Happy Halloween!!!!

I hope you have a great Halloween.

Sure I can teach English!

As you know, I usually have two or three different jobs at a time. What can I say I have a problem and it has transcended over to Japan. Anyway, I just got a job teaching conversational English. It looks I will have my first students on Sunday. It is a mother and daughter. So I have no idea what I am doing, but the fact that I speak English is enough. I wonder if I can teach them how to say and the meaning of douche bag at the first lesson :)

To sleepy to write last night

I was just to tried to write last night. This may due to with my obsession of tv on the internet. At the moment, I am on season four of the L word and season 2 of Calafornication. It is just so easy to say to yourself ok one more eposide and then I will go to sleep. On Tuesday, I stayed up till 2:30 AM and yesterday till 1:30AM. So tonight, I am putting myself on a bedtime of 12 AM. Especially, since now my supervisor is watching what time people roll in. Today, I made it to work at 7:50 AM, which I thought was a huge accomplishment. Also, the earlier you get on the bus the less school children are on it which is another bonus. Last, night, Eko invited me over to her house where she made dinner. It was the first time I had been invited over to a Japanese house. I stopped at the 7/11 to get beer, you should always bring something when invited to a Japanese person's house or I feel anyone's house. I was going to get her a pack of her cigarettes which are berry flavored menthol(not my favorite), but opted for the beer. Also, I wanted her to explain the calorie system here. I don't think there is any lite beer here unless you go to a military bar. The beer I bought had 130 calories and I only had one. She had wine that came in orange juice container. It was good. Her house is very cute and she was very concerned of my cat allergy since she has two cats. However, her house was very airy and it was not a problem.. She made beef curry with hard boiled egg in it and rice with a korean soup that had a whole bunch of stuff. It was very good and am beginning to love curry. I hung out with her ate and watched some Japanese TV, which was good having an interpreter. She lives close and I walked home. It is cold here now, but not to cold yet. Tonight, I am going to the gym and walking home. They have a free concert here tonight, smash mouth, remember them? yes their career has really taken off, since hey there you're a rock star, to where they are playing a random military base in Japan. Tomorrow, I am going over to JC of Japan's house for trick or treating, drinking, and going out with Eko. So I hope you have your fun festive Halloween pants on. Ohh! I almost forgot I taught Eko what douchebag meant!!! It's now international.

My first trip to the onsen

After work, I met up with Eko at the train station. We went to eat, which I was excited about going with someone whom actually would know what to say to the waitress. We went to this restaurant called Tomato and Garlic, Italian food in case you had not guessed. The Japanese are very into the family style where both order and both share. We ordered pasta with eggplant, margarita pizza, and white wine. It was very good and drank lots of wine before heading over to the onsen. One thing that I think is funny for two yrs her parents let her come to America and she moved to Utah to go to Brigham Young. She thought it would be a safe area in America. Anyway, we walked to the onsen. You take off your shoes, put them in a locker, pay 11 dollars, go the locker room, take off all your clothes put them in a locker, then shower in these individual shower stalls with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, with a little stool to sit on. However, she told never sit on the stool because that was gross. I agree. Anyway after the shower, there are several different onsen to choose from. We went in the first one that was so hot, only stayed in there like five minutes. We proceeded to go the one outside like a little lap pool. The water was warm and watched the naked people come in and go out. It was not weird or uncomfortible which I thought was weird. There were three other water areas which I had to check out each one. Overall, I loved it plus its fun to shower use all their products and not have to clean up. I am planning to go back soon. After the onsen, we went to a tiny Japanese bar that I would have never gone by myself. But, it was fun had two beers and she did all the talking. Today, I was very sleepy at work. I looked up conferences I am trying to go to one soon and had another client. After work, went to the gym, but took the bus home I wanted to walk. However, I am making myself walk home and gym tommorow. Well I have two clients tommorow I don't know how will I handle all this responsibility.

Another Monday...

My weekend was not to eventful. On Friday, after work I had some drinks and went over to JC of Japan house. I kind of helped her continue her massive decoration of the house for her upcoming Halloween party. After, I met up with my new Japanese friend whom helped me with the correct pronunciation of her name. Her name is Eko she had said I could call her Jen because her last name from her former husband was Jenkins. I thoughts about it and in no way would I want someone calling me Ger. Anyway, she told me that she likes "brothers" and that we should go to the brothers and sisters bar. Not that I am an expert in black bars, but it seemed like your typical black bar with the music and drinks with insane prices. I told her I had to leave seeing that I was about to fall off the bar stool from too many drinks. We shared a taxi and turns out she lives up the street from me. Today after work, she is going with me to the hot spa. Saturday, I had my first experience doing laundry and after doing it once I am pretty sure I will need to invest in a used washer. I found one for less than a hundred dollars. Anyway, I had to pack my clothes in my rolling suitcase, drag it on the bus, drag it off the bus, and roll it to the laundromat. Also, it cost almost 16 dollars to do the laundry. So I think I am really going to look into getting a washer. After, I went to a Halloween party where there was lots of food and drink. On Sunday, I dragged myself out of bed walked around a bit hiked up to the cemetery by my house and ate at the vending machine restaurant again. Well I am sure I will have a fun story about the hot spa.

Every last Sunday of the month, various Japanese groups come out to protest the naval base. I ran into the group on my way home and was given this pamphlet. I don't think they are fans of the navy.

This is the view from the cemetery to my apt. Its difficult to describe which is my apt, but its toward the back in front of a house with a blue roof.

I can see this tree from my balcony and wanted to see it up close.

When I look out my balcony I see this cemetery.

I had to buy cigarettes with my name as the brandname . They are disgusting and considered by the Japanese to be very strong.

I had a very nice day!

Not much to say, but I was surprisingly in a good mood all day. I did my work and only took 45 mins for lunch. However, I was an hour late for work and am trying to work on that, but just can't seem to get up in the morning. Well at least tomorrow is Friday and I get to wear jeans really when you work for the Navy you have to take pleasure in the little things. I got my ticket for Korea which by the way was only 300 dollars and would have been like 3000 dollars from New Orleans. Anyway, my big plan for Korea is to take the tour up to North Korea put my toe across the line so I can say I have been to North Korea. I am going with a couple whom remind me of Jeff and Chris which I started calling them to Ros the Jeff and Chris of Japan. Anyway, I am sure it will be fun. I am not really sure what I am doing tomorow. Right now, I am planning to go the bar across from my office after work and am not sure if anyone is going. My new Japanese friend called me and wants to meet me, but she does not get off till 10. Maybe I will suggest she take me to a local Japanese bar we will see. Well write me tell me what's going on with you. Have a great weekend!!!

I thought you missed me so much you would want to see a picture of me on my balcony.

Why is there a fake cat looking at fake spaghetti in a glass cube? Maybe they serve cat at this restaurnat who knows?

Almost every restaurant in Japan, has display windows with plastic replications of what food they serve at their restaurant. I read an article that it is a billion dollar industry over here. I don't know, but the food does look real.

This is a shopping area about 5 mins. from my apt.

This is the street I live on. Notice I picked a location across from a liquor store without even knowing it.

My balcony and one towel I brought with me from New Orleans.

My new futon/bed which I am to tall for.

This is my shower. The shower is gas and you have to the little lever and crank it to get the gas turned on. I don't think I will be taking any baths in their version of a bathtub which is my version of a sink.

Happy Birthday Jessica!!!!

This is gay, but I thought I would write you something especially since I can not be there to celebrate your big day and give 31 smacks on the ass.

So 31 things that remind me of you!!!

1. 3/10/90 We have an anniversary I want diamonds on our twenth. 2. Are you flowing? 3. Getting grounded if we did not go to Taco Tico for your mom.4. Our trips where we realized we were just raised better. 5. Writing all over my legs before I had to go to services. 6. Sunday school when you fell out of the car because of the smell. 7. Your uniform for school white shirt in the spring and white sweater in the winter. 8. The impalia 9.Having a shotgun schedule for your jeep with Ashley 10. Making you mad when we told you should gotten a durango 11. Cut it clean 12. Give me your left sock 13. Getting fired from Metairie Cleaners and being so happy you had not driven away 14. Alabama 15. Making our room 227 and thinking it was so funny 16. Putting our beds together and realizing how gay that must have looked. 17. Staying up till morning to save our plant. 18. Lines at Chevron on the back of the toilet 19. Keeping H away from me we don't have alot of memories from that time 20. Visiting you in FL 21.Big Sky, Montana 22. The hooker cursing you out in Amsterdam 23. Meeting Point 24. Mushrooms all over Europe. 25. Saying our goodbyes to everyone on video in Berlin 26. Still waiting for our Heathcliff doll to show up. 27. Countless Mardi Gras 28. Video poker its so fun to play with you even though it is the most evil thing in the world. 29. Making me breakfast on my 31 birthday 30. In 18 yrs, only having two fights with you both you apologized for and both were my fault. 31. Driving me to the airport as I left for Japan. AND one to grow on


Shout out to my BFF of soon to be 19 yrs. I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday with lots of presents, drinks, and hopefully not to much bad stuff. Start the year off right and DO NOT PLAY VIDEO POKER. Have the best birthday and your 32 will be even better because I will be there to smack your ass and have lots of drinks with you. I love you hardly ever tell you becasue that is gay but I do. Happy Birthday Biatch!!

I have the internet blues

You will be proud to know that I not only went to the gym, but I walked home. I am going to try to do it again today, but the bus looks so nice when I see it. After the gym, my new Japanese friend that I met Saturday night called me and said she would be happy to show me what to do at the hot spa by my house. So the plan for next Monday is basically get naked with a bunch of Japanese women and take a bath, but they call it soaking. I guess we will see. Nothing to exciting to report on my walk home expect I forced myself to go and eat in this restaurant. Luckily, an American was in there and showed me what to do. You go in and there in a vending machine with pictures of food you put your money in pick what you want and out pops a ticket. You proceeded to the counter give the cook the ticket and he brings you the food. I had a hamburger patty with an egg on top, salad with corn (they love to put corn on all their salads) with a dressing that was actually good, and miso soup which I don't like. It was very good and I was proud of myself for not eating on base or the 7/11. I got home and was on the phone with the internet people for another three hours. I had the internet for like 10 mins that was why I was able to put some pics on the blog and lost the internet. I gave up and will call again today. I was late for work due to it being Antarctica in the apt, but no one noticed. Once at work, I started working on my expense report for Serco my contract company to send them the receipts for my travel. It comes to a grand total of 7,582 which they had given me 7,540 so I manged to use it all. Now, I could get another 2,500, but I am not requesting it. Don't want to pay it back just in case I leave early. I went to lunch at my new favorite restaurant besides Chilis called the Warehouse which is right across the street with a coworker. Her and her husband will be going with me to Seoul at Thanksgiving. Back at work, planning my trip to Korea and waiting for my first client. Hopefully tonight I will be able to post more pictures.

Another picture for Jessica of my magical toilet. The toilet is heated and you can turn it up in the winter.

The sliding door between the rooms the other room has four tatami mats and I have made it into my closet/dressing area and should anyone ever come to visit the guest room.

This is my six mat tatami bedroom before the furniture! I can almost touch wall to wall if I lie on the floor.

This is my tiny apt. I am on the second floor on the right.

My internet troubles :(

After my pedicure, I went to Subway and decided to walk home instead of the gym. My goal which I am pretty sure I will never do is go to the gym and then walk home. I will try again today. I got home and of course the user id and password I was given from the Internet people did not work. I proceeded to spend the next three hours on the phone and got no where. Luckily, I rented the third season of Weeds and stayed up till 3 AM watching it. However, it is amazing I can sleep at all when I can hear every single thing my neighbor is doing and whatever is going on outside. I bought earplugs, but they keep falling out. Before I left, New Orleans Ashley had sent me an eye mask which I always had thought was a bit douchy and now can not sleep without it. So my apt is a tepee. Hopefully, tonight I will be able to post my newest pictures. After I had unpacked, I met coworkers at a restaurant called The Lockup. It is a restaurnat with a jail theme and since its close to Halloween they threw in some monsters and zommbies too. Food sucked but amusing none the less. On Saturday, I made the trek back to Tokyo. I had been invited to a Beatles tribute concert at the military hotel in Tokyo. Since I am in no place to pass up any invitations, I went to the dinner/concert. I had a great time. Apparently, the band had competted with other Beatles cover bands and had won the prilivage to play at this event. I was with five other coworkers two of which were Japanese ladies. It was my first time having conversations with the Japanese. By the end of the night, after several drinks, we were all dancing in a circle. I thought it was cute. After the concert, I went to Roppongi district like the Bourbon Street of Tokyo and went to a karoke bar. I sang with some Russian girl and made jokes with her that she was from the Ukraine. She thought it was amusing to call me a Canadian. I guess you had to be there, but it was very funny to me at the time. On Sunday, the base had a big festival that let the Japanese come freely on base. It was something to do with celebrating the Shinto religion. I don't know it was very crowded and I needed to get a phone chrager. I rented the first season of Calfornication with the guy from X-files whom was a douche on that show and really good in this one. Also, I rented PS I love You and it was sad, but good. So now I am back at work starting to get clients. I have my first one tommorow. I may be a bit rusty since its been almost two months since I had a client. Almost forgot, am not going to China, but I am going to Korea!!!!

What do I do with my trash????

You don't even understand my extreme issues with the trash system. As you know, they do not believe in trash cans and you are expected to take your trash home with then throw it away. My question to the Japanese is what if you don't understand how to throw it away. In Japan, there are different days when you are allowed to throw things away, example on Tuesday you can throw away plastics. This has lead for me to fill my backup with trash and throw it away on base. In addition, I left a bag of trash by a car and ran away. I am sure they will know it was me seeing that I am the only American . Anyway, on Friday I had to leave work and run back to the apt because of the furniture. After almost five weeks, I decided to unpack although I did case the joint to see how fast I could pack up and what I could leave should I jump back on a plane and come home. The gas man came over and explained to me by acting out how to use my shower. Then the realtor came over and drew me pictures in Engish how to use my air conditioner and my fancy toliet. It was all very exhausting espically doing it by myself. I had to go have some drinks with coworkers. However, I am going to get my first on base peidcure so I will write more if I can figure out how to use the internet when I get to the apt.

Moving Day!

Last night, I dyed my hair which it is darker than I am use too and packed up my room. I can't believe I have been here I month. It is weird it feels short, but it also feels like forever at the same time. After work, I have three people helping me move. I am grateful and so excited that I have people helping me. That proves to me I have been trying and trying to keep my social pants on. The plan is to go get my stuff and drive it over to the apt. I will be spending one more night at the hotel and tomorrow I get to leave work early because the Japanese gas man is coming and the futon, mirror, and table are being delivered. The apt is 323 sq ft with 6 tatami mats in one room, sliding door with four tatami mats in the other. I will not have the Internet until Monday so there may be some delay with pictures and updates to the log. However, I am sure I will have lots of good pictures to share with you. I am very nervous of leaving the safety of the base and of course leaving Chilis. I understand completely how people can stay here for months and never leave the base. It is just so easy on base and so difficult off. I will get use to it and the hr walk each way from base to the apt and apt to base. I am close to a bus stop and will conquer that this weekend. As far as this weekend, I am going with coworker to meet two other girls at a restaurant that is designed after a jail. I don't know either, but I will be sure to take pictures of it. On Saturday, I am suppose to go to a Beatles tribute concert in Tokyo with coworkers and then go to the Roggongi district. It's a district that has a lot of bars and individual Karaoke rooms. So the plan is to Karaoke all night long. I am sure I will be famous after Tokyo hears my singing ability. I miss you all.

My adventure in Thailand!!

After I posted the pictures, I was just to tried to write all that I had done in Thailand. As you could tell, from my last post that I was extremely homesick and not exactly looking forward to going to Thailand. On Friday afternoon, coworker and I took the bus which is a very quick option to the airport. My coworker had informed me that she was concerned once I got to the airport I would leave her and go back home. I told her I had thought about it. We went to a Japanese restaurant in the airport and had some sake and sushi rolls. It was good. I was tipsy when I left the restaurant and had left my backpack. I turned around to tiny Japanese woman running and yelling to me that I had left my backpack. I do appreciate the effort of the Japanese. Anyway lots more drinks on the plane ride and at one point was told very nicely to be quiet by the Japanese flight attendant because I guess they don't talk on the plane either. We landed around 11 PM in Bangkok made it through customs and got a taxi. The taxi driver drove us straight to the protesters by the parliament he was amused to show us the men with the machine guns and then he brought us to the area in Bangkok where we stayed called Khao San. The street was like Burbon except with elephants walking around, millions of food vendors, and tuk tuk drivers. We took a tuk tuk which is like a type of motorcycle with a covered back area to the hotel. It was like a dollar. By the way, you get 35 baht to the dollar and I was very excited about how cheap things were. The hotel was a shit hole, but I was drunk and tried and slept with all my clothes, shoes, on top of my backpack. The next day while eating our free breakfast a guy asked us if we were with the tour. He told him he was going on the River Kwai tour and it was the same tour coworker wanted to go on. Before we left for the trip, I had no desire to go the tour, but when it was described it seemed fun. We rode for two hours northeast of Bangkok to the Bridge over the River Kwai. It was really cool and scary to cross this bridge with hundreds of people where you could see the water through the cracks below and my concern was not to fall. I crossed it managing only to trip twice. Next, we got in the van and rode another hour past the bridge to where we had lunch on the river. I discovered my love of coconut milk, spices with chicken. From there, we got in a boat, then onto a bamboo raft, and finally crossing a bridge that I was scared to cross. I had thought a better option would be swim across the river. After, we went to the elephant ride where I had an amusing driver and played with the cutest monkey besides my monkeys. Finally, coworker asked if we I wanted to see and pet the lions. It cost like 10 dollars more I said sure when will be the next time I get to pet a tiger. At the tiger place, the tigers are chained and they demand you pet the tiger as they take your picture from one tiger to the next. It was odd. We returned back from the tour and went to a Ladyboy show. It was filled with old people, but as we ate the buffet that was included in with the ticket there was the coolest piano player. He was very chubby, dressed all in purple, with sparkles all over him. I was in love and clapped every time he finished. The show was long, cheezy, and the Thai trannies did not exactly know all the songs they were singing especially when they sang a song from Chicago. However they did a whole tribute to Josephine Baker that seemed like it lasted for hrs. After, we got a massage for like 5 dollars and coworker went to sleep while I looked around. I went to bed after I saw 7 guys trying to find sex with the tuk tuk driver. The next morning, I went to the floating market and got a massage. I can not describe how hot it is in Bangkok. I only had enough strength to keep getting massages. I got back from the market and met up with coworker where she asked if I wanted to go Phuket. Please go and look up Phuket, Thailand because at that point of the trip my camera had died and could not take anymore pictures. I said I did because although I loved Bangkok it was very dirty and I was having a very very hard time breathing there. So we went back to the airport got a ticket to the beach in Phuket and flew there in an hour. Coworker and I were felling very cool that we just hopped on a plane. Anyway, we got off the plane and managed to get a very nice hotel on the beach for 15 dollars. We checked in ate and I got a facial while she got another massage. We walked around and ended up in the bar where we played Thai jenga with I am pretty sure Thai ladies of the night. Next morning, had an official Thai massage kind of like doing yoga and getting a massage at the same time and finally got a manicure and pedicure all for like $13 dollars. Coworker rented a scooter while I shopped, had lunch, and swam in the ocean. It was so beautiful. She returned from her adventure and we proceeded the long trek back to Japan. Taxi, planes, and trains that took almost 24 hrs to get back to Yokosuka. It was amazing I wish Rosalind could have seen it with me. Now, I am back about to move in the Japanese apt and will document that experience. I am back at work and have developed a weird obsession for Malaysia. However, I am pretty sure I will be going to China next month.

It was so hot in Thailand it makes New Orleans anyday in August seem like a day cold day in December, but I got massages everyday for like five dollars so I guess the heat was not so bad.

A floating market outside of Bangkok, it was neat but very hot, a lot of cheap crap, I looked around and went and got another massage.

A toilet and sink in Thailand, I put this one up for Jessica to see how fun it would be to go to the bathroom. I managed to go without hurting myself or falling in my own tinkle!!

This is at the Ladyboy show it was like carnival cruise ship tranny show. The ladyboys were very dramatic and have a weird obsession with Josephine Baker.

It looks like I am checking out the tiger's stuff and I am not sure what I am doing, but you get dragged from tiger to tiger and they take your picutre very quickly with each tiger. It was odd.

One of the three cutest monkeys in the world the other two live in New Orleans.

My elephant is 30 yrs old. The driver told me he had a boyfriend, but his English was not so good so I may have misunderstood.

A waterfall where many children were playing and swimming.

This is another bridge that looked like it was straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. I was the last one to cross because I was slow and worried about falling into the river.

I walked the middle part and ended up getting stuck on the bridge by a train. It was so hot on the bridge.

This is the bridge over the river Kwai. I stayed on the middle wooden plank where I could look down and see the water. I was very nervous about falling and did manage to trip twice as I crossed the bridge.

I am not sure the name of this fruit, but saw it on the travel channel and its known for being the smelly fruit. I bought a piece and gagged when I smelt it.

On Khao San street hanging out with a cute baby elephant late Friday night!

I miss home

I just wanted to say how much I miss everyone. I don't know what it is today, but I miss New Orleans. I think it may be that I am going back to the airport that I know if I wanted to could figure out how to get back. However, I am going to Thailand and told myself I will have a good time, have some drinks, buy some cute stuff, and see as much of Bangkok as I can.

One day till Thailand

I really did not do much today other than be in meetings. Although, most of the meetings were boring and unproductive I did sit in one that I found to be useful. So that is promising I hope. Anyway, the director gave us off an hour early and I wandered around base. I know it may seem like I don't leave base a lot during the week, but I just figured when I move next week I will not be hanging here when I don't have too. Also, I ended up at Chilis one more time. I did some research about Thailand and have the places I want to go. Think coworker and I will spilt up one day she hates to shop and I hate to hike. Just wish you were here monkey :( I am sure I will have lots of stories and pictures upon my return...

Earthquake #3

The earthquakes need to stop. It is just not natural to be sitting perfectly quite at your desk when suddenly everything around you starts to shake. I just decorated my office and I can see where I chose to but some of my monkeys may not be good. Anyway, I went to nex and bought a pair of black shoes. I needed a pair since my black shoe collection consists of flip flops and high heeled boots. I had been wearing my tennis shoes, but it was not a good choice. However, the nex is limited epically when your shoe size is 11. I bought these shoes which I will post a picture on my blog and I can not decided if they are ugly. It does not matter I needed them. Last night, I watched Lost in Translation. I had seen it before, but not since my arrival to Japan. It is a very realistic portrayal of what its like here and I believe the romance between the two main characters. If you have not seen it go rent it and just imagine me in this place. After work, I am going to begin my journey to the apt and then I am going with coworker to a different rotating sushi restaurant.

No need for toilet paper

Ok so the apt is a little further than I thought. I went with Yoko the housing person to look at the apt during the day and it is far like a 45 min walk each way to base. However, it is cute, cheap, and very very Japanese. The coolest thing about the place is the toilet. The owner put in a brand new toilet that does everything for you. I am going to go back tomorrow to time how long it will take me to walk it. I am sure it will take me over an hour since I walk very slow. Next to the apt is an onsen aka japanese spa where they get naked and bathe with one another. I may have to check it out with my suit, but I heard that may be offensive to the Japanese. Today, was another fun filled day of nothing at work. I spent most of the day out of the office where surprisingly no one seemed to notice. I went with a coworker to a restaurant on base that had a salad bar, but it did not get it. After work, I made it to the gym and was suppose to go to the movies with a coworker and her husband. I was sleepy and really did not feel like being social so in honor of my monkey I stood them up. I will have to say I am sorry in the morning. That's all for now, but I am getting excited for Thailand.

I need a Chilis intervention

What will I do when I cannot go to Chili's? My time at the Navy Lodge is limited and I have to be out by the 17th. I am pretty sure I found the place I am going to stay upon my departure from the Navy Lodge. It is 323 sq feet and very Japanese. I will take pictures once it is all said and done. Today, was a typical Monday not much going on and everyone locked away in their offices. I went to lunch for two hrs and no one seemed to notice. However, I do have two meetings on Thursday I will probably need a nap after all that work activity. I am not complaining I want to see how long I can go without having a client. I had Subway for lunch thought I would really switch it up and learned how to ship and mail items on base. After work, I went to the apt and timed how long it would take me to walk. It seemed that if I walk and not look at things it will take me 25 mins. However, there is a bus stop one minute from the apt and I will be two mins. from a 7/11. The 7/11 will be kitchen since there is no fridge or stove. I figure since Rosalind is not here and I do not cook it really does not matter. However, what does matter is that it is cute, cheap with no lease. The lady that should me the apt. is Yoko I think that is funny. After my latest adventure, I had to go to Chili's since I realized once I move away from the lodge I doubt I will ever get to go.

Although I wanted to buy a lot more I was good and only bought three things! The monkey is for Rosalind.

Another view from base where the Japanese were having a outdoor concert that sounded like Japanese heavy metal.

A view from base and its called Monkey Island!!!

The Chu Hi...

On Friday, I went to have a drink at the officers club while waiting for my coworker. I like that place. Anyway we walked to the Yakatori restaurant where the premise for this Japanese restaurant is that you cook the food at the table on an open charcoal grill. My coworker has lived here for 9 yrs so it was nice going with someone whom knows about Japan. Here is a list of the different meats we ordered: chicken, meat, scallops, pork and beef tongue. I tried it all and actually thought the pork and beef tongue were good. After the dinner, we went back to Club Budweiser and when we walked in I am pretty sure they were singing Korn or some shit like that. My coworker asked if I had had a Chu Hi yet. I said no and was curious about trying one. I got the strawberry and it tasted like Hawaiian Punch. I did not think much of it and had another one. Fast forward like 45 mins and I am singing the Tatantic song with a Japanese girl whom spoke very little English. Needless to say, I believe what I had been told that the Chu Hi will sneak up on you. On Saturday, I slept in and did not make it to the Hot Springs. I was not feeling wonderful and had spent to much money from the night before. I ordered Chilis and went to the gym. At the gym, they had a big shopping event and I got a necklace with my name written in Japanese on it. I love it. I went over to where my coworker lives and we went an ate a local ramen restaurant. I have to say it was much better than my first experience with ramen. She wanted to show me this coffeehouse/bar on the beach. It was like 4 miles away. It was very cool like someplace you might see in Mexico. We only had one drink and I went home. In the future, I will take the bus to her house it cost me over 20 dollars to get there and back to base and she does not live that far. Today, I got up was headed over to the gym where the shopping event was going on. I had not realized the event also included the five story garage. I wandered up and down the garage. I bought a Japanese toy monkey for Rosalind and a lamp for me. My coworker had a get together at her house where the food was amazing chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese. It was yummy and as a staff we all watch the unrated version of forgetting sarsh marshall. It was so funny not really appropriate but funny.

I'm so bored

It is 10:30 AM and I am doing nothing. I am tried of looking at the internet so i thought adding to my blog might spice things up around here. Yesterday after work, I wandered the streets and went to More City a local mall here. It is eight stories and most of the malls here are set up like stalls in the French Market. You really do not know where one store ends and the other begins. I saw several knick knack, but have limited myself on what I buy. Rosalind would be proud of me. On my return to base, I forced myself to walk into the nail salon. I think I only went in because there was another American in there. It was stressful. I must learn how to say manicure in Japanese. She did a good job, but it cost $40. I came to the conclusion that Japan is very expensive. I am a removed from this since I can buy whatever I need on base. However, in the two weeks I have been here there have been times where I wanted to buy something but did not because of the price. I wanted to go to ALL DAYS and it is owned by Denny's I found out, but did not have the energy to point and act out that I would like the salad bar. I ended up at Chilis I really need to stop it. Today, I have nothing to do, but I am going to lunch soon so that should add some excitement to my day. I am going to a Yakatori restaurant I will let you know how that goes. I keep talking about food it must be time for lunch.

Lets hope there is not a Brokedown Palace Two!

For those whom have never seen Brokedown Palace, the movie is based on two girls going to Thailand where someone plants drugs in their luggage and they up in a Thai prison. Next Friday thru Monday, I am going to Bangkok, Thailand. I am very excited and will keep you posted with every play of my upcoming trip!!! Last night, I made it to the gym and persuaded coworker to go to TGI Fridays with me. I am really venturing out with my food choices. Anyway, it was typical Fridays however it was $5 for my diet coke and $8 for a coors light, and my grilled chicken sandwich was $15. So needless to say, I will not be going back. After I left the restaurant, I wandered up and down the streets and what did I find a nail salon. Also, I found a restaurant called ALL DAYS which I believe is the Japanese take on Denny's and their way of saying they are opened 24 hrs. My plan after work is to check out these establishments. While I was wandering, I saw my first really drunk Japanese men. I had heard they get so drunk that they cannot stand up and so far this is true. All four of them were so drunk none could barely stand and were falling, walking into the wall, etc. I was amused. I made it back to my room and continued with my current addiction of free tv. Today, at work I have been a little productive. I went to a meeting and got my military ID. Also, my trip to onsen aka hot spring had been cancelled due to not enough people so I am attempting to go on my own on Saturday. Friday, I am going to dinner with two coworkers to this Japanese restaurant where you have a grill with coals with thinly sliced meat and dipping sauces. After the dinner, I am meeting other coworkers for drinks and Karaoke. However, I can't wait to get off work to check out the nail salon.