Wabi-Sabi Sole

Sole Adventure: Hop, Skip & a Trip

On August 5, 2016

Happy Friday! This morning started of with a run and a view of a beautiful sunrise over Tokyo Bay. As we were running we commented about how this was the clearest sunrise we have observed since arriving on the island.

As we continued running, our conversation continued about the weather. We noted that yesterday was the first day since our arrival that it didn’t rain. Next up in conversation was what were our plans for the weekend. Today, I intended to run a couple errands on base with the help of my new friend and her car.

Pick up dry cleaning
Set up cable and Internet for our future home

We also discussed weekend plans which include attending the annual Yokosuka Base Friendship Day. On Saturday, the base is open to the community and many locals come in and enjoy fellowship and friendship. Also, there are numerous vendors, arts & crafts and 3 different stages for live music. Sunday, we are planning a little exploration of a beach town near where we will eventually live. The name of the town is Zushi. Seriously!

At this point in my run, I thought to myself, “With a boring admin day ahead of me, what will I blog about?” Immediately, I thought of discussing the variety of food I have tried. Let’s go back to the egg salad I bought yesterday. It actually was pretty good. I think Japanese “uncrustables” might be a new favorite of mine.

Shortly after having this thought, I “stumbled” upon the actual topic. We were running up a hill on base approximately half way through our run. There were two large birds ahead of us and Dave crossed the street to avoid them. I observed a car at the stop sign at the top of the hill and thought I would just stay on course. That is when it happened. I tripped and fell. HARD. I scraped my right knee and shin, my left palm, the back of my right shoulder and dislocated my right pinky. I sat for a minute and assessed my injuries. Noting what hurt and where there was blood. After looking at the blood on my hand and knees, I realized an intense pain coming from my right pinky. Closer inspection almost caused me to pass out. It still brings up feels of nausea when I think about it.

A trip to the hospital was needed. Now, where is the hospital again? Keep in mind it maybe 5:20 am at this point. We started off in one direction and quickly crossed paths with a fellow sailor who pointed us in the correct direction. Off we went. A good 5-10 minute walk later, we arrived at the ER. Seriously. 96 hours after being on the island and I need a trip to the ER. Dave hadn’t even had a chance to officially “check me in” and register me in the Yokosuka Hospital database. Consider that completed at this point.

The other annoying part – we didn’t have our military IDs on us. After checking me in, Dave ran back to our room to pick them up. During this time, the ER doctor numbed my finger and scheduled X-rays to be taken.

By the time Dave returned, the X-rays showed the finger was only dislocated and the ER doctor was easily able to snap or pop it back into place. It was as gross as it sounds. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a picture of the X-ray. It was disgusting as well.

Once my finger was re-set and splinted, the doctor sent me on my way. She gave me extra gauze, tape, and Neosporin. I was juggling quite a few things at this point and asked her if she had a bag. No bag.

But, she did have a rubber glove. Keeping with the theme of my fall, she packed the extra supplies into the glove for me to carry home. Hilarious.

We walked back to the lodge and I snapped a quick shot of the road rash on my shoulder. I still don’t understand how that happened. On my back?

Lessons Learned:

Carry your military ID with you ALWAYS
Never wonder about a blog post topic
Try more Japanese Uncrustables!

Peek-a-Boo

By wabisabisole

On August 4, 2016

In Google Map, Japan, KitKat, Shopping, Train, Travel

Long story short, I saw our future house today!! Here is a picture of our “le” (pronounced “e-et”). It was great to put eyes on our home sweet home. Less than 2 weeks!

What you can’t see is the long hill I climbed to get to the house. Nor can you feel how hot and sweaty it was to make the climb. I know the U.S is feeling the torch of summer and Japan is no different. It was 89 degrees – 70% humidity with a heat index of 99 degrees. Sounds familiar to so many!

Added bonus is that it is an end unit and tucked away with a woody backyard.

And now for the longer part of the story. Let me back up to Wednesday, 8/3. Two key things happened. 1. We obtained our Japanese cell phones. This enabled me to utilize GPS and cellular service beyond wifi. 2. My newest friend, offered to show me how to use the trains. Armed with my new cell phone (iphone 6s) and money for a drink at a vending machine along our journey, my friend, her two kids and I, set off on a field trip to Ikego Hills and back. We were successful in our adventure and I was prepared for my solo journey on Thursday. Here are a few pictures to provide better understanding of the Japanese train system.

Boarding passengers form a line behind the diamonds while waiting. Also notice the passengers across the tracks. The benches are unique.

If you desire to sit on a bench and wait, you sit on a specific square on the bench. Do NOT hog the entire bench. If possible, leave a space between you and another person on the bench if you don’t know them as demonstrated in the above picture.
The trains are really clean. Ok, maybe not the train station but, the train is really clean. Also, it is really difficult to find a trashcan. Another lesson learned, keep a trash bag in your purse at all times.
Do NOT talk loudly, eat, drink or anything else that would cause you to make a spectacle of yourself. I should probably include “be a tall American women with blond hair” because people will stare at you.

This leads to my favorite game to play on the train. During my first solo train ride on 8/4/16, I developed the adult version of “peek-a-boo”. I sat in silence and I played on my phone for a minute or two. Then spontaneously I would look up, make eye contact with the person staring at me and smile. Without fail, each time I looked up, someone was staring at me. After I looked up and caught them staring they would quickly look away or at the floor. It was hard to keep a straight face. I was giggling on the inside. I didn’t feel threatened by any means. It was more a feeling of being a mysterious anomaly who should be admired and studied. Too much? Seriously, I didn’t feel threatened or awkward just different because I am and that is OK!

Continuing on with my journey, here is a screen shot of my Google Map. In case I haven’t explained how easy Google Map is to use, if you look at the directions at the bottom, it tells you what time your train will arrive, which platform, how many stops your train will make and total travel time. Even more helpful, the blue dot travels along the route. Enabling visual verification you are on the correct train. Completely ~~user~~ foreigner friendly.

I also develop a mnemonic to help me identify my stops.

Jimmuji Station – Jumanji (Station by our housing area)
Kanazawa-Hakkei Station – Kwanzaa-Hanukkah (Where we switch trains)
Yokosukachuo Station – Yokosuka”chew” (Station near the base)

Silly, but very helpful when everything is indecipherable.

After my trek to and from housing, I shopped along Blue Street as I made my way back to the base. Here were items I found at a little convenience store. Tomato Pretz, 2 flavors of KitKats (still searching for wine flavored), clorets (gum) and two individually wrapped Japanese “uncrustables”. One flavor is egg salad and the other peanut butter. Interestingly, neither were refrigerated and both had an expiration date of 8/6/2016. Hmmm….

Finally, it was time for lunch. This was a yummy soft bread covered with macaroni salad, 3 pieces of broccoli and 1 shrimp. It was served warm.

I am happy to report that I was not a bobbing blond bobble head while exchanging currency. I made two separate purchases and felt I handled it like a 96-hour newbie. I followed the locals in line ahead of me and placed my CASH on the little tray that was by the register. I bowed slightly each time (only once) and said “hai” and “aragoto” – (thank you). Oh, and of coursed smiled.

D2 – Who knew?

By wabisabisole

On August 2, 2016

In Customs, Japan, Shopping

This morning I was invited to venture off base with friend I have met since our arrival. She has been here about a month and in my opinion a complete expert on Japanese living. I hope to be so wise by the end of the month. She drove us to D2 (“this is not the ~~droid~~ store you’re looking for”) – a store equivalent to a Japanese Walmart. It was stimulating, overwhelming and a great opportunity to learn Japanese customs. The trip took about 15 minutes one way and we spent about an hour shopping.

We wandered around the plant section and selected several plants for the flower bed that is in front of my friend’s townhouse. I could feel a tug of jealousy because she is already living in her accommodations and is able to start making it feel more like home. Considering we have been gypsies and vacationers for so long, I am ready to be planted myself!

Once we entered the store, I was overwhelmed. Most of the signs were in Japanese. Although, there are several signs labeling sections of the store. Having a little bit of English helped us to navigate around the store.

We went to the snack section because I am on the hunt for the wine-flavored Kit Kat. No luck. We did find an interesting option available in the “snack” section. Google Translate informed me the label advertises the dried fish to be extremely high in calcium. Good to know and so is milk.

Let’s discuss what I did buy. To start, I have been searching for LaCroix fizzy water. No luck yet. I have found Perrier but, it is too expensive (249 yen) and the bubbles are too small. Today, I found 3 different types of sparkling water. I purchased two bottles of each brand for my authentic science experiment to determine which brand I enjoy the most. I am secretly hoping it is the brand that only cost 68 yen vice the other two brands that cost 98 yen.

I took a picture to refer back to later and promptly forgot the price of each one. The little packages on the left are “fish flavored” (Google Translate) goldfish like crackers. They are ok. Two packs of Hi-Chew. Grape & Strawberry. Grape is the better flavor of the two. A package of Pretz – pretzel sticks salt flavor – a handy & yummy snack. The Japanese version of poop-pourri in fresh sprig scent (according to Google Translate). (We are living in a hotel room for 2 more weeks, I thought that might be a nice touch.) And finally the magnetic sign for our future vehicle. It is a Japanese requirement for new drivers to attach this sticker to their vehicle until they have one year of driving experience. It alerts other drivers you are a newbie. Totaling – 6 bottles of sparkling water, 1 package of pretzels, 2 packages of starburst like candy, goldfish, poop-pourri and my cool new driver magnet for just 1,727 yen. Rolling back the prices…

Checking out with my items was definitely an experience. One lady scanned the items and another lady bagged the items. Neatly. And fit them all into one bag with great care. I am slowly learning the cultural expectations. The Japanese embrace every opportunity to be polite. For example, when exchanging money, you present the money with both hands and bow slightly. The receiving person takes the money with both hands and returns the bow. All of this occurs while standing at the check out counter and both times a card or money is exchanged. To put it mildly, I looked like the awkward American with a cheesy smile bobbing back and forth. Also, the receipt is placed on a small clipboard so the customer doesn’t have to bend over to sign it. Again, in my awkward American finesse and part bow, I lean over to sign it on the counter. At this point I realize how far I’m having to lean over and think, “good grief these are really low check out counters.” I only realized my mistake when my friend checked out and stood holding the little clipboard and signed her receipt. *Facepalm* For my homework tonight, I am going to practice bowing to the mirror with my credit card firmly held in both hands and say “hai” – meaning, yes and pronounced “hi”.

Fast Forwarding to Japan

By wabisabisole

On August 1, 2016

In Uncategorized

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!

The Real Wabi-Sabi

By wabisabisole

On July 30, 2016

In Uncategorized

I had great ambitions of posting about the past three days in Hawaii. Instead, I enjoyed our last day in Hawaii. The beauty is always in the imperfection. Consider this an optest of who correctly subscribed. Hugs & kisses. Japan awaits.

The Art of Goodbyes

By wabisabisole

On July 27, 2016

In Uncategorized

To begin a new journey often it requires a plethora of goodbyes. Some are super easy. Consolidating, selling and donating material items can be very therapeutic despite underlying emotions. Comparatively, saying goodbye or see you soon to family and friends challenges the heart more than imaginable. Reflecting on the last six months, we have been preparing ourselves and cherishing each moment with our loved ones. We realized the move was imminent and our time was limited. Making every opportunity a chance to savor and prepare for the future.

Fast forwarding – we spent three weeks on a whirlwind midwest/east coast road trip. Our journey involved countless (yet never enough) hugs and kisses. We quickly learned it was so much *funner* and infinitely easier to arrive in a new location than it was to leave our existing location. We could not have asked for anything more other than time. Each stop we were treated as royalty. Schedules were rearranged to accommandate our visit enabling us to give even more hugs.

The final week of our 30 days of R&R was to be enjoyed in Hawaii. Just us. No pressures, schedules or expectations. Just us having a chance to be us. Our hearts were heavy and our spirits craved the warmth of the Hawaiian sun and surf to wash away our goodbyes. HA!

Our four flights from Florida to Hawaii were uneventful. The ironic part was Tropical Storm Darby who greeted us upon arrival. Our first 24 hours were submersed in clouds, rain and eventually thunderstorms. Honestly, this was the first hitch in our well planned 30 day evolution. Considering the many things that could have gone wrong, this was a small hiccup. None the less, it wore our already sodden spirits down. We needed sunny skies to soothe our turbulent emotions. Instead we had a Tropical Storm to challenge our storm of emotions.

Peeping out from under cover

Suck it up, buttercup. You’re in Hawaii. Get out there and make the most of it. We went for a walk around Waikiki and shopped our hearts out. We made administrative phone calls to cancel/change this or that coverage. We enjoyed happy hour & ate dinner under cover during an amazing thunderstorm. Ultimately, we survived and were given sage advice for our week. *Never have more than one Mai Tai in a sitting.*

Jetlag was still a reality for us and we crashed Sunday night. We woke early Monday morning and were ready for a run. Ready for a sole connection… Yet again, it was raining. We headed to the gym and pounded out the miles on the treadmill. Not surprisingly, we both felt amazing. By the time we finished, the rain had let up making way for a beautiful sunrise as the clouds parted over Diamond Head.

Diamond head at sunrise after TS Darby

With that, we wished one more goodbye that made us happy. Goodbye Tropical Storm Darby. No hugs for you. You will not be missed. By 8 am Monday morning the clouds cleared and paved the way for relaxation, sunshine and serenity.

Goodbye, Darby

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