This one is for Libby. You all know how miserable I was in Florida in the summer. We weren't even in Miami, and I was looking for proof that skin melts. Well, I should have been grateful for what I had.
Summer in Sasebo makes Florida look like North Dakota in Winter. At least, that's how I feel about it right now, and it's not even that hot here. Rainy season started in the end of May and goes through most of July. It's humid, muggy, hot, and miserable. In Florida, I would try not to turn on the AC. I finally caved. I'm sticky before I get myself dry in the morning. No wonder all the spouses evacuate to the US this time of year. It's just too hot here.
Which leads me to my next point. I thought the Japanese are a pretty smart people. There is one aspect where they should have stuck to their guns. Japan has largely adopted western style dress. I think they should have told us all where to stuff it and made us adopt their dress. There's nothing lighter and more comfortable than a nice, cotton, summer yukata. These are worn with a simple cotton obi with a simple tie. It's basically a light cotton bathrobe that you wear around all day. It's much lighter than anything I have in my wardrobe, including my linen pants. If only I could find a cute obi to wear with my second hand yukata, and if only I could learn how to tie the obi, I would convert immediately.
You Tuscon folks, not even a snicker out of you!
Yes, we drive on the WRONG side of the road here. OK, I hate when people say that. We actually just drive on the OTHER side of the road here. It's easy, except when you keep hitting the wipers instead of the turn signal. But, you get over that. What has amused me is the difference in some of the driving laws and patterns here. For example:
Japanese are much stricter on drinking and driving. I like this. If you are caught in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by someone under the influence, you are subject to the same legal liability as the driver. First, if you are drunk, then neither of you should be driving. Second, if you're sober, you should be the one driving, and you're responsible for that.
Japanese don't understand the concept of headlights. I do not like this. I turn on my headlights at dusk and when it's raining. They look at me like I'm crazy. They don't seem to get it that I can see them better when they have their headlights lit.
Speaking of visibility. The Japanese don't use reflective paint. I really miss this. It's really hard to drive at night here, especially when it's raining. The only time this doesn't make a difference is when we're on a two way, one lane road.
It is OK to change lanes in an intersection here. I like this. If I need to pass someone or get out of the way in an intersection, I am permitted to do this.
It is illegal to turn left on red. I have mixed feeling on this one. If there is not traffic, it would be nice to be permitted to turn. However, if I'm not comfortable turning, I don't have someone behind me, honking at me because he/she THINKS I should turn.
Cell phones. This one is interesting. It is illegal here to talk on a cell phone while driving. Regardless of the use of a hands free system. You are not permitted to be in the drivers seat of a moving vehicle while yacking on the phone. To get around this, the Japanese just pull over to the side and put on their flashers. They do this on any road except a toll way. So, I can be driving down a windy, no passing, narrow road with lots of oncoming traffic. I will come upon one of these drivers, and I have to wait for traffic to clear around a blind curve so that I can get around them. At least I've learned to assimilate on this one. If it's good for them, it's good for me. Especially when I'm lost in Osaka, on the phone with the hotel, demanding directions, driving, and making U-turns as necessary. Amy would have soiled herself. I love Amy. And, I found out that driving in Osaka is considered the worst in Japan. At least I got a lot of respect for my bravery for that story.
So, it's just different over here.
I'm sorry I've been off the map for so long. I've been off having fun! Before Russ left for 2 months, we went to Hirado island on an MWR tour. That was cool. We got to see a castle and William Adams' grave. I ate Whale sashimi and ramen. It was delicious! Don't worry, it wasn't an endagered variety of whale, and think how many people can eat one whale. Russ went out to sea on the 25th of April.
In early May, I finished grad school and got my Masters' Degree. Woo Hoo, but you already know that. I also applied for a position teaching algebra at UMUC (University of Maryland University College.) I got that job, and I start in the end of August. I'll be an adjunct instructor for two courses for 8 week terms. I'm really excited about that!
In mid-May, Jean came to visit from Indiana. We had fun running around Japan. We took the MWR tours to Hirado and the Dazaifu shrine bazaar. The bazaar is a huge, really nice flea market with all kinds of antiques and such. Like a lot of the wives over here, I collect Obi. So, I bought a kimono with matching obi and three more obi and a darling $10 kimono that is not fit to wear in public. I use it as an extremely comfortable bathrobe.
Jean and I also rented a car from the autoport and drove up to Osaka with stops overnight at Iwakuni both directions. We also stopped at Himeji castle. That was beautiful! In Osaka, we saw some shrines and temples and had dinner with Norio 3 nights in a row. Unfortunately, we never could get that meeting together properly. I was really upset that I couldn't even get it right once! Oh well, I hope I get to see him again soon. We also took a side trip to Nara.
Since then, I've been busy just living everyday life while the ships circled off the coast of Myanmar. About a week ago, they were finally sent home with a port call in Pattaya, Thailand. I got myself on a plane and went to see him. We had a fabulous time! We rode elephants, Russ hugged a bear, and I got to bottle feed a tiger cub! I'm home now and getting ready for Russ to come home soon.
I'll talk to you all soon!
