A Field Trip To Jogaku Elementary

Hi to all my family and friends back home and here on the island.  Today, I chaperoned my sons class to one of the local Okinawan elementary schools, Jogaku.   The school was about thirty minutes from the base and I think the kids really enjoyed their visit.  The local were very welcoming and provided us with lunch, we had curry with rice, it’s a favorite local dish.  We toured the school and played several games in the gym,  the kids got to interact with the Okinawan children and it was wonderful to see.

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These shoe cubbies were at the entrance into the school, shoes come off first thing.

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Their courtyard had a small garden and a chicken coop.

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A glimpse into their gym with all the kiddos.

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I hope you enjoyed the pictures and seeing a little of the island that we call home for the next few years.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Jessica

Out and About Okinawa

Hello friends and family, I hope you all are well.  It’s been a while since my last post, the kids have kept me busy this summer and away from the blog.  The kids started back to school this week and I must say I’m so glad to get back to our normal routine. Today’s post is from a little camping trip we took a few weeks ago to White Beach.  I wanted to capture some of the locals and the beautiful scenes along the way.  White Beach is on the east side of the island, about a thirty minute drive from our home.   It’s a great place to snorkel with the kids, they have campers and rooms available on base, we have really enjoyed visiting here over the summer and will definitely be back.

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IMG_5308Little cars and low power lines, common site when traveling the road.

IMG_5411Family tombs are found sprinkled all over the island.

IMG_4959Rice Fields

IMG_5303Okinawa’s version of a pick-up truck.

IMG_5321Little local walking to the market.

IMG_5405Sugar Cane Fields

IMG_5398A beautiful spot for the locals to fish.

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IMG_5341You don’t see many grassy lawns, most commonly, it’s potted plants on small balconies and along the sidewalks.

IMG_5344Locals tending to their small pieces of property.

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This little guy created the entrance to his property with cans, quite unique.

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IMG_5293A local walking his bull along the road, I guess shoes are optional.  Bull fights are common in Okinawa, it’s  on our to-do list while stationed here, I’ll share pictures when we go.

IMG_5347Tiny grocery store, with parallel parking for two or three cars.  Most people walk to the markets.  Drink machines are on every corner.

IMG_5345Cigarette Machines

IMG_5458Drink machines serve hot and cold beverages.  Cole and I like to try the different types of coffee, prices are about the same as stateside, approximately one dollar.

IMG_5444Spam is a hot item in Okinawa.  You can find spam rolls and dishes made with spam in restaurants.

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IMG_5451Locals enjoying the beautiful day.

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IMG_5456Can’t stop without grabbing ice cream.  I had to lovingly force them to sit beside each other for this picture.

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We made it to our destination!  The water is always a comfortable temperature and crystal blue.  I love seeing the Navy ships come in, makes for an amazing sunset!

Thank-you for checking out this post, I hope you enjoyed a little taste of everyday Okinawa.

Take care and have a safe Labor Day Weekend!

Jessica