We arrived at Narita Airport on Sunday 7/31/16 at 2:00pm. We left Honolulu, HI on 7/30/16 at 11:00am. The flight was 8 hours long with a 27 hour time lapse because we crossed the International Date Line.
After arriving, our drive to the Naval Base took about two hours. Here are a couple of pictures to put where we are “on the map.”
After arriving at the base, we checked into the Navy Lodge and then took a quick walk out into the town of Yokosuka. Our first night in Japan was celebrated with a Japanese beer, ramen and fried rice. The ramen was amazing. The best bite was the seaweed bite. Similar to the pickle bite of a burger.
After dinner we crashed… Only to wake up at 3:00am wide awake and ready for a snack. Fortunately, we have wonderful sponsors who presented us with a HUGE laundry basket full of useful and necessary supplies to help us acclimate.
Monday morning, August 1st, was a big day. Our first full day in Japan! After attending the housing brief at 8:00am, we were assigned a 3 bedroom town home in Ikego Hills. Ikego Hills is Navy housing community located about 20-25 minutes away from the base. Transportation options include: car, free shuttle to the base, and train. Here is a map to give you a perspective.
To summarize, we are adjusting. We will be in the Navy lodge until 8/17/16. We have this week to continue acclimating and will begin our mandatory indoctrination class next week. In the meantime, cheers! Or as the locals say, kanpai!