Week 1

Helayna and Silas were both amazingly well behaved on our 13 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo. They both slept during take-off and landing so I did not deal with popping ears. Silas napped off and on through most of the flight while Helayna played with her My Little Ponies, stickers and watched cartoons (albeit they were in Japanese) on the little screens on the plane. The Airline staff was very friendly and helpful although the language barrier was a bit of a challange at times (we flew a Japanese airline).

Upon arriving at Narita International Airport outside of Tokyo a staff member took us through customs. I had to show my military ID and get a special stamp since we are immigrants and not just tourists. We were finally escorted to the arrival lobby where Andrew was waiting. Andrew brought his friend, Adam, to help us carry the luggage and it was a good thing he did. We spent about an hour shuttling around the airport to find our bus to the Yokosuka base. The effects of sleep deprivation didn't really hit me until we got on the 3-hour busride. The kids immediately passed out and I nodded off several times.

We arrived at the hotel about 8pm. I put the kids in bed while Andrew went to his favorite restaurant "CoCos" to get us some food. I fell asleep while he was gone and he had to wake me up to eat.

The kids both woke up at about 4am and it took a few days for them to adjust to the time change. The first few nights they kept waking up between 3 and 4am. They are now waking up at about 6-7am which is much easier for me. :)

We did not get out to really see Japan the first few days I was here. The very next day after our arrival Andrew had a math test and wanted to rest and study all day. After that he had duty, or the weather was too bad for us to get out. Finally on Thursday (Thanksgiving) we went to one of his shipmate's house on base for Thanksgiving dinner. They reserved the party room in the apartment building so that the kids would have plenty of room to run around and play (there were three 2-year-olds including Helayna, and they were all abou the same age within a couple of months.)

Friday, a girl that I met through a friend, Stephanie, picked me up for shopping in Yokosuka! Stephanie, another wife named Courtney, and I went to several Japanese stores including "Homes" which is like a fancy Home Depot, a department store sort of similar to our Walmarts only much nicer, and the Dyai-Japanese mall. I learned that I am a size Large in Japan-no surprise since most Japanese women I've seen are very slender. I did manage to find a pretty black dress for the Christmas party coming up on Dec. 12.

I am still trying to adjust to some culture differences here, although I have not yet experienced a huge "culture shock." One thing I kept forgetting to do is put money in a tray on the counter when I buy something at a store. It is considered rude to hand money to the person directly. They also thank you and bow after you buy something. Also you do not tip in Japanese restaurants.

Saturday Andrew had duty so it was another boring day in the hotel for me and the kids. I did end up going to the Nex alone with them but I will not do that again until Silas is old enough to walk or at least sit up in a buggy. It was a complete nightmare.

Yesterday we took the bus to the gate and walked around Yokosuka. I love the city and think it's beautiful! I forgot to charge Andrew's camera so I did not get pictures but I will soon. We ate at a Japanese Italian restaurant, which was pretty good.

I wanted to visit the Buddhist temple today and see the giant Buddha and take some pictures, but Andrew had to be a sponsor for a new sailor today and show him around the ship and the base so he didn't get home until almost 5pm. I'm hoping we'll get to go this weekend if not sometime this week.

Anyway, so far I really like Japan! I need to learn a little more Japanese to get around. All I really know is "Hello" "Thank you""Excuse me" and "Yes".And once I get a car I'll have to get used to driving on the other side of the road and driving in their tiny, tiny lanes. As Stephanie said, "Driving in Japan is like playing a video game."

We are still living in the hotel, but Andrew learned today that our chit has been signed by the C.O. and we now just have to wait 5 days to get on the housing list and get offered housing. We're hoping for on-base housing, but if we can't get that we are considering living off-base out in Yokosuka in Japanese civillian housing. It's more expensive but more convenient than living in Ikego or Negishi.

I apologize for not having pictures yet, but I promise I will have some soon! Peace.