CONTRIBUTED BY JANAE BURGER
The last picture has been hung on the wall, the kids are getting settled into school, you’ve made it to the beach a time or two and you can find your way home without getting too lost, but it still doesn’t quite feel like you “belong” in Okinawa yet. You’re missing that personal connection. You need...
CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS
This week's Ugly-Beautiful is brought to you by Karen Waltzer. This cafe is just outside Camp McTureous, on the East coast of Okinawa. I couldn't get hold of Karen for any more info on the shot, so if you are reading and want to add anything, just leave a comment :o)
To see it bigger click HERE...
Bunka-no-hi is celebrated on November 3rd of each year, which is this Monday.
CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
Photo of Festival Dancer by Pamela Oliveras
Next Tuesday, the 3rd November, is a national holiday in Japan. Known as Bunka no Hi, or Culture Day, it is perhaps one of the less exciting holidays for some, and yet it is undoubtedly a day that...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON
Are you looking for an artistic and cultural outlet in Okinawa and more interaction with local nationals? Ikebana is the perfect way to achieve both goals.
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, originating nearly 500 years ago. Today it is recognized as one of Japan's distinct arts and is actively taught in schools and demonstrated...
CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA TRAQUAIR
I would describe this casual restaurant, to enjoy both yakisoba and Okinawan soba, as a mom and pop ran operation with the familiarity of a place that has been around for a very long time. This is another one of our frequent stops, especially when we are craving yakisoba and fried rice.
Though I love to eat...
Editor's Note: The Juscos on Okinawa have been renamed Aeon. Aeon is the parent company of Jusco and Juscos across Asia have been falling under that name for years. It may take a few generations of us PCSing in and out for us all to remember not to call it Jusco. But for those of you looking for the...
CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS
The only one hanging out their wash this week was Aviva. But that's OK because this is a great image representing laundry Okinawa style...although not much in the way of drying weather this weekend!
Taken in Koza. To see the bigger size, click HERE...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE
Car seats. Those of us with infants and toddlers know that they are a must. When I gave birth to my son two years ago I wasn't allowed to leave the newborn ward with him until a nurse had inspected his infant car seat to be sure it was properly set up for him.
Car seat regulations...
CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
Not so long ago, on my way to visit a friend whose wife was recovering from a minor surgical procedure, I decided to stop by the nearest shopette on base and pick up some type of floral arrangement. It’s a good thing I asked the Japanese cashier if the plant I was holding would be an...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON
Do you need a little push to get in the spirit of Halloween? Try out the Spooky Sites Tour offered through Tours+ on Foster.
My husband and I ventured out on this tour in the rain and mist last Friday, and despite having fairly average expectations, we had a really fun time!
I say that I had marginal...
CONTRIBUTED BY JEANINE CZUBIK
Despite the warm breeze still calling me to the beach, the holiday season is once again approaching. If you aren’t set on giving a gift uniquely Okinawan, consider Asia Ichiba.
Ichiba means marketplace in Japanese, and Asia Ichiba carries a variety of imports from India, Thailand, and the Philippines. I have often driven past this shop and wonder...
CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream...Annya's dreamy image entitled 'after the rain' represents this week. Love it in black and white too. Perfect.
Photo was taken in Kin Town. To see the image bigger, click HERE.
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE
When I learned that I was pregnant with a daughter, my mind immediately filled with girlie thoughts: butterflies and flowers. Tea parties and princesses. Pierced ears, painted toenails, and makeup (way down the road). Tutus and ballet class.
My little girl is about to turn six, and I have yet to enroll her in a dance class...
CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
The festive season is quickly approaching and with it comes an atmosphere of jubilant anticipation, or for some, reservation as they ponder the number of calories they’re likely to gain! If you happen to be among those in the latter category, then this post may be of interest to you.
Ever heard of the Okinawan Diet? The...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON
This past weekend, we visited Ishigaki island, a neighboring island only a 45 minute flight away from Okinawa. We stayed at a Club Med Kabira Bay Resort, a first for us, and now we are hooked. Normally we prefer to travel off the beaten track, but there were lots of benefits to this kind of vacation.
First off,...
CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA TRAQUAIR
When I was introduced to curry during my first visit to Okinawa, back in 1998, I didn't realize that there were so many curry options to enjoy. You have Japanese curry, Thai curry, Indian curry, Nepalese curry and more that I'm sure I am not aware of. Coco's curry is a great place to enjoy Japanese...
CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA
As some of you know, I was a bit shocked to give birth to a little girl in July. Along with the generalized panic of raising a princess after only having experienced loud, rambunctious boys, there were some practical problems as well. First and foremost: NO GIRL CLOTHES. My closets were filled with plastic bins full...
CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS
OK, Mariann and I couldn't really decide on the food shots this week, they are all so yummy looking. I even enlisted my kids to help chose a photo. But, there's something about food, that you just have to have it all! So, since food seems to be Okihai readers favorite subject too (judging by the...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE
When a couple has children, “alone time” becomes a precious commodity. Whether it’s escaping for an hour or two together for dinner without highchairs and a movie with a higher rating than PG, or getting dressed up in dress blues and gowns or tuxedos for a military ball, we cherish those sacred hours of child-free adult...
CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA TRAQUAIR
My friend, Jana, likes to recreate her favorite restaurant foods at home. She does this so she will be able to enjoy her favorites when she moves back to the states. She showed me recently how to make one of her newer discoveries - fresh spring rolls. She likes making these at home because of the flavors,...
UPDATE: This establishment has closed. The comments section still holds relevant information that our readers may find useful.
CONTRIBUTED BY JEANINECZUBIK
Okinawa's beautiful sunsets . . . how do you spend them? Are you running children around, preparing dinner or still at work? When you do get to see them, are you amazed by how red the sun looks as it quickly sinks...
CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS
Pretty flowers everywhere. Wherever you go, there they are! Thanks to Robin from last weeks TO SEE for helping choose this week's 'flora' shot by Mariann of Organique Photography.
The image entitled, butterfly bush, was taken by Mariann on her way to the yummy Jakkepoes pancakes in Yomitan. Taken with a Nikon D80 and a 50mm lens.
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE
It's a fact: little girls (and many little boys!) love to dance. Back in the US, dance studios are everywhere. The opportunities to sign them up for classes, rehearsals, and the culminating recitals are seemingly endless... and the tiny dancers eat it all up.
Here on Okinawa, however, the opportunities to get our kids into strong dance...
CONTRIBUTED BY JILL STAGGS
I recently needed a new pair of eye glasses. I had heard about this store from a friend, but it sounded too good to be true. I went to the concessionaire mall first, so I could compare prices. With my prescription, the cheapest pair of frames and lenses at the optical shop on Camp Foster would have been $225 (most were closer to...
CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA
As far as I'm concerned, the most important people in our society (and somehow the most underpaid - sigh!) are teachers. Our kids spend more hours a day with their teachers than they usually do with us. I'm so thankful there are people like Julie who dedicate themselves to this awesome responsibility!
1. Where do you work?...
CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS
All the OLD submissions this week brought something creatively different to the table, go check them out. We had old locals to older relatives visiting and hanging out in Kitamura to some very old photos of Okinawa. Loved how everyone used the theme. A previous week's photographer got to choose this weeks shot and this detail...
CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
"Ittekimasu!"
The start of the new school year brings with it an array of new and exciting adventures, trivia, and educational lessons, all of which promise to further our childrens' academic development. My daughters are already well on their way to broadening their knowledge within the various subject areas that they are each expected to learn and study. But aside from the obvious confines...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON
I know unusual and mismatched business combinations exist out there in the world. I've danced at a Disco/Rodeo in San Antonio, Texas and I recently walked by an apartment coffee shop/cat hospice in Tokyo. Frankly, I respect creativity in small business and I do appreciate the intention to serve multiple consumer needs all at one time.
However,...
CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA TRAQUAIR
I love eating out - clearly a fact known by all my friends. It's even better when eating out in Okinawa becomes more interesting than eating out in the U.S. Have you ever had to ask what Cracker Barrel means? Or why Chipotle's named themselves after a pepper? Have you ever even thought of the reason...
CONTRIBUTED BY JEANINECZUBIK
I've heard Yamada Tech called Japan's Best Buy, and it is certainly the place in Okinawa to "geek out". Computers, electronics, cameras, video games, music, cell phones, and large Japanese appliances can all be found here, but Yamada Tech also sells light fixtures, air conditioners and all the accessories you can think of. There is even a toy section for boys and girls including dolls,...