New things I am adjusting to in Okinawa!

Today I was walking to my car and got in the left side of the car and sat down to look in front of me and realize the wheel was not in front of me.....Just when I think I've gotten used to getting into the car on the right side (literally)! I felt so silly and wished Heather was there with me to giggle about it! Ha! I was a little embarrassed thinking some people were probably laughing, so I nonchalantly acted like I was looking for something on my floor board....think I fooled people?! Probably not....haha. So yeah, I've been having fun enjoying learning and adapting to the Okinawan culture. Here are some other things that are different here than back in the U.S.

• You do not tip at restaurants.
• When you go out to a restaurant, there is typically a bell or some kind of buzzer at your table. When you are ready to order, you ring the bell and the server will come to your table. I was hesitant about this bell at our table, because I thought it might seem rude or impatient to ring the bell, but I have learned, a server will not come to your table unless  you ring the bell. This includes drink refills, etc.
• You eat your soup by putting the bowl up to your mouth. I still find myself looking for a spoon for my soup, then I remember!
• You do not wait for your check, you go up to the cashier. 
• Drinking and driving is SERIOUS here. Like the BAC level is .03 which equates to one drink. So basically you can't have a drink if you're driving. Thankfully, taxis are everywhere and pretty inexpensive.
• They have a service here called Daiko. I haven't used it yet, but it is a really cool concept that they should have in the U.S. If you are going to have more than a drink and don't want to leave your car at the bar, you call Daiko and they will have 2 drivers....one to drive your car (with you in it) and the other driver will follow in the taxi. Once you pay the driver of your car, that driver will get back in the taxi and they will go along their merry way to their next destination. From what I've heard this amazing service doesn't even cost much more than the regular taxi fare. Can we say awesome?! This will come in handy when Heather comes to visit! :-)
• If you get into an accident, even if it is the Okinawan's fault, in reality it is going to be your fault when it comes down to the ticket. 
• Americans are considered "professional drivers" here. Most Okinawans do not get their drivers license here until they are in their 20's because of the licensing/car/insurance expenses. Due to the fact most of us have been driving since we turned 16, this is the reasoning for our "professional driving" title!

Okay, those are a few of the things I have learned so far. I know more, but I will save them for a later post! 

I attempted to put up the steel beams in the house today in preparation for the typhoon but couldn't figure it out....thankfully Andrew is home now to help me out! Tomorrow (Saturday for me) is when the typhoon is going to hit. Winds are picking up as we speak.....wish us luck as we ride out another typhoon! If only everyone here could be as calm as this guy..... :-) 

Happy Friday everyone!!