HAPPY HOLIDAYS! It has been 4 months since I arrived in Okinawa and I must say, it has gotten better. It took a while for me to get used to the new surroundings and to get settled in but I knew once I found my place to live and make it home, things would fall together and they have.Many of you know that I really love to decorate. I looked forward to that when I came. Initially I decided not to do a lot of purchasing because I didn't want to worry about having to get rid of it when I return to the states. But if you know me, I couldn't rest on that. I needed to make my place feel like a home. I was able to do that because with the 500 lbs that I could ship here, I did manage to bring some personal items, pictures, masks, bedding, figurines, candles, throws, all things I used at home. Kim G. helped too by sending me some things after I arrived. That was greatly appreciated.
Typically, Japan style homes are very compact but what I'm finding is that they are building more apartments and houses to suit the needs of westerners. My place is pretty small but that was on purpose. I didn't want to have to furnish a big space. I knew I couldn't live in a big empty apartment so I went with small. The price made a difference too. I pay 1150 yen a month. In US dollar terms, that is over $1150 because the yen is stronger than the dollar. To break it down even further, their dollar equals our 87 cents. I have 2 bedrooms, 2 rooms that make up one bathroom. One room is like what we would consider a 1/2 bath, toilet and sink. The other room has a sink (with the washer and dryer), then you step into a standing shower room that also has a tub. The kitchen, dining and living room. The guest room is the next room that I will work on. I need to get that ready for all of the guests I expect to have. :-) Lastly, I do have a wrap around balcony, one that I can access from either my bedroom, living room and kitchen. Perhaps I'll bring that to life next summer.
I really love my little place since I have added my extra touches. I've included the before and after pictures to share my progress. The first photo is the view from my apartment. I live around at least 4 beaches. It is beautiful here and really beginning to feel like home. When I'm here and away from the outside, I can't tell where I am, in the US or Japan. Now that is home.
6 comments:
Hi T - your place looks very cool! Thanks for sharing your experience! Chat to you soon!
~Marianne
Very nice place there Tonya. So your style. I like all the nice touches like pictures and throws and what not.
Girl, your place looks fabulous! Like it should be featured in a magazine. In four months, you've done what I can't even do having lived in my home for 9 years-- really put up treatments that make it look more like a home. I am really going to have to look into some airfare and decide on a time to visit. When will you be back to the states and/or when would it be a good time for someone to come visit you?
Hi Tonya!
Nat just forwarded your blog address to me. Congrats on making such a big, exciting change by moving to Japan! Wow! Your blogs are fascinating & I can't wait to read more about your job, experiences, and adjustments. The U of MD is very lucky to have such a wonderful & competent person in you.
Happy Holidays to you!!!
Much love,
~Wendy (Waller) Shafenberg~
I see you took your great sense of style with you to Japan. Your place looks great.
BTW - I guess I'm gonna have to move so I can meet all the hot stars ;-)
Hi Tonya!!! It's true, you are in JAPAN!!! How awesome for you. I just read your blog about Dwele. Isn't that something how you met him up close and personal half-way around the world. These are signs you are in the right place. God is GREAT!!!!!
Take care,
STANCY
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