Last day in Okinawa! And I am going to be very sad to go. I’m finding that I may be falling in love with Japan. It wasn’t love at first sight, but this place is definitely growing on me – 90% because of the people. The people here are just amazing. They are so kind and helpful, polite and genuine. Everyone is so happy and it’s really contagious. It’s also one of the safest places I’ve ever been. I really feel like I could leave a baby in a stroller with $100 and my passport and no one would even think about taking it. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but… you get the picture – it’s safe.

Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining, it’s nearing 75 degrees and the island is bustling. We spent most of the day today down by the ocean, the East China Sea, rather, and it was quite serene. The sea is beautiful, incredibly clear and pretty calm. There were a dozen or so surfers, a half dozen divers and then a couple fisherman. We all sat on the seawall independently and for completely different purposes, but all reveling at the same amazing force of nature. Large bodies of water will never cease to amaze me.

Amanda and I went to the commissary to grab groceries and booze for our last night cook-in dinner. Alan decided to cook me a very traditional Japanese dinner: Dr. Pepper ribs, Caprese Salad and French Bread. Ok, so maybe it’s not traditional Japanese, but it was welcomed with open arms as this will likely be the last I see of American food for a while. I’m not usually a rib fan, but these things were AMAZING! The marinade was fantastic, they were sweet and a bit spicy and the meat fell off so easy. Coupled with an equally as incredible Lychee martini (much easier to find Lychee juice here than in the states) and I was in a food coma in no time.
I can’t believe my stay here in Okinawa is over, but I am so glad I took the time to come. Mandy and Alan have been the most AMAZING hosts and I’m so glad I got to spend time with them, and little Katie, before they move sometime later this year. I love you guys so much and can’t wait to visit you wherever you move next… even if it’s Enid :)

I’m all packed and ready for Tokyo in the morning. I have an early flight and a propensity towards lateness, so hopefully, I make everything alright.

XOXO