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CAMP FOSTER, Japan - How did I end up here? I begged and pleaded to anyone and everyone who had even the slightest bit of influence on my orders. I worked hard in MOS school and just prayed.
Four months after arriving at the schoolhouse, I was on a flight to Okinawa. I had packed up my life in three large suitcases, said my goodbyes, and was on my way. I was beyond excited for the adventures that came with living abroad.
I had never been to another country other than visiting family in Mexico and even then it was not anything too foreign because my family spoke English, as well as Spanish.
Flying into Okinawa, my stomach was full of butterflies and I was just anxious to get off the plane.
Camera in hand, I exited the plane and began making my way to baggage claim. I would say I made it about two minutes before it hit me that this was no longer America.
The terminal stores were stocked with products written in Japanese and sold by cashiers who knew no English. No signs were translated and I felt as if I was just walking in circles. Trying to ask for directions became a nightmare and just crossing customs felt like an accomplishment.
The airport had misplaced my luggage and trying to explain what it looked like seemed impossible. The bewildering looks I got from the airport staff who did not speak a lick of English made me nervous for the next two years.
I spent more than a week in Joint Reception Center spending all day in cammies in what felt like restriction. I wanted nothing more in life than to drop into my shop and begin working.
It wasn’t long before my wish came true and I was working long hours and weekends.
I felt the stress building up and it wasn’t just work.
At 22 years old, I was suddenly living in a place with more restrictions then I had ever experienced.
You want to go to the PX? You have to sign out. You want to go off base? You need a liberty buddy. You want to go anywhere? Hancho, the new Japanese word I learned for taxi.
Suddenly Okinawa seemed to be everything that I didn’t want.
I wanted to find some outlet for my stress away from the barracks and the constant environment of work. I figured I had to look beyond what was in front of me and find some adventure and relaxation.
Soon enough I began exploring Okinawa and found that it has the second largest aquarium in the world, zip lining, amazing scuba spots, shopping, an intense nightlife and of course Coco’s Curry House.
The first time I went shopping in Okinawa was an adventure.
I wasn’t concentrating so much on purchasing clothing and shoes but more over finding what unique things vendors had to offer. Japan is known for technology, anime and fashion which makes the variety of products that much more interesting.
The one thing about Okinawa that makes it most worthwhile is the people. The Marines I work with are some of the most amazing individuals I have ever met. They are supportive, crazy and everything else you’d want in your peers and good friends.
Suddenly Okinawa became tolerable and sometimes may I dare say fun.
I had to stop dwelling on the negatives of restrictions, work and drama. If I let the negatives control my life then I would miss out on the incredible opportunities that come with living in Japan. For most Marines, this may be the only time they ever leave the United States.
We are here for two short years. I feel as if I blinked and six months flew by.
Contrary to belief, you are not here forever. Enjoy Okinawa while you can because 20 years from now your kids could ask you what you did when you were younger and I guarantee you’ll want entertaining stories to tell them, and now I do.
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.08.2012 22:09 |
| Story ID: | 82170 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Okinawa: There’s more than Coco’s, by GySgt Courtney Glen White, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
