Going to another country, a lot of things are going to be different. One of those things is Okinawa, Japan's prepackaged fresh produce.

The first time I visited Okinawa, Japan, I was surprised at how the produce was prettily packaged and displayed for buy. Usually produce in America is out in the open or under these sprays that mist out water every couple of minutes. In the indoor farmers market, I went to, there was no reason for that. The Okinawans regularly buy fresh produce, and what is needed is displayed and bought.

Another thing I noticed is the difference between these products, like the strawberries, for example, they are all uniform and perfect, almost fake looking. They pick out the cream of the crop of the strawberries and use the "non-perfect" ones for other products and reuse: everything has a purpose. They breed for perfection, especially for food. However, what I can say for Okinawa is that these crops more than likely do not contain GMOs or steroids. In a way, these crops are organic but also beautiful. The Okinawans believe in seeing the beauty in everything, even if it comes to something as small as a strawberry.

While some products have a decent and reliable price, for example, eight bell pepper for 100 yen, others not so much, like the $25 watermelons. Certain products are difficult to come by, especially to an island like Okinawa which is why certain products are expensive: it's a luxury.

If you receive a gift box of fruit, that all together is a big deal. While some people think that it's a waste of money and a stupid tradition, think again of the honor and beauty of receiving something natural and beautiful.