Three years ago we were newlyweds about to start on the adventure of a lifetime, moving to Japan! Everything was about to change. We were leaving everything we had ever known, our families, our friends, college and work (for me). We had 5 suitcases, 2 backpacks and thousands of miles in between us and our new home. This was it, we were on our own. Exciting, huh?
After 4 layovers we made it! We suffered from jetlag, started driving on the left side of the road, add another language to the mix and it was a crazy few weeks of adjusting. Believe it or not, Okinawa felt like home pretty instantly; mainly because it reminded us so much of Puerto Rico. After a few weeks one of G’s co-workers took us to the beach in Nago, our first adventure. The beach was absolutely breathtaking and since then we haven’t stopped exploring. The festivals, the food, the famous aquarium, the beaches, the falls, the flowers, the culture, and we still haven’t seen it all. This tiny island is jam packed with places to see and stuff to do.
I find myself reminiscing because if G hadn’t extended we would be leaving this month!! I mean…how has it already been three years?! Let me tell you, time has FLOWN by! I’m relieved that we get these extra years because there is still so much we want to do, on island and off.
During the next three years I hope to continue to share our island adventures with you all, as well as documenting them for future expats moving to Okinawa. Getting out and about is the best way to make the best of your time in Japan. A lot of people do not enjoy their time here, because they stay cooped up on base. So, i’m hoping this little space of mine will have a great archive of local adventures and travels for those wanting ideas on places to see, cafes to try, islands to visit and more.
Okinawa will forever have a special place in our hearts, because it is our first home. We feel extremely blessed to have had the chance to live here and to have three extra years to explore every nook and cranny of this island. Stay tuned for more!