Kylee and I are officially Japanese train veterans. We traversed the transportation system from Sagamino to Fussa and back. No big deal.
We started at Sagamino station, the closest station to the main gate of NAF Atsugi, and traveled up to meet Uncle Ron near Yokota Airbase. We transferred to 4 different trains along the way. After a few close calls, and jumping on trains right before they would leave station (in fact, we got on one train, hopped off again to check if it was the right one, then got back on, then left again to get on the train across the tracks!), we only missed one connection.
The trip back down to Sagamino went much smoother, and passed without significant event.
Thank the Lord that a friend in the squadron told us about Hyperdia.com - it's a website that tells you how to get from one station to another, including all the stops and transfers along the way, how much the trip will cost, and how long it will take! There's no way we would have made it without the assistance.
Oh, I also flew my first flight in the Bravo today. But the train was much more exciting.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Hanging out in Hakone
I am really looking forward to weekends in Japan, if the first one was any indication. Kylee and I took advantage of the tours offered by MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) and traveled to Hakone on Saturday.
The bus picked us up on base (right outside of the Navy Lodge) at 0700 and drove us to the Hakone Shrine. Also called "Hakone Gongen," it reminded me of the many shrines we visited in Korea. There were several "special" chestnut trees that the tour guide pointed out to us - apparently a general would pray before a battle, and if he won, the tree was sacred. Or at least, that's what I understood the guide to be talking about. . .We then walked to a fountain of water with dipping cups and ceremonially washed our hands before going up to view the shrine itself. To 'use' the shrine, you would pull a rope that shook several bells (to call the gods attention), throw some coins into a box, clap twice, then bow and make a wish. If you had an especially important wish, you could buy a wooden plank, write your wish on it, and hang it on a series of racks. We walked around the grounds after viewing the shrine and saw a really cool koi pond with giant koi inside.
The bus then took us to the Owakudani valley, where we took a cable car to the top of a mountain. The local specialty of Owakudani is hard boiled eggs that are boiled in the sulfur hot springs. The sulfur turns the egg shells black, although they still taste just fine! Legend says that you add 7 years to your life if you eat one.
After Owakudani, we took a scenic boat ride across Lake Ashi to Hakonemachi, where we grabbed lunch at a local noodle place. There was also the Hakone Sekisyo Checkpoint, which was established in 1619 by the Tokugawa Shogunate as a means to control the flow of travelers from Edo to Kyoto. It was also to control arms movement into/from the Edo area, and prevent women from escaping Edo. Kylee and I both wondered what was going on in Edo that would cause women to want to escape, but the tour neglected to mention that.
The last stop on the tour was the Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park, which was a beautiful area of walking trails, lake views, and a Victorian style mansion. Kylee and I enjoyed walking along the trails and looking at the trees and lake, and soaking in the peacefulness.
Overall, it was an awesome Saturday and a great intro to the history and culture of a part of Japan. We look forward to discovering new and exciting areas of Japan in the future!
Friday, October 26, 2012
"Oh, You're Kylee Porter!"
I, Kylee, was really looking forward to Wednesday mornings Bible study. One, because I've missed fellowship over these last few weeks, and two, because I just wanted something to do!
Walking shyly into the chapel I was met with about 6 other women. After introducing myself, one of the ladies says, "Oh, you're Kylee Porter! I was going to meet up with you later today! I'll explain later." However weird it may have seemed it felt good to be somewhat recognized. Once we concluded our study "The Power of a Praying Wife" the women invited me to have lunch with them at Skywriters, the new Panera-like cafe on base. My new friend introduced me to a few other HSL-51 wives and they were all saying the same thing, "Oh, you're Kylee Porter!" Apparently, they heard Stephen and I were coming to Japan but didn't know we were already here. Everyone has given us such a warm welcome already.
Ichiban Collectible's is a store on base run by Officer spouses and is also the location to fill out an Officer Spouse Association form. While I was filling out the form, the attendant says, "Oh you're Kylee Porter! I'm a 51 wife as well." haha You get what I'm saying...
The reason I am telling you all this is to express how involved the squadron is. Both pilots and spouses alike are very aware of who is new in town and makes sure they feel loved by giving us welcome packets, homemade cookies, fresh baked bread, invitations to dinner, etc. So, though most of the time I am alone right now I know God is bringing people into our lives that will become dear friends in time.
Walking shyly into the chapel I was met with about 6 other women. After introducing myself, one of the ladies says, "Oh, you're Kylee Porter! I was going to meet up with you later today! I'll explain later." However weird it may have seemed it felt good to be somewhat recognized. Once we concluded our study "The Power of a Praying Wife" the women invited me to have lunch with them at Skywriters, the new Panera-like cafe on base. My new friend introduced me to a few other HSL-51 wives and they were all saying the same thing, "Oh, you're Kylee Porter!" Apparently, they heard Stephen and I were coming to Japan but didn't know we were already here. Everyone has given us such a warm welcome already.
Ichiban Collectible's is a store on base run by Officer spouses and is also the location to fill out an Officer Spouse Association form. While I was filling out the form, the attendant says, "Oh you're Kylee Porter! I'm a 51 wife as well." haha You get what I'm saying...
The reason I am telling you all this is to express how involved the squadron is. Both pilots and spouses alike are very aware of who is new in town and makes sure they feel loved by giving us welcome packets, homemade cookies, fresh baked bread, invitations to dinner, etc. So, though most of the time I am alone right now I know God is bringing people into our lives that will become dear friends in time.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
A Day of Hope
One of the great joys of being a Christian is getting to see God working in my life.
After spending a morning in prayer, I decided to attend a pilates class at the gym here on base in an effort to maybe meet some possible friends. I assumed it would be much like the classes I've taken in the past, and it was, but there was one notable difference; I was definitely in the minority. Of the 20 people in the class, I was one of two caucasians. The other 18 students were asian females all speaking Japanese. So when I didn't see where everyone got their yoga mat I had the opportunity to use the little Japanese I do know. I turned to the girl next to me, pointed to her mat and asked, "Doko desuka?" That means "Where is that?" See, NAF Atsugi is both an American and Japanese base therefore, everything I come across (signs, food, workers, etc) is a sort of mixture of cultures. It really is unlike anything I've experienced before.
For lunch, Stephen's coworkers invited me to eat with them at a Japanese cafe on base. Even though the conversation mostly centered around work it felt so good to be around people who could become friends. It's interesting how much more willing I am be vulnerable if it gives me the chance to make a friends. Haha. A cultural note regarding the cafe would be how they discard their food. There was a bucket with a colander on top that I saw customers pouring their leftovers into. This way it separates all the soup from the noodles. I'm guessing that is to avoid heavy, leaking trash bags?
At Fleet and Family Services (FFSC) a wonderful girl named Brenda sat down with me and let me ask her all sorts of questions I had burning in my brain. She showed me different websites to look for jobs, programs to help funding for education, and even invited me to church with her and her husband after I noticed a Bible verse on her desk and pointed it out. How rare it is to find someone who is so willing to help!
On my way out of FFSC I was stopped by a woman who noticed I was holding a pamphlet regarding religious programs on base. She introduced herself to me and took the time to go through the pamphlet and invite me to a woman's Bible study on Wednesday. She was so nice and made me feel so welcome.
We ended the day by having dinner with a very nice couple that are in our same squadron (HSL 51). They talked to us about their experience finding a house in the city, opportunities to travel, and more.
As I went to bed I just couldn't stop praising God and giving thanks for showing me that there is nowhere in the world we can go that He won't be present. He has given us both much hope in just one day and we praise Him for that.
After spending a morning in prayer, I decided to attend a pilates class at the gym here on base in an effort to maybe meet some possible friends. I assumed it would be much like the classes I've taken in the past, and it was, but there was one notable difference; I was definitely in the minority. Of the 20 people in the class, I was one of two caucasians. The other 18 students were asian females all speaking Japanese. So when I didn't see where everyone got their yoga mat I had the opportunity to use the little Japanese I do know. I turned to the girl next to me, pointed to her mat and asked, "Doko desuka?" That means "Where is that?" See, NAF Atsugi is both an American and Japanese base therefore, everything I come across (signs, food, workers, etc) is a sort of mixture of cultures. It really is unlike anything I've experienced before.
For lunch, Stephen's coworkers invited me to eat with them at a Japanese cafe on base. Even though the conversation mostly centered around work it felt so good to be around people who could become friends. It's interesting how much more willing I am be vulnerable if it gives me the chance to make a friends. Haha. A cultural note regarding the cafe would be how they discard their food. There was a bucket with a colander on top that I saw customers pouring their leftovers into. This way it separates all the soup from the noodles. I'm guessing that is to avoid heavy, leaking trash bags?
At Fleet and Family Services (FFSC) a wonderful girl named Brenda sat down with me and let me ask her all sorts of questions I had burning in my brain. She showed me different websites to look for jobs, programs to help funding for education, and even invited me to church with her and her husband after I noticed a Bible verse on her desk and pointed it out. How rare it is to find someone who is so willing to help!
On my way out of FFSC I was stopped by a woman who noticed I was holding a pamphlet regarding religious programs on base. She introduced herself to me and took the time to go through the pamphlet and invite me to a woman's Bible study on Wednesday. She was so nice and made me feel so welcome.
We ended the day by having dinner with a very nice couple that are in our same squadron (HSL 51). They talked to us about their experience finding a house in the city, opportunities to travel, and more.
As I went to bed I just couldn't stop praising God and giving thanks for showing me that there is nowhere in the world we can go that He won't be present. He has given us both much hope in just one day and we praise Him for that.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Finding Our Bearings
Well, today was our first official day here in Atsugi, Japan. A fellow helicopter pilot was kind enough to take us for a drive; he showed us around the base as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. We even tested out the train system by taking the Sotetsu line from Sagamino to Ebina. In Ebina, we walked around the outdoor mall and just took in the sights. There were tons of little kids out playing around in the water fountains and mini train tracks.
Lunch was interesting. After stepping into a small restaurant we found that you order by using a vending machine-like system. On this machine there are many small buttons, each one labeled by a specific menu item. You feed the machine 1000 Yen or so then press the button that corresponds with your food choice. The machine then prints out a ticket stub that you place at your seat for the waiter/store owner to take. We chose to have the miso ramen noodles. Quite salty and delicious.
Driving is intimidating here in Japan. Many small, winding roads with no street names make it very difficult to learn getting around. The locals literally use landmarks when giving directions. However, it seems having a car may be necessary.
For an evening treat, Stephen and I went to see the movie Hotel Transylvania at the theatre here on base. Only $3/ticket! Our dinner options on base were Taco Bell, McDonald's, Subway, Popeye's, Dunkin Donuts, or Pizza. What choices! So for the first time in many years I actually had Taco Bell.
Something Stephen and I are having trouble with so far is the sinks here. Normally when using a bathroom sink in the states you would pull the handle up to turn the water on and push it down to turn the water off. It's the opposite in Japan. It's been about six times now that when we attempt to turn the water off we actually end up spraying water all over the sink from increasing the pressure. At least we are still laughing about it!
Tonight we plan to get a good night's sleep to prepare for Stephen's first day at work and my day house-hunting.
Lunch was interesting. After stepping into a small restaurant we found that you order by using a vending machine-like system. On this machine there are many small buttons, each one labeled by a specific menu item. You feed the machine 1000 Yen or so then press the button that corresponds with your food choice. The machine then prints out a ticket stub that you place at your seat for the waiter/store owner to take. We chose to have the miso ramen noodles. Quite salty and delicious.
Driving is intimidating here in Japan. Many small, winding roads with no street names make it very difficult to learn getting around. The locals literally use landmarks when giving directions. However, it seems having a car may be necessary.
For an evening treat, Stephen and I went to see the movie Hotel Transylvania at the theatre here on base. Only $3/ticket! Our dinner options on base were Taco Bell, McDonald's, Subway, Popeye's, Dunkin Donuts, or Pizza. What choices! So for the first time in many years I actually had Taco Bell.
Something Stephen and I are having trouble with so far is the sinks here. Normally when using a bathroom sink in the states you would pull the handle up to turn the water on and push it down to turn the water off. It's the opposite in Japan. It's been about six times now that when we attempt to turn the water off we actually end up spraying water all over the sink from increasing the pressure. At least we are still laughing about it!
Tonight we plan to get a good night's sleep to prepare for Stephen's first day at work and my day house-hunting.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Arrival in Japan
We made it! Kylee and I are checking into the Navy Lodge here at NAF Atsugi. It's almost 2100 now, but it feels like 0500 (California Time).
The flight went fairly easily actually - thanks to in flight movies and TV shows, as well as books and music, the 12 hour flight passed relatively quickly. We each had our own TV screen, and could select whatever movie or TV show we wanted to watch.
There was an exciting part of the flight where we passed through some turbulent air, and the plane seemed to go on a roller coaster ride! It felt a bit like we were back at Disneyland - Kylee certainly seemed to think we were on Space Mountain again. The trip smoothed out after that though, and the rest was smooth flying.
Lt Lathrop picked us up from Narita airport, drove us through Tokyo and to NAF Atsugi, and dropped us off at the Navy Lodge. The skyline was pretty impressive, and the views of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Tower were previews of the many sights to see in the next couple years. Thanks to Lt Queen and his wife for putting some snacks and drinks in our room for us, and making us feel welcome!
We're headed to bed now, but we thank God for getting us here safely, and providing a smooth trip to Japan. Now, we trust in Him to help us get settled and moving on with daily life!
The flight went fairly easily actually - thanks to in flight movies and TV shows, as well as books and music, the 12 hour flight passed relatively quickly. We each had our own TV screen, and could select whatever movie or TV show we wanted to watch.
There was an exciting part of the flight where we passed through some turbulent air, and the plane seemed to go on a roller coaster ride! It felt a bit like we were back at Disneyland - Kylee certainly seemed to think we were on Space Mountain again. The trip smoothed out after that though, and the rest was smooth flying.
Lt Lathrop picked us up from Narita airport, drove us through Tokyo and to NAF Atsugi, and dropped us off at the Navy Lodge. The skyline was pretty impressive, and the views of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Tower were previews of the many sights to see in the next couple years. Thanks to Lt Queen and his wife for putting some snacks and drinks in our room for us, and making us feel welcome!
We're headed to bed now, but we thank God for getting us here safely, and providing a smooth trip to Japan. Now, we trust in Him to help us get settled and moving on with daily life!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Leaving the USA!
Our bags are packed, we're ready to go. We're standing here outside your door, we'd love to wake you up to say goodbye. We're leaving on a jet plane. . .
Well, the day is finally here. Kylee and I are departing the good ol' U.S. of A and flying to Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan. We had a wonderful last evening with Dave and Becky, Grant and Courtney, Pete and Michelle and Jack, and Sam and Joyce. Dinner was classic American pizza, with salad as a side dish, and family goodbyes for dessert.
Our new home for the next three years will be at NAF Atsugi, Japan. It is in the city of Ayase, about an hour outside of Tokyo.
We are nervous, but mostly excited, to be heading to another country for the next three years. Although there will be a lot of new things to learn, and many new experiences to have, we rest in the knowledge that God has sent us to Japan as a part of His plan for us, and He is faithful to those who trust in Him. We would appreciate your prayers that we continue to put our faith in the Lord's provisions, and that He will guide us to good friends and community in Japan.
Sayonara!
P.S. This entry represents the first of many to come - this is our first blog, so be prepared for some growing pains as we learn the ins and outs of whatever it means to be a 'blogger'.
Well, the day is finally here. Kylee and I are departing the good ol' U.S. of A and flying to Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan. We had a wonderful last evening with Dave and Becky, Grant and Courtney, Pete and Michelle and Jack, and Sam and Joyce. Dinner was classic American pizza, with salad as a side dish, and family goodbyes for dessert.
Our new home for the next three years will be at NAF Atsugi, Japan. It is in the city of Ayase, about an hour outside of Tokyo.
We are nervous, but mostly excited, to be heading to another country for the next three years. Although there will be a lot of new things to learn, and many new experiences to have, we rest in the knowledge that God has sent us to Japan as a part of His plan for us, and He is faithful to those who trust in Him. We would appreciate your prayers that we continue to put our faith in the Lord's provisions, and that He will guide us to good friends and community in Japan.
Sayonara!
P.S. This entry represents the first of many to come - this is our first blog, so be prepared for some growing pains as we learn the ins and outs of whatever it means to be a 'blogger'.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)