Windy Rainy Weekend Indoors

This last week has been fairly full at work. People coming in for some new work, audit people leaving, training going on, etc. But the end of the week surprise is the reason I am indoors today, a typhoon. So Thursday we had a good idea it was coming close to the coast here, the whole base started geting ready for its arrival. I started getting ready too. Went to the grocery to get some food that would last over the weekend and didn't need to be cooked to eat just incase power went out. I left work after only a few hours of overtime worked Friday just to make sure I wasn't caught in any heavy rain or anything like that.

Today as a precaution I am remaining close to home and mostly indoors. As of 05:00 this morning all we had was some gusting wind and rain. The shops across from my hotel are staying buttoned up but I can hear some of the city still moving around. From the online tracking the main part of the storm has not hit yet and will probably only be up to tropical storm strength by then. But by tomorrow morning most of it will have passed.

It is kind of nice to have a reason though to keep indoors and enjoy the peace and quiet. No work distractions, no sight seeing to rush off to, just the comfort of a room, some tea and a good book. I have just finished reading The Lost World and have a few that I am debating on reading...

For those who will check this before the storm passes you can follow along: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/101424d.html

Liquid Pancake?

So, today marks the end of my first work week here in Yokosuka. I am glad it was a short week. Only having three days helped me in adjusting to the new time zone and working over here. Work is always a little different here than when I am home. Not totally sure why, but I know that when I come over I have this feeling like I need to work more trying to finish up everything before I come home.

But today is done. I utilized the MWR gym today for the first time. Very easy process and lots of open equipment. So after about 40 minutes of bike riding, and getting cleaned up I made my way home. On my way home I stopped by one of the vending machines for a treat I had my eye on for a little while. You all can watch below.

So it is a very interesting taste, but strangely very enjoyable. The cans are a little too heavy to ship or cary home for the youth group. But it opens up my ideas of what to bring back. Not sure of my weekend plans but I will make sure to keep everyone up to date through the blog as I can.

Safe, Sound, Fed and Ready For Bed

I have made it to my hotel in one piece. I have to first give a big thanks to Bill McDonald, one of the top people at work here in Yokosuka. He had a car pre-arranged picking him up, and he offered me a ride down, rather than taking the bus or the train. Both of which would normally take me two to three hours. Instead the free car ride down took only and hour and a half. I surprised the hotel staff walking in so early and have now made it in safe and sound. My bags are unpacked (mostly) and I have a belly full of Japanese curry. Thank you Coco's.

Here is a quick video of my housing arrangements for the next few weeks. Probably the nicest place I have stayed in so far, and the biggest.

Outward Bound Again!

So, here I sit again in Seatac International Airport. Outward bound for Japan. It is crazy how quickly this trip came up and how it really didn't sink in until I am now sitting in the cafe area of the airport updating a blog that I don't touch unless I am overseas.

This trip shouldn't be too long. 5 and a half weeks. I am happy that I will be home before Thanksgiving. Literally it will be the day before the holiday. It is nice that these trips are getting easier with each one I take. Maybe now I should start learning some Japanese. Might help on the other side of the plane ride.

Not sure what else to share right now. Thanks to everyone's prayers and best wishes. I will be sure to keep you all up to date as the trip progresses.