Prepping for Our Big Adventure: A Taste of Asia Right Here in Jacksonville!

With our upcoming Permanent Change of Station to Yokosuka, Japan, coming up fast in August, the whole Emmer family is getting into the spirit of adventure! While we’re finalizing all the logistics—from our household shipment on July 15th to the long-term storage pickup on July 20th—we’ve also been busy preparing our palates for the incredible culinary journey that lies ahead.

Today, we decided to get a head start by visiting Hawkers Asian Street Fare right here in Jacksonville. It was the perfect way to build excitement for all the authentic street food we can't wait to explore across the ocean. We dove into a spread that gave us a delicious preview of what’s to come.

Check out the feast we enjoyed:

 We kicked things off with some beautifully presented bao buns.

 The chicken wings were absolutely packed with flavor.

 Next up was a savory curry dish that hit the spot.

 You can’t go wrong with seasoned edamame—a classic.

 We also enjoyed a plate of stir-fried noodles that really got us excited for local noodle dishes in Japan.

 It’s always fun to see the place where the culinary inspiration happens.

 We balanced the meal with some crisp, seasoned cucumbers.

 And finally, a hearty bowl with tofu, kimchi, and a perfectly fried egg was the perfect finale.

Everything was fantastic, and it has us counting down the days until we are immersed in the real deal in Japan. Stay tuned to Emmerican Adventure as we continue our countdown and wrap up our final preparations!

Are you planning any big international moves or adventures this summer that you're prepping for?