Dwele in Okinawa

For those of you who know me, know how much a sista loves Dwele! I discovered his music some years ago. I can't remember who introduced me to him but whoever did, I am forever grateful. I love the neo-soul genre. I guess when this type of music started to blow up, I embraced it from the get go. My favorites include Jill Scott, Musiq and India Irie to name a few.


Some of my friends try to say I'm a Dwele stalker or groupie but I can't seem to convince them that it is strictly about his music. I love the lyrics and his band. The music slams! I love the groove of the beats, the horns, the bumping base. I also love how his music tells a story. It makes you feel as if you know him, apart of what is going on.

I first experienced his live concert about a year or two ago. I had the pleasure of enjoying that experience with some of my girls in Cleveland. We had a blast. After the concert, we were able to meet Dwele and take pictures. I still have that picture on my now defunct camera phone. He really knows how to put on a show. Very interactive with his audience, taking his pictures during the concert with the camera phones brought by his fans.


I had no idea that Dwele was coming to Okinawa. He was in Cleveland a week or two before he arrived here and I was dissappointed that I would not be there to see him. This is how things are just meant to be. Someone offered me a paper that I never read. At first I declined it and then quickly changed my mind. Usually I get papers and never get around to reading them. This time, I sat down late one night and opened it up and saw Dwele's picture. I was just thinking maybe it was an article reviewing his album. To my surprise, it was an article promoting his concert here. I screamed and shouted that Dwele was coming to Okinawa to see me. :-) What fate. I could not believe it.

My experience at the concert here in Okinawa by far surpassed any concert experience that I have had. I think it would not have happened in the States. Performers engage a bit differently when they come overseas and perform for military personnel. They have such an utmost respect and appreciation for the audience that they really seem to get more up close and personal. You don't have to know someone to get special treatment (backstage pass).


I peeped Dwele checking out the group Club Nouveau perform. They were his opening act. One of his group members gave me a wave and I went to ask him if he could get Dwele to come out and say hi. Well to my pleasure, he did so and that put a huge smile on my face and I greeted him with a big hug and told him how much I appreciated him coming to Japan and that I loved his music. He was so grateful and humble. Real cool brother. During the concert, he came down and sang to me, you know I was on cloud nine. He moved on and sang to others. He then asked security to take down the barricades so he could get closer to the audience. As soon as they did, I was the first to join him on the dance floor while he performed. Never would have happened in Cleveland. After the concert, we went backstage to say hello again, take more pictures and sign cd's that were purchased.


Now for those of you who have accused me of being a groupie or stalker (I know, all in fun), just to prove that I am not, I was given an invitation from one of his backup singers to hang. It was a Sunday night and work awaited me the next day so I had to decline. Someone asked me if Dwele would have invited me, would I have gone. The answer would have been, "where are we going". :-) I would have loved the opportunity to ask him questions about his music, the lyrics and his history of how he got started. Perhaps that could have happened if I accepted the invitation but that I will never know.


Here is just a small sample (check out the link below) of my experience with Dwele. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I'm still telling my Dwele story and every time I do, it is like it happened just yesterday.


http://animoto.com/play/Lb1UbC88t64cxjXujPeR6A?utm_source=project_complete_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=project_complete_email&utm_content=challenger

Japanese Cars

Before I begin to speak about the cars of Japan, I must say couple of more things about driving in Japan. One thing that I learned regarding driving on the left side of the road. When the U.S. took possession of the country years ago, they decided to change what was already in place, driving on the left side. We are the ones who changed it to the right. When Japan regained their independence, it went back to the old way of driving. I'm sure this was quite a transition both times. I know it will be for me when I return to the states.

Just a couple of other observations that I forgot to mention. If you are a new driver or an elderly driver, there are stickers that you can put on your car to signify this. I initially thought about getting one, as my excuse when I drove down the wrong side of the street. Other drivers would understand if they saw my sticker. The sticker alerts other drivers, especially when these new and elderly drivers do something wrong on the road.

When I received my license, I simply took a written exam after sitting through a 45 minute or so video administered by the military. There was no driving exam, which I was surprised. Many of the street signs a familiar or obvious while others are not. All in all, I manage but when there are signs in Japanese, it's over. I have gotten so lost because the signage here is not very good. Seldom will you see a street sign. You have to give people directions by landmarks so it is important to observe everything when you are driving. That has been a challenge for me but I'm getting used to it.

The traffic lights. It seems to take forever for them to change. During that time, I just read my emails. By the way, it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving but you can use hands free phones or earphones. I never see this! Folks are always talking on the phone while driving.

When you are in a turn lane, unlike the U.S., you get the arrow after the green light. There are some lights like that in the U.S. but not many. We usually get the green turn arrow first and then the other traffic is allowed to proceed. When the light turns red, one common thing that drivers do here, they keep going. It is called the three car rule. After the light turns red, three cars might continue through the light. If you are on the other side with the green light and you proceed and get hit by one of the three cars, you are just as liable as the other cars. Go figure. It is not legal though to go through the light as they do but it is a common occurrence. Probably because when you get the red light, you are going to be there forever.

Now to the cars. Before I arrived, someone commented to me that Japan has been holding out on us with the cars. That was said to mean that the cars here are far better than ours, with regards to style. I'll let you be the judge on that. Personally, I don't agree. Many of the cars I would describe as "cartoonish". Reminds me of something the Flintstones would drive. Some are really cute but they wouldn't fly in the U.S. One car that many of you may know is the Toyota Prius. A lot of cars are similar to that. I don't know how many folks in the U.S. appreciate that car. One thing I can say, for those cars that look small on the outside, they are quite spacious on the inside. My friend Ian has a Prius and inside, it is as big as a Camry.


It is all about fuel efficiency here and we can stand to follow Japan's suit. They even have 3 cylinder engine cars. You can identify them by the yellow color license plate. These cars are really efficient and you are rewarded when you have one. You don't pay as much when you get your car renewed each year. They have a maximum speed limit. You would think you would only see small cars with the 3 cylinder engine but you see larger ones too. You can almost bet if you get behind one, they will go slow, most of these drivers for the most part anyway. I actually just read an article about the new president of Toyota apologizing about the direction that Toyota has taken (making big suvs and pickups, probably to please the U.S. buyers). Toyota wants to get back to the basics.

You do see some cars that you may recognize in the states. The strange thing is that they have different names and see different versions with slight changes of the same car we might call the Camry. Maybe it is a different year. I notice with the Toyota's, you don't know that they are a Toyota until you see the emblem on the back of the car because it has a different emblem on the front. Haven't quite figured that out. Also, many of the cars that would be known as a Lexus, Infiniti or Acura model, are actually Toyota, Nissan, Honda models. They seem to change the model to the more expensive car in the states. I think they are beating us out on this. I've seen a lot of Toyotas that I know good and well that it is a Lexus. I wonder what the cost here is.

My car that I have now, (the 2nd car), is quite spacious. It is a Toyota Funcargo. You can never go wrong with a Toyota, this is my 4th one. It reminds me of a mini van on the inside but when I drive it, I feel as if I'm driving a small suv. I can't begin to describe it. It would not fly in the U.S. I decided to purchase it because it had good leg room for me. That was one problem with my little Nissan March convertible that I had when I first arrived. I turned the car back in not only because of engine issues, but it was too small for my legs and no trunk space.

Eventhough I'm not in love with my Toyota Funcargo, it serves its purpose. Folks who know me, know I love cars so this is quite a stretch for me to drive something I'm not in love with. It is not a "me" car by any stretch of the imagination. Someone said to me that no one here, Americans at least are driving "me" cars. Because so many folks are here for a short time, maximum is usually 4 years, they don't want to invest in a car and have to hock it when they leave. This Funcargo was actually less than the March so I'm pleased with that. I came to my senses to make sure that I would have little to pay on the car. After my down payment, I owe $800 opposed to the $1200 that I would have owed if I kept the March. I can pay off $800 in no time. I just stay focused on the goal, save, save, save and when I return to the states, I can get what I really want.

The shapes and colors of the cars are sometimes interesting and some crazy. I would venture to say fun too. You will never see these shapes or colors in the U.S. The Japanese people like things fun and cartoonish so the colors are represent that. Take a look and judge for yourself.

Follow up answers to blog followers

Hey all,

I just want to thank you all for following me on my blog. I look forward to the comments you all make. It really makes my day. Please register as a follower so I can see who actually reads the blog. I'm curious about the following I have.

Thank you so much to all of those who continue to pray for me. Keep them coming because I know I have some challenges ahead of me. (work related but I'll blog about that later) Belvia, I know you can relate. All I can say, professors, professors, professors. I'll leave it at that for now. :-)

Some of you have asked questions and I'm not sure how to respond to I decided to do a quick blog on some of your questions. If anyone knows how to respond to readers/followers, please let me know.

To Belinda: I'm not sure how long I will be here. I first thought, at least 2 years. You can't really accomplish anything on a job a year or less. I don't think this will be my final home place. Many folks come here and love it and stay. I think a lot of folks do because they can totally reinvent themselves. You can do so much hear personally and professionally that perhaps the U.S. doesn't allow. I have another theory about this but I won't go there right now. :-) As I said when I found out that I was leaving for Japan, I would find out if it is true that there is no place like U.S. I think it is true for me. I can't imagine not returning home. I really miss the U.S. Not painstakingly though. I'm doing fine living in Japan. I'm enjoying the experience.

To Kathryn: I'm looking forward to your amazing news to come. Please make sure you share it with me when the time comes!

To Kay: Thanks for discovering my blog. I think you are the first person that is following that I don't know. To answer your questions, I feel pretty good about the change and transition. I'm feeling more at home now that I'm settled in my new home. I'm not homesick yet but I suspect that will come, especially with the holidays coming. I do miss having friends to do things with.

The food is very good. I love Asian food, my favorite. The different types of Japanese dishes are not what I have had in the states. I've done some experimenting at some local Japanese local stores and it is hit or miss if I like what I've chosen once I've opened the packages. You just don't know what you are buying because it is in Japanese, which I don't speak. I need to get on that! I have some books and perhaps will get in a class.

As far as church is concerned, there are several Christian churches, off base and on base. I have visited 3 different ones so far. I know that God will lead me to the right church. Not sure when that day will come but in the meantime, I will continue to worship in the various churches available.

I can't really tell you how to do something like this in London. I would say begin researching on line and see what jobs are available overseas. There is a school system here (Dodds) Department of Defense affiliated where a lot of people come over here to teach or are administrators. I was blessed because I had an inside contact that forwarded my resume on. It was all about the network for me.

Please look forward to upcoming blogs. I hope that you all continue to enjoy my experience as I am!

Driving in Japan

Many of us in the US make comments about how certain ethnic groups drive. We may not want to admit it but you know we do. Well, now that I live in Japan, I now see where it comes from. Whatever we may think, times that by 10 here.

I must say I would consider myself to be a defensive driver and in some parts of the U.S., you need to be. I'm somewhat of a speed demon, put the medal to the petal sort of driver. Japan is putting a stop, well somewhat, to all of that.

Let's first start with the speed limits. Most streets, you have to drive 30-40 kilometers. That's 18-25 mph. That's how fast I can drive down Noble Rd. without getting caught by the speed camera. You know many folks have been caught by the trap, me included, 4 times at $90 a ticket. The maximum speed limit on the larger busy streets are 50-60 kilometers. That is 31-37 mph. In Cleveland, to stay on the safe side, I would drive 40 mph safely without getting stopped. Now on the highways, the speed limit is 80 kilometers. That is about 50 mph. You know I'm having a hard time! Many drivers stick to the speed limit and some drive below that. The audacity! There never really ever seems to be any urgency about getting to work or wherever drivers are going to.

Moving on to the narrow streets. Not sure if they were created so narrow because most of the cars are so small. Regardless of the size of the road, I always seem to be hugging the curb because the drivers coming in my direction on the 2 lane roads tend to lean so close to the middle line that they always seem to be awfully close to clipping me or causing a head on collision. Another thing about the narrow streets, cars still park on these streets which force drivers to go around and end up in the oncoming traffic's lane. In the states, you have to give the ride away to the car who has no car to go around. That rule doesn't apply here it seems. Drivers don't try to squeak by, they outright come into your lane, really potentially causing a head on collision. The buses are known to do that so you just better get out of the way.

There are a lot of motor scooters in Japan. It was at first rare to see. The scooters rule here. If you see a brotha in Cleveland on a scooter, I think he will be laughed at. Not in Japan. My thoughts though about the scooters driven by the guys, they would really rather have a motorcycle (scooters I'm sure are less expensive) because they drive like they are on one. They zoom in and out of traffic and when I say they zoom in and out, I mean they cut you off, sneak up on you from behind, drive between you and the car next you, creating a 3rd lane. At first it was scary because if you are not careful, you could really cut them off and send them flying. They come out of no where so you don't know they are there until it is too late. Now everything they do is illegal but they don't seem to care. I don't think the police have time to try and catch them because it is such the norm. You so have some scooters who drive as if they are sightseeing. They drive slow and hold up traffic. Some cars pass them while in the scooter driver's lane opposed to getting in the other lane to go around. Crazy! Two things I do like about the scooters. Because the traffic is so bad here, you can get to your destination pretty quickly by cutting through backed up traffic. The other, seeing women drive them. They look large and in charge! For these reasons, I think I would like to get me one.

Now as some of you may know, driving in Japan can be a challenge for some, including myself. I had to get used to driving on the left side of the road and the steering wheel being on the right side of the car. I still find myself going to the left side to enter the car and as some of you know, I did make the mistake of driving down the wrong side of the street a couple of weeks ago. It happens to the best of us. I actually almost did it again today, this time off of base. I have to pay closer attention before I pull out into traffic. Inside the car, the turn signal is on the right of the steering wheel and the wiper on the left so I often reach for the wiper when I want to use the turn signal. My car that I have now, my second one since being here in Japan, has the stick shift next to the wiper, meaning old school stick shifts. In the states, it is between the 2 seats. Not sure why they are still making it like this. I'm having to get used to this.

All in all, Japan is turning me into a gentler driver. No road rage here. When a red light turns green and you don't go, no one will honk at you. They just sit patiently until you stop texting, dialing a number, putting on makeup, or whatever you are doing. If you need to enter the street and the traffic is heavy, they politely let you enter. None of that, "I'm not letting them in." They will even stop and hold up the moving traffic to let you in. I do love that about Japanese/Okinawan drivers, they are so polite and cordial. A lesson to be learned by all.