Travel Day Friday

Woke up around 7 AM and decided to walk over to the base to stage for the bus. I got a number, 3 not too bad. Then headed for some coffee and breakfast. The bus left Yokosuka around 10 AM. After taking a little nap on the bus, I finished off with some DS MARIO PARTY with the project engineer.

Check in was a breeze as it was last time. And the great thing is they don't make you take off your shoes at this airport. The PE got me into the United Lounge area. Free snack food and beverages. And it is nice and quiet. 3 hours till boarding.

Pictures

Thursday

Took some annual leave today to take care of a few things. Stopped by the hospital to pick up my records from last time. After that went to the CPO club for lunch buffet. For dinner walked out to Livin and then headed back to pepper lunch. As always very good.

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Wednesday

Things are rapping up at work. After work walked around town for a while. Then met up with some people for another round of Pepper Lunch. Anyone coming to Yokosuka needs to get some Pepper Lunch.

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Tuesday

Everybody is starting to look forward to coming home. Made of post office run after work today, won't get back in the states until after Christmas, but I have faith it will get there before the 1st. After work went out and had a little Starbucks, then headed over to a different Japanese restaurant. They had something on the menu which sounded interesting. Horse Sashimi. And it was pretty good.

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Monday

The picture link for Sunday has been fixed. I hoped everybody liked speed king. After work headed to CPO for spaghetti night. The pasta and vegi's are pan fried, different but very good.

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Sunday

Went to church with one of the guys here in the morning. It was in the high school auditorium. Sang out of hymnals, first time in a long time. We finished with the classic "this world is not my home."

Then i met up with another guy and headed up to Roppongi. It was a lot less painful than i thought it might be. Two transfers and about an hour and ten minutes. Walked around a lot of parks and went to one of the best views in Tokyo. 250 M. After walking around for a few hours, we headed back to Yokosuka.

Had dinner at a Japanese restaurant, then chilled.

Pictures

Saturday

Went up to Yokohama this morning, back to landmark plaza. Went on the ferris wheel again. Then walked around the mall for a while. Went back up to the observation deck. The building seemed to be moving a lot more than last week. After Yokohama we headed up to Shibuya, the largest mass crossing area in the world. It was crazy.


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Friday

At work we had a BBQ for lunch. Burgers, dogs, and pie. Just like home. I wanted to go caroling but no one else had the same feeling. It was nice and sunny again today, very strange to know that it is cold back home and raining.

For dinner went out to a noodle place which was very good. It was very thin noodles with shredded beef. Also had a basil roll, ceaser saild (that had something fishy on it), a sweet roll, and sherbet. Pretty good. Tomorrow heading up to Yokohama and Tokyo.

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Thursday

After work went out and explored a little around town. We met up with some of the Japanese contractors for a traditional Japanese Meal. It was all very good. The sitting on the ground thing got difficult after a while. But it was a very good expierence.

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Wednesday

For dinner we went out to Korean BBQ tonight. It was pretty good, but the food goes very fast, because it cooks so fast. Walked around for a little while after dinner, then hit the hay.

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Tuesday

Another day of work. On the way out i saw that another crow had gotten stuck in the netting, he eventually worked his way out. Came back and hung around the hotel, then went out to dinner with a few people. Had noodles and Gyoza, very good.

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Monday

After work headed out and walked around town for a while. Then went to dinner at Pepper Lunch again. Then finished off the night by stopping by the 100 Yen shop.

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Sunday

Got up and decided to explore a little. Left the hotel around 9 AM. Walked about 5 miles out from the hotel. Found a couple of parks. One had a BMX track. The other had a ton of fishers. After getting back to the hotel around 12 i ran into a couple of people and head over to a buffet. We then decided to track to Kamakura. Ran into another person who wanted to head that way so we all pilled onto the train. We checked out a few things. Then headed back to Yokosuka. For dinner i went to a Mexican restaurant.

Pictures

Saturday

For breakfast, went back to McDonald's. Needed to see if the Ice in the OJ was an aberration. It was not.

Headed up to Yokohama back to Landmark plaza around 10, arrived at Landmark plaza around 11. A lady was spinning a cup on here umbrella. We decided to go check out the ferris wheel. We went to the amusement park and saw a place called -30 degrees C. It was 500 Yen so we decided to check it out. It was about 60 degrees F before we walked in. So we started with our jackets off. In the first room they had some weird fish and it was probably about freezing. The next room it was pretty cold, so i put my jacket on. Then in the next room it was freezing, or below freezing as it were. My nostrils froze up pretty quick. When we got back out in the amusement park it took about 5 minutes to warm up.

Went over and rode the wheel. It takes about 15 minutes. Pretty good view. We then headed and got some lunch. Then it was back to the top of the tower again. After that headed back to Yokosuka.

They were having an open base event today, they were expecting about 50,000 people. When i walked on base the streets were full. I took some pictures then grabbed a bit to eat.

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Friday the 7th

Very nice day weather wise today. In the 60's with no clouds in the sky. I swung through the mall to do a little shopping. I picked up some Kiwi chips, only to find out they tasted like fish. Very strange.

Just relaxed and got a little dinner the rest of the evening. Now the weekend begins.

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Thursday 6th

After work i decided to explore around the base. You can see the bridges and the tower in Yokohama on a clear day. The Cougars remain undefeated after a tough game with Gonzaga. Random fact.

On the way out of work I noticed that crows had landed on the mesh that protects against rock slides on one of the hills.

After exploring around town for a while i wound down by watching some crazy Japanese tv game show. It was Believe or Not Believe, sounds familiar concept. They had an American video that showed a high schooler doing a back flip on a tight rope. They all said believe, and it was true. Pretty amazing.

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Wednesday

After colors they play don't fear the reaper by the blue oyster cult. One of the people said that was the motivational song to get everybody ready in the morning. Strange.

It is very strange that you walk down th street and hear Christmas music in English.

Went back to the same place as last night for dinner. This time i had pizza. It was the best i have had in Japan.

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Tuesday

Nice blue sky's in japan today. A far cry from the conditions stateside. After work headed over to the commissary to pick up breakfast stuff. Then hung around the hotel for a few hours. Then I hooked up with a few people and went to an Italian restaurant on base. Had steak, it was thin, but tasted pretty good.

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Rainy Monday

Back to work. It was rained a lot. Then about noon we got a thunderstorm that rolled through. After work headed over to pick up a few things from the exchange. Headed over to the mall in the evening. Just another day done.

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Sunday 2nd

Busy day today. In the morning headed over to the mall and walked around for about an hour. Then i met up with a couple of people and headed up to Yokohama. If you get on the right train it is about 35 minutes. If you get on the wrong train it takes about an hour. Which happened on my last trip. It was another 10 minute train ride to Chinatown. The one in Yokohama is the largest in Japan. They had a lot of different things.

After about an hour in Chinatown we decided that was enough and decided to head over to the Landmark Plaza. It is very high end. After getting back to the main station in Yokohama. We realized that we had missed the right stop by one station. So we hopped back on and headed back. They have a very big ferries wheel, a structure that looks like the London bridge, a big boat, a huge mall, and the Tallest observatory in Japan.

One of the guys had to stop and get some Pokemon stuff for his kid. We then went to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Fairly expensive but good. We decided to go to the top of the building. The elevator reaches a top speed of 750 meters per minute. It takes under 40 seconds to reach the top. You can feel the building moving, but the view is awesome.

After doing that we decided it was time to get back.

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It is December now

Another day of work and another day done. Warmed up today. During lunch the hawks came to visit. We were tossing up bread into the air and they would swoop down and pick them out of th air.

After dinner i borrowed one of the peoples 360's and got a little gaming in. Just had to veg out. Here is a couple of pictures.

Friday

After work I headed over to the mall. Saw a few strange things. Such as an air guitar. Which is just 4 frets and the head of the guitar. So you can rock out. A lite up toilet seat. A dart board that has its own stand. When i got back darts was on the sports channel. I think they were speaking English, but it was extremely hard to understand what they were saying. I think they may have been English.

Time for bed, work tomorrow.

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Thursday

A full day of work. Always good times. For breakfast i had Kiwi Juice and yogurt. So much goodness in liquidy form. Awesome.

For dinner went and had a Gyro. Quite a few Christmas decorations up around town. And there is Christmas music everywhere.

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Wednsday

Woke up around 2:30 am. Managed to go back to sleep. Got up at 6:00 am, decided to try some Japanese McDonald's breakfast. Pretty much the same. The strange thing was that they put ICE in my orange juice. Stopped by Starbucks for a little go juice.

Did the rounds at the NEX and commissary, then headed into work.

After work went to one of the 100 Yen stores. Lots of Christmas stuff up.

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Long Day

Very long day. I got to the airport about 2 1/2 Hours early. Good thing, as i didn't have a ticket, a slight miscommunication between organizations left me in limbo for about 45 minutes. Finally did get through. Flight was decent, not too bumpy. The flight path took us more northern than normal. Got to see Alaskan glaciers from 40,000 feet, very cool.

Got to japan, went through customs. They are now doing fingerprint and pictures to everyone who comes in, except those on official business.

Hooked up with a few co-workers at the airport and took the train to Yokosuka. It is about 2 hours and 42 minutes, but you have more leg room than on the bus. Arrived at the hotel around 8 PM. Went to pepper lunch for dinner. On the way back bought two Dual Shock 3 controllers.

Time to hit it.

In other non japan related news BILL DOBA IS DONE!!!!!

It is about time, and he will get a say in who replaces him, so all is well. At least until next football season.

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Travel Day 3

More Fun with Airplanes Tomorrow.

Anyways I just couldn't resist.

GO COUGS!!!
WINNING THE DAY

Travel Day II

Long day yesterday. Left the hotel at 8:30 and got into Seattle 9:05. Flight was pretty smooth.

Photos

Thursday

Dropped off the bike after work today. Started packing in the afternoon. For dinner met up with some people and went to a pizza place called 1978. The pizza was about the size of a personal pan, but it was very good. The most expensive pizza was the cheese pizza. Strange, but it did have shaved almonds on top. It was very good. Came back met up with some people in the lounge and kicked back.

Photos

Say Eight

The hospital was an interesting experience. Monday night I was not feeling very well at all. I decided to go into the ER. Of course I went to one gate that had just shut, so I had to walk to the other gate. After using the shortcut I eventually arrived at the ER. It was about a 30 minute walk, so my blood pressure was pretty elevated. After waiting about 30 minutes I was seen by a Japanese Intern doctor. The Naval Hospital has 6 interns that are Japanese. After telling him all of the symptoms he said that he thought it was a viral infection, but that he had to check with the Navy doctor. He thought it was viral as well but to be thorough he wanted to do a Spinal Tap in addition to the blood work. He called it a lumbar puncture, I asked if it was a Spinal Tap. He replied yes. I then asked, "pretty painful right." He replied, no more than getting an IV. Of course after the corpsmen took three attempts to insert the IV, I was not looking forward to the lumbar puncture. After the Japanese doctor tried again and again, he finally called over the navy doctor and he got a longer needle and got it the first time.

I then had to wait for the labs to return. While waiting a drunk sailor was brought in to have a blood sample taken. He was very disrespectful to the staff. I was impressed with how they handled the situation. About 3 AM the doctor came in with another doctor and said that they wanted to admit me into the hospital. So about 4:30 AM I was in my room. It was a negative vented room to keep from infecting other patients.

All of the TV material except for the sports and news was about 3 months old. It was a pretty small room. So I did get a little stir crazy. The second morning the doctor came in and told me that they had someone else look at the sample and determined that I didn't have meningitis. It was another virus. The standard treatment is lots of fluid, rest, and tylonal. So I was out of there about 10 am. All in all, it was a pretty good experience. The staff is well trained and courteous.

After getting out, I went back to the hotel and rested. I went into work in the late afternoon to check email. After about an hour I took off back to the hotel. Now i am spending time in self imposed quarantine. I am watching Brian Regan, really funny guy.

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Out of Hospital

I was released around 10 am this morning. They had a pathologist look at the samples again. He concluded that it was not meningitis. It is some other viral thing. They think that it will go away in a few days.

Holding Steady

I checked in with the nurse this morning, and John is still in the hospital. She said that his condition has not worsened in the last 12 to 18 hours. As long as he remains stable he could be released tomorrow. (that will be this evening for us back at home!) Please keep praying! We thank God that things are moving along well, and hopefully we'll have him back stateside by the weekend.

:)

Guest Post

John's trip to Japan just became more adventurous. He has contracted viral meningitis, and is in the hospital in Yokosuka. In the past two weeks thirteen people on the base have caught this disease. His prognosis is good, they told him he has a mild case and that he should be released sometime soon. Part of the adventure was having a Japanese intern administer his spinal tap. He inserted the needle 4 or 5 times before he realized that the needle wasn't long enough!! Please pray for John, for quick healing and that he doesn't have too much pain. (Maybe that was part of the spinal tap, to give him some other pain to think about!)

:)

Monday 25th

After work, I just wandered around the base and took some photos. It was raining lightly this morning, but the rest of the day was just cloudy. Pretty much just like home.

For dinner we wandered back over to Pepper Lunch, I got th pepper steak. For about 8 bucks it is a pretty decent sized meal. After dinner I walked around the city for a while before turning in. Monday's are Monday's where ever you go.

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BASEBALL Sunday

Slept in today, the new pillow is nice. After breakfast I looked at my watch and realized that some people were headed up to a baseball game in Yokohama about that time. I called them and they were at the station hopping on a train. I decided to follow and meet them at the stadium. I road my bike over to the station to save time.

I got to the stadium no problem. Got there about 10 minutes after them. An outfield ticket was 1800 Yen. We sat on the opposing teams side. The whole experience was very different than American baseball. Overall there is a lot more speed, but not as much power in the hitting game. They chant during most of the game. About halfway through the game i figured out that it was a mixture of English and Japanese. The Baystars beat the Buffalo's 5-4. There was about 10 pitching changes. Three home runs. Decent game.

Got back to Yokosuka and went to a really good Japanese restaurant. Finishing up the night by watching Seven Samurai (Wiki).

Pictures and Videos

Rain Again

It sure rains a lot here. And I lost my umbrella somewhere in Tokyo. Good times.

Tokyo Saturday

Got up early to head up to Tokyo this morning. Left the hotel at 7am, we ended up getting on the milk run. There are three types of trains on the particular line. A green, red and black car. The green and red as express, that only stop at a few stations. The black is the every stop train. The only appearance difference in the actual trains is what color the city name is on the car. But it was good because the train was pretty empty. Lots of room.

Got up to Akihabara about half an hour before the shops opened. Walked around and checked stuff out. When the shops opened up people just appeared. Every single square inch of the place has a shop in it. Model train shops, electronic shops, and toy stores. After about an hour it was time to move on.

From the Akihabara it was about 20 minutes to the Yasukuni Shrine (Wiki), that is counting train time. The Torri gate at one entrance is steel and weights about 100 tons. The thing is huge. In the back corner of th shrine is a war museum. Pretty interesting place. Unfortunately they did not allow pictures to be taken inside. For every display case there is usually one or two English display boards. All of the items labels are written in Japanese. So it goes pretty quickly. This shrine is very political in its wording. Whenever a Japanese official visits, a bunch of groups protest. It is worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood.

The plan was too check out the palace gardens, but by this time I was ready to get back. This time we hopped on the right train. Much faster. Stopped by the french pastery shop on the way back to the hotel.

Finished up the night by going bowling with a few of the guys. And had a little bit of pizza.

Lots of pictures.

More Rain

Not sunny today. Right after I got to work it started raining and the wind really picked up. Rained pretty much all day. But it was not like the rain a couple of weeks ago. This was a light rain, but the wind was really strong.

Fun to ride a bike in the sideways rain. Had to lean into the wind to keep upright. Fun times. Fantastic Four ROSS came out today so I decided to check it out. For the price of one ticket back in the US, I got soda and popcorn as well. Pretty amazing.

The pillows in the hotel are rock hard, so I picked up a pillow tonight.

Another note I almost lost my cell phone and camera today. Right before I left today I noticed that my cell phone was not in my pocket. So I went out to retrace my steps. When I was looking around, one of the Japanese engineers came up and handed me it. It is very different here. Then after I got out of the movie I realized that was missing as well. Went back to the movie theater and it was there waiting for me.

More Pictures, Luckily.

Thursday

Got a little burnt being outside today. Very sunny and warm. Most people here always carry umbrellas for the rain and the sun. Different ways of thinking.

There is no real method to the madness of ridding a bike here. People pass on the left on the right, dog in between cars. Puts a lot of responsibility on the drivers.

After work went over to the post office to ship a package out. Pretty easy process once you figure it out.

For dinner went out to Chinese, had stir fry. Very different from American style, but very good.

Pictures

Wednesday

Having a bike in Japan is required if you cannot get a car. Takes about a third of the time to get anywhere. One thing that is strange is that bikes fly through crosswalks and sidewalks. And most of the bikes around town are pretty rusty because of the environment here.

Baseball game was all sold out, so we didn't go. Next week they are going to play the Ham Fighters, so we will probably catch that game.

Headed over to the malls and checked a few stores out. Watched the sunset over Tokyo bay, very pretty.

Finished up the day up by watching the game we were going to go to. Pretty good game

Photos

GPS Tuesday

Got the GPS that I barrowed from a guy at work up and running. At the very least I will know where I am in coordinates.

Went back to the mall and did a little more exploring. Just like any mall in the US. Except all th people are about a foot shorter.

For dinner, went over to the MORE city mall and ate at a noodle place. Had to take my shoes off, and sat at the window looking out over the square. The watriss knew some english but not a lot. I pretty much got what i asked for, can't complain though.

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Monday Monday

Decided to pick up a bike after work. After looking over all of the bikes i decided to rent one on base. It has Disc brakes and a decent front shock. Still a quarter of my real bike but it sure is handy. Instead of taking about 20 minutes to walk out, it takes about 5 minutes.

Decided to wander over to the HOME's shop. It is kind of like a conglomeration between home depot and target. Very strange. They also had animals over there. After that we headed across the street to an electronics store. Unfortunately they were all sold out of the PSP GPS module. Which is good i suppose because it is only displayed in Japanese.

Rapped up the day by stopping by Mr. Donut and trying a green tea and sweet red bean donut. And then went next door to Subway and had an Asparagus BLT.

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Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day.

Avoided riding the trains today. Decided to walk over to Mikasa park. Pretty cool battleship over there. After that we went over to the bowling alley. About a year since i bowled. I am a bit rusty, but it is still fun. For 4 games it was 8 bucks, not too bad.

Headed over to the exchange to check out the wares. After that went to church. Right after church i met up with the guys to go to this place called Pepper Lunch. They bring out a skillet that is extremely hot, with raw meat on it. You grill it to your taste and then eat it. It was very good. One guy was trying to eat a dish with chop sticks that is meant to be eaten with a spoon. All the Japanese people in the place were looking at him like he was R-tared. It was pretty funny.

Then back to the hotel. Here as some pictures.

Birthday in Japan

Had a pretty good time today. I headed to the base in the morning to buy some food stuffs. Picked up a frap at starbucks and then went back to the room.

We decided to head up to Kamakura to check out some of the sites. We headed over to one train station. It only took about 15 seconds to realize that was the wrong station. So we headed over to the other train station. Bought a ticket for 210 Yen and waited for the train. Hopped on what we thought was the right train. After it stopped and everyone got off, it was apparent that it was not the right train. So we looked very confused finally someone came over and pointed to the other train at the station. We hopped on that. After 3 stations that train stopped and everyone got off of it. So we got off of the train and wandered over to the other side of the station. Finally got onto the correct train.

From there we decided to look at this giant budda in town. It was about a 25 minute walk over there. It was 200 Yen to get into the temple. Pretty big piece of metal, the thing can withstand an earthquake, pretty crazy. For 20 Yen you can walk inside of it. Pretty hot inside. If you touch the inside th metal is pretty hot.

After that we decided to check out the street vendors. About 3/4 Mile long street with a lot of vendors. We ate a braughtworst place. I can't understand very much Japanese, but it really isn't a problem. Everybody is very nice and will help as much as they can.

At the end of the street is a shinto shrine. Pretty interest at the shrine and the temple people would wash there hands and then go in. Very nice gardens and buildings. Then we decided to head back to the train station. Very nice path in the middle of the road.

Back in Yokosuka, headed to the mall to pick up some Kiwi and Plum yogurt, we need these flavors in the US. Here are some pictures.

The below videos are through Youtube.

Friday Night Fun Roundup

Long day today. As we were walking into work we could see Mount Fuji very clearly. I took a few photos of it. For lunch we went back to the CPO Club, 6 dollar buffet and buck bottomless soda's.

After work I headed over to the exchange to buy a few things. Then went back and hung out for a while.

We all met up and went out to dinner. It was a Korean BBQ place, where the grill is in the center of the table. Really good. After dinner we ordered a plate of Sushi. I had a couple of rolls, and then decided to try octopus, I don't like fish, but it was really good. Walking back i decided to look in Mcdonalds to see what it was like. Also on the way back noticed a street that allows you to criss cross.

I have been watching an airplane crash show that is on at 9 PM, tonight was the one that got shot down by the russians in the early 80's. I am now watching Castle in the Sky in japanese, makes just as much sense.

More Photos

Room Tour Post

FYI - The previous post with the room tour will not play on shipyard computers. It is all on youtube and that fine site is banned by the navy.

100 Yen madness

Went back to the 100 Yen store, they are everywhere and really popular.

Started raining again, and of course I forgot my umbrella and got submerged in water again. I did purchase another umbrilla that i will carry in my bag. So i should be covered.

After work i went over to the outdoor stuff exchange. I bought a backpack and some tea. Started doing some laundry, right now the machine is locked and i can't figure out how to open it.

Tried to goto Koren BBQ tonight, but they were closed. So I wandered around for a while and found a fast food place. You goto a machine and put your money in and push the button next to what you want to eat. It gives you a ticket. You go sit at the table and they bring your food out. It was about 15 seconds from sitting down until i got my food, very impressive. It was very good.

Went to another 100 Yen store after dinner, then back to try and get my laundry out.

More Pictures

Yelling in the streets

Every couple of nights a group of ten guys walks around the street yelling, thank you. Very strange. Everybody in the work group was invited over to one of the people that live over house. A lot of sushi and bbq pork, very good.

We rode the train to there, it was three stops from the station by the MORE CITY mall. The train seems like a pretty handy way to get around. You just have to know how many stops to your station.

WE had boxed lunches from the japanese resturant on base. I got the chicken it came with some sashimi and sushi. I tried a little of both. I did get the top of a squid, but just couldn't gather the courage to try it.

Altogether food was pretty cheap today, the lunch was 450 yen and dinner was free. Not too bad.

Here are some more pictures.

Tuesday

Very long day. A lot of walking. We ate at the Chief Petty Officer Club. Buffet for 6 bucks, really good deal. I mailed a package back home, took a little bit to figure out the form, just a little bit of time.

For dinner we headed to a pork cutlet place, very small and very good. Tried my first sashimi, DIFFERENT. It is also the first time I have very had Miso soup. Seaweed is pretty good, a little salty, but just like broccli stems. After that we wandered around for a while. Then I decided to go to Starbucks. They have a Short drink, that looks like a toothpaste.

More Pictures.

Monday

Happy Birthday RUTH.

The mid 70's seem a lot hotter when you are in the sun and the humidity is very high. Work in an area that has about 10 people. It has locker rooms and and a shower. Almost missed the shuttle bus from the hotel to work this morning. I slept in a little. Got a phone call came down to see the bus pulling away. It stopped and I got on. The driver told me he would not stop tomorrow.

I got a cell phone. It is a prepaid deal, you buy the phone, then you buy minutes. It is a pretty nice cell phone. It has more features than the one I have back in america.

Walked up to another 100 Yen store and then walked back to the food court in the mall on the other side of the base.

After that came back to the room and walked some baseball. And some japanese game shows. I am watching one that is basically Brain Age. Another NOTE, motion control is here to stay. I am seeing a lot of commericals for cell phones with motion control.

Very interesting, PICTURES.

BBQ and Church

We met up with a bunch of people for a BBQ in the afternoon. They had gone on a guided fishing tour. They had a lot of fish. Not being a fish person, I tried it and it was decent. There were hawks flying around waiting for some left overs. One person talked about seeing people throw food into the air and the hawks getting it before it hit the ground. We tried several times to no avail. Here are some pictures.

I took off early out of the BBQ to go check out the church on base. It was a very good message, about where are a persons priorities are placed, and how that effects their life. After church i headed over to Subway to pick up little dinner and then headed back to HNY.

Thunderstruck (or a Thunder and Lightning Storm) Mega Update

NOTE: Video Works Best When Played Using IE.

Slept in a bit today, I woke up to a Thunder Storm. So i had to take a video. Seems to have worked out okay.



I also decided to do a video tour of the room, for anybody interested in what a hotel room looks like here.













We went over to the mall. Some pictures. The grocery store was handing out samples, not unlike costco. I did pickup some Kogoma Juice. After that we went and had some grub at wendy's, just like old times in PO. The Diet Pepsi they served was very sweet, almost overpowering.

New Watch

Back in the best state in the union, besides the politics, I always use my cell phone as my watch. Cell phones from America don't work here so i needed to pick up a watch. Picked one up at the exchange, 20 percent off sale, decent price.

Also picked up food items, important to have a backpack if you want to have more than one grocery bag.

Watched some japanese game shows, very strange. One was trying to be a platformer, like mario brothers. Also watched about 10 minutes of the 5th season of 24 in Japanese, not the right voice actor for Jack.

We ate at a place called Tomato and Garlic. I am still eating inside the box, I had a calzone. I did try garlic bread with maple syrup. Actually tasted pretty good. The other guy had a seafood dish with rice. I am not that adventurous yet. After that we stopped by a crepe place. I decided to try a Japanese flavor, sweet red bean. It was pretty good, very sugary.

More Pictures

Another Cloudy Saturday

Managed to sleep about 3 hours before waking up last night. Made the post and then slept for 5 more hours. Slowly but surely trying to get onto the schedule. I have been using the electric teapot a lot. Love that TEA. About 10 we headed to base to explore. Had brunch at Subway. I didn't have any cash in dollars, so i had to bum some cash. Lessons learned. After that we walked over to the work area and met the shop leader. He took us for a tour of the facilities. Lockers and showers in the work building. A couple managers were around as well. The contractor was hard at work, the Japanese work week is 6 days. Very hard workers.

After that we headed back to the exchange. Had to pickup some Starbucks. It is hot and muggy, but i still went for the hot mocha. Bought some yogurt and then headed back to the hotel. Which is were I am chilling at the moment. I remembered some things i wanted to pick up, but didn't have my backpack with me. So I will be heading back to the base soon before dinner. Probably will pickup a Britta. Need that High Quality H₂0.

More Pics

Travel Day

Travel day, or right now saturday. Checking in at SEATAC was a breeze. Everyone at the airport was very professional, security was a breeze. They even had nice chairs to sit down in after getting your shoes back.

Meet up with the guy I am traveling with at the gate. We got assigned in the same row on the airplane. I had seat E, which is in the very middle. Luckily I was at the end of Economy plus, short section ahead of all the other piggys at the back of the plane. So there was only one person on one side. A very nice Japanese girl named Mi. Asked her a lot of questions, she was nice enough to answer them. On the other side was a brand new air force guy who is moving to japan for two years. His first time out of the US. Pretty big change for him.

The seatbelt light came on only once during the flight, right off AK, before you drop off the shelf in the pacific. The crew was awesome always walking around with water and such. I think I spent probably three hours up reading books and walking around. The 777 is an awesome airplane. The monitor in the back of the seats is handy to see your progress. Very slowly. One thing that was interesting was that you could listen into air traffic control, right before we took off the tower said that there was an eagle and a bunch crows. Then we started rolling, no problems though.

Landing was smooth, immigration was smooth as well. After you get out of there you have to walk about 4 blocks to get to the bus check-in. Then it is about 4 blocks to the bus. The bus ride was nice, different to see opposite traffic traveling on your right. Saw some pretty cool windmills and tokyo disney. There are tolls everywhere. And they have sound barriers along most of the freeways. After you get off the bus it is about 10 blocks to the Hotel. It is interesting that you leave the key at the desk of the hotel when you leave. When you get into the room you have to place the key into a slot on the wall to turn on most electrical things in the room. The room has a small kitchenette, with all the stuff needed to mix up some food. After getting my computer hooked up and some clothes put away, went down to the lobby and headed out into Yokosuka. Pretty big town 430,000 people. We walked up blue street to the mall. Roads here are like alleys in America. Walked through street vendors, strangely similar setup to the Palouse Mall. Except 100 times bigger. They actual mall is a 9 story building, every floor has different stories on it. The food court is on floors 8 and 9. Also on the 9th floor is a car dealership. We ate at a place called StoneBurg, strange adaption of our burger. See the picture for a example of food.

Starbucks is in that building as well, so I will probably be going back there. After eating I came back to the hotel and tried to sleep. It is now 3 am and I am wide awake, despite only getting about 5 hours of sleep in the last 30. Time to hit the hay.

Here is some pictures.

Land of the rising sun.

I'm here and pretty tired. Watching some baseball on the flat panel, guy just hit a home run. Off to get something to eat and then bed.

More Food Items

Off to the land where HELLO KITTY rules tomorrow. This product sounds delicious doesn't it?

Last Weekend Before the Trip

Only 5 Nights Left until Yokosuka. Here is some of the local fare I will have a chance to enjoy. Ahh, yes the delicious Green Tea and Sweet Red Bean flavored Kit Kat.