Can you spell culture shock?
Where am I and where do I belong?

I found the answer today on my third leg of my travel from Okinawa to Dallas. Her name is Lisa and her question was; "So, you are adventurous?"

Yeah, totally! She came from Australia, via London, business trip. She got a taste of the "living or being outside the US" thing.

After my Okinawa to Narita flight and then from Tokyo to LAX, with a three hour layover I was exhausted. I tried to sleep. I swear I did.But every time I would actually fall asleep, there is another "ding" of the captain announcing turbulence. Great, like I haven't enough of that yet.

What else to do then to look up and to your left or right. Lisa is one of those amazing people you wish you would have more time to get to know. The three hours flew by. We talked kids mainly, a little husbands...be afraid husbands:)

But, some deep conversation in the middle. Make your home where ever you happen to live. Be excited to live in a "different" country. Be adventurous and make the best of it. She would love to, but we have all the opportunity.

I give her my card and hope she stays in touch. You never know...networking is everything and dinner with her and her husband wouldn't be all bad either.

My point? A stranger made a bad experience a good one. Hopefully I made her experience a good one too.

So, here I am. In the States, behind time. Ready to rediscover this land of ours....oh well, almost my homeland.

What to do? I am in total overload. All those stores that are familiar and seem to draw you in.

This author decides she needs some sleep. Very much so since it has been over 30 some hours since she had any kind of decent sleep.

Should we talk about sleep some more?

Again, a bad trip but nice people. I enjoyed myself.

Anybody needs anything? I'll be here another 10 days.

Daniela

Guys,

this evening is nice! It's raining and anybody who know me, knows I love the rain. Living in the desert does that to you somehow.

I am leaving for the States this weekend. Carl has been busy with his work and the blog is suffering. I know, I am sorry, I can't help it. We both have full time jobs and they come first.

Anybody wants something from the States; e-mail me and let me know.

As soon as we have the time to do something cool it will show up on here.

So far we are looking at Bangkok at x-mas time.

Daniela

Be forwarned! It seems to be going around the island theses days and I caught it. I first started to feel bad last Thursday and I am still under the weather. The most annoying thing are those hotflashes and chills. Or maybe I am just having the real thing?

Too much to think about right now. I am out of commission for now. My advise, don't catch it!

My boss is a darling sweetheart. His visit felt more like a party, but don't tell him that:) I managed to solve my labor situation for now. 

The next thing is Dallas next month and a visit to my first born and absolute rebel, Julia:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=249357202

I used to be that sexy once upon a time. Isn't she gorgeous?

Carl has some more things to post and he will in time. I just noticed, I am again posting under Carl's picture. Well he is gorgeous too:)

Peace out for now!

Everything will slow down on here just a little bit. Work is catching up with me in a major way.

Everybody please continue to write and contribute. I should be back in a matter of weeks.

Carl has already scoped out a new beach we just have to "discover". It's on the East side of the island on one of the outer island connected by bridge. You need a 4x4 to get there. I can't wait to see what it looks like.

Just so you guys know I didn't fall off the face of the earth:)

Daniela

Every Wednesday from opening to closing Jusco's(American Village) have a 99 cent/yen special.  Fresh fruit and vegetables along with some delicious pastries are available.  Also around the store you will find yoghurts and other sweet delights to tempt you. Get there early to get the best pick.  I have found also they sell their watermelons cheaper than the commissary. I myself brought a very large one for less the $10.00.

Thanks Caroline

I always told my husband that I am cheap, but not easy when we first met.

This is still true in some ways; I love vintage clothing, don't wear make-up, consider a glass of wine on the beach the perfect date, but I also have a crazy side in me. When I use something a lot, it has to be the best I can afford.

So, last weekend after consulting Carl and my oldest daughter, Julia, on the issue I bought myself a 400,- yoga mat. Sounds crazy! I am insane! Yet, it makes so much sense; I do my yoga almost every day. This "mat" is actually a Chinese silk carpet. After we got home with the purchase I had to try it out and it's heaven. Pure luxury. This is for my b-day in 2 month.........but I just couldn't wait:)

Initially, I considered a zoom lense for our camera, but it would have been for us then. Not just for me, for my b-day.

Call me crazy, in my world this makes perfect sense. Spill your guts. I know I am not the only crazy one in the bunch.

This is the luxury object in my, oh my another luxury!!!!, very own, private, nobody allowed to enter, yoga room!!!!!

I love my life!

Well you guys,

my husband is pretty much busy all weekend with diving. It's alright, because I am working.

However the question is this; diving or snorkeling? I tried the 2 hour introduction at Overton Pool  and just didn't like it enough to committ to it.

I like the in and out in an instant of snorkeling.

Of course then you have Yonakuni and out of a sudden the picture looks a whole lot different. Still, I can't committ to diving. It's just too much effort for me.

Look forward to some great posts from Carl on diving. He loves it, and I know it's great for the right person:)

Who is the diver in your family?

Are there any "secret" snorkelers out there?

See our post in "Exciting Places" on the spot we discovered at Camp Zampa.

Daniela

Took a trip? Found something new? Took some beautiful pictures?

Write it up, download it, upload it, whatever you have to do, then: send it to me so I can post it!

daniela.welborn@gmail.com

As for myself, well, THIS is what I did over the weekend. And some yoga, not much cleaning, a little bit of work, except Saturday all day.

Carl had duty Sunday that kind of ruined it all.

Please check out the tabs on the top. My "Forest Adventure" post is on there.

I am trying to add posts as time goes on and I want your input. 

Done something new this weekend? Found something great? A new beach, restaurant, shop? Share with us.

I am also open to new categories.

Daniela

Welcome,

I have decided to put my writings that I used to do on Okinawa Hai in this forum instead.

There shouldn't be much conflict as I plan to concentrate on travel, both on and off island, some food, diving, and things of that nature.

Please join me.

If you found an amazing beach, write about it, let me know, and I will post it. Please include pictures and directions.

Be wild, be creative. 

Fuzzy hair and tattoos are optional. Attitude is mandatory!

Have fun

Daniela