I was going to wait until after our long weekend to post some pictures and give an update, but I have a feeling this weekend will require about 4 blog posts to fit it all in!
I thought I would share exactly how I have been feeling since the day I got here. No filter, unless of course any swear words that may better describe the feelings.
When Tony picked me up from the airport, we took a different way home and went through downtown. First reaction? dirty. yuck. no thanks. As every city has it's own "rough" side to it, I felt like the whole downtown was this way. Luckily, I know that the island is incredibly safe - so that part I had no issue with. The further we got on the drive (keep in mind it was dark) the better I started to feel. When we got home, one of the first things I said to Tony is "what is that weird building in the front of our house???" IT'S UGLY and I hope it leaves. (it's someone's home by the way - so it isn't leaving anytime soon ;)
Now - that was the first 2-3 hours of my initial reaction to Okinawa and it was in the dark. Things have changed since then... "then" being only 5 days ago!
When I first saw the place in the daylight, I was a bit surprised that we actually did live in an "upscale" neighborhood. You wouldn't think so at a first glance, but here is why. The salt water has done a number on the exteriors of EVERY single building on Okinawa. No wonder it all looks run down! The typhoons are pretty fierce and there's no possible way to keep up with painting every building. I can appreciate that. Our neighborhood (Yomitan Village) is very nice after you begin to accept that fact. The houses are unique, most are taken care of, and the location is unbeatable.
We are exactly a 7minute walk to the East China Sea. Between our house and the water there is 1 row of houses and then fields. I love the fields. The farmers are always down there, with a small tractor or just on their hands and knees (I seriously don't know how they do it in this heat) and best of all, there is a quiet traveled road between the water and the fields for us to run on. It is perfect. Last night I went for the greatest run, ocean to the right, fields to the left, sunset above. I felt blessed.
Overall, I am very happy here. Like I said in the beginning of this post, once you can get over the look of the outside of the buildings... this place is a gem. The people are unbelievably friendly. For example, when you give a sales clerk your credit card so they can swipe, they return the credit card back to you with two hands, very delicately - and look you in the eyes and say "thank you"
Everything is like that.
One last thing I want to mention is how relaxed the island life really is. You always hear it...but now I know it. After 5 days of being here, I have felt the slow pace life and it's so refreshing. I can't imagine how I am going to feel after 3 years being here. Of course there will be times I am going to miss the downtown Mpls life, the bars, the shopping, etc. but this is good right now. Keeps me grounded.
Here are a few pictures from my run last night around our village. It will give you a better idea of what it's like. I am sure there will be more pictures to come! I didn't get a good shot of the fields, really - and it was getting dark so they didn't come out as well as I had hoped.
Not sure what they are planting here - but it was pretty to run next to and felt a bit like home :)
who they heck knows what this says - I'm guessing either a sign for a business or a random street sign at the corner by our house
from the end of this rock to our front door step: 7mn walk
one of the houses that had beautiful landscape. A block from our house on the next side street over
A hotel about 2 miles down from us. This is the entrance - to the hotel and to the water. Haven't been down there yet..but looked like a good spot to catch the sunset!
Vending machines are randomly placed on Okinawa. At least I won't ever go thirsty on a run! Just have to make sure to bring some money with me! There are a couple around that act as landmarks for me - so I know where to turn!
Who the heck knows. But this is the kind of stuff we see daily.
Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. You are there. You are living it. So much anticipation and wonder and it is just here now. Thank you so much for posting and showing us some pics. I am just captivated by it all. Know that we miss you and wish we could see you soon, but enjoy all that you have there! How absolutely special and unique. By the way, it is a million degrees here and humid. What is it like there? LOVE YOU!
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