Konichiwa!

The last few days have been very interesting and exciting. This week Shari and I are attending the Area Orientation/Intercultural Relations class. Parts of it are the standard briefs I always get when reporting to a new base/command, but the ICR portion is all about living and enjoying the country. Much of the class is on basic survival and local customs, so it is fun. Today was the "practical" portion of the class where we were guided around downtown Yokosuka. If you come to church with us, this is where we will go... :)



Right off the base is Mikasa Park where a Japanese Battleship, built by Great Britain in the 1800's is parked. There are many areas like this around Yokosuka and areas in Japan we have been too so far. Mikasa park is also an evacuation area for the local public where they have a giant fresh water tank that looks like a Train, holding enough fresh water for 10,000 people for 3 days. It is also a nice park for photo shoots, apparently...





After the park and downtown area, we boarded a train and traveled about 15-20 minutes to Kamakura, Japan's capital from 1185 until 1333. There are many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Our tour for today did not go through any of these, so we will be going again in the next few days with the kids. We did get to do a little shopping and eat some amazing Ramen. Speaking of Ramen, it is a big deal over here! For Americans, Ramen would bring memories of Top Ramen or Cup O' Noodles as a kid. The same thought that comes to our minds when we heard of it. There are many restaurants in Japan that specialize in Ramen and it is delicious! Alex, our Top Ramen lover, can't wait to go. They also love Hello Kitty. We liked the shirt that said I Love KT! since that is what we use for shorthand for Katie's name...



The trains are the main way to get around. We did discover that there are luxury cars. They cost an extra 1000Y (about $10) to ride in and are nice and comfy. We didn't intend to ride in this but we stepped into the wrong car and just kind of rolled with it... :)

Another 20 minutes on the train from Kamakura is Yokohama, 2nd largest city in Japan. The train station opened into a shopping mall, where we stayed and looked around for about an hour. We got to sample some corn and peppers on a stick and see some interesting food items. Of course, lots and lots of Sushi...just tough to tell what's in it! It all seems very fresh...like it was prepared that morning and probably alive a few hours earlier!

After Yokohama, we headed back to Yokosuka unaided. As part of the exercise, Shari and I had to navigate back to the base on our own. This wasn't too difficult, but warranted a treat and a a Diet Pepsi for Shari.. Unfortunately for her, they can't be found off base...so she switches to Pepsi "Nex" which is their zero cal version. She was so happy when she found a 'big one'. There was also a nice little desert shop we couldn't pass up...

What a day and such a great experience. We are having a great time and absolutely love it here! The people are sooooo polite and kind. I can see why people who have lived here loved it here. We certainly do! Lastly, I have to show you the car we were given yesterday. Tom and his family, after living here for 7 years, are moving to Germany and gave us this one and sold us there van for $1000. Not bad, huh?!? Two cars for $1000! I'm dying to try to lift it up...maybe tomorrow!

Love to all!