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!