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
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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.
Pictures
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.
:)
:)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
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, June 25, 2007
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.
Pictures
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.
Pictures
Sunday, June 24, 2007
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
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
Saturday, June 23, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, June 22, 2007
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.
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, June 21, 2007
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
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, June 20, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
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.
Pictures
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.
Pictures
Monday, June 18, 2007
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.
Pictures
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.
Pictures
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
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.
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, June 15, 2007
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
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.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
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.
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, June 12, 2007
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.
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, June 11, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
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.
Friday, June 8, 2007
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.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
More Food Items
Off to the land where HELLO KITTY rules tomorrow. This product sounds delicious doesn't it?
Sunday, June 3, 2007
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.
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