We are in Okinawa!
...we think?
Military Bases look very similar where ever in the world you are. So for the first two days, we didn't hear any Japanese spoken, and the only hint that we were indeed somewhere else was the heat, humidity, and palm trees and other tropical looking species of plants seen here and there. Kadena Air Force Base is a large base in Okinawa. To give an idea of what a "large" base means, Daniel will be one of 27 dentists working at the dental clinic here. 80,000 Americans reside on the Island of Okinawa, 25,000 of which are affilitated with Kadea Airforce Base.
So.
After a brief trip off-base for the first time yesterday, I still feel confused.. We were taken to the "Sea-Wall" a beautiful wall/sidewalk between the ocean and onshore development. Great views of the ocean, the island, and... Americans snorkeling and enjoying the beach.
Other first impressions from Lydia:
+ On route to Okinawa we stopped at two bases before getting to our destination. At each base, all the millitary people "in-charge" were kids! (It felt like..) Young 18 or 19 yr olds. I didn't expect to feel so much older than a lot of the military folks..
+ Purpose and a reason to be here are going to be key for adapting
+ Milk tastes reeeeally good
First impressions from Daniel:
+ Military base seems like any other I have been on
+ Seafood in the grocery store off-base looks fresher and cheaper than any I have ever
seen :)
+ I have yet to see one of the "large spiders" that everyone warned me about
+ People are extremely friendly and polite
