Despite the daily Zoom meetings, I’m still not yet used to this high tech mode of communication. Normally I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I’ve finished 5 series so far. I’ve cooked countless meals, and even burned myself a a few time. I call these burn marks on my arm my souvenir of COVID-19. I can’t wait for everything to go back to normal, when we can host friends, and can attend church. Okinawa has not seen any new COVID cases for some time now. Let us revisit what life was life one and a half months ago in the old normal:

即使天天一場Zoom視訊，還是沒習慣這種高科技生活。不愛追劇的我也已經看完5部影集，煮了數不清的早中晚餐，手也多幾道煮飯時燙傷痕跡，我稱這些傷痕為COVID-19紀念品。期待恢復正常生活，朋友能來家中作客，我們能去教會。沖繩當地已經好幾天沒有增加COVID-19的人數了（歡呼中），我們來回顧一個半月前的生活，複習一下如何正常過日子。

Tou Cafe and Gallery

About 15 minutes north of Kadena Air Force Base on Route 58, drive through the narrow Okinawa alleyways intertwining between residences, you will find this modern looking building that seems very out of place in its neighborhood. Part cafe and part art gallery. After your meal, you can admire and purchase some potteries made by local artists. Its leisurely environment is enjoyed by patrons who bring a book to read with an order of dessert and coffee. Such is the pace of Okinawa.

從嘉手納基地58號公路往北約15分鐘，往左穿進每次必須非常擔心車子會被刮到的沖繩小路，會非常意外看到這家現代感強烈的建築。咖啡店兼藝廊，飯後能到後面參觀一下。氣氛相當悠閒，有客人看著書吃著點心，非常沖繩步調。

Oujima | 奧武島

Nicknamed the “Cat Island”, you can find friendly stray cats strolling on the beach enjoying the breeze here. Oujima is very small, can be explored by car in just 10 minutes, yet you can also spend an entire afternoon here. Many visitors bring cat food to feed the cats here, and the cats aren’t afraid of strangers either. Besides cats, Oujima is also known for affordable tempura and ¥500 kaisendon. You can order your food to go and enjoy them at the beach. Such was our relaxing yet eventful weekend staycay.

人稱貓之島完全無誤，路上隨處能看到貓咪吹著海風休息。奧武島非常小，開車不到10分鐘就能繞完一圈，但卻能待在這一整下午。好多遊客帶著貓食來，貓兒們完全不怕生，幾次想幫貓咪照相卻被一直靠過來的貓嚇到。奧武島除了貓出名外，超便宜天婦羅和只要500日幣的海鮮丼飯都是來這裡不能錯過的。買完能坐在海提吃飯欣賞風景，這就是我們週末悠閒卻充實的行程。

記得那時人真的好多，但現在卻空無一人。

mofgmona

First time we came here they sold out of lunch. This time we came straight here after church. Okinawa has many earth-themed cafe like this. Usually there’s a few selection of savory foods. Portions don’t look big, but believe me you will be full after. When we first moved to Oki, UN thought cafes are for coffees and desserts only, but the cafes here offer many delicious food options.

上次想來這吃午餐卻賣光，這次我們教會結束馬上來。在沖繩有許多這類非常森林系咖啡店，大概有兩到三種鹹食選擇。份量看起來不多，但每次一定會吃超飽。剛搬來沖繩時，UN以為在這的咖啡店只賣咖啡和點心，但這裡的咖啡店食物種類相當多也非常好吃。

Peace Memorial Park | 平和公園

Due to COVID-19, Peace Memorial Park Art Museum is temporarily closed. Located on the southern part of Okinawa, it commemorates the fallen soldiers during WWII in the Battle of Okinawa. Their names inscribed onto rows and rows of marble stones. Lately I’ve been reading Above the East China Sea by Sarah Bird, it talks about relations between Americans and Okinawans during WWII. Somehow being here stirs up emotions within me. I must come back and learn more about Okinawa history when the museum opens again!

由於COVID-19疫情，平和公園資料館和美術館暫時關閉。位在沖繩南邊，紀念二戰”Battle of Okinawa”傷亡戰士們，一排一排石碑(Cornerstone of Peace) 刻著去世人們的名字。最近正在讀Above the East China Sea by Sarah Bird，是在二戰期間有關美國和沖繩人的事，內容和平和公園類似覺得特別有感覺。等資料館恢復正常運作時間後，一定要回來認識沖繩歷史！

仲地山羊料理店

Ever since my world traveler friends and I had goat cuisine, I’ve grown fond of the gamey taste of Okinawa goat. These restaurants aren’t necessary known for beautiful decor or photogenicity. Their menus are written on paper that are pasted onto the walls. You feel like you are eating at someone’s house. The hostess speaks very little English, but still very hospitable. I like ordering goat soup with rice. You can add some ginger paste to mask the gamey taste. I shall dedicate another post to the goat restaurants that I’ve tried!

自從和我的環遊世界朋友們一起吃山羊料理後，我竟然愛上騷味超重的沖繩山羊店。這種店絕不是華麗網美店，是家庭式需要裝修那種，通常門面低調幾張手寫海報寫著山羊料理四個字。但就是這種感覺讓我很愛來，語言不通但老闆娘熱情不減。山羊汁配飯是我每次必點的，記得加薑末去腥。等疫情好了，這一定是我首選外食之一！