Tacos and... Coffee?

I've shared a lot about the Japanese and Okinawan cuisine that we have tried thus far, but this week I'd like to veer off from those flavors a share a different type of restaurant that's here on the island - Esparza's Tacos and Coffee.

Tacos and coffee? 

Yes, tacos and coffee. You may not think this combination works, but it does. 

They actually serve more than just tacos and coffee at Esparza'; they also serve enchiladas as well as soups and some delicious sides, like Mexican rice and chips & salsa. 

Their coffee bar is full service with Americano, latte, cappuccino, and mocha options offering a flavor assortment to go with each coffee selection.

If you're not in the mood for coffee Esparza's also has a few very unique soda options like pineapple and their own in-house homemade ginger ale (which I highly recommend). 

Once you've ordered your food you'll have the opportunity to select your salsa from the salsa bar. There are several to choose from; green tomato, spicy red tomato, red tomato, fresh jalapenos, and more! After you've selected your flavors for today's visit you then take a seat anywhere you like inside the restaurant or outside on the patio and wait for your buzzer to alert you that your order is ready. Once alerted, you proceed to the order pick up window and grab your trays. Then it's time to chow down!

At Esparza's the vibe is chill, the food is fresh, and the flavors are on point. My favorite thing so far is the green salsa enchiladas. They're spot on! However, you cannot go wrong with the tacos (try the fajita tacos).

This may come as a shock to my friends and readers, but I have not tried the coffee yet. I've been so eager to try their unique sodas that I have passed on the coffee (insert shocked face). However, I'm not leaving the island anytime soon and the green salsa enchiladas are so good that I'll definitely be back to Esparza's, which means a cup of coffee is in my future. And, I'll update you when I try a cup!

Until then, if you're on the island and craving a taco, enchilada, or just a big bowl of chips and salsa - visit Esparza's - you won't regret it!

Agena Castle Ruins

Whenever we share the length of our orders to Okinawa with people, they often respond with, "Wow! We've been here 'x' amount of years and still don't feel like we've been able to see or do half of what we've wanted to on this island!" And after hearing that five or six times, Zach and I devised a plan: with every free weekend that we have we are going to attempt to visit a new place. 

Our most recent new place was the Agena Castle Ruins in Uruma City. These ruins date back to the 14th century (not too shabby) and were part of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. Although the outer wall has not stood the test of time, the inner wall has and is protected by the Japanese Government. 

But here is what's really fun about this site - it's open to the public. The Agena Castle Ruins have become part of a central park for Uruma City and visitors can enjoy this history anytime they want. As long as you are able to make the ascent up to the top of the castle (approximately 161 feet) you should have no problem enjoying the ruins as there are easy walking paths and benches throughout the ruins. 

If you choose to visit these ruins in the summertime and lack the motivation to continue the ascent due to the heat, let me encourage you with this picture:

 The view from the top is totally worth it!

 The refreshing breeze along with the spectacular scenery is surprising and quite beautiful!

The ruins were so much fun to walk through. There's a tunnel to go under, trees to go around, and rocks to climb over; but only if you want to. If you're not interested in that you can stick to the main path (except the tunnel, you have to go through the tunnel to get to the view).


Overall, we had a great visit to the Agena Castle Ruins and would highly recommend visiting if you're looking to get outdoors without going too far away from everything (we were only three blocks away from a delicious sushi restaurant... more to come on that later).

Final note: if you forget a bottle of water to take with you through the ruins, don't worry, there are several vending machines along the sidewalk before you enter the park.

*Facts about the Agena Castle Ruins came from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agena_Castle and https://en.japantravel.com/okinawa/agena-castle-ruins/7615*

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...

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.