I've gotten a few "nudges" from people who want to see pictures of things here in Japan other than our house. I get it...I get it...you are excited to see Japan too. Well, in order for me to show you pictures of Japan, I had to get off base and see it for myself. I hadn't been off base since the first night that Craig picked us up at the airport in Naha. So yesterday, our Sunday, we went off base for a few hours. It was the first day that we were all fully rested, feeling well, and...it was really fun to go do a little exploring as a family.
First off, the island of Okinawa isn't that big. But that being said -- there is ALOT of stuff to see and do here! We have not even begun...and I am not worried that we'll get bored during our three years here, that's for sure!
I'd also like to add that I wasn't the greatest photographer. We were just driving on Sunday, without much of an agenda, so these are all pictures I took from the car. We were just trying to see what was out there. And...I have no idea what I was taking pictures of.
I just wanted to give you a "taste" of what we were seeing -- but that was a little hard, because I was mostly gawking and forgetting to take pictures. There was so much to see.
My friend, Monica, asked me if all the signs here are in Japanese or if most of them are in English too. Well, before I got here, I thought they'd be in both English and Japanese. But I was wrong. They were mostly in Japanese. Where we went yesterday was, anyhow. Which just adds to the fun, the adventure, and the discovery...in my opinion.
I took this picture to show you the shisa dragons sitting on either side of the gate. They flank the entryways to many buildings on and off base. From what I learned in my orientation class last week, they are a decoration that are most often found in pairs and are similar to a gargoyle. The shisa is seen as a protector, and is believed to be good luck. They are abundantly seen on rooftops or doorways to buildings and homes on Okinawa. Interesting, I thought. I'll definitely need to leave here with my own set of these guys! (A smaller set, of course.)
I had to show you a picture of us driving on the left side of the road. Which actually hasn't taken that long to get used to. Except, of course, on my way to take Craig to work at 5:20 this morning. But hey, I was sleepy!! At least the road was empty. He had a good laugh over that! And I was very alert after that point, Mom... so don't worry, k?!!
As we were traveling off base, we passed several McDonald's. Which, I didn't even expect to see here. Darn, I thought I had escaped the American Fast Food trap, but alas, it has followed me to Okinawa, Japan.
And finally, we made it to our destination!! The 100 Yen Store!! 100 Yen is approximately one U.S. dollar so this store is supposed to be like a dollar store. But it was so much better than any dollar store I've ever stepped foot into!!
And sorry, there aren't any pictures of inside the store because I was entirely too enthralled with what I was seeing. I'll have to attempt that again another day! (Insert big cheesy grin at the thought of having an excuse to go to the 100 yen store again.) And believe it or not, even Craig enjoyed browsing around the store. Yes, you read that right. My husband who loathes, no, abhors shopping. He was pretty handy too. He found some S-hooks that I'd been needing for my pot rack that we couldn't find on base. Good job, honey! We also bought the kids a few Japanese snacks to try out. Oooh, what fun that was!! They were pretty good.
And because my kids have been so intrigued by all of the vending machines, Craig did what any good dad would do and he let them each pick a drink from the vending machine outside the 100 Yen Store to go with their snack.
So, we spent our Sunday afternoon driving back to the base, drinking our vending machine drinks, eating our Japanese snacks, and listening to the top country countdown on Armed Forces Network (AFN). A great way to spend our Sunday afternoon! I have a feeling we'll be spending many more Sundays like this!
That's hilarious, Charity...vending machine drinks, japanese snacks and top ten country classics on Armed Forces Radio ... that's classic! Keep em' coming -- lovin the blog!
Posted by: kim Hallberg | July 13, 2009 at 08:00 AM
We love to see Craigy finally with his kids! Now, what can we buy wholesale on that island;-)
Posted by: angela | July 13, 2009 at 08:55 AM
SOunds like the perfect Sunday!! My favorite part about moving is the first few weeeks in a new place, learning the ropes and exploring! By the way, looks like Craig was working out like a maniac while his family was away...Hello Biceps!
Posted by: Dee | July 13, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Kim, yes, I know -- I thought it was pretty funny too. That's us, through and through!! :-)
Posted by: Charity | July 13, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Ange, I like seeing them together too :-) I'll have to take more pics. I'm going off base today to do some exploring and I'll keep an eye out - I'll definitely find some wholesale stuff or something for your shop soon!
Posted by: Charity | July 13, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Dee, yes I know!! No, he hasn't been working out that much, that's just what his "real" job does to him. Aren't I one lucky girl!?!?!! Now you know why I wanted to get over here so bad!!! ;-)
Posted by: Charity | July 13, 2009 at 08:49 PM
12 ounces at a time with a lot of reps!!!
Posted by: Charity | July 14, 2009 at 04:19 AM
Craig, you have to put your name in there - not mine - dork!
Posted by: Charity | July 14, 2009 at 05:35 AM
FUNNY!!!!!
Posted by: angela | July 14, 2009 at 01:12 PM