Kamakura -- the Big Buddah

Last Thursday we had our field trip day in ICR. We got into groups and decided where we'd like to train. Tyler, Laura, Dave, Noel and I decided we'd train it to Kamakura, about 1.5 hours south of here. The most recognizable thing in Kamakura is the 37ft open-air Buddha statue.


Guarding the gate to the shrine. Two cats, their paws raised in a sign of welcome.



Kami (god) of Thunder, or Lightening. These two gods guard the entry to almost every temple. (The second one isn't pictured here).



The only cherry blossom in bloom at the time. So lots of people were photographing it. (Next week the blossoms will be out in full force.)



Big Buddha.




Dave, Annie and Big Buddha.

A Visit to the Squadron

We weren't able to do much exploring this past weekend as Dave was on duty and couldn't go far from base. He took me in to the the squadron on Saturday afternoon. In case you'd forgotten, he is with VFA-192, the Super Shit Hot World Famous Golden Dragons, as pictured above.


The walk up to the squadron. All of the different squadrons paint their doors, curbs, and anything else that will hold still with their colors. Ours are Blue and Gold - which also happen to be USNA colors... coincidence??


Golden Dragon Pride begins with Dave. Duh.





Inside the Ready Room. Notice the wall of coffee mugs on the left wall, the row of job-specific chairs on the right, the briefing table with white board to the back, and the all powerful Foose Ball table front and center...



Foose Ball is a big deal in the squadron. We are considering purchasing one to keep up our skills. The Hamiltons would fit in well here.



Special Chairs... Dave's is the one up front, Aircraft Operations Officer... I don't really know what that means, but Dave doesn't either (yet). He will also serve as the Public Affairs Officer (PAO).



And this is proof Japan loves the Golden Dragons: A "Combat Aviation Pilot." (Think GI Joe Action figure.) Made in Japan. Oh what's that? A VFA-192 Golden Dragons seal on it? Hmmm, definitely World Famous. And Super Shit Hot.



Additionally, over the weekend, friend from Kingsville, Laura Moore arrived on Friday afternoon. On Saturday night, we went out to eat with the Moores and the Smiths. We went to the nearest authentic sushi restaurant. It was very traditional, and super delicious. And very affordable. We finished the night with a drink at the O'Club. On Sunday, we began calling about for a car. We made an offer, and will be buying a 1997 Honda Logo with 73,000 miles for (get ready) $1,000. We will still have to pay the weight tax due in April and insurance. But it will be a good car and hopefully we can sell it for close to the same in December so we won't loose much money on it.

In other news, this week we have been attending AOB/ICR: Area Orientation Briefing/Inter-Cultural Relations. This week-long program is designed to introduce Japan to everyone. Monday we had representatives from every -- EVERY -- office on base come speak to us about what they offer. The most shocking one: The Commissary sells groceries, and the Food Court sells food - OH MY GOSH, I never would have figured that out... But there was really a lot of good information passed around. Today we talked about culture shock, and how to pronounce Japanese words... We even learned how to write our name in Kanji and traditional script. Pretty nifty!

All for now.

To the Right

You may notice to the right a new "gadget": I think Annie and Dave are cool (Followers). Are you a Follower? You are probably a follower if you can answer yes to two of the questions below:

1) I am related to Annie and/or Dave
2) I like Annie and/or Dave
3) I have looked at their blog at least once in the past 10 years of my life.

Wow how easy was that! So click the "Follow" button on your right, and make me feel like this is all for naught.

A Shopping Trip to Lalaport

Today, my friend Kelly and I went to a nearby shopping mall - Lalaport. It took us about 45 minutes to get there, even though it was moderately close - traffic is pretty backed up even at 930am. The mall was very much like Tyson's - three levels, designer stores, a movie theater. Some differences: dining court is not fast food, there were many "home" stores, which were like Bed,Bath&Beyond + furniture, everything is gift wrapped.



Yes, this is Febreez and Downy Snuggles Lavender whatnot. Ant it's about $18. Yes, EIGHTEEN DOLLARS! It's like the equivalent of buying a French designer laundry detergent. The small bottles next to it are little samples so you can smell the product before buying it.



Weird little baby things, wearing hats that make them like animals, and you can buy accessories...weird.



The up-and-coming fashion in Japan, SCRUNCHIES.



My new favorite store: Afternoon Tea. Tea time here is a big deal, and it is a long proceedure to serve a formal tea. Therefore, there are many options for tea sets, aprons, placemats, napkins, etc., not to mention all sorts of teas! All loose-leaf of course. And chocolates, for desert, of course. Lindsay, this store reminded me of you. :)

Addtionally, everythign is gift wrapped. Buy a pair of socks? Well lets wrap it in tissue paper, place it in a gift bag with draw string ribbon - to be tied in a bow with extra ends snipped - and place that bag in a handled bag. It all reminded me of the scene from Love Actually, where Alan Rickman rejects the wrapping of Rowan Atkinson. To check out the scene I'm referring to, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuhdWVe00wE&feature=related