I have a lot of photo editing to do before I can post about our fun Saturday adventure. So instead, I'm just going to answer all of your most pressing questions.
What? You say you didn't ask any questions?
Ooooh!
That's right!
Only Doug's sister Beth asked any questions. So guess what?
I'M ONLY TALKING TO HER!
Let's chat, shall we Bethy? Here goes:
"Is this a dream? Pinch me. No, not there."
I think that's a question. No. No, this is not a dream. We really truly are in Japan. And you don't get to choose where we pinch you.
"Where do you eat while you are at the Base hotel? Kitchenette or cafeteria?" So far we've done most of our eating in our room. Our hotel room has a small kitchenette stocked with a few basic small appliances and dishes as well as a fridge, oven, microwave and dishwasher. When we arrived we found it had also been stocked with FOOD by our new friends, Janeen and Merrill.
Aside from that, there are quite a few eating establishments On-Base. In the BX (Base Exchange) there is a food court with a Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Subway, Charlies, A&W, & Baskin Robbins. We went there for lunch today for the first time. There are also a few other places around the base ranging from the Officer's Club Buffet, to a Mexican restaurant, to a couple of Coffee Shop/Cafe's. Oh, and a Burger King. (Bleh!)
"Important questions?" Extremely.
"Where did you go to church and what language was it in?" There is a newly expanded and renovated chapel a few minutes off-base. It has a Military Branch which we will attend, (in English) and a Japanese Branch that meets later in the day in the same building.
A little aside: The Branch seems REALLY super nice. The Relief Society is small, and the Primary is HUGE!!! But is was nice to walk in a feel right at home.
Bonus question: What's the Yen rate? 107 Yen = $1.00. So it's basically 100 to a dollar which makes it simple to convert. Even for the math inept like me.
So there you go, Beth. A few of your questions answered. I have a whole post full of answers to questions no one has asked yet, but it's still in my head. And the accompanying pictures are still un-taken. So that'll have to wait.
***UPDATE!!! After having a few days to really get excited about living off-base, Doug came home yesterday and told me that housing had offered to let him look at three empty units On-base. So we went and looked at the available units aaaaaaaannnnnnddddddd...
WE'RE STAYING ON-BASE! And I'm a tiny bit disappointed because I was all stoked to be in the SUPER CUTE brand new house. BUT, ultimately, convenience for Doug won out. Being On-base means he'll be close enough to come home for lunch every day and it'll mean no commute. Not even a short one. We'll be able to survive with one car, and we'll be right next to the school. A few other On-base advantages: the apartment has been freshly cleaned and newly painted, but we're allowed to paint when we move in and decorate however we want. Also, we wont have to pay any utilities and we'll have a dishwasher. BUT, like I said, the main thing is having more Doug time. And that's always a good thing. (Except, of course, when it's not.)
And with that, I leave you. (In Japan.)
(me, not you.)
The End.
5 comments:
Hmm, questions? I can do questions:
1)So as far as my knowledge goes, the base is pretty much an English sector in the middle of Japan, right? I mean, mainly its what was here, except there...and smaller?
2)The schools are going to be just like the ones back here in the good ol' U.S of A. correct? But will it still focus the education on (for example) American history, or more on Japanese history?
3)Are you guys planning (or being forced) to learn Japanese? (to communictae and all?)
4)Do you use yen or U.S. money at the base? Do you only use yen when traveling outside the base?
5)No lost luggage, correct? Everything get there fine, or are you still waiting for your things?
6)Have you bought your kids samurai swords yet? It is a must have, especially in JAPAN (that wasn;t a real question by the way, feel free to skip it).
7)Are you allowed to leave the base at will (you and the kids at least) or are you confined for certain times? (i.e. Lights out, etc.)
8)Doug is serving as a dentist on the base, or what exactly is he doing as his "duty"?
9)There is no number 9
10)How are the kids adapting, not only to the time difference (from Mountain time zone you are 14 hours ahead, about 12 from teh east coast) but also to the change in culture, surroundings, etc. (or have you not explored the "outside" enough yet to really notice)
I guess I'll square off at ten, Hope you all have fun and hope to see your "adventure" pictures soon!
Bored mother in Switzeland is writting again because it is raining and as I said bored. Thought I would see how the adventure in Japan was going. Read your section on boys on side bar. So true! However, I haven't given up completely that if we had one more it just might be a girl. I walked into my boys room this morning and made the decision it is time for them to wear deodorant. I almost threw up from the smell of sweat. Sorry you do not get to live off base! Good luck in Japan!
How many rooms in the apartment?
I think it's always good to cut down on the commute, especially in a foreign country. Also, in event of nuclear attack, you are probably a bit safer. Super cute homes aren't always the safest. But average apartments are quite secure.
I am glad that you found a place on base! That's great! I can't wait to see more pictures!!
So, what's wrong with Burger King? I mean aside from all the food and the creepy king guy?
You life is so exciting! Congrats on the dishwasher! I'm glad you're happy with your new ward. I'm so excited to hear you speak Japanese. I swear I'll come visit you some day when it's a better time for my mama. :)
Tell me if the Mexican place is any good. I'm really curious!
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