For the next five days we are required to attend the Area Orientation Brief aka AOB. It is mandatory for all newly reporting service members & accompanying spouses. The fun part is we are able to take the course together. The challenging part is staying awake. I’m so glad we didn’t start this last Monday (day after we arrived). Many people who arrived yesterday did begin the class today and they were visibly exhausted from the jetlag. The instructors encourage attendees to stand up if you start to fall asleep. By the end of the day, a third of the class was in the back of the room.
The first two days are mostly centered around Navy Protocol with respect to being stationed in Japan. Wednesday & Thursday we will learn more about the Japanese culture and even take a field trip on Thursday. They will teach us how to ride the train. Obviously, I’m waaaaaaaaaay ahead of the game on that one! Finally, on Friday, we will take the driver’s written and road exam to earn our Japanese driver’s license. Have I mentioned they drive on the other side of the road?? Eeeek. I need to study and practice.
Heeding the warning of not sleeping and risking being kicked out of class, we quickly developed a survival strategy. Our tool for staying awake – SNACKS!! Again, thankful for our sponsors for packing us so many snacks. And Dave was my super hero and picked up my favorite (peanut butter pretzels) during lunch.
After a full day of lectures, we were ready for a beer. Fortunately, the Officers Club is a quick cab ride away.
And I’ll admit one more thing. After a weekend of adventurous food, I was craving a salad! A Chicken Caesar filled the order. Perhaps that is today’s lesson. Affirmation of the sage saying “everything in moderation” – including exotic and delicious cuisine.
