Hard to believe that we’re here, on this gorgeous island. Within a days time, it was discovered while Okinawa is a part of Japan, there is a different between Japanese and Okinawans. It’s akin to W. VA to Virginia, two vastly different cultures so we’re told. From our room we can see the ocean. A mere few hundred yard up a small knoll lies both ocean and mountains of the mainland as well as the Japanese style homes on base. The view is 180 and breathtaking despite the fact that in this photo the ocean nor the mountains is not seen.

What I wasn’t expecting was to feel so at home here. Amidst language that I don’t understand and in a culture I’m not familiar with I am strangely at home. Yet, not even week one has past I’m starting to learn to read and understand the hieroglyphics. I’ve picked back up studying the language. A tip I’ve found that most appreciate: learn at least to say hello, thank you, yes, no, and goodbye. It really can make a difference.

Bowing is a thing here and I’ve grown accustomed. Bowing the wait with hands either clasp in the middle or at the side is not as common, but the head nods are very common. Depending on where you are it can be several times or simply once. The bowing is only viewed as sign of respect, of greeting as it were. Hands shakes are not as common, but it does happen.

The flight over before you and I met up was delightful, how was your day?

I arrived happily exhausted barely feeling the pain of my bags, United airlines treated me like a queen. No, I didn’t ride first class. But they accommodated me well, especially since I reached out to them letting know them of physical difficulties and my first time traveling alone. From full bottles of water to a pillow I wished I could have kept to three ladies who greeted me in Tokyo, Japan, they pampered me. They helped me get through customs, the ordeal of luggage, and got me to my flight with 20 minutes to spare all the while speaking two completely different languages. I was impressed and incredibly grateful. My mere 2.5 hour of flight to my final destination I collapse into a deep sleep right after take off.

My friends greeted me at the airport with flowers and hugs. But as the gate closed at one and we still had to get a pass for the duration of stay, there was not much time for greetings as we had an hour to spare. We made it inside within 30 minutes. Our pass which extends beyond week one actually for the duration of my trip looks like I’m smirking because I thought I couldn’t smile. The guard was kind enough to offer to retake it, but I decline because I knew it would take effort on his part. As my pass will likely have to be destroyed at the end of the trip it is unlikely my embarrassment of a photo will ever see the light of day on the internet. But the looks of the guards everytime I re-enter is something to behold.  I supposed giving a smile is something worthwhile eh? I can not not smile…it always ends in a smirk. Ask my pre-check TSA agent who cracked up because of my inability of keeping a straight face. I made her day. I managed not to smile…but barely.

One tip I’ve learned long ago when traveling.

If there is a luxury of a dresser or closet, put away your things. That morning, I stayed up putting things to right immediately, while also shedding the airline germed fest clothes. I somehow remembered to contact my family that I was safe in Okinawa, Japan. Mark that happy and safe.

Time Difference

I was up the next morning by 7 am. Determined to adjust quickly to Japan’s time. For time reference,  I awoke at 3:30am  and left Tennessee at 6:40am on February 14, landed on February 15 at 23:05 , was asleep by 3:30 and up at 21:30. I made sure to sleep on my 11.5 hours on the plane which made it feasible to adjust. That and the week before I had started to adjust my body to Japan’s schedule. I am a day ahead by a mere 14 hours.

There’s so much to say. Week one has passed and I’ve hit the ground running. There’s so much to see, to experience, and to delight in every ounce, every drop possible. When you have been handed a gift, take it all and allow yourself to freely enjoy it. I will shall write again soon,  but for now I shall simply say: