Okinawa - Goldfish to go

प्रकाशित: 07.05.2023

This kindness - once again 🙇‍♂️

It's Wednesday. Yesterday I was thinking about reducing the frequency of the blog. After getting up, a friend tells me in the group chat that I blog too often. There it is again, this island is different. If you have something to negotiate with the universe, then you are in the right place in Okinawa.

I set off again and pass by a garage exit. Quite confusing; I see that a car wants to pass by and stop for a moment. The driver notices that he wanted to "steal" my way and bows on the driver's seat with folded hands. This is really reserved only for the deepest apology. I am surprised. Just a quick stop at 7-11, and there I see him again - or still: the cheerful salesman from yesterday, as cheerful as yesterday.

Daily routine as usual: got a Bento box from the mall, visited a shrine, then chose a park to eat in peace.

Bustling festival 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Well, I'll strike out the "in peace" part when I arrive. Yes, I knew that today is Constitution Day. Thanks to Google Maps, I knew that today there would be "a little more than usual" in this park. But with a festival and children's voices, I didn't expect that.

Unexpected, but welcome. I think about it like this: What irony? Originally, I extended my stay on the island because of Golden Week. Originally, I wanted to experience the holidays and see how it manifests here in public. However, today on Constitution Day, I actually wanted to eat somewhere alone in peace in the greenery, and then just go to work. Instead, I stumble right into the epicenter. Wouldn't be the first time here. I accommodate myself to it and enjoy the atmosphere and the food.

I like that the traditions here are lived. But they also move with the times. Everywhere you see the Koinobori, the carp flags. The big, black carp is the father, the red carp represents the mother, and each blue carp represents a child, originally a son. With these flags, you wish the offspring the strength of the carp that has to swim against the current.

I have to smile for two reasons.
1. A Japanese person swimming against the current? Historically, that's a huge contrast, because in Asia you just don't swim against the current.
2. In Germany, it would probably have long been redefined as 'black = parent 1 or 2, red = birthing person, blue = semi-bisexual offspring'. Until another social justice warrior comes along, sees the colors as an attack, and it ends up being completely banned. In the name of diversity, of course.

Stay a little longer

On the way back, I start working at Starbucks. I recognize a young employee; dyed oak-hair in the typical bowl cut, probably in her early 20s. With Asian women, it's generally hard to determine their age, especially when they're wearing a mask. 😅
She also recognizes me, judging from the joy in her eyes. Also judging from the gesture that she shows me with a smile, 'Venti', my usual choice.
I randomly think of Nicole's statement, which now almost sounds like a last obituary in my head. 'Not that you stay there forever.' Naaaaa... But this country throws a lot at me. 😄

I briefly go to Aeon Food Market and get a bottle of water. This time, I decide to use the self-checkout. This is also a small experience when you do it for the first time in this country. Because instead of just beeping when you successfully scan, it sounds like you're shooting in Space Invaders or a similar video game. I would easily go on a shopping spree just because of the sound. Pew! Pew!