Chatan Americana Adventure
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Several friends and I went on an adventure to show me the American Village in Chatan. I haven’t gone even once. In fact, I active avoid Americans in Okinawa, since I came here to learn Japanese. However, April talked me into it, and I did want to go, so off the four of us went!
First we stopped for delectable Thai food and fabulous company, followed by a stroll and then a swim on the beach. It took me a solid 45 minutes of begging, but I finally dragged April in the water to play. We relegated Ryan to watching our stuff (Sorry Ry!), and April and our other friend, a fun Italian named Goya, and I played and splashed in the water. It was... magical.
After the beach, we wandered around the American village some more, and eventually made our way back to Naha to give back the rental car. We weren’t ready to part ways yet though, so instead of going home we went out to dinner.
I desperately wanted French toast, God knows why. We found a place that advertised what they thought was “French” toast. I’m not sure exactly what it was, but it involved toast and honey. It was appropriately named “honey toast.” Not quite what we wanted, but we enjoyed it anyway.
I’ve had many amazing experiences in Okinawa, but the above was easily my favorite in Okinawa. There was something about it... I was deeply moved by the quality time with special people, and ended up writing a poem about the day when I got home.
First we stopped for delectable Thai food and fabulous company, followed by a stroll and then a swim on the beach. It took me a solid 45 minutes of begging, but I finally dragged April in the water to play. We relegated Ryan to watching our stuff (Sorry Ry!), and April and our other friend, a fun Italian named Goya, and I played and splashed in the water. It was... magical.
After the beach, we wandered around the American village some more, and eventually made our way back to Naha to give back the rental car. We weren’t ready to part ways yet though, so instead of going home we went out to dinner.
I desperately wanted French toast, God knows why. We found a place that advertised what they thought was “French” toast. I’m not sure exactly what it was, but it involved toast and honey. It was appropriately named “honey toast.” Not quite what we wanted, but we enjoyed it anyway.
I’ve had many amazing experiences in Okinawa, but the above was easily my favorite in Okinawa. There was something about it... I was deeply moved by the quality time with special people, and ended up writing a poem about the day when I got home.
Together
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Today was the perfect day.
Was it because I went to an incredible party?
No.
Was it because I got some amazing news?
Nope.
Was it because I saw a fantastic new sight?
Wrong.
Was it because I won the lottery?
Wrong again.
Was it because I got to spend special time with loved ones?
Yes. Yes it was.
What did we do?
I have a hard time explaining it.
We didn’t really do anything.
We just spent time together.
Special time.
Together.
We laughed, played, ran, jumped, skipped, talked and ate.
And we loved.
We wandered, but were not lost.
Lost in the moment, perhaps.
Lost in compassion and caring, maybe.
Lost in enjoyment, definitely.
I chose to learn how to live.
I chose to do it in Okinawa for these 6 months.
I loved the aquarium, the ocean, the experiences.
I loved the trips, the freedom, the change.
But most of all, I love the people, my people.
They have learned to live their lives.
With me and I with them.
Together.
If I could be anywhere in the world right now.
Anywhere in the universe.
I would want to be here, today, now.
Thank you, Spirit, for this life.
Hit And Zoom
I got hit on my bike by an inattentive driver this week. He decided to blow through a stop sign without bothering to look to the left, and ran into my front wheel. He then proceeded to treat me like an imbecile, and as if the accident was my fault, even though I was screaming at him to stop the whole time and watching him not paying attention.
I was furious afterward, even though completely unhurt. The impact was so minimal that I didn’t even fall off my bike, but I felt enraged. Ironically, I had just written a post the day before on my blog at HealthyNP on how to deal with anger mindfully, so I decided to consciously follow my own advice and recognize, feel, express and then channel my anger.
The blog post applies to everyone, not just Nurse Practitioners. See How To Not Swear At The Small Stuff: 4 Steps To Anger Mindfulness for the original post, and read the post about the actual day here: How To Use Anger Mindfully: A Real Life Example.
I was furious afterward, even though completely unhurt. The impact was so minimal that I didn’t even fall off my bike, but I felt enraged. Ironically, I had just written a post the day before on my blog at HealthyNP on how to deal with anger mindfully, so I decided to consciously follow my own advice and recognize, feel, express and then channel my anger.
The blog post applies to everyone, not just Nurse Practitioners. See How To Not Swear At The Small Stuff: 4 Steps To Anger Mindfulness for the original post, and read the post about the actual day here: How To Use Anger Mindfully: A Real Life Example.
Zamami Island (座間味島)
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Since it is my last few weeks here, I am jamming as much adventure as possible, and this weekend I hopped on the Queen Zamami ferry with my Italian friend to see the touristy side of Okinawa’s smaller islands.
The ride out was kind of annoying. I got us lost three or four times trying to get to the port, since I had forgotten where it was, and then got confused when people kept giving us directions that didn’t make any sense to me. They were right, of course, and eventually we did get there, but we had missed the fast ferry already.
We had to take the veritable slow boat, which took twice as long and didn’t leave until another hour later. We did eventually make it, though, and thoroughly enjoyed the beaches. It only took me six months and my impending exit, but I finally went snorkeling on Okinawa! The fish and coral were incredible.
The ride out was kind of annoying. I got us lost three or four times trying to get to the port, since I had forgotten where it was, and then got confused when people kept giving us directions that didn’t make any sense to me. They were right, of course, and eventually we did get there, but we had missed the fast ferry already.
We had to take the veritable slow boat, which took twice as long and didn’t leave until another hour later. We did eventually make it, though, and thoroughly enjoyed the beaches. It only took me six months and my impending exit, but I finally went snorkeling on Okinawa! The fish and coral were incredible.
Ban Xeo
My roomie Nhu Y loves me. She made my absolute favorite vietnamese dish for me this weekend. Ban Xeo is an egg and bean sprout based deliciousness made from a special secret mix that I have no idea what’s in it. How’d you like the grammar in that last sentence? I definitely write like I’m speaking, instead of writing, yes? Oh well. Hopefully y’all love me for it.
Laughing Dolphin Sam (笑海豚沙夢)
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I walked into my usual coworking cafe to get some work done, but wasn’t in the mood to be productive. Thankfully, I met a laughing yoga instructor horse and a master chinese astrologer dolphin, and we created an amazing time together.
Taking a photo with a laughing yoga instructor was quite an experience. Instead of faking joy, you make it. Once you start laughing, the friend holding the camera just snaps away as you all laugh at how silly you are being. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I will be seeing this lovely dolphin and horse again soon!
Taking a photo with a laughing yoga instructor was quite an experience. Instead of faking joy, you make it. Once you start laughing, the friend holding the camera just snaps away as you all laugh at how silly you are being. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I will be seeing this lovely dolphin and horse again soon!
Indian Food Besties
I dragged Nhu Y, who has been my roommate my entire time in Okinawa, to sample my favorite Indian restaurant, and we had a lovely time. We loved the food, caused trouble with the ridiculously fun owner, and generally disported ourselves and enjoyed time together.
Belle Of The Ball
My roommie and friend Hong has recently been braiding my hair a couple days a week. She got bored one morning and just started working on my hair. I enjoyed it, and got about a dozen positive comments on it at school, and loved that, so I keep asking her to do it again.
I’m officially annoying Hong now, because of course I ask right before we need to leave for school and she doesn’t have time, and I make us both late.
Until next week!
Samantha
I’m officially annoying Hong now, because of course I ask right before we need to leave for school and she doesn’t have time, and I make us both late.
Until next week!
Samantha
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