Japan Mom's

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Comment by Mom of a Navy Daughter on September 13, 2009 at 12:51pm

While in Sasebo our daughter worked most days but was able to pay someone and do a duty-swap on the weekends - she is saving her leave to come home in January for her wedding. We toured her boat (Harper's Ferry) and during the days we shopped at the Ginza (mall) Sasebo, took the train to Nagasaki and visited the museum, ground zero and the peace park, we also visited china town in Fukuoka and the Sasebo Maritime museum. We took the train to Huis Ten Bosch a reproduction of a dutch town, and shopped and ate there. During the evenings with our daughter we visited her favorite eating spots and shopping spots in town. We also made the most use out of activities on base as well. We did a huge champagne brunch at the Harbor View Club, ate at Chili's and Galaxy's - also rented movies and shopped at the Nex. We even went to a Mongolian BBQ at the club on Thursday evening, and took walks every night as the days are soo hot. The most expensive item are taxi rides surprisingly enough - although the cost of living is pretty high in Japan as well, even though the Yen/Dollar exchange rate is decent, not great.
I'll answer any questions - just shoot them my way. We also got a spot on the local AFN news channel when the boat docked - that was fun - not sure how to share the link but we found it on YouTube (maybe if you search Harper's Ferry home coming).

Comment by T-Lynn on September 13, 2009 at 12:36pm

Good Morning:)
Heard from my son last night. He talked for over two hours. His voice is so strong and he is so proud of being a sailor. He shared he took the test on September 10 for promotion. He will know in December if he passed. If so - he will be an E5. ANd he shared that if things work out eh way he likes he re-enlist. Anit M - thank you for the information. I pulled up this site and read to him about the Fall Bazar. He is not sure if he woill get this opportunity, but he is sharing with his shipmates. Good news for him - there has been some time or relaxing. He was able to go on a sight seeing tour! He so loved seeing this castle and a real Samuri's home that is still there from 1700. There is a chance of being able to attend another this coming weekend. Hope he can go. Just wanted to share with all. Enjoyed reading about the families going to Sasebo. Everyone have a good day TLynn

Comment by BigDMom on September 13, 2009 at 9:49am

Mom of a Navy Daughter thanks for the info. What were some of the things you enjoyed about being in Japan other than the obvious of seeing a loved one?

Comment by Mom of a Navy Daughter on September 13, 2009 at 4:22am

Just got back from Sasebo Japan - and it was a very long trip but worth it for us to see our daughter's home and get to know her friends and co-workers. We stayed in the Navy Lodge on Sasebo for $67 per night. Begin ex-military (space A on leisure) we could only book the room 30 days in advance and for only 7 days at a time. Word or advice - do not go thru the 800 number posted on line or use the on line booking service - they show the reservations calendar as always booked - I called the Lodge directly. Also, there is the NGIS (Navy Gateway Inns and Suites) for $20 dollars a nite (based on rank) but it is also space A and for 7 days at a time. My daughter stayed there but had to move at the end of 7 days since orders take priority. Tickets for flying were about $1100 each - and we took $1500 in cash and $1000 in yen exchanged here in the states prior to leaving. It was a very long trip - and I wouldn't want to do it again soon - but well worth it for us. Our iphone worked there but was very expensive - we took out laptop to stay in touch with home. We stayed 2 weeks to make it worthwhile. The Navy Lodge was clean and easy to get to. We even cooked a few meals and BBQ'd while there. Hope this is valuable information. Our daughter is on the Harper's Ferry.

Comment by Kim on September 13, 2009 at 12:09am

I have been on vacation and just catching up on this site. Thank you everyone for the wonderfull pictures. My son came home last year after Christmas from Sasebo. He spent $2400. for the tickets and the flights (over 36 hours) really killed him. He said that it really was not worth it. It really tired him and he was missing a vacation in Sasebo without taking leave. He is back and forth right now. He has a girlfriend there but he is also homesick. I need to win the lottery and send the family to him. Has anyone stayed in the Navy Lodge in Sasebo? Anti M, you can book any military lodge 30 - 60 days in advance and will not get bumped.

Comment by Val Criswell on September 12, 2009 at 10:14pm

Candice those are great pictures. My son hiked Mt. Fuji in July and sounds like he had a similar experience with the weather and all. He loved it and is wanting to go back during the day. Being a serious outdoors man he was ready to stay in the monsoon winds and rain all night but the others didnt want too so he came down. I sure dont blame the others..I would have high tailed it down when the weather got bad...not an outdoorsy type person...ha ha

Comment by Sandy D on September 12, 2009 at 9:56pm

Anti M - those pics were great!! Thanks for sharing!! It always sounded great (have a friend who goes), but my idea of camping involves a lodge and hot & cold running water, an actual bed not near any roaming creatures... LOL!! Used to camp all the time growing up so I appreciate it, but am not one with nature (alas).

By the way, finally heard from The Boy this evening, YAY!! Got to see him and "play" (mimicing games) with my 9 mo old grandaughter on skype. Sooo happy right now...

Comment by Anti M on September 12, 2009 at 1:30pm

Some of my Burning Man pics:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021539&id=1192536713&l=1b5cbfe350

Comment by Anti M on September 12, 2009 at 11:02am

While perusing the Stars and Stripes online, I noticed an ad for Yokosuka's fall bazaar this September 26th and 27th. If your sailor is in port, they MUST go to this! It not only supports the schools on base (federally funded, no state money to fill in the gaps), but it is the BEST shopping event of the year. Until the spring bazaar, if they still hold that. There are over 100 vendors from all over Japan and Asia, this is where I scored jewelry, antiques, Japanese woodblock prints, rugs, wooden trays from P.I., quilts .... so many amazing things.

September is perfect timing for Christmas shopping. Plenty of time to ship it home.

Support the base schools! Shop!

Comment by CandiceB on September 12, 2009 at 12:46am

Carol, My son, James, says "what doesn't kill you leaves bruises" LOL I think this is more fitting for your son with that story!
Thanks, Claudia, I do think James has some great pics of his travels...makes me jealous...cause I wanna be there too. wishing i was younger

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