Interesting Tid-bits

I've been mentally accumulating a list of interesting tid-bits about life in Okinawa to share. So here are a few that come to mind:

1. The garbage truck plays ice-cream truck music. (This totally confuses the kids!)

2. It’s not acceptable to talk on a cell phone while driving. It is acceptable; however, to park your car right in the road to talk, making everyone drive around you.

3. Women here are either using a parasol or an umbrella—one or the other—at all times.

4. Children walk all over town, along busy highways, and through downtown intersections completely alone and unassisted. I’ve seen children that could not be more than 3 years old doing this! What’s most amazing is that they follow the traffic rules perfectly and even raise their hand as they cross the street to alert drivers.

5. Phone, power, water bills, etc. can all be paid at the corner convenience store. They will then turn your money and statement in to the appropriate company. What a convenience!

6. The McDonald’s here has a fabulous shrimp burger on its menu!

7. Announcements are played throughout towns and neighborhoods over loud speakers in morning and evening. They are helping everyone begin their day and also reminding them in the evening that the day is over and it’s time to go home.

8. Okinawan construction workers wear an interesting uniform. The pants look like a genie’s—long, loose, billowing and tucked into tall boots, which are also unique. The toes are divided into 2 sections—like a camel’s foot. I believe this is all for ease in climbing.

9. Most houses here have huge, open porches or patios and zero patio furniture. The porches are for hanging laundry and catching breezes, not lounging.

10. The bugs here are huge! The giant cicadas and dragonflies flying everywhere make us feel as if we’re living in prehistoric times. And the sound of the cicadas in the foliage is deafening.