Tuesday June 30th

Went to a coworkers house for dinner. Brand me neighborhood, as we were having dinner, he received his first gift. It is traditional for people as they move in to give gifts to their neighbors. It is supposed to make up for any inconvenience that you have caused them.

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Tuesday June 30th

JSDC June 09 - 28

Monday June 29th

Had dinner at Taco Bell and then enjoyed Star Trek for the fifth time. Still awesome.


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Monday June 29th

JSDC June 09 - 27

Sunday June 28th

Started out the morning with breakfast at the hotel and then headed on base for a while. Did a little shopping and got lunch at Taco Bell.

New Hope Yokohama was having their 5th Anniversary celebration today. I met up with Paul to check it out. We had gone to the 4th Anniversary last year. It was a really big production with Hula dancers etc. The sermon was good and a few people made decisions. All in all pretty cool.

Paul had told me about this store that was near where the church met. So we looked for it, we walked for about an hour, did a loop and then realized that we had passed it within 5 minutes of starting to walk. Oh well, just a typical Japan adventure.

Had dinner at Nirvana, the chicken spinach curry was great.

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Sunday June 28th

JSDC June 09 - 26

Saturday June 27th

Had to head up to Tokyo one last time before I head back to the US. Got on the 902 limited express to Shinagawa. My buddy Bryan was already on the train as his house sits further out on the peninsula. Like the train schedule it worked out perfectly, both on the same car. The train conductor was being overly cautious in the corners. But a little extra time is worth the safety gained by it.

From Shinagawa we rode the Yamamote Line to Shimbashi. This is where I got to use a train I didn't even know existed. After a quick walk we hopped onto the train. We rode it out to Diaba station, where we got off. The entire area where this station is around is built on fill. It is a complete man made island. Pretty neat. The reason for the excursion up to this park was that they had built a 1:1 scale Gundam. After taking many pictures of it, we headed to the mall just north of the park. One quick stop to see a replica of the Statue of Liberty and then to Toys R Us. Pretty much exactly the same selection as back home, except everything has Kana and Kanji on it.

We had lunch at a Hawaii Burger joint. I had an excellent Turkey Avocado Sandwich on wheat bread. After walking around the mall, it was back to the park to take one last look at the craziness of the size of the statue of the Gundam.

From there we headed to Akihabara in search of AirSoft Guns. After going to Yodabashi and looking in every floor I found something very special. We came out a different exit than we had entered in. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a Doughnut Plant sign. I have been looking for one of these for about a year. I had a Black Out doughnut to celebrate the discovery. Best Doughnut I have ever had, hands down.

The search for Airsoft Continued by the station, we did find a place that had a really large selection of them. It is still strange to me that these BB guns have the same weight and feel as a real gun. In Japan they are not required to put the orange tips onto toy guns. The main reason is that they do not allow private ownership of actual firearms.

Decide to take the easy way back, go back to Shimbashi switch to Asakusa Toei line. This subway line turns into the line that goes directly back to Yokosuka. If you start out at Shimbashi you can sit down during the entire trip. Well worth the few extra minutes it takes to wait for the limited express train.

The rest of the day was made up by playing Little Big Planet (PS3) and then dinner at Denny's. It also marks the latest train I have ever caught. I caught the 5th to last train for the evening. Not too many folks ride this particular train.

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Saturday June 27th

JSDC June 09 - 25

Friday June 26th

Last Friday in Japan on this trip. Headed up to an outlet mall in Yokohama after work. The thing about shopping in Japan is you get a 10-15 percent markup on prices in the US. So even an outlet mall will be more expensive than they would be back home.

Had dinner at a restaurant at the mall. The waitress was the shortest person I have every dealt with. Sitting down I was looking down at her. Headed back to town. Got on the wrong train and ended up near where some additional Navy housing is. Got back to town after getting back to the correct line.

Burger King opened up tonight, there was a line outside the restaurant and many people were wearing the crowns. They also had one of the mayoral candidates giving a speech on the street tonight. Seems like wherever i got I cannot escape the madness of politics.

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Friday June 26th

JSDC June 09 - 24

Thursday June 25th

Decent weather today, dinner on base, Netflix. The winning combo.

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Thursday June 25th

JSDC June 09 - 23

Wednesday June 24th

The rain returned in a big way today. I took the shuttle from the hotel to work. I had to walk about 1/4 mile. By the time I got to the office, i was completely soaked. It doesn't feel much different than a Washington rain, but I think the drops are bigger.

Got a nice walk in after work. Spotted a base cat finally, it was cross eyed and looked as if it may have had rabies, so I stayed clear.

Ate dinner at the CPO club, it was Mongolian Night. I got a very good mix of meat and veggies.

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Wednesday June 24th

JSDC June 09 - 22

Tuesday June 23rd

For dinner the idea was Chili's. They happen to be closed today, which I did not find out until I got there, so it was changed to Italian Gardens. The whole trip took around an hour, but the food was good. No rain today, but clouds are gathering for tomorrow.

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Tuesday June 23rd

JSDC June 09 - 21

Monday June 22nd

Another day at work. The rainy season continues, got soaked on the way back from work. Microwave dinner tonight, just taking it easy.

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Monday June 22nd

JSDC June 09 - 20

Sunday June 21st

Just another lazy Sunday. Met with coworkers for breakfast brunch at the Officers Club. The food was amazing, prime rib, ham, omlets, the whole works. Stopped by for a little liquid energy at Starbucks. Did the weeks shopping at the comisary. All the while dodging the rain. It dumped in sheets today. Got absouluty soaked in the ten minute walk from the base to the hotel.

After drying out, decided to go for a quick walk around town and then pick up lunch at Taco Bell. The funny thing, is that I see more umbrellas on sunny days here than on rainy days.

Church on base, subway for dinner then Netflix.

Pictures

Sunday June 21

JSDC June 09 - 19

Saturday June 20th

Went to three different cities in one day. Started with breakfast at the hotel. After getting a quick spot of coffee from Starbucks, it was onto the train. Timed it just right the limited express was just pulling up as we got to the platform. After the sixth stop we got off the train, but quickly realized that it was going to the place that we needed to be at. The line turns into a subway line once it reaches Shinagawa. We arrived at Asakusa station and went for a nice walk to the shops around the temple. One of my coworkers was looking for shoes for his family. Somehow I managed to remember exactly where the store was located, even after a year.

After we picked up the shoes it was back on the trains. At the station we had a volunteer help us to buy the right tickets. It just confirmed what I was planning, so at least that was good. We went from Asakusa and transferred to the Hibiya line at Ginza. Finally we arrived at Roppongi. After finding the store and buying a keychain it was time to find some grub for lunch. We decided to eat that California Pizza Kitchen. It was back onto the train, switch and the get off at Kawasaki.

Lunch was good, but we still had one stop left on our journey. So we hopped back on the train and went to Costco. It was a mad house, but interesting to visit. After picking up some cookies for the BBQ it was back to Yokosuka.

After a quick stop at the hotel it was onto the BBQ. The BBQ was a mix of Japanese and Americans who I work with. The spread was awesome. And it was great to meet the families of the people that I work with. Although I think I communicated best with the two year old. After eating more than my fill it was back to the hotel and more Netflix.

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Saturday June 20th

JSDC June 09 - 17



JSDC June 09 - 18

Friday June 19th

Another beautiful Friday in Japan. Got in an excellent walk after work. Walked from base to Homes and back to the hotel. The whole trip took around an hour and a half. Took in the action at the fishing pier. I did not witness any fish being caught but people were trying hard.

Had dinner at Taco Bell. Then went back to the hotel room and caught up on some Netflix.


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Friday June 19th

JSDC June 09 - 16

Thursday June 18th

The weather has continued to be very comfortable during the day. The rain has managed to stay away for the most part during the entire trip.

Dinner was Pepper Lunch.

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Thursday June 18th

JSDC June 09 - 15

Wednesday June 17th

Took a couple pictures of the street during the thunderstorm last night. From around 9 PM to midnight the whole sky was a light show. Didn't get the best rest, but got a great front row seat to thunder and lightning.

Went back to 12 Frogs for dinner. As always very good.

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Wednesday June 17th

JSDC June 09 - 14

Tuesday June 16th

Another Birthday in Japan.

Went to the Yakitori place for dinner. Had bacon wrapped asparagus, mushrooms, and chicken. It was extremely tasty.

Some coworkers took me out for lunch at Chilis. The Bacon Mushroom burger was very good.

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Tuesday June 16th

JSDC June 09 - 13

Monday June 15th

For dinner I went out to the Indian resturant again. This time I tried the Mutton Curry which was very good. The engineering manager went for regular curry and regular nan. When they brought out the nan it looked like a rabbit. Pretty creative.

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Monday June 15th

JSDC June 09 - 12

Sunday, June 14th 09

Another fine day of work. Went to dinner at Taco Bell and church on base.

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Sunday 14th

JSDC June 09 - 11

Saturday June 13th

Long day at work. Decided to go for the quick and easy dinner. Pepper Lunch.

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Saturday 13th

JSDC June 09 - 10

Friday June 12th

Went up to Kawaski with my buddy Bryan after work to try and find the California Pizza Kitchen. Getting there was extremely easy. The same train line that I always take and just one stop past Yokohama.

Kawaski is really impressive. The mall that the CPK is in is huge even by American Mall standards. We split a California Club pizza. Thin crust, chicken, bacon, and avecado. It was very good.

Came back watched some TV and then Bryan had to run. He flies tomorrow for his two weeks off this year. Good times.

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Friday June 12th

JSDC June 09 - 9

Thursday, June 11th

Was able to show another excellent resturant to a new person. We went to the Katsu place that serves a very good garlic and pork loin cutlet. The rain has returned at my request.

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Thursday 11th

JSDC JUNE 09 - 8

Wednesday, June 10th

The rainy season has not lived up to its name yet. But there are still three weeks left in my trip. I am sure that I will not be disappointed. I also left my rain suit at home, so for it not to have rained yet is a little strange.

Went through UniQlo and found another awesome shirt. it is for a health drink that I tried earlier this year. It has a D on the label. I cannot read any of the rest of it, but it is really awesome.

I did have once fun experience. I was standing waiting for the light to change and kept noticing that branches were falling on the street. I looked up to see a crow pulling the branches from the tree. So the picture that is hard to make out, is actually of the aforementioned crow at work.

Had Taco Bell for dinner. I know really stepping out of my boundaries. Two more days until weekend, sweet.

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Wenesday 10th

JSDC - June 09 - 7

Tuesday June 9th

It is starting to warm up. The sun still has only made an appearance Sunday, but the temps are rising. The humidity feels to be doing the exact same thing. Had dinner at the Green Leaf for the first time on this trip. Brought the engineering manager as he had never been. I tried to order a very good dish for him. It was supposed to be a sauce on rice. Instead it ended up being the sauce in a soup. I had the standard soup with soba noodles and a half serving of Gyoza. Weekdays really fly by.

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Tuesday 9th

JSDC June 09 - 6

Monday June 8th

Met up with a few coworkers 2 current and one former for dinner. We attempted to go to Pepper Lunch at first. Just like Saturday in Akihabara it was full. So we then changed course to go to the Tonkatsu place. Only to discover that it was not open. This little trip gave enough time for Pepper Lunch to clear out. It has become academic at this point for the food to turn out awesome. Apply the sauces and flipping the steak at the right time, truly become second nature.

I did find a really awesome drink for tomorrows challenge.

Monday 8th

JSDC June 09 - 5

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Today I walked the most I have ever walked in Japan. After Breakfast I went for a walk around Yokosuka. It took about an hour, but I went by Homes, and the fishing pier. It was before 9 so nobody was really out except for the fishers.

I decided to go to Yokohama for some shopping and walking. I walked out past the World Porters mall to the mall that is made out of bricks. I then noticed that I was not that far away from the Marine Tower. So I kept walking and walking. I eventually ended up near the tower. Then I decided to head back to try to check the UniQlo out near the train station.

They had a better selection but I am still searching for the Arkinoid tee shirt. So I decided to get some lunch. Subway is a little different here. The wheat bread looks very similar to the white bread back home. And cheese is not included in the cost of the sandwich. Didn't really need cheese. It was very good.

I hopped back on the train to Yokohama station. I decided to check out the UniQlo by Tokyu Hands. Didn't have the shirt. I also ran out of battery life in my Camera, and missed a few good shots.

I went back to Yokosuka and got ready for church. I went to the Church on base this week. It was a great sermon on Romans 13. On the way back to the hotel I picked up some Taco Bell for dinner. Ended the night by watching the Sermons in the current series at New Hope Tokyo.

There is also a crazy cat that lives on the first floor of the hotel, it has a chunk missing out of one ear. Not a cat that I would want to mess with.

Sunday 7th

JSDC June 09 - 4

Went up to Tokyo today for a few shopping stops. Visited Tokyu Hands in Shibuya. It was the first store and is the largest. I did not find what I was looking for at that store, which will come in later. From there headed over to Akihabara to do some video game shopping. Found a nice case for my DSi. Tried to eat lunch at the Pepper Lunch, but it was packed.

Decided to head to the Yokohama Tokyu Hands to look for what I was looking for. Tried to stop in at the Pepper Lunch right at the train station but it was lunch time, so it was full. After getting shopping done at Tokyu Hands, finally had lunch, standard pepper steak. But now they have a ring that protects the grease from being thrown all over.

Head over to my buddy brains apartment and played Little Big Planet for a couple of hours. Had dinner at the Mos Burger right at the train station by his place. It tasted very similar to an In & Out burger. Although that is just one of many choices. They also have three burgers that the buns are actually rice cakes. Pretty interesting.

Took the short train ride by to Yokosuka and read my kindle. It was the first time I was out and about for 12 hours in a row. It went smoothly as possible.

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JSDC June 09 - 3

Friday the 5th

I took the engineering manager to a restaurant called Nirvana for dinner. It was a Nepalese restaurant. I had a very good Chicken Curry and Garlic Nan combo. We met an interesting person who was from Napal and had very distinct impressions of crazy Americans. Of course this gentlemen was in the Navy so it was all taken with a grain of salt.

After dinner I went on a shopping super tour. 100 Yen shop, UniQlo, and the exchange. I started to catch my wardrobe up. I bought another PacMan shirt, this one has the buildings in Shibuya and screens from PacMan on the screens on the buildings. Pretty awesome.

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JSDC June 09 - 2

Thursday 4th - PacMan

Went out with the engineer that I am replacing and the manager for dinner. We started at the Sushi-Go-Round place, then to Korean BBQ, and finished off at the Crepe stand. All standard stops on the culinary train.

After that I took off and went T-Shirt shopping at UniQlo. It is basically Japanese Gap. I picked up a pretty awesome PacMan shirt. Has The PacMan on the front, and the ghosts on the back (Ebay Link). I may have to go back and get an Akrinod shirt that was also very cool.

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JSDC June 09 - 1

Back to Japan June 2nd

They say the fifth time is the easiest, or something like that. But in truth of spirit they are correct. Everything went exceedingly smooth today. I had checked my luggage and was through security in less than 6 minutes. Amazing.

Had a little Qdoba for lunch. Chicken Tacos are very good, but the spicy sauce was probably too much. As always the plane flies out of the N terminal. Took the tram over and walked around until boarding was called. The thought was that I would be sitting for a very long time shortly, this can be confirmed.

The flight was decent, a few bumps here and there. All told very smooth. Much has been made of the health screening process to enter Japan at Narita. A month ago they were using an infrared gun to check peoples temperatures prior to letting them disembark the airplane. Now they just walked through smiling. Then let everybody off. There was a rather conspicuous camera with a security guard. Of course no pictures were allowed, but I am pretty sure it was an infrared camera. Apparently no body was about what was normal. If somebody was, I am sure they would drop a cage on them or something.

I was able to get through immigration and customs to make the 1530 bus. Which was very good. After a nice leisurely 2 hour ride we were dropped off at PSD on base. Then the final leg of the journey a quick 10 blocks to the hotel and then check in. I am in the towers this time, it is very similar to the room I had my first two times here. It is very nice.

For dinner it was the McDonalds off base, then I did a quick Commissary and Exchange run to get essentials.

Here are some pictures, enjoy.