 rating at our house. I really enjoyed this one while Zach couldn't stand it. So, you'll just have to try it and see what you think! Regarding sweetness, these are a happy medium in my opinion - not too sweet, not too sour.

There are still so many flavors that I haven't tried yet, and I'll be honest, I'm planning to try as many as I can!

A similarity to the States is that these KitKats all come fun sized! It makes them the perfect after dinner treat to eliminate a sweet tooth. No, I'm not advocating that they're healthy. Just that they're small - you know the whole 80/20 rule. Everything in moderation, right?

These KitKats have been a lot of fun! They've also been a great example of two worlds colliding. It's a candy that represents my home with a flare that illustrates the color, uniqueness, and flavor of my new adventure. Yep, I got all of that from a fun-sized candy bar.

So come on everyone, sing it with me, "Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of the KitKat bar!"

Vending Machines

I'm super excited about this post because this is one of my favorite things about Okinawa life so far... the vending machines.

If you know me, you know it doesn't take much to amuse me or make me happy. For me, it's the small things in life that do the trick.

When we first arrived on the island we couldn't drive and we didn't have access to a lot of coffee. This was a BIG PROBLEM for me. These vending machines became my best friend our first week here and over the past twenty days on the island we've built a pretty solid relationship. 

You're probably thinking, "What is so special about a vending machine?"

This:


  
Here in Okinawa vending machines are everywhere. Like, the middle of nowhere, everywhere. Yes, vending machines are in shopping centers and outside of gas stations but they're also randomly placed along roadways like the one you see above. 


Another difference between the vending machines here and the ones in the States is the selection. As you can see from the pictures, there are several choices in each machine. There are different types of sodas, waters, coffees, teas, energy drinks, and juices.  (Don't let this be intimidating. Just go with what looks good!) 

I really enjoy the coffee choices in the vending machines. When I'm on the go and can't make a cup of coffee at home or stop to get one; these are perfect! Boss coffee is one that a lot of people recommend and you can find in several machines. Georgia coffee is also very good and is a regular option in most machines. Both Boss and Georgia offer coffee in black, cream and sugar, and cafe au lait options. You'll just have to stop and see what they have in the machine you've chosen (which is part of the fun).

Another recommendation I have would be apple tea. I've tried a few of them and have enjoyed them all! Dydo makes a really refreshing one so try theirs first if you can. But, ultimately, no matter who makes it, try apple tea!

I've also tried orange juice, seltzer water, different teas and my husband has tried a melon shake from the vending machines as well.  It's all been good! The bottom line - visit a vending machine and try something new! 

Ya know, after writing a post about beverages I'm pretty thirsty so I think I'm going to go grab a drink. Wonder what I'll try today...

100 Yen Store

Have you been thinking about 100 yen? Good.

I've been thinking about 100 Yen A LOT since I've been here. Why? 

Because of places like these:

These are just a few pictures of 100 Yen Shops. Think of them as dollar stores but BETTER! These stores have EVERYTHING and it's pretty good quality. 

Side note: The Daiso is similar to a Dollar General, not everything is 100 Yen but it is in 100 Yen increments. However, the majority of items are 108 Yen. 

I haven't been here that long so as of right now the Daiso at the Rycom Mall is my favorite. I have already shopped at this Daiso four or five times since I've been here! This store is two stories and filled with all kinds of goodies. Most 100 Yen Shops have a variety of items for grooming, household, car care, pets, office supplies, kitchen supplies, snacks, footwear, craft supplies and everything in between. This Daiso is my favorite because it has a lot of space and therefore, can pack in A LOT of items. 

Side note: not all 100 Yen Shops are this size - some are quite small. 

My house has been decorated, in my opinion, nicely thanks to these stores. I have purchased curtains, curtain rods, tablecloths, place mats, welcome mats and an accent pillow all from the Daiso!

We didn't have towels when we moved into our house, but thanks to the Daiso I didn't have to spend a fortune on them. Now we have enough to get us by until our towels arrive. 

Samwise's toys have been limited because our household goods shipment has yet to arrive, but once again, thanks to the Daiso I've been able to pick up toys for him for 108 yen that have lasted through his rough play (and he can destroy a toy, I assure you). 

Need an organizer for your bathroom or kitchen?

Need a laundry hamper?

Toothbrush?

Postcards?

Coffee mugs?

Wall art?

Slippers?

Wallet?

Shovel?

Phone charger? 

DAISO!

I'm telling you, this store is wonderful! When you come to Okinawa don't leave without visiting the Daiso. If you move to Okinawa you must visit a 100 Yen Shop. You can find so much of what you need to set up your home and save so much money!

The last tip I want to give everyone about the 100 Yen Shop is this: every time you visit the 100 Yen Shop try a new snack or beverage. If you can't get any indication what it is you're about to buy, use Google Translate to help you figure it out. 

We have tried many yummy snacks and beverages from the Daiso! Trying new things is not only tasty but it's fun. It's fun to open up the package, grab a piece of whatever it is, place it in your mouth, bite down, and experience a new flavor or texture you've never had before. Or to do all of that with great anticipation of it being unfamiliar only to realize you just bought short bread cookies. Either way, you'll love it or you'll laugh. Just remember "It won't hurt you." So, have fun!

Side note: If you have a food allergy you'll definitely need to utilize Google translate out in town. I would recommend using the app to ask sales associates and not just scanning the package as sometimes the app has trouble picking up the full context of the package (i.e., it may only grab the text from half of the label and not the whole label when it gives you the translation and if you're not careful you could miss a section that identifies your allergy).

And with that, grab your change purse and happy shopping!

Home Sweet Home

"...A perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all." J. R. R. Tolkien 

 

Every hobbit needs a hobbit hole. For those of you who have moved whether across the country or to a different country and lived out of a suitcase and in a hotel for weeks on end, you understand how refreshing it is to finally get the keys to your house. To have an address. A place to put your toothbrush. It's one of the best feelings. Moving into our house has made us feel like Okinawa is our new home and has helped us settle in quickly. (For those of you who may be wondering, our house is the one on the right. Unfortunatley, hobbit holes are not government issued.)

Housing was another one of those issues where I read WAY too much about it on Facebook before arriving to the island. Those of you who know me know that I am all about research, but I over researched housing. I read every negative thing I could about housing because, like most of the information online, that's the majority of what is out there. Therefore, when I came to Okinawa I was a bundle of nerves (as I was about most things). 

Side note: all that time I spent worrying was wasted time. God has literally worked everything out. Samwise = check. Driver's license = check. House = check. Life lesson: Pray more - worry less. 

The housing office here was wonderful to work with. We were a bit misinformed about the housing process but once we learned how each step worked it was seemless. I know that everyone has their own experience but ours was incredible. We did not have one stressful moment with the housing office. We had our housing brief and by the next day were viewing two housing options. After we selected our house we were moved in the following weekend. It all happened so quickly for which I am grateful to God, for answering our prayers and working it all out, and the housing office, for being His instrument and working so expediently.

Within nine days of our housing brief we were settled in our house and were able to bring Samwise home! We're super grateful that he can complete his quarentine here (I think he's pretty happy about it too)! 

The area that we live in is further north of the larger cities in Okinawa so the pace is a bit slower which we like. We're still exploring our new city so I'll update you soon with all my cool finds as I go out and about. Now that these hobbits have a hobbit hole to retreat to it will make all of the "adventuring" so much more enjoyable! 

Side note: the sunsets here are just like the pictures some of you have Googled - gorgeous. I will try to capture one of them soon and post it for you. 

Until we meet again, think about 100 yen...

Left Side

As I mentioned last time I'd like to share my story of learning about the left side of things here in Okinawa.

Just as Bilbo needed to learn how to ride a horse,

I needed to learn how to drive on the left side of the road

- and learn Japanese driving law.

Part of being stationed in Okinawa is attending a Welcome Aboard briefing day. Throughout the day you learn about Okinawa, housing, healthcare, services available to you, the laws of the land and the legal proceedings that follow if an issue occurs. Vendors also attend this event to advertise their services (side note: attendees can receive coupons for upcoming grocery and household good purchases as they restock their homes here in Okinawa at this event or at MCCS). Although this is a long day, it is a beneficial one.

You may be wondering, "How can they convince everyone moving to Okinawa to attend the Welcome Aboard?"

Answer: "SOFA License."

The Japanese government and the U.S. Military have an agreement that, without getting into much detail, results in a SOFA status. With SOFA status you are able to sit for an exam to receive a driver's license in Japan. This exam happens during the Welcome Aboard. Throughout the day you register for and take the exam. If you pass, you receive your license at the end of the brief.

Coming to Okinawa, I, like most people, had never driven on the left side of the road. My husband had experienced driving on the opposite side in Europe so he was not quite as nervous as I was. Due to my nerves, I studied two different guides, a set of internet flashcards, and took a Japanese online quiz while my husband perused one study guide and browsed some flashcards.

When it came time for the exam I was so nervous. Driving in Okinawa was going to be essential. If I wanted a job, I had to drive. If I wanted an adventure, I had to drive. I had to pass.

We had "x" amount of minutes to complete fifty or so questions. When I put my pencil down I breathed a sigh of relief, turned in my exam, and waited.

And waited. You have to wait through three or four briefs and the lunch break before you find out if you passed.

When we returned from lunch we stood in line. Some people rejoiced that they passed. Others cried or looked upset that they failed. When we got to the front of the table, a kind woman asked for our names. We told her. She pulled out our cards. She said, "You passed." I exhaled and squealed. She instructed us to sign our licenses and then to proceed back to our seats. Our licenses would be available for pick up at the end of the day.

Eighteen people failed that day. In a Welcome Aboard of over a hundred people, eighteen failed. Not that many but it still proves that you can fail. So my advice is this: don't believe it when we people tell you "It's common sense." Get the manual and study. If you do you'll have a much higher chance of succeeding.

When we left the Welcome Aboard that day, we left with licenses in hand. A few days later we acquired two vehicles (one of them is pictured above). The day we purchased them was the first day I drove on the left side of the road. Let's put it this way, for the first week I felt like I was sixteen again and driving for the first time. I had to focus 100% on driving. Forget memorizing landmarks or streets I was too busy trying to make sure I was following the road laws, some of which are different from ours. For example, in the states right turn on red is legal; here left turn on red is illegal. Now that I have driven more (thanks to the encouragement of my husband) I am more comfortable and have started memorizing routes. Just like driving on the right side, practice makes perfect.

One thing that is very helpful when learning to drive in Okinawa is the speed limit. The average speed near our house is 40 kph which comes out to just under 25 mph. The speed limit on one of the main routes is 50 kph which is 31 mph. With the speed limits being so slow it's easier to learn because you have more time to think and react. But if you feel the need for speed you can take the interstate which at some points is 80 kph which is just under 50 mph!

Overall, driving in Okinawa is not something to be afraid of - if I can do it, you can do it! Just remember, you're not the first person to hit your windshield wipers instead of your blinker, to exit a gas station on the right side instead of the left, therefore, holding up traffic and clogging said exit, or panic when on a back road that isn't big enough for one car less alone two.

That's essentially what I have learned from driving on the left side in Okinawa - I'm not the first and I won't be the last.

Now that I have my license and a car - here's to many adventures!

For my followers, here's your clue for next time... keys.

Typhoon

Once we landed in Okinawa we proceded to the terminal to check in and go through the correct custom procedures they had for us. After collecting our bags (only one casualty we're happy to report) we were met by one of my husband's colleagues who would be introducing us to the island and helping us get around until we're settled here. 

                     

Our first stop was Karing Kennels because we were unable to get a pet-friendly hotel room. We checked Samwise in and got him all settled with the staff there. Due to the quarantine laws in Japan Samwise has to stay there until we move into base housing. They're used to this over at Karing Kennels and are very accommodating and friendly. I have been able to visit Samwise every day that they have been open and he seems at home there. When I visit him I am escorted back to his run and am allowed to go into it in order to put his harness and leash on before bringing him outside for his walk. They have also allowed me to use one of their fenced-in areas for my one on one play time with Samwise. If I have ever mentioned anything to them about Samwise's needs they have attempted to see to it right away. No matter how many times I visit they are understanding and willing to walk me back to the run so that I can take Samwise out. They celebrate with you when quarantine is over or when on-base housing is secured because they want you to be reunited with your dog as much as you do. For my first experience with a base facility and with this particular kennel, I give them two thumbs up! Karing Kennel's hours are Sunday-Saturday 1000-1800 (excluding federal holidays) and dogs can be checked out anytime throughout the day but must be returned by 1730 and you must follow quarantine guidelines when checking them out. 

Once Samwise was secure we headed with our sponsor to our hotel and checked in there. Around 2130 we had finally completed our journey to Okinawa and were ready to sleep. I know a lot of people were worried about the impact jet lag would have on us but the truth is we were so tired from the journey that it did not affect us our first night here. 

On Saturday morning our sponsors treated us to our first meal in Okinawa out in Sunabe. We ate at Seaside Terrace and had some delicious comfort food! When I said "first meal in Okinawa" french toast is most likely not what you imagined but is exactly what we had. It was, in a word, yummy. The bread was thick, fluffy and sweet. So much so that I ate a good portion of my french toast without syrup. The eggs were fresh. The bacon... well, can anything ever be wrong when it comes to bacon? And the coffee. Friends. The coffee. So good. For the first time in my thoughts regarding Okinawa, I thought, "I can do this. I can drink this coffee every day." Yes. It was that good. So when you come to Okinawa eat at Seaside Terrace. (A big thank you to our sponsors for treating us to breakfast and introducing us to this spot!)

After seeing just a small portion of the local area (i.e., Sunabe) we headed back to the commissary to get a couple groceries. As I mentioned in the previous post, we arrived right before a typhoon so we had to learn quickly how things operate here during a typhoon. The first thing we learned is that when the wind reaches certain speeds the base goes to different precaution stages. When certain stages are reached base facilities (like the commissary) shut down. So we went grocery shopping in order to have food throughout the storm. 

That Saturday evening the storm began and by Sunday morning the typhoon was underway. For my friends back in the States, don't let typhoons alarm you, they are quite similar to hurricanes and Okinawa has been enduring them for generations. The buildings here are designed to endure the winds and rains brought on by these storms - so do not fear! 

We didn't do much traveling over the weekend due to the storm so I don't have too many adventures to report. We spent our first weekend watching a typhoon happen outside our window. We watched church online as the chapel on base did not have service due to the inclement weather. We then binged watched CNBC's The Profit because who doesn't enjoy watching Marcus Lemonis save small businesses while 50mph+ winds rip and rain flies outside? 

After this weekend I learned that not every adventure in Okinawa is going to be glamorous or dramatic, some of them are going to resemble the old days in Cherry Point, NC, and I am okay with that.

By Sunday evening the storm had passed and we were given the all clear. This means that everything is safe and sound and people can leave their homes and return to business as usual. And with that, I'm going to return to business as usual here in Okinawa and will post more soon. Last time I gave you the typhoon as the spoiler for the next post. This time I'll give you two words as the spoiler: left side.

                

"I'm Going on an Adventure!"

Hello all! Props to those of you who recognized the Hobbit quote in the title. It is one of my favorite stories (the entire Lord of the Rings epic, really) and over the next few months you shall be reading quite a few quotes from J.R.R. Tolkien as I feel very much like a hobbit these days (I will explain that in the coming paragraphs).

For those of you familiar with the stories you know that both Bilbo and Frodo were not seeking after adventure. It was thrust upon them. Bilbo was minding his own business making dinner one evening when a bunch of dwarves showed up and changed his life completely. Frodo was living a quiet hobbit life when Gandalf revealed to him that his uncle had been hiding a dangerous trinket for several years in his hobbit hole and had left it to Frodo upon his disappearance. Upon the reception of this news, Frodo's life would never be the same. 

The same was true for this hobbit. I was not expecting the news that would lead to my adventure. It's true that due to my husband's job we knew we would be moving, but I did not expect that we would be told to go to Okinawa, Japan! You see, my husband and I had requested not to go to Japan for personal reasons. So when the news arrived that we were to go to Japan I could not believe it. To be honest I was quite upset - furious really. I did not react at all as Bilbo did when he finally came around to going on his great adventure. 

Before the news of our impending adventure, I was very much like a hobbit - happy in my day to day activities and pleased with the way things were. I enjoyed my routine, my friends, being close"ish" to my family, but then a piece of paper showed up and changed everything, "Dear Caitlin, you're moving to Okinawa." From the date of that notice, I had about four months to not only wrap my mind around living in another country but actually get myself and my halfling, Samwise, there. This hobbit was going on an adventure whether she wanted to or not.

After months of ups and downs (which I won't bore you with here) we were ready to go. And just like Bilbo and Frodo, after a time of panic, some incessant worry, and a bit of complaining, I packed my bags (and my house) and headed out into the unknown. 

Since we were traveling with our halfling we did a cross-country drive before getting on a plane in Seattle. I found that Tolkien summarized the sentiments of a road trip best when he wrote:

My first adventure was seeing beautiful towns and cities in America that I had never seen before. To anyone from Butte, Montana - Way to go! Your city is one of the most beautiful places I've been to in the States! Without this adventure, I may not have ever made it your way and I am super grateful that I did because you guys are great!

We made it to Seattle after six long days on the road and had a short time in the Seattle area to see another beautiful part of our country. I told several people that Seattle, WA is cheating when it comes to beauty. How can a city not be beautiful when it's built into such a gorgeous mountain region and is resting against such stunning coastlines? Seriously, I may not be a city gal but you all have a beautiful one. 

On June 28th, these two hobbits and their halfling finally headed to the Sea-Tac airport for their second adventure the literal "move" to Okinawa. Having read several horror stories (FYI, Facebook is your best friend and worst enemy if you're moving overseas) I wasn't sure if Samwise was going to make it on the plane with us. Ya'll, I had so many people praying for our dog that you would probably think I'm crazy! Silly me for not trusting Him though, after not sleeping well the night before and worrying myself pretty much sick, God opened all the right doors and Samwise made it on the plane with us!

Our first flight was from Seattle to Yakota which was just shy of ten hours. Samwise did very well going over. For those that are curious, he does not like takeoff or landing but doesn't mind the "riding" portion of the flight. Once in Yakota, we disembarked for about two hours. Samwise and all the other pups had a chance to stretch their legs and take care of business. These hobbits wanted to get some snacks but, alas, had no Yen on us yet to do so. Yep, we were officially in Japan. 

It didn't seem like it was that long before we were back on the plane getting ready to go to Iwakuni. That flight was brief, maybe an hour at most. We were supposed to disembark there as well but due to an impending storm off the coast of Okinawa, we were going to attempt to leave Iwakuni as soon as possible. Before long we were on our way to our new home - Okinawa, Japan. Just in time for our first typhoon. 

That's where I am going to leave you all for now. I do not want these adventure chapters to be too unbearably long. Don't worry... I'll return to write soon! After all, it's typhoon season here in Okinawa so I'll have plenty of time.