The same but different ...

So I thought once I got here, it would be this huge culture shock. I mean what could be more different than Starkville, Mississippi and Okinawa, Japan? But what I am realizing is that things are the same but different. The culture shock was more like a tiny little twinge. At least so far anyway ;) Here are a couple of examples of what I mean. They have sweet potatoes. Very delicious, sweet potato tasting, sweet potatoes...they are just purple!! (I know, right??)

We have stop signs, but they are shaped like triangles. This was a little harder to get used to. Because in the states, what does this look like??? Yeah...a yield sign! You better stop, buddy!!
This is the Japanese version of a shopping cart. The funny thing about this is that the English on the sign for this (I should have taken a picture of it...) said, "Medium size shopping cart" I'm not sure you can get the feel for just how small this cart is, but the little green basket sitting in the cart is one of those little baskets that you can carry around with you if you don't want to push a cart. I'd hate to see what size they would call our American sized shopping carts!! Monstrous, Colossal, Mammoth!!
Today, I went to McDonald's and I had the Shaka Shaka Chicken. Something you won't see on an American menu. It was quite tasty. Basically, it's just a piece of chicken without the bun or anything, in this little bag...with your choice of seasoning...and you can see the directions. You pour it in, "shaka shaka" up, and enjoy!!

Here is a picture of a Pepsi that I bought after a quick pit stop at one of the many vending machines. (Oh how I love the vending machines!!!) See...the same, but different!!

Anyway, these are just a few examples of how life has SLIGHTLY changed. As you can see, it's all still relatively the same...just a little spice was added and "shaka shaka" :)