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Okinawa, First Week.

What a crazy past few days we’ve had. First off... WE BOUGHT A CAR! Talk about nerve wrecking. I felt like such an adult. We ended up choosing the 2005 black honda Fit We were looking at some crazy japanese cars. On monday we get our car! Since they drive on the left side of the road, we will have to take the time to drive on base.

On wednesday we had to take a drivers test. Trent and I both made a 95%. They have some different road signs which will take me awhile to learn.

On Thursday we made an appointment with housing, it should take up to 10 days before we hear something back. Hopefully we hear something soon, we like being in a hotel. The thought of us having our own house just excites us!

On friday we had a cookout around 2 with everyone Trent works with. It was so great getting to know other couples and they were so helpful and welcoming. I was even assisted on finding a job. Employers want english speaking people and the mall is hiring for a lot of things! I plan on getting a job after we get settled in our house.

Today we went to McDonalds. I know what some of you are thinking, uh why would you go there?! They had some crazy items on the menu and it actually looks like the picture and commercial! Here is some of there japanese menu items: Ginger Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Shrimp Fleo, Egg Cheese Burger, and Bacon Lettuce Burger. They have sweet corn as a side order. This Mcdonalds was super nice, when we walked in we walked up to the japanese employee. Luckily they had a menu taped to the counter and we just pointed to the picture. One weird thing is that they didn’t have water and there tea literally tasted like water, so I guess that was their water. The bad part was that they didn’t have free refills! Oh well tho..

After McDonalds, we went to this place called the American Village. It was somewhat like Down Town Gatlinburg, TN. Us 4 walked around some shops, went to the Arcade. Which was amazing! They had tons of machine claw games, gambling, mario games, star wars games, pokemon, you name it and they have it. While we were in the arcade, I went to use the restroom and they had one stall where the toilet was literally underground and you have to squat. The other stalls had a bidet in them. So crazy!

Purple Potato Icecream

AEONMALL

This mall. One word.. OVERWHELMING. We walked in this mall threw the Japanese Market, kind of reminded me of a huge Harris Teeter type feel to it. They would have food laid out, you grab it and go. Liquor, wines, and beer to desserts, meats, and raw fish laid out but with the head and eyeballs all still attached. Each floor of the mall was bigger than Hanes Mall put together. This mall had 5 & 1/2 floors total, counting the parking garage and the roof. They had stores that are in the U.S: H&M, Toys and Babys R Us, Sketchers, Victoria Secret, and some other stuff. Half of floor 3 and 5th floor was mostly places to eat. We at at this place on the roof that had all you can eat: Steak, Chicken, and Fish. PHENOMINAL! We tried some weird foods: icecream made from purple potatoes, crab with the shell and all, and bolognese noodles. It was all fantastic

#aeonmall #japanesecuisine #foodculture

Lets talk about some culture differences.. shall we?

DINING ETIQUETTE

Japanese people slurp their soups and noodles. It helps to cool the meal and shows that you are enjoying your food.

Don't pick up a dish with the hand with which you are holding your chopsticks.

Don't start drinking your drink until everyone has a drink at the table.

When eating from a small bowl, pick it up and eat while holding it.

Don't pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. It reminds Okinawans of part of their burial ceremonies.

DRIVING

Okinawans and Japanese people drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left side of the car.

Talking on the phone and driving is illegal. People will stop in the middle of the road, put their caution lights on and talk on the phone.

Vending machines are at every corner, people will get out of their cars to go to a vending machine, get back in their cars and drive away.

Blood Alcohol content is .03%. If caught the driver can lose their license immediately. All passengers, even if you are sober will get a DUI.

Okinawa, say what?!

Moving anywhere in general can be overwhelming, but to another country.. that's just crazy talk! I've always been in a military family, but now I'm a wife and that's a whole new ball game. When Trent called me in November while I was at work, the word Japan came out of his mouth. I had mixed emotions, but who wouldn't?! I couldn't contain my excitement for this amazing adventure. Here we are months later... Let the blogging begin!

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Okinawa, Say What?!