I'm learning a lot about Japanese culture. There is a competitive gift giving culture here. Someone gives you a gift, you thank them and give them a gift, they thank you and give you a gift. This goes on until one of the parties finally admits defeat by just writing a nice note to the other.
I think Russ and I have gotten ourselves into one of these competitions. Our neighbor down the street is retired, but teaches English part time at the local junior high school. Wendy and I met him one day on my street when Ayden walked up and said hello to him. Since then, I see him occasionally. I finally agreed that once Russ came home, we would go out to dinner together. So, on Saturday, we met at their house and headed out for a nice Japanese meal. He chose the Natural Kitchen. I had been there before, but I was anxious to go again.
Imazato-san had called ahead and reserved us a traditional booth. Luckily, the Japanese have adopted the regular table. They compensate for this by having a well into which you put your feet, but you still take off your shoes. For the less adventuresome, there are also regular, western style tables. Russ and Mrs. Imazato ordered an egg and tofu dish over rice. Mr. Imazato ordered something soupy with pork. I had the eel over rice dish, one of my favorites. Each dish comes as a set on a tray. I love this aspect of Japanese life, it feeds into my love of dishes and kitchen ware. Rather than serving a large dinner plate with the meat and sides on it, each dish is served in its own, little plate. The eel was in a bowl over rice, there were 3 kinds of Japanese pickles (tsukemono, I think) in a 3 sectioned little plate. I also received a broth of sorts, I never did figure out what to do with it. Oishikatta desu! (Delicious!)
After dinner, we went back to their house for tea and a little bit of wrap up conversation. While we were there, they mentioned that they love instant, flavored coffee. Now the fun begins. The next day, Russ and I needed to go on base, so we stopped at the commissary to see if they carry instant, flavored coffee. They carry Folgers. The coffee the Imazato's showed us was Nestle. We got them the Folgers anyway and a tin of the International Cafe mocha. We put this in a cute bag and walked it down the street. The Imazato's were so grateful for the gift (they had already taken us to dinner, remember?) that they just HAD to give us something in return.
So, Imazato-san got our his trusty, rickety ladder and climbed up into the plum tree. What occurred next was the perfect scenario to put into a safety video. I don't know how many times I had to look away as that ladder wobbled around with him on the tippy top step. You know, the one that says "NOT A STEP"? He had a net on a pole with which he pulled on the fruit until it dropped into the net. He wasn't satisfied until we had at least a dozen succulent plums.
Now, it's our turn. How am I supposed to top that? He risked his life (or it seemed that way to me) to get us some plums. I think I'll cook them an American style steak dinner.
What a treat! When the port visit in Hong Kong was canceled and the ships were sent off to Myanmar, I wasn't sure when I'd get to see Russ again. They sat out there off the coast for a month, unable to do anything to help the people of Myanmar. What a frustrating time for the service people. Then, we got word they were being sent home, with a stop off in Pattaya, Thailand.
I was really excited about the opportunity to see Russ again. I was supposed to be taking scuba diving lessons that weekend, so I didn't think I could go. He was getting to Thailand on Tuesday, and I was supposed to have the 2nd half of scuba the following weekend. There was no way I could get there for a visit of any length and still get home in time for class Saturday morning. Luckily, or not, I freaked out from gulping water through my nose. I know you get some water in your nose when you scuba. That doesn't bother me. What bothers me is when the combined pressure of the bubbles and the suction from removing your mask forces water up your nose and down your throat. That's not supposed to happen.
The instructor sent me home, where I called my dive master friend Nancy and cried to her for a few hours. She convinced me that I shouldn't be in the class, that the instructor was unable to meet my remedial needs, and that I really did need to be able to snorkel first. Something I told the people who signed me up, but they signed me up anyway. I went back to class that morning and got a full refund. Also, the next day, I came down with a horrible cold thanks to the pool chemicals I had ingested. I couldn't finish the class anyway.
Then, I went on the Internet. The earliest flight out I could get to Bangkok without paying through the nose was on Wednesday morning with Thai Airways. Also, Russ ended up having duty on Tuesday and couldn't leave the ship, so I wouldn't have been able to see him then anyway. My flight over to Thailand was wonderful! I was in economy class, but we were treated at least as well as business class in the US. Also, it was a non-stop, 5 hour flight. All the other wives I knew who went had to stop off in Taipei. The only glitch was that when I got the airport, my driver wasn't there. The hotel mistook my e-mail and canceled the car. Luckily, a lady from another hotel called a driver for me and I was on my way!
What a wonderful two days in Pattaya. I got there Wednesday afternoon, about 20 minutes before Russ came to the hotel. I was able to stay until Friday night with a 1:00 am flight on Saturday. Wednesday night, we went to a farewell party for one of the men on the ship. The had excellent food and a nice pool in which we went night swimming. I like Pattaya best at night when it's not morbidly hot. Thursday, we went on an MWR tour of elephant riding. We rode in an oxcart, played with an orphaned gibbon, rode an elephant and learned about how to make silk. Our final stop for the day was at the self proclaimed "worlds largest gem store." They sold mostly Thai sapphires and rubies, but they also had other stones and jewelry available. The most affordable pieces were set in silver with zircon, the most valuable pieces were set in 18K gold with diamonds. In the middle, were the pieces in white or yellow 14K gold with zircon. I'll let you guess which one I bought. :)
That evening, Russ and I each got a massage at the hotel. The massage felt wonderful and helped break up the cold that had moved down to my chest. Side note, the air conditioning in the hotel worked so well that I had to sleep on the balcony. The room was so dry, I couldn't breathe!
The next day, we went to a crocodile farm. They also had a neat rock and water garden, huge snakehead fish, some elephants, tigers, and bears. No lions. :) I scratched the back of a tiger and bottle fed a cub. Russ hugged the golden bear and shook his hand. As long as you gave the bear bananas, he would do anything for you. We finished off the day with a little shopping and some dinner. Then, my driver showed up and took me back to the airport to come home and get the house ready for Russ to return.
My PartyLite business is doing really well. I'm doing it as a hobby, and I'm having some good parties and meeting lots of nice people. I only do a few shows a month, but they're good ones. If anyone wants to order anything, or have a catalog party from the states, I help you out! OK, I'm done advertising.
Next up - Australia!
