Hello everyone, I am Luis Samayoa, a new writer for the Stars and Stripes Japan.

I’m from San Diego, and a Staff Sergeant in the Army. Throughout my Army career, I have had the opportunity to travel around the United State as well as visit many countries around the world. Japan, however, is by far my most favorite place to travel overseas.

On my very first time exploring a different country, I had the luxury of sightseeing around South Korea, learning new words and trying new things with the local nationals I worked with. As I slowly creeped out of my barracks room PS4 shell and began venturing out in Dongducheon and Seoul, my sense of adventure and wanderlust started to grow. From learning how to fall properly on a snowboard in the mountains of Bokwang Phoenix Park and riding ATVs near Cheorwon, the rush motivated me to add more to my checklist.

Prior to coming to Stars and Stripes Japan, I was stationed in Joint Base Lewis-McChord Washington where I had more chances to travel around the Indo-Pacific. Traveling back home in the U.S. does not feel the same as to travel abroad. My first assignment was Manila and Puerto Princessa in the Philippines where I made new friends and toured the island and city. Soon after the Philippines was Saipan that gave me a Captain Jack Sparrow feeling on a sailboat (They are quite frightening if you carry electronics) and Guam where the beaches are clear blue and the sun is always out.

My first visit to Japan was a TDY to Okinawa a few years ago. On this work trip to Torii Station, I finally was able to check off one of my dream travel list. Very early in my trip, I fell in love with the Chatan coastline on a bumpy inflatable motorized Zodiac boat, the 1-dollar sushi conveyor belts and the history of Japan from shrines and castles. Being in Okinawa felt like home away from home. I deeply regretted never learning to surf while growing up in San Diego the first time I laid my eyes on the coastline beach life of this place.

Since that TDY, I have traveled to the mainland and Okinawa multiple times and have made the most of it. I’ve been snorkeling in the blue water caves of Onna Village, devoured delectable meals such as raw chicken heart in Osaka and yakitori skewers in Kobe and have fallen in love with Tokyo DisneySea (The prices at the park are cheaper than in the States, making it a massive win on Army pay.) My Japanese vocabulary has grown to include basic greetings and road signs to help when hitting the road. I am glad to say I have only made the windshield wiper mistake a few times (We call it the “Okinawa Wave”).

Japan is a small country full of beautiful and historical sites. To those stationed Japan, the best piece of advice I learned early is to drop the video game controller and leave the dorms/barracks. Get off base and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Do some online research. I recommend Japan.stripes.com and okinawa.stripes.com to help you with travel ideas! We’ve been given an amazing assignment in a country with an impressive public transportation system that will get you to some great places. A day off work doesn’t have to only be hitting up “bar alley” or the seawall.

Now that I’m going to be here for a while, my bucket list is getting some more additions that I can’t wait to check off. Hokkaido in early February for friendly snowball fights with the locals; to get more tattoos; visit Akihabara’s Electric City and more. With the reasonable costs of public transportation and domestic airlines, it can be an easy reality to be lost in a real world (happy dream) Alice in Wonderland.

Join me as I embark on a new adventure at my new duty station. I’m happy to bring you along for the ride as I try and find new areas, so let’s get off base and explore together!