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Comment by Anti M on July 22, 2009 at 10:53am

Most American furniture won't fit easily into Japanese apartments. And then there's the tatami mat flooring to deal with, you can't put heavy furniture with feet on it. I slept on the floor on a futon for nine years in our tiny house. Not an American futon couch, a real folding, put it in the bed closet daily, Japanese futon. I had to get used to sleeping on a bed when we moved back. I'd wake up gripping the edge of the mattress, afraid of falling off.

The side mirrors, yes! On a motorcycle, it is legal to ride past the cars if traffic is at a standstill. Hubby would fold back the mirror so we could get by, and I'd fold it back out as we passed by.

Comment by Anti M on July 21, 2009 at 11:20pm

There's a fair share of accidents in Japan. fortunately, the speed limits there are dramatically lower, so there are often fewer injuries. The insurance company covers the damages and medical expenses. Yes, visits are expected. My husband got nailed by a taxi who ran a red light. The driver never made an effort to even apologize. Hubby wasn't in the hospital, but his Harley was toast. The visits and apologies only apply to the Japanese, not the Americans. And yes, we had a guy nail two pedestrians in a crosswalk in the duty van... he did dress up nicely and go to the hospital and bent over backwards to keep his tail out of trouble.

Everyone gets the basic Japanese driver's ed, they drive on the other side. The cars are "backwards". Hit your turn signal and the windshield wipers come on. We'd laugh because a driver would jump in the car... on the passenger side. Then they'd look through the glove box, like they meant to get in that side. Parking? That's a trip. I couldn't pass the back up and whip into a slot tail first without stopping, in "one continuous motion". without hitting the cones Yikes.

Comment by T-Lynn on July 21, 2009 at 10:57pm

I am sharing this one with my sailor. Now that was a lesson! Unbelievable. By the way - are there many accidents? ANd I do hope this lesson is taught in the culture classes our sailors take. Have a wonderful evening TLynn

Comment by Anti M on July 21, 2009 at 6:06pm

I haven't been to Okinawa in ages, so I know there have been changes. It is a Navy base, it will change. It is larger than Yokosuka or Sasebo, and spread out a little more. The weather is nice, but they're in the path for typhoons. Don't let that scare you, the sailors work through the storms!

He will not need a passport in Japan, nor to certain other countries. If he wants to go sightseeing, Thailand comes to mind, he will need a passport. I think everyone should have one anyway, because you never know what will come along, good or bad. be prepared, huh?

Comment by Anti M on July 21, 2009 at 2:08pm

Brandy, it is usually E-4. However, every base may be slightly different. heck, may be a command thing. The big headaches are registration in Yokohama and parking. Especially parking. Parking on base is in short supply. Hassle, hassle, hassle.

Twelve years in Japan and we didn't own a car, it is a huge hassle. Unless he lives far off-base, the trains and buses will do for the most part, and bikes are excellent for shorter distances. you just throw on a rain suit now and then.

Hubby and I did own Harleys. We paid $30 each a month to park them in someone's yard. The house we rented was up a bunch of stairs, not on a street. Our last year there, we were given a van. We had to park it on base, at the high school. I could do that because I worked there and got a sticker from the school. Otherwise, we'd have had to find a spot to rent in town in a pay lot, and that's a minimum of $100 a month. Ended up giving it to a missionary who was collecting vehicles to take to Kenya.

Comment by Anti M on July 21, 2009 at 11:06am

I'm guessing "boat-itis" is going slowly mad from being cooped up in a tin can at sea. No matter how big the ship, you still can't stroll down to the corner for a change if scenery. The "cures" vary as much as each individual sailor. Some smoke, some read books, some play video games, some study.

T-Lynn, Burning Man isn't that type of art festival. We go deep into the desert, a lot of us, as in 50K and build a city on the playa (ancient dry lakebed). Everyone participates, there is music and performance and fire-spinning and costumes and mutant vehicles and giant art. At the end, we burn the wooden Man. There is no buying or selling of anything, no competitions. Google it, you'll be amazed, or think I'm some sort of stoned hippie (I'm not, just weird).

Comment by T-Lynn on July 21, 2009 at 10:17am

Hi Pround GroundHog Mom,
Welcome :). Ok - Anti - M and Melia, a sailor with boat-itis? Does this mean he fears a ship or being on a ship or being out to sea - ? Gee - I thought I was getting on to gossip and now I have something to make me think. Got to get more coffee. Burning Man Art Fest - is this the harvest time period of August or early September? And what are you entering into the art fest Anti M? Will chat later this afternoon - Mom is at her outpatient PT and doing good :). Oh - today is the Solar Esclipse everyone. Have a good morning TLynn

Comment by Anti M on July 21, 2009 at 12:28am

Aw shucks. I'm actually easy to find on couchsurfing.com. Yes, you can stay in my guest room if it is open. Or if you go to the Burning Man art festival, LOL.

Comment by T-Lynn on July 20, 2009 at 11:25pm

Thank you Kim,
I have not known any one to be jealous of me before. New feeling here. I hope Melia is reading - how people would like to meet her or even just see a picture of her. Just like we all so WANT to meet Anti M. We do have her picture . At the luncheon the IIllinois Moms shared that they have received good advice from Anit M - she being on other sites. Thank ladies for reaching out to all us. And Navy Dad - we think you are ok too. Need someone to tease. Sweetest of dreams this night to all.
ANd to Julie - a candle was lit to honor your Mother. May only wonderful memories be in your dreams and give comfort to your heart. TLynn

Comment by Kim on July 20, 2009 at 8:22pm

T-Lynn, I am jealous that you met Melia.
Anti M, I am sorry to hear about your brother. I would love to meet you also.

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