MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents indulged themselves with a taste of Far East cultures April 2 through Sunday at the Mac Dome.
The annual Spring Bazaar, brought to the Station by Marine Corps Community Services, exhibited an array of crafts that could be found throughout Southeast Asia.
Items from Japan, Thailand, Korea, China, Philippines and other Asian countries could be found at the Spring Bazaar for low prices. It is an event that changes the way of purchasing and experiencing different cultures at not only cheap prices, but in a location aboard the Station.
"This is my chance to actually capture a piece of Asia, and catch it at a cheap price," said Michael A. Koehler, bazaar shopper. "I didn't come to the last bazaar, but I wanted to. Now I'm here, and I'm buying all sorts of different things from different countries."
Station residents were treated with paintings; traditional, water-colored, and etched, carpets and rugs, statues, wines, furniture, handcrafted goods and many other exotic items related to Asian culture.
The Spring Bazaar revolutionized, for all service members and family members, the experience of shopping for Asian goods. With the bazaar, residents don't even have to leave the Station to get a taste of it.
"It's a good thing to have all of these items available here. You don't have to go far to find them," said Danilo Pamlma, Filipino-American vendor volunteer.
For the three-day sale at the Mac Dome, consumers enjoyed the lavish items. Kimonos, blankets, swords and other items that represent the art and beauty of the Asian culture were favorite pieces to buy.
"It was my mom's birthday not so long ago and I got her these amazing things that could only be found here. I want to give and show her a piece of my experience here in Japan," said Koehler.
The Fall Bazaar is slated for October.