Observations from Okinawa

[Timothy]

Greetings to you all! I've been here three days thus far, and decided I'd write in and give you a little look at what's going on. Warning: This may have absolutely nothing to do with a game. I know, it's hard.

Among the first things I noticed about the island is that it's hot. It's muggy. It's rainy. It kinda reminds me of Savannah, without the mint juleps (although I was able to procure sweet iced tea from the base food court. I suppose that's something.) It's actually green everywhere, as opposed to the sickly brown that seems to accentuate an Omaha spring.

Nature does give way to civilization, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the vehicles I see everywhere. They, like the Brits, drive in the wrong lane. However, they are considerate enough to put their street signs in English and in Japanese, though I'm sure that's a courtesy due to us having a base here.

I have been taught that nature has no regular shapes. Whenever you are looking to spot something that shouldn't be there, look for perfect angles, straight lines, boxes, etc. This describes in almost perfect detail the majority of the cars I've seen since I got here. They're stubby, boxy, and all around weird looking. Along with the steering wheel being on the passenger side. *sigh*

I've spent most of the time on base thus far, as I need to get familiar with those surroundings before I go exploring the island. I was duped into buying a new digital camera though, so pictures should be forthcoming. I'll give you an idea of some of the one's I'll be sending.

First, it took me coming here to actually add more color to my wardrobe. In honor of St. Patrick's Day (which is celebrated here too, thank the Americans again!), the squadron here had a bowling tournament. All they required for three games was $7 and the wearing of something green, which, being a poor example of an Irishman, I neglected to bring with me. As I wasn't about to wear my uniform to go bowling, I stopped in at the Base Exchange (BX) and bought this hideous lime green shirt. It's something I never would have thought to buy if I weren't in a pinch for something green (pun intended). Oddly enough, with the overwhelming majority of my clothes being black, it seems to work well despite itself. And it goes well with my suit, which is a prerequisite for most things I buy. Either way, shield your eyes, as you will be seeing it soon enough.

Does that last paragraph make me sound gay? *sigh*

Secondly, you'll get some shots of the scenery, to include the ocean, which is within walking distance in a couple of directions. There's been talk of deep sea fishing, which is usually a good time. Provided I can see land. And drink. The latter more than the former.

A final note before I close this chapter would be about the food. I haven't had a good donut in years, but go figure, there's a Dunkin' Donuts on base. How fucked up is it that I had to go to Japan to get a Boston Creme and sweet tea (not at the same time...that's just gross)? And they have these cute little vending machines here that dispense Coke in what looks like those on the go Nestle Quick bottles, serves hot American coffee (in Japanese containers) and other unreadable delights for about 110 Yen apiece (which translates to a little less than a dollar today). I will say the service here is excellent, as it is a part of the culture here. The jury is still out on tipping customs though.

I have to cut this portion now, but I'll check in again in a few more days and let you all know how I'm doing.

Still in search of Dr. Tran,

Tim

[Timothy]

The next day:

St. Patrick's Day in Okinawa. Not very meaningful you would think, save for the Irish among us who are stationed/TDY here. Oddly enough though, it would figure I'd have to come to Japan to get a St. Patrick's Day parade (some pictures included later).

See, turns out that downtown there's these two Irish pubs, one of them owned by a real (and very angry) Irishman. He organized the first ever St. Patty's day parade in Okinawa. Yesterday. So that was cool.

The funniest part of it was to see all these short Japanese people wearing green and waving purple (yes, purple) flags that said "Ireland" on them. I don't get the coloration, but it was cute none-the-less. It was a good time, aside from the fact that a Guinness cost me 800 yen (or about $8). And I had to walk everywhere. At least it's a walk friendly place. Sort of.

Now in truth, I had no idea that St. Patrick had rid Okinawa of snakes, and thus I had no idea that there was to be a parade. I just kinda stumbled on it. Luck of the Irish type thing, I suppose. That being so, prior to the festivities I had been walking around an obviously tourist/shopping area just outside of base. Considering most shops took dollars and yen, I was on my guard a little bit. Constantly aware of my surroundings, I looked over and what did I see but a group of Japanese Schoolgirls!!! I took a look and there they were in all their stereotypical glory. The blue jackets over white shirts, the ties, the skirts. It was like something out of an anime! Save for one small detail. Japanese Schoolgirls are not NEARLY as cute as they are made out to be on TV. Period. Most of them, aside from them being too young for anyone to think about without having to go to confession, were just not that pretty. It was like having a dream crushed out of me, completely. Then I remembered I could just buy the clothes and have a Japanese Schoolgirl of my own at home. Do I look good in blue?

All of that aside, I hope to get out a little more and see some of the prettier, more traditional parts of Okinawa. I still haven't got to have sushi, as I can't find a place that is definitely sushi (I have my suspicions, but I still can't will myself to read Kanji...*sigh*) So dinner last night was Subway. I had to go to Japan to get Subway!?!? At least they still use the stamp cards.

With that, I'll end this chapter. Until later...

Schoolgirl Count: 20
Geisha: 0
Ninjas: I know there's one following me, but I haven't seen him quite yet - 0

[Scott]

Thanks for the updates, Tim. ;D I would LOVE to visit Japan one of these days. Look foward to seeing those pictures. Stay safe, bro, and keep in touch.

[Luke]

I've always wanted to try sushi from a real Japanese restaurant.
If I was there I can guarantee it wouldn't be donuts and Subway.

[Timothy]

Wednesday, March 21:

So I figured that with it being such an interesting island, surely there was more to see than the touristy area and the base. It seems by an odd coincidence that I am correct, but it is a relatively big island...especially when you don't have a car. Or a license.

The second part of that I decided to rectify, and within the space of about an hour I got a license to drive in Japan! It was retardedly easy, which explains why we get in so much trouble over here. A few interesting notes about driving in Japan.

1. It's always half your fault, at first. Not only that, but there are certain situations were the other guy broke the law, and you are still held liable. For instance, the three car rule. This rule says that despite the fact that there is a red light, you should wait as up to three cars will just run the red light without regard for the fact that they have to stop. It's still illegal, but they do it anyway, and if you hit one, it's your fault for not making sure the intersection is clear. They also have these stickers that indicate very inexperienced drivers and very old drivers (70+). If you hit one of them, you are automatically more at fault than they. Good thing the traffic signs are either in English or self explanatory.

2. Motorcycles are insane here. They will zip anywhere they can without a thought for if it's safe to do so. Of course, if you hit them, it's mostly your fault too.

3. Drifting. Not only illegal to do, but illegal even to watch. Even if they've set up specific tracks for it. There's just something that seems wrong about that.

Anyway, I can now drive and leave the base to see some of the more beautiful aspects of the island. If only I had a car...

While lamenting this predicament, I went back to my room to do about the only thing I can do besides walking my feet off and giving money to the locals. I watched TV. For the most part it's entertaining, even though I don't understand what they are saying. I find sumo wrestling every day at about 5pm. That lasts until I've had enough of the big sweaty guys tossing each other around like rag dolls and I change the channel.

When I was 5, I saw the image of Hello Kitty for the first time. I remember wondering what the hell is a Hello Kitty? Are we saying hello to the Kitty? What is that thing and where did it come from? I knew I'd never seen a TV show or commercial about it (and despite my parents being poor, I thought I'd have seen it somewhere), so I dismissed it as some crazy girl thing. I pretty much left it at that for the next 20 some-odd years.

So as I was switching off sumo one day (see, the thought does connect), I saw a game show, that I had no understanding of whatsoever, but that had a person dressed up in a Hello Kitty costume! Finally I had confirmation of where it came from (sort of), and continued watching. Then, came the funniest part about it, and the proof that Hello Kitty is bent on world domination. There, in the middle of the screen stood the Kitty, and in the background, the only thing I understood, was the Imperial March playing as Hello Kitty walked.

At last, my failure is complete.

Seeing as how I'd rather not spend this weekend thinking about a Kitty that can close my throat with a thought, I'm hoping to finally get some golf in, maybe some deep sea fishing, or I might just go down to the beach and lament my hatred of getting in the ocean. I'll get some pics to show you guys when I get back. I may even find a dead jellyfish...or something.

Rapidly developing Anti-Kitty technology before the final showdown,

Tim

[Scott]

That's it!! Hello Kitty controls the Brood and VII!

[Aaron]

Days you worry me man. btu hey.. keep watching out for the ninaj.. hes around there somewhere