It’s only my third time in Okinawa, but every time I visit, I learn a bit more about Okinawan culture. Each time, I marvel at their resourcefulness and the many ways they live fully and healthily yet frugally.
Okinawans laugh … together. Over a cup of tea and a small snack, there are always funny stories of kids, grandkids, and neighbors. At least that’s what they tell me. Not understanding shimakutuba, I have to trust that’s what is actually being said. It’s a fascinating exercise: observing a conversation when you understand almost none of the spoken words.
Okinawans are social. We’ve been staying with family while we’re here, and at least once a day, a random neighbor, friend, or relative stops by to say hi. Inevitably, they have a small omiyage or gifts to share. Okinawan omiyage are often fresh from their own gardens, (and therefore free!).
Speaking of the garden, so many food items grow well in Okinawa. On a small plot of land, our family has 4 kinds of citrus trees (lemon, shiquasa, tankan, and kabochi), bananas trees, and persimmon trees. There are green onions, cabbage, carrots, and a staple: Okinawan purple sweet potatoes. Finally, a number of chickens inhabit the property providing fresh eggs daily. You can literally have half or more of your basic food provided fresh from the garden! Growing up with little money, our family did exactly that.
There is so much goodness that comes from having skills to survive without just pulling out cash (or a credit card). We can all learn to stand on our own two feet a little more.
