December 30, 2007
We’re at www.okinawahai.com now. We’d love to see your smiling face. Come along.
October 31, 2007
What WAS all that fuss and silence about anyway?
GOSH.
Come find out, ya’ll. The party is over HERE now. This party is almost over but not quite over because all our stuff is still here. But we’ll be moving out soon so if you want to be with us then find us HERE. And we want you to join us. We’ve been waiting for you.
Really.
October 12, 2007
Quick. Grab some popcorn. Top off your drink. Make a dash for the bathroom. Because it’s intermission, friends.
A handful of us started this blog back in January. Ten months later it’s morphed into something bigger and better. There are more of us involved now and we have much more to offer you. We’ve re-organized ourselves allowing for more posts, more often on more topics that you’ll dig. You’re going to love it. More than you love your dog.
And I can’t wait to show you. But you’re going to have to wait until November 1st when we’ll unveil ourselves in our newest and finest glory.
Check back here on November 1st and I’ll walk you over to the new blog. Hand in hand.
Unfortunately, in the meantime, posting will cease here as of Monday, October 15th. I can’t turn off comments but all new comments after Monday will not appear on this blog. I will save them and transfer them to the new blog BUT I beg of you to hold your thoughts because transferring comments is about as fun as brushing a toddler’s teeth. It’s not that we don’t appreciate your thoughts. It’s that we REALLY do and want it all included in the new fan-dangled and bedazzled blog so, again begging, write your thoughts on a sticky and wait until November 1st to share your genius. You can still e-mail me at okinawa_hai@yahoo.com with all thoughts and questions.
I could so totally bore you with the details of why this has to happen but I’m tired and you’re tired and you don’t at all have to pretend to care.
So enjoy the hiatus.
See you on the flip side.
October 12, 2007
A New Gift Shop with Local Flavor
Posted by caredees under crafts, news & events, shopping, volunteer opportunitiesNo Comments
CONTRIBUTED BY CAROLINE
You know and love the military gift shops located on Lester, Foster and Kadena. Yes? For those of you who’ve not yet indulged, these are quaint little shops with fabulous finds from all over Asia and the profits go to a few educational scholarships as well as American and Japanese charities! Well, a new boutique is joining the ranks and it offers a unique twist. On November 8th, Torii station will unveil the Army On Okinawa Gift Shop and here’s the fun - the store’s merchandise will be the work of artisans from within our local military community.
This week begins the buzz of excitement as contracts are being signed w/ local vendors and consignments accepted, prices tagged - all the fun of something new. So, what about you? Are you a closet crafter waiting to be revealed? Are you an old pro looking for a new gig? Whether it’s for you or someone who’s work you admire, let’s spread the word to artists and shoppers alike.
For more information contact agarrett94@yahoo.com
Location:
The gift shop is located on Torii Station in building 243 directly behind the Education Center. Coming in the main gate of Torii you’re going to turn right as if you’re going to the shoppette. You will see the pool on your right and the shop is located just after the pool on the right.
October 12, 2007
How do the unattended spouses make room for family?
Posted by mereditz under questions one & allNo Comments
Do you know?
My husband is getting his orders soon and we already know that they will be to Torii Station. He has heard that he will most likely be deployed for 3 to 5 months at a time and I am a Flight Attendant in the States, with that I am going to stay in the States. I can get from 2 weeks to 2 months off at a time, so I am going to come out for visits when he isn’t deployed. I am planning on coming for a long visit in March and have an infant. I am wondering if there are extended stay hotels, or housing to rent by the month, or does anyone know someone who would let me rent out their house for a month to 2 months while I am there with my husband? Off post or on post, either or, I would like info if you know anything. Do you know of other families that are there part time, if so what do they do? This is all new to us, we have been in the States for the 2 years we have been married and it’s easy here but overseas will be hard.
October 11, 2007
Urasoe Dai Park 2, originally uploaded by juliamagnolia.
(Click on the photo above for more pictures.)
CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA
One of the things I love about Okinawa is the wonderful parks out here. With the weather on its way to cooling down I’m looking forward to rediscovering these treasures.
One of those treasures is Urasoe Dai Park. It’s a great park located between MCAS Futenma and Camp Kinser. There’s a large play structure suitable for older kids that has a few large slides and ladders to climb. It can be quite challenging for a younger child and if you have one that needs more supervision you are guaranteed a good workout climbing and chasing after your monkeys.
There is also an area for smaller children with a play structure, slides, teeter totters, and swings.
Directions from Camp Lester:
- Take a LEFT out of Lester’s Main Gate to head South on Hwy 58.
- Pass MCAS Futenma and McDonalds on your left side and make sure to stay in the left lane so that you DO NOT go over the overpass.
- Pass A& W Drive-Thru Restaurant and Mos Burger.
- Take a LEFT at the intersection of Arin Krin Garlic Restaurant (white building on your far left with garlic head people running around) and a McDonalds and Pachinko Parlor on your right.
- Pass a red and white Meiji sign on your right and then take a LEFT at the 2nd light. (You will see a tiled roof bus stop and a Coke sign on your right.)
- Take a RIGHT at the next corner and go under the overpass.
- There will be a parking lot on your right side and additional parking on your left.
October 8, 2007
Krishna Indian Restaurant, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.
(Click on the photo above for more pictures.)
CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA
It occurred to me today during lunch at Krishna that if I were on the Okinawan diet I would stop eating when I was just 80% full. The lure of more good food dashed that thought quickly though. Self-discipline was never one of my strong suits.
I wish I had known about Krishna earlier. My family and I have been here for about two years now and it was only a couple of months ago that we tried it with a friend for Sunday brunch. Since then we’ve been hooked and are constantly craving their food.
I usually get the Business Lunch set which runs about 1155 yen and includes a choice of curry or chicken tikka masala, naan or rice, tandoori chicken, salad, raita (yogurt salad), and a drink. You can choose from 5 different curry dishes including chicken curry, mutton curry, vegetable curry, and dal curry. My husband usually gets the regular lunch set for 893 yen which is basically the same except it doesn’t come with the tandoori chicken and raita. The food is delicious and we always leave more than satisfied.
Krishna is very kid-friendly with high chairs and kiddie bowls and utensils. They also have a kid’s set that includes some curry, dessert, a salad, and choice of naan or rice. My youngest one just chomped down his whole lunch today. I couldn’t believe it but he just loves their chicken curry.
You can request your food anywhere from mild to very hot so it’s a great place for everyone. I’ve never been there for dinner but they get a good crowd for lunch and are quite popular with locals as well as Americans.
HOURS:
Lunch 11:30 AM-3:00 PM (last order at 2:30 PM)
Dinner 6:00 PM-11:00 PM (last order at 10:00 PM)
Closed the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Call to double-check their hours for all other Tuesdays.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 098-931-0885
DIRECTIONS FROM CAMP FOSTER:
- Take a LEFT from the Foster Exchange Gate onto 330.
- Pass the intersection for Awase Golf Course at route 22 and look out for Plaza House Shopping Center on your RIGHT side.
- Krishna is located on the 3rd floor of the shopping center.
October 7, 2007
cowboy, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.
I’m shameless and also pretty much craft-less.
So when it comes to Halloween costumes I throw myself at the knees of my crafty mother-in-law. Or I hit up my cousin for costumes that live in bins with labels that match the contents of the bin. Last year thanks to everyone but me, the boys were a cow and a cowboy.
This year they will be a tortoise and a hare. Not my idea or my execution. 100% Gramma. I’d be in a jam if my family weren’t so clever.
Todd is kind of in a jam.
We have been on Okinawa for one Halloween and will be here for two more. One thing I notice is a lack of costumes for the kids. If you go to Kadena and Foster Exchanges you will find maybe four or five different costumes for kids. Most of these costumes are not acceptable for younger kids if you don’t want your children dressed horror show wannabes. Anyway, I am looking for something like a Star Wars Jedi Robe or other non-horror based costume. With a Jedi knight costume I really only need a brown robe with a white tunic. However, I would need someone to sew this up and don’t know where to go for something like that. Please comment about where good places to get costumes for children are or where to get things sewn up for a reasonable amount.
October 4, 2007
What’s your strategy for flying home on a shoe string?
Posted by mereditz under abroad, travel[2] Comments
Is that even the right expression? On a shoe string? Sounds silly, doesn’t it? What does that even mean?
On a dime. Cheaply. On the cheap. Dog cheap. Inexpensively. Penny wise. Frugal. You know what I mean.
Katie has a question for you.
My husband and I are trying to get home to the D.C. area for Christmas. I’m pregnant for the first time and we really want to see family/friends before we can’t travel again for a while! Of course, we’re also trying to save some moolah!! So, we’re wondering if it’s realistic to think I could MAC flight to/from DC, and only buy one round trip ticket for him (who has a more definite schedule).
Either way, where is the best place to buy tickets to and from the states? We’ve found what we think are some decent fares online and have been to Omega Travel on base (but it’s still pretty pricey). Are the airfares at travel agencies out in town better? Anyone familiar with the tricks of getting inexpensive airfare/travel to the states?? Would love any advice you all can provide!!
October 4, 2007
