This is a continuation of my last post. Inevitably, there will probably be another. Three months is hard to encapsulate in two blog posts.
I quickly became accustomed to Okinawan life. I had a lot of questions about Okinawa and what the native culture was like. Luckily, my host family had a lot of answers. My host sister spoke very, very good English for a student who had never left the country. Her determination to learn English was really inspiring. She was really quite good at it, despite being entirely self taught. My host mother also was learning English. As an older Japanese woman, I assumed it was much harder, but she tried at every chance she could to try to improve her language skills. Anyways, my host sister was pretty much my means of communication throughout my stay, since most people in Okinawa did not know English whatsoever...
Slowly my host family brought me around Okinawa, showing me the sights and sounds that truly represented the tiny island. You know, apart from the whole military base and Americanism, there was in fact a lot to Okinawa. The beaches were sights to be truly admired. Imagine the clearest, bluest waters you've ever seen. And not disturbed by the bustling tourist industry. Well, I guess you don't really have to:
There were tons of private beaches like this one. They were quiet, serene, with only the occasional group of people relaxing along the water.
This was not the life or surroundings I expected to find in Japan. But this was indeed the life I had become enamored with.
Obviously, other than beaches and wonderful scenery, Okinawan culture was especially unique. Here are some snapshots that I took - so you can get a taste of what it is like....
Some images from a Taiko Drum show that I attended in Nago, a city in Okinawa about two hours from where I lived in Naha. Taiko drums aren't exclusive to Okinawa though.
Okinawa is somewhat famous for their glass blowing.
I went to a factory that made it:
Some more scenery for you:
How could you NOT love this place?
To be continued.... (Again.)
Come again!
Tiffany
P.s.
Just a note: I'm really into photography, so clearly this trip was realllllllly conducive to taking lots of pictures.
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