Konichiwa! Okay, that’s just about all I know, but hopefully that all changes soon.
While living in Korea, I had a blog that my mummy loved (https://afrogirlinkorea.wordpress.com) so here we go again; Take 2. But this time in Japan!
I am “afro girl”, not just because I often rock a ‘fro, but because I am proudly from Africa. I traveled a lot with my parents when I was young, and now as fate would have it, I married a guy with whom I travel with even more! We go places without much of a plan, try new foods, explore, and meet people. We generally try not to take ourselves too seriously, have fun with each other, and our surroundings whether they are familiar or not.
There is a lot of information about Japan’s bigger cities, so this blog should be a lot of fun to do as I learn about our new countryside/beach-side town called Misawa.
Enjoy the pics below:
It appears to be an agricultural area.
Yes, there is a statue of liberty here! lol. We saw the sign and just had to make a U-turn to see what that was all about. Voila!
There are several cultural places around too. This was a Shinto shrine where we stopped on our orientation tour. I had to read up on Shinto vs. Buddhism as we entered the parking lot. I had no idea what that even was before we entered. Learn something new everyday!
Driving here is so pleasant. The open space after our urban life in Korea is very welcome.
But once in a while one needs some entertainment. There are many stores with manga/Japanese comics, Japanese anime, DVDs, games, you name it. This is a comic book fan’s paradise. I lose my hubby in here all the time. He takes off as soon as we enter!
Once he is hungry, he makes his way back….
And fish. I have since found out that it is eel. Still delicious though.
There are other fun foods to try. I thought this was a dessert, perhaps a dumpling covered in honey or brown sugar? Alas! It was a dumpling of sorts. rice cake to be exact. But covered in some teriyaki-like sauce. It wasn’t bad. I would have it again. Just not when I am in search of my sugar fix. Actually, if I find out where they sell them, I’ll take them home and dip them in honey myself!
Okay, enough about food (for now), back to nature. Misawa is VERY green. There are forests, grass, and well manicured bushes even on base. This lake (pic below) is partly on the air force base and is my absolute favorite thing about the base. Near this, there are trails, a small ski lodge, a golf course, and a beach…I just love it! My biggest fear about coming here was that I was going to be either cooped up in an apartment, or if I ventured outside, everyone would be bumping into one another every few minutes because we all lived on the same long paved street. But nope! It is very spread out and there are so many green areas that one can easily find a quiet stop for a walk. I like people, but I need my alone time.
Below are photos from around Misawa town :
There are some beautiful houses that seem to be a blend of western and traditional.
And there are apartments of course.
The nearest mall, Shimoda Mall, is about 15-20 minutes drive away. Right outside the base is this strip mall, of sorts. There is a resturant or two, a thrift store, an anime store of course, and a pre-school. I am sure I am missing something, but anyways, it’s a group of stores.
So, things are expensive. It isn’t an exaggeration when you read the usually nonsense MSN articles like ‘Most expensive places to live…’. Electronics aren’t a deal. Food isn’t either. Let’s not talk about fruit. A $15 watermelon?!!! At he farmer’s market no less! I may succumb to scurvy with these prices! Sheesh! Taxis are high as well. At least I’ll get exercise from walking more. Even festival foods are pricey. I think Korea spoiled us.
So shopping is on hold. Instead we drive around and see what’s to see. We bought a big car and boy, those polls look pretty darn close! We are getting used to the driving and little roads though.
Yes, more trees. It was so relaxing to walk on this street.
Well, that’s all folks! That’s a first peek at Misawa from my eyes. I can’t wait to start work, hubby to start work, see how our schedules are so we can plan and travel as much as we did in Korea. It is the countryside, which is different for me, but it looks like a beautiful region with much to see. I can’t wait!
Last but not least, presenting the highlight of our move here. Our puppy, Kichiro! He’s a shiba doggy! Japanese breed. Our first souvenir from Japan! Cute as pie, as energetic as a bunny on red bull, and the reason I now have to wake up at 8am in the morning. Love him to bits though! 🙂
afrogirlinjapan 