We thought we would let you know where we are "living." We currently have a room at the Gateway Inn and Suites/ Bachelor Officers' Quarters on Base (http://dodlodging.net/NAF_ATSUGI.HTM). It is a petite suite that gets the job done. Below you will find a few pictures. This map is a view of the base with the "YOU ARE HERE" indicating the hotel/BOQ. It is only a 5 minute walk to the front gate, commissary, NEX, post office and housing office. However, it is a 15 minute bike ride to Tim's squadron (yes, that is right, Tim rented a bike. And yes, he looks nerdy and cute in his uniform and bike helmet).
When we first stepped into our room, it was already decorated for Christmas! Our sponsor's wife, Rebekah, decorated it for us. With the first glimpse of the room, there was a Christmas tree (now filled beneath with presents from Aunt Penny Stanley), a Christmas wreath, and a "Merry Christmas" sign (not to mention the fridge and pantries were filled with Japanese food!). To add to the original Christmas decor (mind you the Japanese love to say "X-mas, or X-mass), I put up a picture frame, a decorative Christmas tree, and a large stocking advent calendar that were all gifts from Mamma Linda. Don't you just love Christmas and family! Here are few pics. And note, for those of you who have sent us Christmas cards, they are either on our desk or taped to our (bathroom) door. We love having pictures of friends and family!
This is our first home-cooked meal in Japan. Rebekah left us spaghetti sauce and noodles. Throw in a few sauteed onions and garlic in red wine and you would think you were in Italy... or maybe that is just the jet-lag.
Tim and I are starting to get used to working our way around here. We left our room around 2:30pm today. We walked from the base to Sagamino Station (the closest train station about 15 minutes away). With all this house hunting, we decided that we owed it to ourselves to explore each area further before making a final decision. Thus, we took the train from Sagamino Station (near the base) to Yamato, the area where we hope to live. -Well, let me digress. Naval Air Facility Atsugi (where Tim is stationed) is surrounded by several cities: Ayase City, Ebina to the south west, Zama to the north west, and Yamato to the east. Atsugi, interestingly enough is not the closest city to the base but most likely was when the base was established. From what we know thus far, Yamato is a busier area with a multitude of restaurants and "happenings." This, thus far, is our first choice. Zama is a more residential are nestled in the hills. This is our where our sponsors (Andy and Rebekah) live. Ebina has a unique 5 story outdoor mall called the Vina Walk that includes the Gap, Outback Steakhouse, OIOI (the equivalent to a multistoried Macy's with an enormous supermarket that has NINE WEST SHOES!!!!) and several other International stores and restaurants. - After walking around Yamato, we decided to check out the Vina Walk mall in Ebina. We wondered through the mall, and, no, I did not buy anything (insert tear here).
Next, we hopped the train back to where we heard there was an amazing Indian restaurant. We were not disappointed!
Two thumbs up from me!
This is the biggest piece of Garlic Nan Tim and I had ever seen!
We are now back in our room. And yes, I know that we should be immersing ourselves in Japanese culture but, at this moment, we are watching American TV (we were cold and tired from our big day out and, after hitting up the Japanese grocery store, we headed home for heat and comfort - did I mention it has been in the low 30s since we arrived?). The cable is put together (from the best of my understanding) by the military. To say the least, we get very interesting military commercials talking about insurance and how to prepare for deployments. What I love about it are the Christmas movies! We have watched "White Christmas," "An Affair to Remember," "The Holiday," and, currently "The Santa Clause" (not to mention that we get TV Land which airs FRIENDS every night). Boy is this the best of both worlds!
Tim Allen (as Santa in the "Santa Clause") is demanding my attention so I must go. So we will leave you with a few pictures of Christmas lights. We love you all. We appreciate you reading our blog. And, more importantly, we appreciate you all being a part of our lives!
Love, Tim and Claire Prechter-san
Vina Walk (Mall in Ebina City)
The football field/track on base
The tree at the front gate.
How wonderful! Love hearing about all your adventures. Have a very merry Christmas. Love you!
ReplyDeleteIs that what that sign says, "Amazing Indian Restaurant, biggest garlic nan you have ever seen!" Do you and Tim make up what all those signs say? When Douglas was little he did not want to learn to read, he thought he could think up better stories than real life. Here's your chance to think up what's on all those signs. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletedo you ever listen to Eagle AM? The military radio station? It is all I listen to at work and the commercials are very strange as well. "So you survived deployment, combat, and separation. Call your chaplen today to talk about your issues" Or they are about leaving your pets when you DCS (what is DCS?)
ReplyDeletemiss yall