White-caps beat steadily against the northwestern shore of Okinawa's main island. Winds have stirred up the seas, yet the water looks as cerulean and inviting as ever. I should be paying more attention to this enviable vista but I'm preoccupied, indifferent. The circuitous coastal road requires more of my attention, lest I run our car into those scenic waters. And truthfully, after three years as an island resident, the seascape — no matter how stunning — has lost much of its ability to impress.

Knowing I'll be leaving Okinawa soon doesn't even make me relish this final drive through an admittedly beautiful section of the island. Rather, I'm more prematurely nostalgic for the company of my best friend and passenger, Andria — in mere months we'll be heading to opposite sides of the Pacific, her to the dusty climes of the California desert and me to Kyushu for the continued adventure of life in Japan.

At the moment, however, we're together and unburdened — free of spouses, kids, pets and responsibilities for a day. The monotonous rain of the past week has broken overnight and we seize the opportunity to head north, bent on one final exploration of the island we've come to call home.