WOW. I'm always wow'ed on January 1. I love taking a minute to look back over the year to find moments that stand out. In fact, I did a "decade in review" for my husband today and it took about 20 seconds because it mostly included a lot of moving and a lot of pregnancies. Wonder what the next decade will hold??
Sigh. Smile. Breathe. Hope.
As you contemplate your new year, we just wanted to take a moment to thank you for making THIS all possible. For being the kind of cool kids who love to share your amazing discoveries of what makes life livable and lovable on this island paradise. We exist for and because of all of you.
Love and kisses and stuff,
Joelle, Tara, Heather & Jen
So now how do I get rid of my dying tree? I live off base and am a cheap bastard so looking for free or real cheap.
A saw and some elbow grease. Chop it down into small pieces and put into the garbage.
I live on base and I just threw my tree out over a week ago. Good bye, mister tree.
This year gives me the ability to GET OFF THIS ROCK! I can’t wait! GOOD BYE OKINAWA 2011!
I’m with Kassidy….we are so looking forward to PCSing outta here.
Agree with Kassidy and Karen….ready to PCS outta here…but we are here until 2013..
Okinawa was not what I expected it to be…we have hit almost all of the hot spots here on island and to do anything off base right now is too expensive…hello yen rate of 80.. 
Ready to head back to America where I can actually shop in a store and try things on and not have to worry about shipping it back and then waiting another week before the replacement gets here.
But you guys! Everyone LOVES it here! Lol! I laugh at everybody who says “oh, you’re the only person I’ve ever heard who doesn’t just love this island!”. I wonder who these people talk to sometimes. Everybody I talk to hates this place.
Okinawa has been an experience. One I’m not willing to repeat. It was nice to come here, but I’m sick of language barriers, 2 week mailing times, and no seasons at all. And lots of other things.
I’ll be glad to be back home.
What’s with all the Okinawa hate??? Granted I’ve only been her for 6 months, but it’s been GREAT so far. I’ve lived in much worse places in the states. I would rather live in Okinawa 20 years than spend 3 in Twenty Nine Palms! This will probably be the only time I will ever live outside the continental US and my family plans on making the best of every minute of it. My kids both go to school off base and already know more Japanese then my husband and I put together. I have yet to meet ONE rude sales person or waitress while out in town and every person my kids say “konichiwa” to gives them a big smile and a warm welcome. Can’t say that for the states. Every place I’ve ever lived has had it’s drawbacks (try 14″ of snow in less then 24 hours!) but Okinawa has had a lot more positive then negative. I’m glad I didn’t see a thread like this BEFORE we moved here…
Michele, I wasn’t referring to the people’s character here. I have met ALOT of nice people here. My biggest drawback is that I like to shop in a store and see the items in my hands before I buy it. Also, I have an accent so it makes it difficult to get my point across to local people and vice versa. It’s quite frustrating especially when you are lost.
Yes I agree that every place has it’s drawbacks but me personally I have lived in MUCH better places…even overseas…I miss the diversity of the food back in the states and I also miss a really good steakhouse. I miss being able to walk into a really big bookstore and being able to browse for hours just looking. It’s frustrating here just because I don’t like going into a store and not know what I’m looking at and I can’t read the description on it. I have nothing against the people here. They absolutely adore my kids and have gone out of their way to help me in some instances. I just miss the conveinces of America… 
Amen, Michele! Every place is what you make of it and I choose to love it here. Am I sometimes frustrated? Yes, but the positives far outweigh the negatives for me. As far as negatives, I really cannot find many. It is aggravating sometimes to not be able to find something you need quickly, i.e. your child comes home from school and needs a certain color shirt to wear in a play and you swear there must not be a shirt THAT color anywhere in Japan, unless of course you don’t need it and then you see it everywhere! I personally love that if my children and I are separated in the busiest of places on Okinawa, it never even enters my mind that someone grabbed them and threw them into their car. If my child is not 2 feet behind me in the States, I am practically in a panic! We have been here before and we enjoyed it, but when our time was up, I one of those ones that was ready to go “home”. Funny thing happened after being in the States for a couple of months. It occurred to me that “home” was the place I left, not the country I returned to, so I’m back and wake up everyday thrilled to be! Of course all are entiitled to feel how they want and I totally respect their feelings, but as for me…I LOVE THIS ROCK!
All the bad attitudes about Okinawa are unfortunate. A person can make any place good or bad. Language barrier? I’ve found most of the off base establishments cater to the English speaking crowd by learning more English in a non-English speaking country, while many Americans here do little to nothing to learn Japanese. Two week mailing times? Who cares? If you need something, plan ahead better when ordering online so that you are not up against a deadline. If it’s not something you desperately need, then get over it and be patient. It is so sad to continually come across the typical Americans who want their every demand fulfilled right away. I am in no rush to get back to the States. I am taking my time to enjoy our opportunity to live in another country!
Those of you cheering this place have only been here a few months, for the most part. Six months is still the honeymoon period.
Tell me you still love it in three years. Those of us that have been here more than two or three years are sick of it and ready to get out. Or almost all of us are. The first year to year and a half are full of neat new surprises. After that, you’re sick of this rock.
I think the first 6 months are the most difficult due to the culture shock. I have been here for about 2 1/2 years as well and I still love it. We are awaiting PCS orders/date and I am sad to be leaving, but I am ready to go ahead and get on with moving so I can hopefully get on with moving back to Japan – be it Okinawa again or anywhere else.
We’ve been here for 2 1/2 years and still love living here. We’ve loved things and hated things about everywhere we’ve lived, which has mostly been overseas. I hope that we can continue to live overseas because I think the opportunities and good experiences far outweigh the inconveniences and bad experiences. I’m sorry so many of you haven’t enjoyed living here….hopefully, your next base or home is better to you!
I have been here almost a year and I’m taking full advantage of living in a place like this. Most people could only dream, ya know?
I do agree that it gets claustrophobic here though. And after only a year of being here, I have island fever and I’m homesick. I miss being able to pull over anywhere and ask for directions. I also miss having a bunch of job opportunities. Unlike here, it’s almost impossible to find a job unless you have a bunch of degrees.
But, all of the things I miss are petty and not that big of a deal. I wouldn’t change coming here for the world.
I’m rather shocked by those who have posted ill comments regarding our island home here in Okinawa. I’m nearing the end of my 2nd year here, and both my family and I think the world of this place. We lived previously in Los Angeles, where perhaps there was more diversity in the food, you could read all the signs, and browse through the bookstores for hours on end (ref: previous negative complaints about Oki). But you know what else I get to miss about life in the States? I get to miss all the crime, vandalism, smog, overweight rude people who could care less anything about you because you’re not them. On Okinawa, I’ve experienced nothing but kindness from the people, new and exciting adventures, and some of the best weather one could possibly ask for. Lest not we forget how beautiful many parts of this island are, too. A simple drive up the coast, or a quick dash through one of the alleys usually yields some incredible experiences. If you hate Okinawa. Fine. You see your glass as half empty. Just please don’t lump those of us like me who love this island when you say things like “those of us who have been here over a year and a half are sick of it …… and want to get out of here.” You’re wrong. Plain and simple. Most of those who I work with who have been here for many years love the island, and want to stay here as long as possible.
I’ve been here just over 3 years and yep, still love it. I STILL haven’t done everything there is to offer on island, so I don’t believe anyone when they say they’ve done everything in the first few months.
It really is what you make of it. Learn to adapt to your surroundings. Embrace Okinawa for what it is rather than hating it for what it isn’t.
My husband and I have been here for 4 years and have decided to extend another 4 because we love it so much. I am originally from California and am used to hot weather but it does take a bit to get used to the humidity. Even after 4 years, I still find new stuff to do. It the people who are “scared” of going off base and who think everone should speak English seem to be those who are most miserable. Becareful what you wish for since there are much worse bases to be stationed at. Be open minded, be open to adventure and DON’T stay on base the whole time you are stationed here…Remember: You can’t get lost…you are on a small island so venture out on all the small roads. That’s the best way to get familiar with your surroundings. Good luck and Enjoy!
I’ve been here 2 years and everyday I’m getting sicker and sicker of the local attitudes! Esp on the road! I really hate this pathetic island and the pathetic people who found everything is so amazing.. ‘Kawaii’…’Sugoi’… so annoying! I feel like I’m in the year 1 here..caveman era..lol The protests that they do off base every month and complaints to their prime minister asking all the bases to be moved are so annoying too and so rude. Who said japanese are polite/nice?? We are so ready to leave!!
Well, I think it’s refreshing to hear someone say they don’t like Okinawa.
From the time we received our orders all I heard was how much everyone LOVES Okinawa. I have to admit, there was soooo much hype, that when we finally arrived: I was really let down. Not because this place sucks, but because I had convinced myself it would be so amazingly wonderful and perfect.
I have to say that I was almost afraid to say it out loud to anyone for fear of the accusations and questions about my temperment, zest for adventure, and desire for immediate gratification.
We have only been here 3 months and I am homesick. I miss reading: signs, packages, posters. I spend an hour a night trying to learn the language…every night. The day I got my drivers license I drove off base and tried a new restaurant. I found a friend and we drove all the way to Nago for Pineapples and Pizza in the Sky…and we were really, really, lost. But we went. We have some great pictures to prove it, along with a hand drawn map from a Lawsons clerk who couldn’t understand my english or my japanese.
So, I don’t know which camp I will be in when we leave in 3 years. Reading posts like this give me hope that it really WILL get better. But, they also serve as a reminder to not feel like a complete failure when I’m not having a love connection with this beautiful, tropical, island.
At least, when all is said and done, I can look back and say, “I tried.”
I personally don’t find Okinawa as bad as all of you say it is! I guess for all of you girls who lived in the bug cities like NY and LA it must be he’ll, but for a girl who loves the country I don’t hate it! The biggest clothing store for me was walmart. I believe a lot of people hate it here because they only want to go to the most popular places! A lot of people I’ve met have literally gone to a handful of different stores and resteraunts. I feel all of these bad streams will make people posing here hate it before they even arrive! Of course to every place you live there are pros and cons. I feel its just all in the way you look at it. Enjoy the time you have with your family and the experience of being somewhere new! Obviously this just my perception so please I don’t want an online argument because it seems like that’s normally what happens on these sites.
Phillip-I total agree with you! I am always surprised to hear someone “hates” it here. For me the joys far outweigh the “cons” of what Okinawa has to offer! This is my fourth tour here, yes I said my fourth! I have been here as a child, a teen, a young adult and now again in my 30′s with two children of my own. During each period of my life I have had a different experience and don’t get me wrong, I see the difficulties of living here at each stage in life! As a teen you are restricted to the base for driving privilages-as a parent-I think this is GREAT-as a teen I hated it! As young enlisted the shortage of money makes it hard to take part in everything the island has to offer-but if you reach out there’s a ton of resources to make it a bit cheaper and easier. I’m back again and we live in a all Japanese neighborhood…not one Y plate in sight, neither I or my husband speaks much Japanese-something we are working on! I get lost daily and find something new each time
Even living here over 15 years, I still have not done everything! Obviously, living in a foreign country has its challenges. Most of those challenges are very superficial – take a step back, buy a few less material things and just enjoy life. I challenge those that “hate” Okinawa to try something new this month-not everything costs a ton of money and almost everything you do here is family friendly! If you need some suggestions just ask, I’m sure one of us Oki lovers would be glad to help you out! Better yet use this forum…make a friend, get together and see if they can help change your mind! Don’t get me wrong, I have my own list of things I “miss” from the states, they are the names of family and friends I love and miss.
I’m with everyone else who hates this place. Wow! the awesomeness of japan wore off real quick in okinawa. Top reasons why living here is the worst
1. The Exchange rate
2. The cost of Everything
3. The shopping stinks – especially if you have small children – I swear today i went to the bx and the cheapest pair of jeans for a 3 1/2 year old were 29.00!!!!!
4. The lack of stuff to do that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg -
Hey there maybe a few cool things to see but if your not single or have a small family every one of these things starts costing 60-100 dollars just to go on an outing and of course on base there is nothing except for putt-putt. (Boooo)
5. Being so far away from home and never having enough time off to take a trip back
6. Paying 10,000 for 2 used cars that we will probably only get 1/3 of the price for and thats because we already sold one because we are moving early. (THANK THE LORD)
7. Lack of medical services – along with long wait times for dental care and unprofessional people working at these places.
8. Super slow horrible internet that is rather costly considering how bad it is – yah mediatti!
9. No HD tv channels or digital channels for that matter and still over priced
10. The weather is depressing – first its 1000 degrees with 1000000 % humidity then it rains, then its sunny then it rains 8 more times and thats all in one day
then comes fall.. same thing except instead of being 98 degrees now its 88 degrees
then winter.. we some how only get like 4 days of nice 70 degree weather then all of a sudden its like 50-60 out and its windy as heck and its raining (just like always) and then the summer comes back and you start the cycle all over again.
I”m sure theres 100 other things i could list but i’ll just say.. Dont come here unless your single, or unless your husband is a officer or unless you would like to move to a place that is reffered to as the following:
a. The rock – as in Alcatraz – the prison island
b. Divorce island
c. Baby island – which i’m assuming is most peoples band-aid so as not to lead to divorce – or they are just bored because the girls on this island are popping out 1,000 babies a month. eek
*run far far away* God Bless and Good luck!
We’re almost to our year mark, and I’d definitely agree with the “hype” theory commented above. I was so psyched when I found this website, and started googling. Then we got here, and yes, the honeymoon wore off. My husband, son, & I are very active adventurers, and while I won’t complain there isn’t anything to do, it does get tiresome repeating the same activities. I’m from San Diego, he’s from Seattle, so moving here has been difficult for us.
I don’t think anyone should be picked on for hating it or loving it here, to each their own. And I completely understand how those of you coming from smaller areas in the states would totally love it here! But for us? The travel costs outweigh our desire to go home or travel to other countries. And the rain often holds us down from doing anything. The shopping? We’ve never spent so much money in our lives! I’d take a Wal Mart over 100 Japanese stores ANYDAY! The language barrier is obviously an issue, but you have to remember, you’re IN JAPAN, not America. You’re going to have to try your hardest to learn their language. I’ve met rude people, I’ve met wonderful people, I’ve had my feet spat at on more than one occasion, and I’ve been praised for the “kawaii” son I have.
Moral of the story? This place has it’s ups and downs, just like any other base you’re going to move to. You have to make the best of it. Even if, like myself, you’ve been here a year, can count your friends on one hand, and still have no idea where you’re going sometimes. Take up some new hobbies, skype a crap ton with your family and friends back home, and always, ALWAYS set goals to see everything you can while you’re here! It sucks, it’s hard, it’s great, living is easy; no matter what you believe,
Bloom Where You Are Planted <3
Top Ten Reasons why Living here is great:
1. Lots of stuff to do, both free and cheap as well as pricier. Hit up a park. Go for a walk and check out the local scene. Visit the castle ruins. Go zip-lining. Go to the zoo. Go to the aquarium. Take that little road over there and see where it leads. Visit a glass factory. Make your own blown glass. Go to a festival. Go to the dragon boat races. Go to Kokusai Street. Go to a temple on New Years. Get lost and find something you never would have found otherwise. Go to a different park. Go to another island, either via a bridge or a boat. Go bowling. Go ice skating. Go to Round one. Go golfing. Go to the gym. Go get a pedicure. Go get a massage. Go volunteer. Just go do something-the possibilities are endless!
2. Fun window shopping. Giggle at the randomness of stuff. Need a banana holder anyone? What about a funny “Engrish” shirt for your favorite someone back home?
3. Awesome restaurants. It’s a little pricer than it might be stateside, but hey, that’s what COLA is for!
4. The beach. Tanning. Snorkeling. Swimming. Scuba diving. Hot girl/guy watching. The sunset. The sunrise. Building sandcastles. Checking out the tidepools.
5. The money! For some families, Okinawa is the first place they have the opportunity to pay down debt or save money. For others, it’s the opportunity to stay at home with your little ones. COLA adds a huge chunk to your paycheck and it’s definitely nice having the extra money! Things are expensive here, but not so much that you should expect to be broke. If you’re broke, you’re doing something wrong.
6. Travel opportunities. There are some awesome places to visit where it’s not an arm and a leg to get there. Or, try your hand at Space-A. You might have to do some digging for locations and plane tickets, but it’s worth the internet research.
7. It’s safe here. Yes, bad things do happen. However, I don’t worry about my safety and that of my kids like I do stateside. I’m not too worried that that man that just walked into McD’s might be a disgruntled worker with a gun.
8. Friends. Friends become very important here with family so far away. I know that I’ve made some lifelong friendships while here. Not everyone I have met is my new best friend of course, but there are definitely a special few.
9. Family. Take the time to reconnect with your spouse. The island does not cause divorces. That’s ridiculous. Some marriages cannot overcome challenges and end-but that can happen anywhere. My spouse and I have grown closer as we realize we have to rely on each other.
10. New experiences. Nothing beats finding something cool around the corner. Okinawa is full of “around the corners”. I’ve been amazed by lots of stuff, from the simple sunset over the ocean (new to me) to the impressiveness of the small children dancing and drumming in parades/festivals.
Yes, not everything is always awesome about Okinawa. I do get frustrated sometimes with things. But seriously, to gripe because you don’t like the TV channels? there is SO much more to live than the latest reality show. Go out and experience your own reality! Put some of that negative energy spent hating Okinawa into finding something great about it.
N, I could not have said it better myself. Thanks for taking the time to break it down like that. Nice to see those of you who have responded that truly “get this place”. Here’s to you and have a blast in Okinawa in 2011, I know I will!
N- THANK YOU!!!! You took the words right out of my mouth.
To all those coming in 2011 to this island I now call home, take everything you read with a grain of salt. Remember that each place you move is what you make of it. No place is perfect.
Get out there and experience Okinawa, and don’t let the one or two bad experiences ruin the 100+ possible great experiences!
Here’s to 2011 and all the great adventures it will bring!
N I totally agree with you. It was very sad to read all of the terrible and ridiculous comments people put on here.
Every base we have been to there are people who hate it and people who love it. Not every place in the world is for everyone. However, it is up to you if you are going to be miserable and complain about it… or if you are going to make the most of an opportunity to live in another country.
It cracks me up that people talk about it being expensive. Yeah the yen rate is sucky right now but seriously- restaurants are so much cheaper than in San Diego. We also only paid $6,000 for our two cars out here. You don’t need to spend a ton to have a decent little car out here. This is also the first base we have been at that it isn’t a necessity for me to work as we are pulling in more money.
While the drivers out there sometimes can make me crazy they are in NO WAY close to as bad as the drivers back in big cities in the states. I feel completely safe here as well.
Complaining about the weather? They are called seasons. We have them back in America too- only more extreme,
So if you don’t care for it here .. sucks to be you. I am going to make the most of it.
When I am an old woman I am not going to look back at this and think- wow did I blow my chance at an amazing experience.
We miss it there! I understand that some can be unhappy in Okinawa. I had a few gripes, although most were minor. My likes far outwayed the dislikes. Living in Okinawa was an experience that I will never forget and will always appreciate. There a zillion things that I wish I could have bottled up and brought back with us. Those first 6 months were rough. Once you find your niche, things become much easier. I hear that’s the same whenever you move overseas. It wasn’t my husbands first overseas move but it was for me and the kiddos. We would gladly do it again and honestly my kids had a harder time getting into the swing of things stateside than they did there. So for those that have concerns that haven’t gotten there yet, rest assured. Life is truly what you make of it. Enjoy every second of the adventure because you will miss it one day.
The Love/Hate Okinawa debate cracks me up!
I have been saying for a long time that you either love it or you hate it here and it was way more accurate than I knew.
Thank heavens I found this. We’ve been here for only two months and sometimes I get so depressed about everything. I am REALLY trying to enjoy myself, hitting new places, new activities, trying to make friends. All of the comments about the 6-month period have helped me a ton. Hopefully in 4 months I can come back here and say that I truly enjoy living here!