Living overseas has its challenges, and a commonly agreed upon one is finding that perfect place to live. To help those of us who are curious about the different options for living on Okinawa, readers have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about on-base housing. If you live in an off-base house that has not yet been...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
I say Sea-jack. The Japanese say Tetrapods. Either way- they are an interesting architectural design that serve quite an important purpose. As my son and I peruse the seawall in Chatan, the Tetrapods provide an interesting hide- and -seek for all things crustacean. If you look long enough, you will be amazed at the ability of nature to cling at something without...
EDITOR'S NOTE: This restaurant was closed for a period of time but as of July 2012 we have been informed that it has reopened under new ownership and a new name. The post below reflects its former incarnation as Pizzeria Il Piccolino.
CONTRIBUTED BY AVIVA
A friend of mine told me that he knew of the best pizza on Okinawa. I...
CONTRIBUTED BY CHARITY CAUDLE
Let me preface this by saying my husband is a musical genius. Now I’m sure he would strongly disagree, but to me, he’s amazing. I have no musical talent. None. I wish I did. I don’t need his ability to hear a song on the radio, download it and then figure out the entire thing BY...
Living overseas has its challenges, and a commonly agreed upon one is finding that perfect place to live. To help those of us who are curious about the different options for living on Okinawa, readers have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about on-base housing. If you live in an on-base house that has not yet been...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
AAFES sells cameras but not any of the accessories – lenses or additional batteries.
I am not happy about that, but I got over it when I found Kitamura Camera (you can read this with Google translator). This place is awesome. Seriously, I felt like the heavens opened up and the angels began to sing. I think...
CONTRIBUTED BY KANDY
My youngest son likes lizards, dinosaurs, sharks, snakes and fish. If its a hairless animal, he likes it. So this Christmas we decided to invest in an aquarium. Its a gift that wouldn't get tossed to the side after a few weeks.
We purchased a basic aquarium kit from the BX that came with filter, heater and...
CONTRIBUTED BY VIVIAN
Why would I want to buy Thai ingredients when there are plenty of Thai restaurants on island, you say? My husband is Cambodian, and I really miss Cambodian food myself. I’ve been on the island for 6 months now, and I’m really really missing my old ingredients for Southeast Asian food. Finding a Thai grocery (which seems...
CONTRIBUTED BY KIMBERLY
My friends told me last week that they wanted to take us to a new restaurant. "The Barrel, have you heard of it?" Nope. Never heard of it. Apparently haven't spent enough time on that side of town because had I ever driven by this gigantic barrel I'm certain I would have noticed!
As we pulled up, I...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
Japanese sizing has been a problem for me. Probably because I was too lazy to figure out what I was doing, I admit it. I’d been (for the most part) holding things up and guesstimating if they would fit. Tricky, but doable.
I finally broke down and did some sizing research (something I should have done months...
CONTRIBUTED BY KANDY
I love this time of year. Gathering around friends and family to eat, drink and exchange gifts! I always feel a little sad to see a garbage can full of once beautiful, now crumpled gift wrap. Why not save space, money and the landfills by using a furoshiki. ふろしき
Wikipedia's definition of Furoshiki (風呂敷, furoshiki) are a type...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
I don't have to remind everyone of the strict drinking and driving laws here in Japan. The blood alcohol limit is .03 (which is really less than a half a drink). So don't risk it. Pretty much, I don't drink anything and drive. It's just too risky altogether. The thought of injuring someone- or spending a...
CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY
Interesting, isn't it, how life can change in less than a month? I posted a blog about international volunteer work on my home page on November 8th - little knowing that I'd have my bags packed and be heading out the door less than thirty days later!
Becoming an international volunteer was as easy as 1-2-3:
1. I...
CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE
In need of some girl-iness? I have THE spot.
The Loop is a fabulous coffee and tea shop between Gate 2 & 5 that serves a long list of yummy coffees and teas in delightful tea cups with the most gorgeous little flower bud spoons and colored sugar granules and tea toast with cinnamon and sugar, or chocolate...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
Most Japanese customs rock. One of my favorites is the removing of your shoes prior to entering a house, a restaurant, or anywhere that’s designated with tatami mats. I don’t know why I like it so much. It might be the comfortable atmosphere it makes at a meal, when you can sit back and enjoy it...
Living overseas has its challenges, and a commonly agreed upon one is finding that perfect place to live. To help those of us who are curious about the different options for living on Okinawa, readers have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about on-base housing. If you live in an off-base house that has not yet been...
CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY
Have you ever noticed how observant kids can be? They don't miss a beat. In the car, if I ever deviate from an established driving route my kids immediately ask, "Mom, where are we going?"
When they were little I'd smile slyly and say, "We're going to get a snack!" and they'd sit happily in the back...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
Today is the day we share our favorite holiday shopping spots on the island. I’m so excited about this, and I hope you all participate!
I picked Shima’s Hobby Shop – the go to place for models and slot cars.
I admit, I was fascinated when I walked inside. I have never seen so many varieties of models...
Living overseas has its challenges, and a commonly agreed upon one is finding that perfect place to live. To help those of us who are curious about the different options for living on Okinawa, readers have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about on-base housing. If you live in an off-base house that has not yet been...
It is that time of year again - the holiday season. This time of year is full of visits with family and friends. For some reason I always sing this song in my head “over the hill and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go..” as we are making the trek to visit our loved ones.
I have come...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
Are you mathematically challenged? I am and have always been fascinated by the abacus (also called the counting frame). So I thought my research into the world of these lovely little beads would somehow make math less scary. Soft little beads vs. numbers on a calculator, it has to be kinder, right? Not so much. Interestingly...
Reader Amy Hester had a great question for me the other day:
"Just wondering if you know where there might be any running trails. I have plenty of running routes on roads, I just want to run some off road. I'm willing to drive pretty much anywhere on the island for some trails or even take a ferry somewhere if...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
I like antiques. Unfortunately, my version of antiques and the local version of antiques are two different things. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when I visited the Futenma Antique mall.
There’s some really interesting stuff there: lots of dishes and glassware, Barbies, a pinball machine, jukebox and even some furniture. Everything is American – that was...
Living overseas has its challenges, and a commonly agreed upon one is finding that perfect place to live. To help those of us who are curious about the different options for living on Okinawa, readers have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about on-base housing. If you live in an off-base house that has not yet been...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER NORDELL
Every since they saw Finding Nemo both my husband and my oldest daughter have enthralled by the ocean and marine life. This fascination shared by the two of them has turned in a family hobby. During the summer we spent most of our spare time at the beach and tide pools. If it is too rainy...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
Rites of passages. All cultures have them. And if you are lucky enough to know a few local people who are willing to share- you can really learn a lot. We've covered the cultural nuances of weddings here, so I thought I would broach another topic; death and the rituals behind it. I had a fascinating...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
Roseri is a girls’ style clothing store. The style is very young and trendy, think Avril Lavigne’s new clothing line (AKA “Rock Glam”).
I loved most of what they had in there. I have not figured out the clothing-size system yet (in any of the Japanese stores), but I did pretty well with the hold-it-up-to-see-if-it-might-fit thing.
They also...
CONTRIBUTED BY KANDY
You know you're a military spouse...if there has ever been a motorcycle in your dining room.
One thing I will never forget about living here is driving here. The first time a motorcycle zoomed past me while I was in a line of traffic, I screamed a not-so-G-rated version of "Oh my, did you see that silly...
What exactly is “Space A” travel and how does one do it?
To some, traveling Space Available (commonly known as Space A) is intimidating. Whether it’s the rules involved or the uncertainty of traveling without a pre-paid plane ticket, many are missing out on this terrific travel opportunity. Don’t let terms like “AMC” and “EML” scare you! Especially from Okinawa,...
CONTRIBUTED BY KELLYERACE
Last week I went to JiJi Cafe over near Awase golf course. But it was hard, 'cause I'm on Weight Watchers now, so I couldn't eat everything I wanted. I didn't even have desert -- unusual for me. On the plus side, I've lost ten pounds in a month.
Luckily, there are no restrictions on coffee on Weight...