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.
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