Dear Henrietta,
My husband and I are Marines and have been stationed at Cherry Point for the past three years, and we got orders recently to go to Okinawa, Japan! Although we are looking forward to a new experience, we are also a bit nervous. Do you have any advice that could help?
Signed,
Trepidatious Traveler
Dear Trepidatious Traveler,
Nankurunaisa! This phrase in Okinawan means, “Don’t worry, it’ll be ok.”
It’s normal to feel fearful during this kind of overseas transition. Entering into a new culture can be daunting. It’s time to plan, pack and find others that have been on this journey before you for some good advice. Like me!
I lived in Japan for a few years and it was the best experience ever. Okinawans are welcoming, patient, and playful people. Put forth a little bit of effort and you will be rewarded with their generosity and affection.
Here’s my best advice:
• Learn basic Japanese. Buy a simple app on your phone. The culture is extremely polite, and you need to know some basics before you arrive.
• Immerse yourself in the culture. Eat the fish, dance to the drums, climb up the ruins and watch the sunsets.
• Enjoy the outdoors. Okinawa is a tropical paradise and the ocean reefs are amazing.
• Be observant—and quiet. Step back and watch how the culture operates before you engage.
• Explore Asia. Flights to mainland Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand are an easy hop!
I hope this helps and remember: less is more. Pack light, stay open-minded and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Kanpai! (Cheers!)
Love,
Henrietta
Henrietta Craven was born and raised in New Bern and enjoys gardening, hunting bears and improvisational dance. She is a self-proclaimed expert on a wide variety of subjects including (but not limited to) fashion, mixology, and cooking. Henrietta resides in a lovely Victorian home in downtown New Bern with her five cats: Graffenreid, Bethune, Devereux, Stanton and Carraway.