We've been on the island of Okinawa for less than 48 hours! Here's what we've learned so far...
·
Driving
o
Cars are compact and narrow
o
Max speed limit on the island is 37 mph (60 Kph)
o
Drive on the right side of a car, left side of
the road (Flipped from US driving)
o
most common mode of travel; Moped/scooters is second
most common
o
potentially dangerous accidents with scooters –
they drive in between cars and lanes
o
Traffic here is bad. Short distances, but heavy traffic
and slow speeds make it a hassle to commute around the island.
o
Japanese consider red light the “hurry up and
cross” light (1 to 5 cars cross on red!)
o
Traveling from one base to another can take up
to an hour!
·
Location
o
Okinawa is 2.5 hour flight from Tokyo
o
Located south of Japan; closer to Taiwan
o
Island is 67 miles long, and average of 7 miles
across
o
Shortest width is 1 mile, longest width is 17
miles
o
16 hours ahead of California time (PT), 13 hours
ahead of Florida time (ET)
·
Culture and Locals
o
While Okinawa is an island of Japan, Okinawa is
a VERY different, and laid back version of mainland Japan
o
Traditions, customs and lifestyle are not upheld
as strictly here as they are in Japan.
§
Yet true to their reputation, Japanese are respectful
and pleasant.
o
Locals of the island prefer the term Okinawan,
to distinguish from the Japanese.
§
Very welcoming and friendly to Americans. Most
can speak some English and make an effort to communicate in English.
·
Technology
o
Technology in Okinawa is behind (about 10 years
behind)
o
Internet speed is just OK; not as fast as in the
states, but fast enough for use of MagicJack, Skype, etc.
·
Military Life
o
Military in Okinawa is predominantly made up of
Marines
o
Approximately 10 Marine bases (camps), 1 Air
Force Base, and 2 Naval bases
§
Marine camps (combined) are named Camp Butler
§
Considered one of the best Marine duty stations
in the world
§
Base locations are scattered throughout the
island – 20 min to 1 hr away from one another
§
Well organized system for receiving new families
(mandatory orientation, excellent sponsor training, etc..)
o
Alcohol limit is .03; less than U.S limit;
equivalent to less than 1 drink
§
Alcohol is strictly enforced for military here –
·
only 2 drinks are allowed when off base
·
between the hours of 6-10pm,
·
with dinner,
·
at a dining/restaurant facility.
§
This ‘privilege’ was recently granted to military
after several months of NO alcohol allowed off base – for any military
regardless of rank.
§
DUI constitutes end of career, dismissal from
military or at the least, severe consequences to permanent military record
o
Legal
§
Americans must be very careful here with both
Japanese laws, and American Military laws on and off base. The danger of even a
fender bender can complicate things for an American. We must watch every move
we make!
o
Weather
§
Humid, sticky, but slightly breezy
§
The lowest/coldest temps here reach approx 79
degrees – warmer than the hottest temperatures in Port Hueneme!
§
Typhoons (another term for Hurricanes on side of
the world) are the natural disaster to lookout for– heavy winds and rains reach
50-130 miles per hour; currently typhoon season (May-Nov); no typhoons nearby
at the moment.
Trying to recover from some serious jet lag is still in progress for us. Living out of suitcases, and still looking for a car, house, etc. Then the REAL exploring can begin!
Well the speed limit should be somewhat familiar after driving in GTMO at 25mph :-) I love it. This is an awesome way for us to learn through your creative writing and sharing!!
ReplyDeleteyou lost me at 2 drinks when off base..... make the most of it and hope your experience there is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVincent, not to worry I will make up for all the drinking Henry can't do! haha
ReplyDeleteSo fun to read about your adventures in Japan. Thanks for sharing and taking us along with you as you explore and learn about your new "home". We love you and miss you dearly.
ReplyDelete