Just Keep Swimming

Today we ventured out into a sea of sharks. These sharks were not threatening or great in size, but great in number. There were hundreds and hundreds; momma sharks, daddy sharks and baby sharks all feeding so close together and on the same bait. Even though I've been in this sea before, today it was foreign and confusing and even a bit intimidating. The crowd grew larger as the hours crept on throughout the day. At first, drifting from spot to spot was refreshing and exciting but by the third hour fatigue set in and maneuvering in the current became harder. There were times when it was necessary to revisit an area and tread backwards through the flow of traffic. Negotiating among the bodies was annoying, almost obnoxious. I found myself stuck in one spot or another for a few seconds before discovering a new route or navigating around a blocked passage. Finally I made my way to the exit with bait of my own.
It was both a successful and eye opening day at Ikea. It was great to see familiar household products and cool new decorating ideas. There was pretty much the same stuff you'd find in an Ikea in the US except for the dozens of different types of chop sticks and tatami mat flooring options. But holy cow, you'd think they were giving things away there were so many people. I kid you not when I say I would be stuck behind a blob of people for 25-30 seconds before a path opened up big enough for myself and the cart. And the kids were all over the place. I've never seen a public spanking and don't think I ever will. The parents really let their kids be kids and explore. If you didn't know better you'd think it was Philly's Please Touch Museum. A couple great features of the Ikeas here: they have an awesome food court- one side of the cafeteria is like a bistro with soups and sandwiches and the other side has a shmorgasboard of goodies like pasta with salmon sauce, lasagna, swedish meatballs, and chicken w/ veggies. You could even get bread and butter, salad, wine by the glass, cheesecake, and chocolate mousse. Being that Mark is coming home soon (YES), we're in the market to find marissa a bed. We've been sleeping in the same one until now. The military issued us two single beds so we pushed them together to make a queen and a half. We decided to separate the two singles and put them in two different rooms and get Mark and I a new bed. We also got some fabric to make curtains and some other goodies. Overall, successful day at good old Ikea.

Another Type of Party

A quick recap of our Wednesday. The traveling and sightseeing party ended while the cleaning party raged on. Here's a look at our day.

250 Years Back in Time

You may have read about our recent road trip to Magome and Tsumago in Marissa's blog at www.stillgotsandinmyshoes.blogspot.com, but I thought I'd give my two cents on the trip as well. She did such a great job of describing our adventures in to what a Japanese town looked, felt, and tasted like 250 years ago that I can only echo her excitement in experiencing this. This first picture is of the Ryokan where we stayed. The second pic is of me trying to get some of that sweet moutain goodness. The next is of Maris and I hiking on the trail between the two towns. What struck me most about our transport back in time was how far ahead they were in regards to being green. Now adays it's the 'in' thing to be concerned for our environment. Going green is a way to attract consumers, employees, clients, and even votes (ahem, reformed republicans are even embracing the fad to hug a tree).























But for these post towns in Japan, going green is not an ephiphany, it's not an fad, it's not even something to debate. Being green has been a means of survival, a way of life-finding a way to coexist with the resources around them so both man and nature can flourish. The operation of the home as well as the community illuminated the efficiency and sense of respect the Japanese have for mother nature. Sure, now they have light bulbs instead of candles, gas stoves instead of fire, and rely on Caterpillars instead of mules, but they are still very consciencious of the use of these resources, especially water. They seemed to have mastered how to harness (and enjoy- check out this indoor bath) its power. Water wheels are still being used by many homes to generate a means to produce flour and textiles, collected rain water seemed to be integrated into a simple yet effective irrigation system, and the water running down from the mountains provided clean, crisp, and tasty water that you can't even guarantee from a Poland Springs bottle. We even stumbled upon a fish farm that used some pipes from a natural pool next to the property to funnel in water through a set of gates and fences with each section holding different size fish.

Mark has been gone for only three weeks but for some reason this time around feels like a lifetime. It was so refreshing to get out of the city and into the foothills of nature. Miles and miles of terrace farmed mountain sides, bamboo forests, snow capped peaks, and a great co-pilot made for exactly what the mind and soul needed.

Today we found Godzilla

Since Marissa's arrival on Tuesday I think we have clocked 35-40 miles on the pedometer. I will be the first to say that I am out of shape. Well, I'll be the second to say it, my screaming body is the first . Holy cow, it's a good burn, don't get me wrong, my abs, thighs, calves, and butt are glad to be getting in the groove. But if this is what the groove feels like at 27, my body and I have to have a serious discussion before we hit the 28 marker. Today we went on a pretty good bike ride around the area. We found this awesome playground that is on the top of steep and windy hill (of course it couldn't be that easy to get to) lined with lots of blooming, flowering bushes. Like many things in Japan, I don't understand the significance of Godzilla in the playground, but nonetheless he is here watching over all who come and go. The playground was stewing with families with kids of all ages. The day was a sunny, pleasant 50 degrees. Layers came off as we biked and hiked more miles. I found myself trying to remember the last time I watched parents and kids back home playing together in such a carefree way. You could really tell it was the weekend. Usually, the streets on weekdays are chock full of moms and grand moms with accessories like strollers or groceries while the men are mostly clad in business suits with leather attache cases. Today you saw the whole pod together. It was both peaceful and reassuring to watch the little kids being chased by their grandparents as the parents looked on and smiled. Dads were present in their kids lives, something that you don't often see, especially on base with so many of the guys out to sea. The playground was too cool to pass up, with it's cargo rope bridges, rip cord swings, and long curvy slide, so of course we played on it too. I told Marissa we'll have to bring Mark back here so he can get a feel for the design. The plans for our dream house Mark and I are drawing on paper, believe it or not, actually have all of the above. I mean why climp up a tree fort out back when you could just use a rip cord from the second floor balacony? Don't worry, we will put safey first, but don't be surprised when you come over for a barbeque and we're swinging from the trees. After our long bike ride and hike, we were pooped. We came back to the house and gave our bodies a rest. Now to plan for the next advenure. Stay tuned cause there will be plenty more stories to come. I really am missing my family and friends mucho. It means so much when I can scroll down the page and see your comments. Thank you for keeping in touch, for it is what keeps me going.

Our 12 Mile Hike

Now that we've gotten Marissa's paperwork squared away on base and I've taken my drivers test this past Thursday, we are now free to explore without anything tying us down. The store sign sums it up. So, Maris, what would you like to do today? Get away from base was pretty much her answer. I agreed. Yesterday we hit up Kamakura, that crazy little town 20 minutes away with the big Buddha. I just love that place. It's a quaint city, smaller than Yokosuka, with tons of things to see and do. Last time I visited Kamakura it was during my orientation class with a few other Navy guys and an agenda to see a few specific things. This time Marissa and I were happy to wander around and just get lost in the side streets, back alleys, and winding paths. At one point I kept telling her we were headed for a dead end and she kept saying, just keep going- you always find the best spots when you don't know where you're headed. She was right. Although we did hit the dead end of the road it turned into a hiking path up through the hilly forest to the other side of the city. This path was no joke! I was feeling the burn as we climbed up trees' root systems and down steep rocky paths winding our way for about a mile. The path spit us out literally in a temple's backyard. The view at the top of the hill gave you a panoramic view of Kamakura with the Pacific Ocean in he distance. We couldn't get this close to the Pacific without going to the beach and getting ourselves some shells and rocks to add to our 'where in the world did this come from?' collection. As you can see in the bottom picture there are what we think is seaweed hanging out to dry. Along the beach are fishermen's boats and provincial little huts for conducting their business. All and all we clocked 12 miles on the sightseeing pedometer and enjoyed every second of it. I love I had two totally different experiences in the same town. I look forward to taking more visitors here and sharing in Kamakura's beauty and mystique.

Sisters, Sisters

Marissa's here!! That means two things, well, more than two things but the first two things that come to mind are COMPANY and FAMILY!! The first picture here is of her standing on the platform right after we spotted each other. She took the train from Tokyo to Yokohama where I met her. I was early so I took my time getting to the platform and didn't expect to see her for another hour. I just happened to be looking behind me as I rode up the escalator and there was this American girl with her puffy First Down jacket looking around like a lost puppy. I was so excited to see her, I immediately teared up. We hugged and hugged on the platform as the asians looked at us like, yea, they're related. She's been here three days so far and it feels so good. I keep looking at her and saying, "I cannot believe you're here!" To think only a week ago she was on the other side of the computer screen looking at me saying, one more week. This other picture is of her in the kitchen making some dinner on the first night. I got a kick out of showing her how all the appliances worked. She made me laugh as she got confused over which door led where and almost tried to walk in the closet. (many doors look the same). I'm watching her now try to figure out how to open my windows and sliding doors to "let in a little more light." We're on a strict routine, so "you don't get all depressed while mark is gone." Up at 8, half hour walk finishing with 50 sit ups. Healthy breakfast. Possibly cleaning. Pack lunch and get out and about to sightsee. 4pm hit up the gym. By 6.30pm be on way home for healthy dinner, blogging, and possibly cleaning (again!??). I have lots of fun with her and I've been laughing a lot more than when I'm on my own, that's for sure. I hope I can show her a good time while she's here. It means so much to me that she's come to visit for some time. We haven't lived together since I was in high school and she was in 6th grade so this is an adventure in so many ways. Yesterday I was reminded how much she's grown up just from her tennis serve. She aced me twice! I look forward to growing up together just for the short time while she's here.

Lessons Learned on a Saturday

So Mark has left for an underway and I've found myself looking for things to do. It's been rainy, cold and dreary for the past few days. Yesterday I spent most of the day on base. After a 3 hour traffic safety course, I passed the written portion of the driver's exam and take the behind the wheel test Thursday. Watch out Yokosuka, the Spitfire (our scooter) and I are about to reunite. Then i headed over to the library to refine my application for the position of Supervisory Recreational Specialist that is open- keep your fingers crossed- and then to the gym and commissary. Its always a puzzle, grocery shopping is. What exactly do we need and how can I fit it into my backpack? Being without wheels does increase the amount of times I hit up the grocery store each week- I feel like my Mommom who used to go to Shopping Bag everyday. Yesterday's wet bike ride home was enough to make me want to stay in today, but what to do? Marissa will be here on Tuesday so I thought about busting out the Magic Eraser and giving the place a good one over. Nah, there's always Monday- that way it will still have the clean pine-s0l smell for her. Oh the excuses not to clean. Well, I really need no excuses to not clean, I just flat out hate cleaning, but I do think about it a lot. So today I was looking for reasons not even to think about it. Mission Accomplished. And not that foot in the mouth, half assed Mission Accomplished Bushy boy declared on the USS Lincoln. This was Mission Accomplished USS New Jersey.
Just look at that fine craftsmanship and detail. This is the first and last model ship I have or will ever put together, but I do have a much greater appreciation for the ship itself. Not to mention the people like Mark's Uncle Jeff who has probably built himself a fleet of ships over the years. Even though Mark and I have previously toured the USS New Jersey, which is docked at the Camden Waterfront, I never understood the amount of firepower that was on the girl. This baby had more pieces than licks it would take to get to the center of that tootsie roll pop! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Oh sure, 'Just consult the picture' I thought. Stick that here and clip this on there- do you see how many guns there on are this thing. No really, take a look, over 40 and that's just the single ones. Do you see how many guns are on the turret style type thingies? Not to mention the whole contraption in the middle that took forever to figure out. It was a true test of my patience. So a vile of blood, two applications of liquid skin, three Bandaids, four tissues, and 6 hours later I too was able to declare, Mission Accomplished. Next time I think I'll clean.

A bike ride- Together!!

Since the second and final shipment of our household goods has arrived, we jumped on the chance to go for a bike ride- with two bikes!! Up to this point, bike rides have consisted of one of us riding the bike from the train station on the easiest setting so we could talk to each other as the other would walk beside the bike. This weekend we finally got the real deal. We zigged and zagged through the streets, happily getting lost along the way. The picture to the left is in a little bayside town who knows where in comparison to our house. Taking the picture was just as adventurous as the bike ride itself. Mark would balance the camera on some rickety wooden post and hit the timer button just with enough seconds to dash across the road, avoid the cars, and strike a pose. We had to do this about 5 times before we got a shot that didn't have a passing car, scooter, or bike in it. The water is so clear. Can you spot the many starfish on the bottom? It must have been at least 10-15 feet deep but you would think it was a shallow puddle it was so lucid.

We saw this small garden with flapping plastic bags on strings over it and thought it would be a great idea for Poppa Theurer in his battle with the deer who take his tomatoes. Let us know how it works if you give it a try.

We also stopped in a grocery store to see if there were any good deals. Yet another testiment to the 'smallness' of the country- look at their shopping carts-- not even kids can fit in them!!



The day was so nice that we didnt want to go back in the house when we got home so we decided to do some yard work. Here I am trimming this great looking tree beside the front door. Next will be trying to figure out what fruit we have growing and when it's time to pick them.

Sumo on a Sunday

Ah. Sit back, relax and give those piggies a rest. Get some nachos and guac and maybe your brew of choice. It's Sunday and your favorite team is on the boob tube. You click on the channel just in time to hear that redneck sing that coined jingle..."Are you ready for some Sumo?" Sumo? What, wait a second, what's going on here? Oh yea, that's right! I'm in Japan, duh! This is Sumo country! Well, when in Rome (in our case Japan), right? So we did. This past Sunday Mark, myself, and some buddies
from his ship attended our very first (hopefully not our last) Sumo tournament in Tokyo. Sumo has a long history in Japanese culture. The first forms of Sumo were religious and included dancing and prayers to the Gods for a good harvest. Not until the 8th century did Sumo actually become more regimented and sportlike with rules and techniques. In 1182, under the military dictatorship, it was even deemed useful in increasing the efficiency of the military fighters. Without bullets and bombs, I'm guessing these guys would be useful when it was all about brute strength (recalling Andre the Giant in Princessbride, 'Hello Lady'). So class, a little lesson in Sumo 101. The block that the wrestlers, or rikishi, bout on is elevated about two feet off the ground and made from clay. The dohyo, or the actual rope looking thing that makes the ring (you can see it behind these mens' feet), is made out of straw rice bales that are burried to form a circle with a 15 foot diameter on top of this elevated clay. A thin layer of sand then covers the clay. A bout is won when an opponent is thrown out of the ring or if any part of the body other than the soles of the feet touch within the ring. This means any part of the body- a toe, a finger, even that little knot on the tops of their head! There are six Grand Tournaments a year, three are held in Tokyo. A tournament lasts for fifteen days, each fighting once every day with a different opponent. The rikishi with the best record of wins over losses is awarded the Emperor's Cup on the final day after the last match. Although there's so much more to it, you'll have to come here to learn more. So now that the lesson is over, our reactions. This gives a whole other meaning to, "Do you think my butt looks big?" These guys get up to four minutes to prepare for the bout once they're in the ring. It wouldn't be so annoying if the bouts lasted more than 10 or 15 seconds.
But they say it's about psyching out your opponent. Everytime they enter the ring they throw some salt to purify the ring. The stomping stance they take before the bout is to rid the ring of evil spirits. For such big men, they sure do have a lot of supersitions. It was quite funny to see them shuffling along in the streets with their big kimonos on. It is very difficult to become a Rihishi and it is an honor when you do.

A Glimpse at the Wildlife

This first picture is of Sophie, the Chappel's awesome dog, taking her stance on the cliff. The family has dubbed the cliff 'Pride Rock' as she sits here overlooking the bush like a Lioness over her kingdom. And boy does she have a lot to keep her eyes on. I have never seen so many different types of birds and bugs gathered together at the same time, ever. Colorful parrots, yellow haired cockatoos, geckos, lizards, wallabiess and kangaroos. Right after this picture was taken I called Sophie over to where I was sitting to give her a good scratch on the back. It could only have been 15 seconds before she darted into the yard giving me enough warning to turn around and catch a wallaby bouncing past the bushes with her in hot pursuit. FYI, wallabies are smaller than kangaroos. Don't feel bad, I didn't know the difference either. Next on the trip, I must find a koala.