So I'm going to Okinawa (oh right - I guess you know that by now)
However we're going to be in a new place where we don't speak the language, don't know the culture, and don't know that "bad" part of town.
We're also in a place with a high population of young Marines. Now - 99% of Marines are fine upstanding young men. That being said - violence against women is a reality.
I'll also be travelling as part of a group - which means sometimes you lower your awareness because of having a comfort zone of people around you.
I'll also be travelling with a group of martial artists. May god be with the fool who tries to hurt one of us in the presence of all of us - because the fool will soon be with god.
Finally - lots of places in Okinawa don't take credit cards - which means carrying much more cash than I'm used to. And petty theivery (like pickpocketing) is common at any tourist destination.
I've travelled in Asia quite a bit and my American Express card was taken just about everywhere. (other cards are also accepted, but AX is best to have)
I also highly recommend using traveller's checks. Accepted like cash everywhere on Okinawa. (Well, perhaps some bars may not take them)
Have a great trip Dana. Please give me best wishes to all.
I've not heard Okinawa was a bad place to visit and you look sensible,
but for any young adults prone to get into stuff, remind them to not party in a group where they are outnumbered, not to be alone with anyone they don't want to be intimate with, not to drink anything they didn't get from the waiter's hand, and to keep a coaster (and an eye) on their drink all the time - the buddy system works fine.
And no, if some thing goes wrong, martial arts won't enter the picture, unless you learned social skill in class.
Remember too that awareness is who you are, not what you do. To be truly aware, you must see the flowers at your feet too. If "being aware" means "looking at the world thru dung colored glasses" it ain't worth it.
GE, my employer of many years, had a plant in western VA that manufactured hi-end automation and drive systems for the domestic and international paper, metal rolling and material handling markets. Whenever prospective clients from Japan, China, Korea etc visited they liked to take them around to visit local mills to see how our products worked.
I had excellent relationships in the southeast mills, and also took the time to learn some conversational Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin). Whenever we had these visitors I became the go to guy to take them on trips to mills in the area. These were potential projects worths many $Millions so we needed to impress the visitors and also keep an ear to the ground.
What I learned was that the Asians in general were very impressed and honored by me making the effort to communicate in their language. It was basic conversation and salutaion and intro level but they loved it. And since they all spoke Engish anyway they would quickly shift to it. It also kept them honest as they did not know how well I actually understood their language so the side conversations were eliminated. Plus, on occasion, I would pick up a bit of important commercial or competitive info before they stopped the side bars.
I'm told that even the French will lighten up if you attempt to speak their language in their country, but that is only a rumor.
I picked up a lot by renting or buying language tapes and just listening to them while driving around. I was told by Nestor Folta that I was completely understandable and in fact sounded like a dictionary speaking, since I had little actual face to face practice.
So, get a CD and player for your plane ride, a small dictionary, and pick Peggy sensei's brain for some advice on communicating.
So, it will go like this when you meet Toyama sensei...
Konichiwa Toyama sensei. (good day) O sashi burie des. (Very formal greeting, slight bow - a less formal intro would be hajime mashtei, something to the effect of 'for the first time'.) Watashi wa Dana des. (I'm Dana) Washington DC gara des. (from Washington DC) Dozo yoroshko onaigashimas. (please look kindly upon me)
That should break the ice and create a smile wherever you go. I have not practiced much lately so the romanjin may be a little off but should work. I am told that Toyama sensei really does not understand much english, but that is not the case in the younger generation.
In a bar... Onaigashimas! Mo beeru ippon kudasai. (Hey bartender, one more beer please). Also, choto choto works... kind of like 'hey you'.
If you do not understand something say wakarimasen. Wakarimas means you do understand. To ask if they understand you say wakarimashta? If you are being asked a question they use deshta at the end... it is a spoken question mark.
Suki means you like something, karea dislike... important if looking at strange food.
Finally, this is Oki hogan (dialect) for 'no problem': mondai nai. They'll ask where you learned that.
Perhaps you knew all this but it was a good exercise for me!
Hey Rich - thanks for the tips on the Japanese. I've tried to learn a very little but your phrases will be very helpful.
I know Okinawa is mostly safe. Actually most anywhere is mostly safe. That's the concern - people letting their guards down just a little too early.
Believe me - I won't go looking for trouble. I'm going to with my eyes wide open, my cup as empty as I can get it, and welcoming whatever adventure comes my way.
It's going to hard to sit still on a plane for 20 some hours...I can barely sit still at work!
Hi Dana,
As I believe you will get the chance to be on a Marine Corps Base or two (Camp Courtney for one, right?) There are American banks there with ATMs where you can get cash, exchange YEN, and deal with traveler's checks. (In fact, at Courtney one of the banks (Nations Bank) dispenses YEN from the ATM, which is quite handy. Kadena Air Base has numerous banking opportunities as well.
As far as security is concerned, Oki is VERY safe for Americans. The problems arise from the typical scenerios, i.e., young Americans, beer, late late hours in local bars, etc. I doubt that your group will be frequenting the "Gate 2 Street" (outside Kadena) bars that appeal to the young servicemen.
I liked what Rich mentioned regarding attempting to use a bit of Japanese or Hogan. They will be impressed that you'll even attempt and it is a great ice breaker.
Regarding TOYAMA Sensei.. While he speaks very little English, he is VERY perceptive and will get a quick understanding of your spirit through your body language, tone, inflection, and facial expressions, and the questions you ask. Also, you'll have folks at Zakimi dojo who will interpret for you. (I know Gordi Sensei and his wife Sumako will be there, along with a handful of other Zakimi students who speak English. Sumako is a world class interpreter, so you'll be in good shape there.)
Like anywhere else, using good judgement and common sense makes all the difference in your experience. With the group of fine ladies that you are traveling with, you will have an incredible, safe, and fun experience.
Your trip will have a lasting impression on the Okinawan Masters whom you will meet and train with, as well as a lasting impression on all of you.
I look forward to hearing from you when you return, and hope that the visit to Zakimi will spark questions and comments.
I'm very much looking forward to the training with the MCMAP group. Especially after having followed Rich's spectacular achievements as he's risen through the program.
Yes we'll mostly be in groups - but as Ms. Rice said this morning in her testimony to the 9/11 comission - to be safe you must success 100% of the time, the bad guys only have to get it right once.
American cash is most useful in Okinawa. Most restaurants and many stores will list both yen and dollar prices. Only the largest department stores take credit cards and you'll probably be asked to fill out some kind of paperwork to complete your transaction. Remember to have your hotel address and/or passport info handy. You'll also need your hotel address for the "Disembarkation" paperwork you'll present as you enter Okinawa. I was held up because I didn't have the Okikukai headquarters address handy.
By far my largest expenditure was at the Shureido store which fortunately accepted my Visa. You should consider purchasing gis and kobudo equipment because Mr. Nakasone graciously and significantly discounted his prices for us. FYI, I also brought my current gi pants to the store and they tailored them on the spot in about 5 minutes.
The tourist shops in Shuri and Gate 2 Street definitely preferred US dollars. Traveler's checks proved to be inconvenient for the one guy in our group who brought them.
You don't need to bring all of your money with you at once. ATMs are prevalent to withdraw yen and the transaction fee was not unlike a regular non-network charge. You might want to double check your bank's fees before you go. You may also find it most convenient to use an ATM at a post office or department store like Hambi Town near the Headquarters rather than a exchange money at a bank.
As far as nightlife goes, I was surprised at how late everything got going. Many nightspots didn't really get going until around midnight. I was surprised to find that a flea market in Hambi didn't set up until after 9pm.
Thanks! Good tips that I'll share with other folks on the trip. Dan also shared with us his "Top 10" list of things to remember. Including the location of his favorite breakfast spot.
In particular - that info about having the hotel address is very key. We've got a pretty tight schedule to get our whole group off the plane, through customs, across Tokyo and checked into Haneda - it'll be a party!!!
I hope your enjoy your trip down to DC - sorry to be missing you. Once we get back I'll be sure to share pictures and stories.
Oddly enough,we Americans think that most places in Asia, except in major cities are backward, but in very remote places these days you can find people with computers, cell phones, and credit card facilities,etc. Visa and Mastercharge as well as Amex and possibly others are widespread. In fact, you may find people have laptops, better cars, and more cash than you! Anyway, be open to the food, culture, dances, music, and traditions if you can find them still where you go. But don't worry too much. They all know you're an American and this often excuses a lot of really bad behavior on your part,provided you don't actually insult anyone to the point of honor,etc. You are probably safer in Okinawa than on any street in the US and more so in the rural areas, which you can't always say the same for the US. A friend of mine,actually FMAM's webmaster, just got back from the Philippines and had a great time as did another friend and his wife from Mindanao there.They all hated to come back and I suspect you will feel the same way about Okinawa when you're leaving and when you get back no one will know what you are talking about or appreciate your experience and energy and exuberance! Believe me. Only those who know and have been there will understand. Have a great journey and if you so feel inclined submit a writeup and photos of it all to FMAM! Halford
