Hope's adventure in Japan!!

I heart New Orleans....my true love

2009-03-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

I want to continue my blog, but don't know what to call my new blog. Should I start a new blog? Maybe I will just keep this one and modify the title. However, I am home and have been home for a couple of weeks. I love New Orleans that is what Japan taught me. Japan taught me to appreciate my partner, my friends, and my family. I loved seeing the world, but seeing the world without my partner is something I do not want to do. I believed I made the most of the experience. I traveled more than most and felt I really saw what I wanted to see and was ready to come home. I feel the experience was a great success. When I first got home, I was so relieved to be away from Japan that I could not see what the experience had taught me. Now after a couple of weeks, I am so fucking proud of myself for going. I did what I said I was going to do and traveled as much as I could. I can say I will miss Angela/Dave without them I do not know what I would have done. In September, when I got off the plane, I really thought I would be there like a week maybe two, but I stayed. I stayed in a place where I knew no one, did not speak the language, and had little in common with most people I met. I love that I went to Japan, but New Orleans and my partner are my soulmates. Thank you for those that followed my blog. It really helped with me feeling connected to home.

2009-02-24T00:58:00.000-08:00

Best buddy and baby!!

2009-02-24T00:56:00.000-08:00

I heart making people pose!

2009-02-24T00:54:00.000-08:00

So cute in our ears!

2009-02-24T00:52:00.000-08:00

Jessica sitting in her new chair at the parade

2009-02-24T00:50:00.000-08:00

Monkey sunbathing during Mardi Gras

2009-02-24T00:49:00.000-08:00

Endyimon 2009

2009-02-24T00:47:00.000-08:00

Scooby B and Monkey!!

2009-02-24T00:45:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras 2009

2009-02-24T00:31:00.000-08:00

On the back of the scooter with Mr. Phong

2009-02-24T00:28:00.000-08:00

My first and only time at the circus. It made me sad....

2009-02-24T00:26:00.000-08:00

Look at all the scooters

2009-02-24T00:19:00.000-08:00

Elephant ear fish it was very fishy

2009-02-24T00:18:00.000-08:00

Mekong Delta in Vietnam

2009-02-24T00:16:00.000-08:00

Pagoda in Vietnam

2009-02-24T00:14:00.000-08:00

The coolest thing I saw in Taiwan!

It's raining I think Japan is sad

2009-02-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

In couple of hours, I leave for New Orleans. It is raining here maybe Japan is tearing up because it will miss me. However, I am excited for Mardi Gras!!! Today, I leave at 4 PM and get to New Orleans at 4:15. Would it be nice if it really only took 15 mins. to get from Japan to New Orleans? See you soon. I promise to put up my pictures from Vietnam and Mardi Gras.

I heart third world countries

2009-02-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, I snuck out of work, got the base bus, and was off to the airport. The flight was fine. I watched a Righteous Kill, which was a very good movie. I got to Taiwan where I had a 12 hour lay over. I booked a hotel because before hand I knew I would not want to hang at the airport. I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express which I was the nicest hotel I have stayed in while Asia. It was late when I got to Taiwan. I walked down the street, another place with no sidewalks and went to the 7/11. I did not think much of Taiwan, but at least I got the stamps in passport. Early the next morning, I took a taxi back to the airport and headed to Ho Chi Minh where I learned the people prefer to call it Saigon. I had to wait a long time for my visa, butit looks great in my passport. It was hot again not New Orleans not Vegas hot, but I guess what call only be described as Southeast Asia hot. I got in a taxi and saw the most chaotic driving situation I had ever seen. Imagine no rules, no one stops, no lanes, driving with and against traffic in the same lane. I really had never seen anything like it. My taxi ride to the guesthouse was 100000 dong or like 5 dollars. I was staying in the backpacker area and was nervous about my 15 dollar a night room. However, it was nice with a bed, bathroom, tv with hbo, a lot better than I expected. I unpacked my things and headed out to explore the city. As soon as I walked out of the hostel, I was approached by Mr. Phong whom was a scooter driver. We negotiated a price around 300000 dong or 15 dollars where I would have a driver for the day. I never had my own scooter driver. Anyway, he spoke minimal English, but told me his sister lived in CA and that made us family. I went with it. Anyway, he brought me to a Church (run down church that they are proud of), Pagoda (religious stuff), and the War Rememrants museum (which was sad and showed horrible pictures from the war and the after effects from the war). After the museum, I felt the need to apologize to Mr. Phong for America and he accepted my apology in exchange for lunch. We went to a local place where I was very concerned about not having nuts and not eating dog. We ordered beef with spices and pineapple with chili pepper both were very good. Mr. Phong was drinking beer which cost like 50 cents. I felt Mr. Phong could handle his liquor and was not worried about drunk driving here. I truly believe you have to grow up there in order to be able to drive in that. When I rode, I always looked up or out and tried not to notice the millions of people coming at us with their scooters. After lunch, I had him drop me off at the big market. The market sold everything food, souvenirs, clothes, and counterfeit goods. I got a Coach wallet that I swear looks like the real thing for 8 dollars. It was so hot there that I caught another scooter for like a dollar and went back to the guesthouse. On Saturday, I went on my tour to see rural life in the Mekong Delta. The tour picked me up and we drove about three hours to the Delta area. In addition, there were only four people on my tour and non were overly friendly. I was glad about that. We took a boat ride and explored the area. We went to one area where they were making food, tropical fruits garden, and lunch. It was a nice tour. However, on the way home, I saw someone on a scooter get hit by a van and there was blood everywhere. Apparently, 100 people die everyday on scooters in Saigon. On Saturday nite, I ate at another Italian restaurant and talked to the 80 yr old man from Australia whom had traveled all over the world, but never wanted to go to America. His wife of 33 yrs had died 3 yrs ago and he was here with his Vietnamese I guess girlfriend of 2 and half yrs whom had just dumped him. On Sunday, I had arraigned from Mr. Phong to take me somewhere locals go and he took me to this Amusement/Zoo/Park where they were only Vietnamese. Needless to say, I stood out and little children where pointing and running up to say hello and ran away when I responded. I have always thought of Big Eyes as a complement, but I am pretty sure it is not a complement here. After I had him drop me at the market, where I bought last minute crap, but got a massage for 12 dollars. That night I met Mr. Sydney for dinner and had the most boring dinner of my life. He rambled on and on and on and on. After, I went to bed and prepared for my journey home. Yesterday, I took every mode of transportation with a scooter to the airport, plane, bus, train, and taxi. I started at 8 AM and did not get to base till 1 AM. Today, I am so sleepy.

To Scooter or not to Scooter

2009-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

That is the question? Well in just a couple of hours I will be getting on my flight to Taiwan. I really don't know much about Taipei. I am only going to be there for 12 hours. I got a hotel that is close to the airport. I will eat, sleep, and head back to the airport. I have really loose plans in Vietnam other than Saturday I am taking and all day tour to the Mekong Delta. I want to rent a scooter and drive to the beach, but I am scared maybe I will just rent on. However, I am hoping there is something I don't know about and will end up doing that. I know there are lots of spas and I am sure I will find my way to one. So wish my luck and hope I have no problems with my visa on arrival that I got on the Internet.

My blog.....

2009-02-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Blog, have I been neglecting you? According to my mother, I have and maybe I have. During the week, it is boring and routine. I wake up, go to work, try and take a nap at work, go to the gym, eat, go home, and repeat. I guess when I first got here I needed to document every detail of my life in Japan and now I don't. This weekend, I was sick again. On Friday, I was sick, third time in six weeks. I got subway and rented 30 Rock. I had never seen the show and it was so funny, Werewolf Bar Mitzah is my new favorite song. If you have not seen the show stop what you are doing and go rent it or buy it. I heart Tina Fey! Saturday was Angela's Birthday. I had gotten a bunch of her friends and husband to meet at Tomato/Garlic which none of them had been too. Everyone loved the food and I would say it was a huge success. After the restaurant, we went to karoke. Sunday, I went to brunch and hung around Angela's house. This week I am getting ready for my trip to Taiwain and Vietnam. I have my visa, I picked my tour (Mekong Delta tour), and trying to get Ash to meet me, but I dont think that is going to happen. I want to rent a scooter there, but I don't want to die.

2009-02-04T03:08:00.000-08:00

Trying to sneak a picture on the train!

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ewdon I don't know how it is spelled, but it was good.

2009-02-04T03:06:00.001-08:00

Hakone

2009-02-04T03:04:00.000-08:00

I guess Eminem would not be welcomed at this bar.

2009-02-04T03:03:00.000-08:00

Friday Night

Camp

2009-02-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

http://jacobs.urjcamps.org/alumni/ Since I have been talking about camp, I thought I would post a link to it. In alumni section, you will see a picture of me when I was 10 or 11.

Hot Spring Waterpark 2009

2009-02-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

Since the day I got to Japan, I have been wanting to go to this place . Yesterday, I did not go to work and went with Eko to the Hot Spring water park in Hakone, Japan. Although I had my camera, I did not take any pictures. Here is the link to where I went: www.yunessun.com/english/yunessun.html. Anyway, I met her around 11 AM and we took a three hour train ride to Hakone, which is in the Mt. Fuji area. It was beautiful to see space. I had not realized I missed seeing land, the sky, buildings not being on top of one another until I was out of that environment. We got to the water park and went into the Dead Sea spa. It was fun for like 3 seconds and then everything starts to burn and feels like something is biting you. Poor Eko did not know what kind of spa it was and put her face in the water which when we got out I was able to hose her down with water. We proceeded to go outside (it was freezing) where they had coffee, red wine, sake, green tea, charcoal spas. Also, we got to put our feet in the water where there were fish that would eat all the dead skin off. It was weird. After a couple of hours, we left the spa and made the long trek back to Yokosuka. Hot spas make me sleepy. We got back and ate at this restaurant I had been wanting to go to with a salad bar. It was great and I was so surprised that Japan actually had a good salad bar. Today, I am back at work with nothing to do. My weekend was pretty uneventful went out with Angela and Eko to the New Texas bar, Sat did not make capsule hotel, and Sun helped Angela clean her house where I scored I new purse. This week there is work, but at least I have something to do as I am going to Taiwain, Vietnam, and maybe Cambodia from the 12-16th!!!!

Camp and Facebook

2009-01-29T20:05:00.001-08:00

I go back and forth about facebook sometimes I love it and sometimes I wonder why I even look at it. However, I went to overnight "jew camp" my entire childhood. I believe it to be my favorite place in the world. All this week they have been uploading pictures to facebook and it has been so great to see pictures from my childhood, espically after Katrina I do not have any or very little. I can't believe it has been 16 yrs since my last year of camp. My last year of camp I was 16 and lived on a Kibbutz where 20 16 yr olds lived for two months in the woods with little to no supervision. It really was one of the best experiences of my life. I miss camp everything was so simple and you had your whole life ahead of you. Today I am happy about facebook and happy to know there are hundreds of others that feel the same about this place in a random ass town in Mississippi. In August, I will be taking rosalind there for the 40th anniversary. I am so excited I will have to drag Debbie and Dave. Anyway back to Japan, I have done nothing at work and the weather is shit. Tonight, I am going to the officers club with Angela and Eko. Tommorow, I am going to Tokyo to finally stay at the capsule hotel, and Sunday I am having brunch and staying at Angela's house because we are waking up at 6 AM to go Super Bowl Brunch before work. By the way, I will be home for Mardi Gras!!!!

Zushi and Sumo

2009-01-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, after a very thrilling week of work, I went over to Angela's to go to Chilis to celebrate her big award she had gotten that day. However, not to much fun could be had as I am not drinking nor eating anything fried till Ashley's wedding. I have lost four pounds so far and a million more to go. After the big Chilis excursion, I went home to watch Ugly Betty. I rented the entire first season even though I have seen the second and the third. It is a very entertaining show. At least I can say this experience has definitely helped me catch up on shows I always wanted to watch, but never had the time. On Saturday, I got up and decided I needed to see the beach. I had a general idea where the beach was, got on a train, and walked around till I found it. It must be wind surfing season for the Japanese. It was pretty, but very cold. I did nothing that night, but continued watching my show. On Sunday, I signed up to go on a tour to watch the National Sumo Championship. It was interesting for like 10 minutes and I was dying from boredom after 5 hours of Sumo. Today, I am back at work for another fun filled week of nothing. I really want to go to Ho Chi Minh. I have been planning the trip, but really should not go due to lack of funds.

2009-01-25T04:52:00.000-08:00

Sumo 2009!!

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They are very sexy with their gaint boobs and their asses hanging out.

2009-01-25T04:48:00.000-08:00

Today, I went to the National Sumo Championship game!

2009-01-25T04:47:00.000-08:00

It is now wind surfing season in Japan.

2009-01-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

Zushi beach is only a 20 minute train ride from my apt. It was so cold.

It's cold and I have nothing to do

2009-01-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

It is so cold here. I have spent the day looking on the internet at old camp stuff. I really love that place. This week I have done nothing. Having nothing to do only adds to my desire to return home. I am not sure I can afford to go on another trip. I mean I can afford it, but it may not be the wisest thing for me to do. If I went on another trip it would be to Ho Chi Man, Vietnam. I guess we will see. As for this weekend, I have no real plans other than Sunday I am going to the national Sumo tournament. I am excited about that. Friday, I will rent videos and Saturday I may go over to Angela's house. Well I want to be home I do I am tried of this place.

I heart Hong Kong

2009-01-19T20:13:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, I returned back to my apt after being gone for a week and I had the flu. My apt is so cold and not the place you want to be when you are sick. I felt like death and hoped it would not ruin my trip to Hong Kong. Friday, I woke up and knew there was no way i could go to work. However, I was going to Hong Kong with the flu. Around 1 PM, I made it to base to catch the bus to the airport. I was feeling icky, but managed to have a very nice plane ride. I watched two movies Nights in Rodanthe (can't spell) and the Other Boleyn Girl. I liked both. I got off the plane where there were lots of shady taxi drivers trying to get me to take an overpriced ride, but I managed to find a hotel shuttle for a reasonable price. I got to the hotel, small/little dirty, but nice and went to bed. The first day I had scheduled a tour of the city. It was good where I saw the major points of Hong Kong and that evening I went to night market. The next day was my trip to Macau where I had scheduled a jump off the world's tallest bungee jump. The whole way to Macau I was unsure if I was going to go through with it. I got to the tower, signed in, paid, and was brought to the observatory on the 61st floor. I waited and watched people jump until it was my turn. They brought me to the landing after strapping my ankles together and walked me to the edge. When I went to the edge, I did not want to jump, but it was to late. The instructor told me what to do and I tried to listen, but was to scared. They counted till three and I am not sure if they pushed or you just fell, but 2 seconds into I thought I was going to die and then it became fun and then scary again when you are hanging upside down because you can feel your feet slipping. I did it and am glad, but would never do it again. It is a cool story and I have a DVD of the whole experience. After, I took to the ferry back to Hong Kong Island, went to another night market, and went back to the hotel. I had a great time, but don't know if there will be any more trips as I am broke.

2009-01-19T03:56:00.000-08:00

Hong Kong 2009!!!!!

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It is still scary for me to look at.

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Having my free beer after my big jump!

2009-01-19T03:49:00.000-08:00

I got a certificate and lifetime membership for jumping off the world's tallest bungy. I would never ever ever ever do it again, but I am happy I did it once. Also, they did spell my name wrong, but I swear it is me.

2009-01-19T03:48:00.000-08:00

I jumped off this!!!!

2009-01-19T03:45:00.000-08:00

A turtle was in the bathroom at the place where I got a foot massage. I realized I hate foot massages, but not cause of the turtle.

2009-01-19T03:44:00.001-08:00

A little sad, but this is me taking a picture of myself at Victoria Peak which is a tourist spot overlooking Hong Kong.

2009-01-19T03:41:00.000-08:00

The shrine was filled with incense. I could barely breathe.

2009-01-19T03:40:00.000-08:00

Shrine in Hong Kong

2009-01-19T03:39:00.001-08:00

After the bill, at least I look pretty!

2009-01-19T03:37:00.000-08:00

The hotel where three drinks cost over a hundred dollars.

Tomato/Garlic

2009-01-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I am meeting Eko at Tomato/Garlic, I may have slight obsession with that place. Last night, no more baking, but went to Chilis with Angela. I love staying on base. Today I am not feeling well, my chest hurts and I have a cough. I suspect I am slowly dying of boredom from my job. At work I did nothing, but managed to leave for two hours to have a mani/pedi. I had one client and now am trying to sneak out of here in order to go the gym. Tomorrow, my vacation at Angela ends and back to riding the bus. However, I leave for Hong Kong in two days!!!!

I made cookies

2009-01-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

Since, I have been staying at a house I decided to cook for myself. Well I made chicken/pasta frozen from a bag, but it is a start. I guess I was in the cooking spirit because I baked chocolate chip cookies and not from the pre made tube, but an actual mix. I was amazed I don't cook and the cookies came out delicious. At times, this place is so boring that learning how to bake has become appealing to me. Today, I did nothing. I am quite good at entertaining myself with the internet for 8 hours a day. I did have a client, but nothing to exciting. Tonight, we talked about going to Chilis, but I think I want to cook maybe cupcakes. Also, I made sure to bring them to work as to not eat them later. Well I go home Thursday, but it has been nice staying on base and with Angela I have been getting to work on time. However, I must go pack for my adventure to Hong Kong.

My expensive trip to Tokyo

2009-01-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I watched TV with Angela. We watched House Bunny which was hilarious. On Saturday, I woke up, went to the gym, and Angela/I made the trek to Tokyo. I had not been on a train since I had been back to Japan. Of course, the trip started off expensive because I left my inhaler at her house. After a 20 yen cab ride to my house to get my other inhaler we were off. There was no problem finding the New Sanno hotel. It was very nice. We started off the evening by taking a taxi to the Park Hyatt Hotel. It was the nicest hotel I had ever been too. We went to the 52nd floor to the New York bar where part of the movie was filmed. It had the most amazing view Tokyo. Not that you weren't aware of this, but Tokyo is massive. We sat down and had three drinks. We tried not to look to shocked when we got the bill which was over 100 dollars. We were unaware of the 20 yen cover charge per person that was discretely on the bill. After, we took a taxi to the gay district in Tokyo. It was really nothing, we went to one place with another cover charge that we were unaware of until we got the bill. After, we headed over to the Roppongi district. The Roppongi is a place where most foreigners hang out in Tokyo. We went back to Club Fiesta where I had been once prior. It had 35 yen cover charge, but you got three drinks with it. After, we explored the streets of Roppongi and went to several different places. We got back to the hotel very late and the next morning got up for brunch. Sunday, I did nothing, but watch more TV. It is very nice hanging out at someone's house. On either Tuesday or Wednesday, I will be back in my teppee, but at least I have Hong Kong to look forward too.

Look what I am going to do

2009-01-08T18:22:00.001-08:00

http://ajhackett.com/macau/bungy.html

No bingo for me

2009-01-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

Last night, I tried the Italian Gardens restaurant which means I have officially tried every restaurant on base! It was ok, but after I felt really fat and had to go work out. In addition, Angela had the cleaning bug and went home without going to bingo. However, the plan is to go next Thursday before my Hong Kong trip. Anyway, I walked to the Nex before the gym and found a pair of Coach high heels that were so awesome that I bought them and quickly return them because they were 125 dollars. I need all my money and although it was sad I return them. After, I went to the gym and walked to Angela's in the cold. Today, it is freezing and thank god I am sleeping at her house and not my tepee. It was supposed to snow last night, but it didn't. It is a very icky, dark, and rainy day. Tonight, we got invited to a party on base with the George Washington crew, the ship with the nuclear weapons on it. However, we have to go to bed early as we got a hotel room in Tokyo at the New Sanno hotel. It is the military hotel that is right smack in the middle of Tokyo. The game plan is to get up, try to check in early, have a fun dinner, go have a drink at the Park Hyatt Hotel (where Lost in Translation was filmed), hang out in the Roppongi, brunch the next morning, and after the Imperial Palace. My game plans have not been working out lately so hopefully all this will happen. I hope you have a nice weekend.

Not much to say....

2009-01-07T21:58:00.001-08:00

Tuesday evening, I had fun and a delicious meal with Eko. On Wednesday, I went to work and spent most of the day planning my trip to Hong Kong. Also, I started planning my next trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. However, my funds are running really low and I thought I could use my miles, but I don't have enough. However, I may have enough to fly first class upon my return to New Orleans. I feel that would be so worth it seeing that for my return flight here I sat in the middle for 12 hrs. Anyway, after work Angela called to see if I wanted to go to Chilis. Did she even need to ask? Her husband has gone to Guam for the week and I invited myself over for the next week. However, we did say we would reevaluate o Sunday to see if we were annoyed with one another. Today, I had a meeting and continued to plan my trip/started planning my next trip. I am going to find the money to go to Hanoi. Tonight, I won a card that lets me play bingo on base for free and the grand prize is 10,000. So keep your fingers crossed because I really need the money for Vietnam.

Lazy weekend and today

2009-01-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

All weekend I was sick, but I discovered my love for Ugly Betty and she kept me occupied most of the weekend. Friday night I did nothing and Saturday I got up went to the naked house, which I will never go on Saturday afternoon again way to crowded. I swear people were having to make room in the pools of hot water gross and just slightly uncomfortable. Saturday night, I was supposed to go out with Eko, but it was cold and I was sick so I told her I was staying in. On Sunday, I met Angela/Dave for brunch at the officers club, which I had never been too. It was so delicious and while I am here I hope to become a regular on Sundays. After brunch, I went to the movie on base another thing I had not done yet. I saw Marley and me, it was my only choice and I liked it. After, I went to the gym and home. Monday, I went to work and began planning my trip to Hong Kong. I am going by myself. Since I am such the world traveler I feel confident to travel alone andI have no one to go with me. I am very excited about it. I was going to stay in hostel, but even I am concerned about that. I am going to stay in hotel in the Wang Chi district on Hong Kong Island. I spent the whole day looking at hotels and places I want to see. I am definitely doing a tour the first day. Anyway, I spent my whole day looking at stuff on Hong Kong. After work, I went to the gym and to TGI Fridays because I had a coupon for a free meal. The Jack Daniels chicken is delicious. This morning I could not bring myself to go to work and I called in. I know I have been off work for almost a month and called in on my third day back. I was really tried for no particular reason and I knew people knew I was really sick. I slept till 3 and got up went to a different convenience store to get a snack. I tried the spaghetti sandwich my new favorite food of Japan. Tonight, I am meeting Eko at Tomato/Garlic for dinner and am excited to go there. Tomorrow, I am going to work. I promise.

2009-01-04T01:58:00.000-08:00

The 7/11 that I go to everyday.

2009-01-04T01:57:00.000-08:00

It was even more gross looking in person.

2009-01-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

I think it is pretty, but I don't want to eat it.

2009-01-04T01:55:00.000-08:00

How about a fish snack?

2009-01-04T01:54:00.000-08:00

I heart fish eyes!!

2009-01-04T01:52:00.000-08:00

A Japanese gas station, it looks to complicated.

2009-01-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

One of the few trash cans on the street. Look how everything is divided, even with the pictures I still get it wrong.

2009-01-04T01:49:00.000-08:00

My favorite restaurant in Japan!

2009-01-04T01:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show you the sushi roundabout restaurant. I took some shrimp and quickly took the picture.

2009-01-04T01:45:00.003-08:00

Public toliets are gross, but eastern public toliets are even more gross.

2009-01-04T01:43:00.000-08:00

Just fasicinated with random things

2009-01-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

This girl disturbs me because she is dressed up all sexy and advertising for the gambling place I am pretty sure she is 12.

2009-01-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

Back on Blue Street...

Being sick here sucks

2009-01-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

I am still sick. I went to the naked house which I had never gone to in the day and it was packed. I went because I thought it would make me feel better, but was uncomfortable with what seemed like hundreds of naked Japanese women. I stayed for about 15 minutes and went home. I want Rosalind to take care of me. I have never been sick here and hopefully this will be my last illness in foreign country. Anyway, I am suppose to meet up with Eko tonight, but I know that is not a good idea. I never have any fun when I am sick and out. However, I wish I spoke Japanese so I could order food. It looks like I will have to make the trek to 7/11 for dinner. Oh, how I wish I had food. Tomorrow, I am not going to the Tokyo waterfront, but am suppose to meet ang/dave for brunch then I may try to see the Imperial Palace. I guess it all depends on how I feel. I miss you.

2009-01-02T03:28:00.000-08:00

The Japanese sit to watch the parades. Can you image that at Mardi Gras?

2009-01-02T03:26:00.000-08:00

They have a section of Tokyo Disneyland dedicated to New Orleans. Their Royal Street looked like the real thing.

2009-01-02T03:24:00.000-08:00

I got to ride my favorite ride at Disney, Big Thunder Mountain or what I like to call the runaway train ride.

2009-01-02T03:23:00.000-08:00

In front of the castle with Angela/Dave

2009-01-02T03:22:00.000-08:00

I must admit I only got this because it was shaped like a heart, but it was good too.

2009-01-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

It's a small world was sang in Japanese and decorated for Christmas.

2009-01-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

My Minnie hat a wise purchase because it kept me warm and a cute purchase because I look so cute in it.

2009-01-02T03:16:00.000-08:00

New Years Day 2009 at Tokyo Disneyland

NYE, Tokyo Disneyland, and the Flu....

2009-01-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

On New Years Eve, I went over to Angela/Dave's house where we started off the evening at the Mongolian Buffet, very cool you put meat, veggies, and sauce in a bowl and if you guess the weight of the bowl your meal is free. I was off, but it delicious. We proceeded over to the Chief's Club where it was us and old men with an old man band. They had prizes and I won a gift card and a card to play bingo next Thursday for free. The grand prize for bingo is 10,000. We stayed at the club till midnight and then had to put my friend Eko whom had way to much to drink in a taxi home. I was sick, knew I was going to Disneyland, and had very little to drink. The next day, we got up very early and went to Disneyland. It was a lot like Disneyland in CA. I rode my favorites like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain and enjoyed New Years Day hanging with the Japanese. We rode rides, ate a lot of junk, and I even got to stroll down Royal Street as they have a New Orleans section in Tokyo Disney. I was sick at Disney and even sicker today. I have a runny nose, headache, chills, and feel overall icky, but I came to work. Tonight, I rented movies and plan to sleep. This weekend if I feel better I am suppose to meet up with Eko, go to dinner with Angela/Dave, and I planned a little trip Odiba which is the Tokyo waterfront. Have a great weekend!!!

Round Two

2008-12-30T17:40:00.000-08:00

I must have known there would be trouble. Upon my return to my office, I left myself encouraging notes on my desk. Around 4 AM, I had tantrum about going back. I had such a wonderful visit home. I realize I have a great supportive partner whom told me to go back be a grown up and properly finish what I started. My idea was to not get back on the plane and whatever happens happens. The plane ride was a very uncomfortable 17 hours which mostly was a daze to me. I kept thinking I couldn't believe I was going back and then I could not believe I thought it would be ok and sure just hop back on the plane. On the plane, I watched movies because I could not sleep. I did not sleep Sunday because of sadness, I missed sleep on Monday, so when I got off the plane it was Tuesday evening. I rode the bus back to base where Angela/Dave picked me up and took me to my apt. At that point, I could barely stand. I felt very wobbly. I had a lot of mail, but the apt was the same. It was cold and bare, but I tried not to think about it. I unpacked and realized my shampoo had leaked all over because I had forgotten to close it. I know that was so unlike me. I put away everything, realized I did not pack a lot of stuff, and left a lot of things that I liked at home. Although, I was dreading sleeping on my futon it was fine. This morning I was an hour late for work. This is not much going on seeing that it is New Years Eve. I had email, did my travel report, organized this and that, and now back to my beloved blog whom I have severely neglected over the holidays. So what is my game plan now? Tonight, I am going to eat at Chilis and then with Angela/Dave, Eko to the Chiefs Club on base, but no big partying as we are going to Tokyo Disneyland tomorrow. On Friday, I will do my planning for the weekend as I am trying to do as much as possible because I believe my future here may be limited. However, I see a hot spring on Sunday in my future! I wish everyone a wonderful, safe, and happy New Year. Baby, I love you can't wait to give you kiss in 2009.

Packed with an Interview

2008-12-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

The lady called the job sounds great I have a telephone interview on the 1/8/08, but the job would start till March. I am going to do everything in two months, leave properly, and with all my stuff. I am going to Tokyo Disneyland to start off the New Year then Hong Kong, Singapore, and Hot Springs!!!! So excited about 20 hours of travel!!!

To go or not to go that is the question

2008-12-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

Why at the last minute do I get an interview for 1/8/09? I want to stay I do. I see no reason to go back other than to travel. However, Rosalind says go back and finish what I started. I know she is right so as of this minute with my dog pouting on my lap I am going. I am going to a place where I have few friends and a few if I never saw again that would be great. I have had a wonderful time home. I realize this is where I want/need to be no more grass is greener it never is. So do I finish what I start? I guess we will see in a couple hours. I am packed, but as I sit here with my dog and Rosalind supportively telling me to go, that it will be ok, and baby stop crying.

Happy Birthday Baby! Happy 6 yr Anniversary too!!!

2008-12-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

I am so excited I can't sleep either that or the jet lag still has me all mixed up. Late Tuesday, I got to South Bend and found out my luggage was still in Chicago. That was the exact information I wanted to hear since I had already been in the same clothes for two days. I ate at the hotel restaurant and went to bed. Wednesday, I got up went to restaurant called Perkins like a country Denny's and enjoyed being in a restaurant where I understood the menu, the waitress, and the other people speaking. After, I got a taxi and had him show me around Norte Dame and then to the mall. The mall was your typical small ass town mall. However, they had a Sephora and spent way to much on new eye makeup. By the way, if you wear cream eye shadow buy eyeshadow primer it really works. I proceeded to walk around buy socks, a pair of jeans, and a purple sweater. I am trying hard to venture outside the world of black shirts. I went back to the hotel, got my luggage, went to the gym, and then back to Perkins. Really, it was just to cold to walk any further. I got to the hotel room around 8 PM and passed out. It was odd and I can only assume jet lag. Today, I went to the conference. It was boring and a lot of group interaction with strangersand you know how I love that. In addition, the group was amazed I was working in Japan since everyone else in the room was from Indiana. After, I went to the gym, went to the hotel restaurant, sent the food back which I never do because it was gross, and walked to Bob Evans, a white trash country version of Denny's. I am so excited about going home am sorry I missed the snow. I wanted to wish my baby/monkey a very Happy 35th birthday and Happy 6 yr anniversary. I love you forever.

My 90 day progress report

2008-12-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

I have been in Japan for 3 months, am about to be 32, and going home for a much needed visit. What are 32 things I have done and learned from Japan?

1. Lived on a naval base 2. Discovered my love for Chilis 3. Rode the bullet train 4. Saw shrines 5. Learned a little about the Buddhist and Shinto religion 6. Accepted I would never drive here 7. Became an expert on the Japanese train system. 8. Learned to communicate with my face and hands. 9. Discovered how fascinating a 7/11 could be 10. Became oddly comfortable with naked Japanese. 11. My addiction to the hot spa 12. Learned a little Japanese 13. Liked some parts of Tokyo 14. Being in love with Thailand especially Phuket 15. Realized you cannot force a friendship no matter what the circumstances and go with my instincts 16. Being friendly all the time was exhausting 17. Getting lost in Japan was scary 17. Walking up hills got easier over time 18. Appreciating my washer/dryer 19. I could survive with minimal furniture 20. Found my lunch buddy 21. Japanese Denny's was not good 22. Vending machine restaurant 22. Go if invited somewhere 23. Saying no if I did not want to go 24. Finding good in people that are different from me 25. Riding the bus to work made me late especially if I did not get up on time 26. Some days I cried because I wanted to go home 27. Sending packages and cards made me happy 28. Seeing North Korea 29. Accepted that sometimes I will be the third wheel 29. Internet TV 30. Importance of planning my weekends 31.My blog helped with homesickness 32. Loving Rosalind even more for supporting me through the past three months.

I am excited about going home. I cannot wait to see my monkies and magee. I leave in a couple of hours and will be in South Bend aroud 7 PM on Tuesday. Not sure, if I will be able to work on my blog if not I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Thank you for being a friend..

2008-12-07T04:20:00.000-08:00

The Christmas party was fun, the usual people you don't know, food, and drinks. The highlight was the raffle where they had all kind of cool prizes. I really thought I would win but no. However, Angela won a kind of ugly jade necklace. After, we proceeded to go out to Club Budweiser. She karoked I'm too Sexy and These boots were made for walking. The crowd loved it meaning about 15 or so young sailors that of course all took off their shirts which made the bar seem extra gay. After, we headed over to the Texas bar, another fine establishment and where I realized we needed to go. The next day Angela informed me that I told her to go with shore patrol, the guys whom walk around the Hounch making sure no one is to drunk. She got home, but did not go to work. I went to work and barely moved from my office. That evening I rented movies and laid on my futon. Saturday, I was supposed to met people for the Christmas lighting stuff, but I was an hour late and did not. However, I met up with the Russian, went to tour the George Washington ship, ate at my favorite restaurant, Tomato&Garlic, and stormed off. The Russian and the I will not be friends. After I stormed off, I met up with Eko and had the best time with her. She took me to a tiny Japanese bar by her house that she had never been too. It had a little bar, with about 8 seats, a karaoke machine, that only had Japanese songs, and a little old Japanese lady serving drinks and food. Everyone in the place was Japanese and at least 70 yrs old. Of course, we were a big hit and me being the American the little old lady kept making me food and watching me it. I felt like I was hanging with the Japanese golden girls. I told Eko we found our new bar. Today, I slept, took a walk, went to TGI Fridays, went to the naked house, and packed for home. Tomorrow, I am going to sleep at Angela's and one last time at Chilis before South Bend then NEW ORLEANS!!

2008-12-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Japan!

2008-12-07T04:09:00.000-08:00

Touring the ship with the Japanese that has nuclear weapons on it.

2008-12-07T04:06:00.000-08:00

Such the rock star, later that evening she had the crowd meaning 20 yr navy guys singing these boots were made for walking. We managed to create our own gay bar!!

2008-12-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

My first navy Christmas party!

Things I saw on my walk home tonight...

2008-12-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

It was a very average day and nothing really happened. I went with Angela to Chilis and it was not very good, but I strayed away from what I usually order. I had two clients. I decided not to go over to Eko's house instead went to the gym and walked home. On my walk home, I started with taking pictures in various convenience stores, then taking pictures of random things that I saw everyday until my battery literally told me it was exhausted. Also, I am excited about the Christmas party tomorrow and hope to have some fun drunken pictures from it.

2008-12-03T03:31:00.000-08:00

The dreaded laundromat :(

2008-12-03T03:30:00.000-08:00

One of the buses I ride to work and sometimes to the apt.

2008-12-03T03:29:00.000-08:00

However, you need a special card to buy them on the street.

2008-12-03T03:27:00.000-08:00

My favorite thing I have eaten in Japan, chicken caesar with egg crepe

2008-12-03T03:26:00.000-08:00

I heart the drink machines in Japan.

2008-12-03T03:25:00.000-08:00

A vending machine restaurant

2008-12-03T03:23:00.000-08:00

Being a good Jew, this was the first restaurant I ate in Japan.

2008-12-03T03:22:00.001-08:00

A view of my train station, Yokosuka Chuo

2008-12-03T03:18:00.000-08:00

I so want to pose for a picture with him.

2008-12-03T03:16:00.000-08:00

Pachinko or what I like to call Japanese video poker

2008-12-03T03:10:00.000-08:00

It was diffcult to take this picture without being noticed, well not really

2008-12-03T03:09:00.000-08:00

My favorite crackers are the Brie in the black bag.