The weather has really started to cool off over the last week and we've had a few really nice days with blue skies and puffy white clouds. So on Sunday afternoon I decided to talk a stroll around our neighborhood to check it out. While the houses are ridiculously close together (I saw two neighbors talking to each other from their 2nd story windows and they could have literally passed something to each other because they were so close), there are some that are really beautiful. I've really started to figure my way around (driving and walking) and I'm enjoying exploring our new area.
Last night, while I was sleeping, I woke up because the house was shaking. It didn't take too long to realize it was an earthquake, and I actually said outloud "Oh, it's an earthquake" even though there isn't anyone hear to confirm it for me! I wasn't scared at all (I know, I know... you don't believe me) but it was 2:55am and by the time I woke up and realized what it was...it was over. I looked it up (you can too!) on the US Geological Association's website and it was a 4.9 magnitude about 30km outside of Tokyo. I was super impressed with myself for 1. not freaking out (I didn't even get out of bed) and 2. recognizing what it was. Though...it must not have been too impressive to anyone else...no one else here even noticed it. Everyone slept right through it!
I started teaching English tonight! It was my first class...and it was just like the first day of school. I was really prepared and organized...but of course, still nervous. All went well though...the class was actually 3 separate classes. My first class from 4-5pm is 3rd graders. Second class 5-6pm is 5th graders and the last class from 6-7pm is two 8th grade girls. I teach grammar (yikes) and conversational skills. There is another Japanese woman there (this is a business she runs out of our house) who speaks English and she co-teaches with me. I really enjoyed it. I made 12,000 yen for the class (with the exchange rate today it is about $142USD). Not too shabby for 3 hours of minimal work. I brought the kids Fruit Roll Ups from the commissary and the teachers asked if I had a few extra for them! They loved it. I think the Keebler M&M cookies I have for next week are going to blow their minds...
I've also been working into the wee hours of the night planning our next BIG trip. You know Nick and I usually take a long vacation once a year...in recent years we've gone to Europe and Hawaii...well...when in Asia...do as the Asian's do (or the ex-Pats living in Asia)...and head to Thailand! We're headed there for two weeks in November once Nick gets home from deployment. We will be headed to Khao lak a quiet beach area just south of Phuket (less touristy than Phuket) for one week. I was able to get us an amazing deal by getting us the military/govt. rate for a suite for the week!!! After that we head to Koh Samui for our 2nd week. There, we're staying at the Sandalwood Luxury Villas! I know...just the name makes me sound spoiled...just wait until you see pictures of this place... It was rated as the #1 hotel on TripAdvisor for Koh Samui...and we're reeeeally excited for that one.
I hope everyone is continuing to do well over there. I of course miss you all and hope to hear from you soon. Our MagicJack broke :( ...it still works through the computer...but I can't use the phone with it anymore for some reason...so I might look into a Vonage line...or try to figure out how to fix it (though I already tried once w/ MagicJack live help...no luck). I'll keep you posted though.
Miss you!
Love,
Janelle
Here are the pictures of my walk around our neighborhood. Zama City, Japan http://gallery.me.com/nickjanellehampton#100163
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Yokohama - 2nd largest city in Japan and SO MUCH FUN!
One of the more unique things about being a military family is the influx of people at certain times and the sad times when friends leave for their next duty station when you aren't quite ready for them to go (or you're the ones leaving...and you aren't quite ready to go either). This past weekend eight of us went out to say "good bye" to our friend Tori. It was my first time in Yokohama (which as you can tell from the title, is the 2nd largest city in Japan). We started with a dinner and drinks boat cruise from 6-8pm. Then we headed to the amusement park nearby called the Wonder Amuse Zone (we called that Engrish) and rode the Vanishing Roller Coaster (it was 700 yen or about 10USD for about 30 seconds of riding). Fun though! Afterwards we headed to a bar area called Red Brick Warehouse and went to Beer Next. We had snacks and a few drinks and decided to head back on the train to Zama (it's about a 40 minute trip w/ a few transfers). When we got back to Zama, one of the girls had a "great" idea to head to a karaoke bar called All Bar for some late night karaoke. Here, in karaoke bars, you get a private room and you pay by the hour. 1000 yen (or about $14USD) and it's all you can drink for the time you are there...singing. We were there for two hours...and believe it or not...I didn't even drink. I was so tired! Thankfully, it is very much walking distance to our house. My friend Jen (who lives across the street from us) and I walked home. It was a great time and I got a "frequent singer card" at the karaoke place so I'll get 5% off every time I go! :) Very exciting! Here are some pictures from our night out! Click here ------> Yokohama Pictures for Tori's Farewell
We've hit the 6 week countdown!!!!!!!!! I'm beyond excited to show off our house to Nick. The last time he saw it, it had temporary furniture and nothing of our own. :) We're planning a BIG trip to Thailand for when he gets home. We're both really excited about that!
I love you and miss you all very much.
Love,
Janelle
We've hit the 6 week countdown!!!!!!!!! I'm beyond excited to show off our house to Nick. The last time he saw it, it had temporary furniture and nothing of our own. :) We're planning a BIG trip to Thailand for when he gets home. We're both really excited about that!
I love you and miss you all very much.
Love,
Janelle
Cooking My Way Though Japan!
As part of the AOSA (Atsugi Officer's Spouse Association) I have the opportunity to join in once a month in a cooking club with local Japanese women. They rotate every other month (one month we cook for them and teach them how to make an "American style" meal and the following month they cook for us and teach us a Japanese style meal). This month, it was their turn. So we learned how to make Bento Boxes, which are basically their "lunch box" that they send with their children to school. They were VERY involved and a lot of it was based around the art and how "cute" they could make it. It was an awesome experience and I'm really looking forward to next month when we get to teach them how to make a Thanksgiving feast! (We're doing it in October because November will be their turn. :))
Here are some pictures from the day.
Cooking Club at the Zama Community Center Pictures <----------click here
Here are some pictures from the day.
Cooking Club at the Zama Community Center Pictures <----------click here
Monday, September 13, 2010
Manila and Tokyo...but more Tokyo than Manila...
Sooooo if you ever come across someone who says that Manila, Philippines is a nice place...1. they're lying to you... or 2. they work for the board of tourism for the Philippines. Actually...they're most likely a liar, because there isn't a board or tourism for Manila. So there you go.
I was in Manila for a few days when Nick's ship pulled in. We basically stayed around the hotel area because the surrounding areas weren't so nice. We spent some time in a mall that was close by...and went to dinner in a few places but the taxi ride to get to the restaurants in the other part of the city (while only $1USD) weren't for the faint of heart. So we only did that twice.
It was of course so great to see Nick. We went to the pool, hung out with his fellow squadron members and just enjoying being together. Unfortunately, the internet at the hotel wasn't great. It took forever for pages to load and neither Skype or MagicJack worked while we were there, so we didn't get to call anyone. :( Sorry about that one. Hopefully his next port will be better and he'll be able to call home.
The boat pulled out the night before I left so I had to take a taxi to the airport on Wednesday morning...it was interesting...and to make a long story short...I was sweating it big time. Mind you, the first time I took a taxi by myself in my life...was in Singapore three weeks ago. I'm a scaredy cat and you all know it...so this was no different. Other than, I had no choice, I needed to get to the airport on time so I had to get over it. To make a long story short (which I am not good doing...ever) I was told by our hotel front desk that in addition to the 300 pesos cab fare, there would also be an additional "international terminal tax" of 750 pesos to get to the international terminal. I had 500 pesos on me. So, I walked to the ATM (scary) before getting in the cab and heading to the airport. When we got to the airport it was CHAOS. There were lines and lines of people wrapped around the building, people shouting. I expected to see random chickens and roosters roaming the parking lot. Security was everywhere. Mr. Filipino Cabby asks me "How much you pay?" I asked him "How much on the meter?" No meter. Of course not. He started asking over and over, "How much you pay? How much you pay?" Security came to the window telling him he had to leave and he could not be parked there any longer. So I panic. I calculate in my head "Ok, 300 pesos + 750 pesos for international terminal..." and I toss the guy 1,060 pesos because I didn't have a 10 I only had it in 20's. He looks at me like I'm crazy and I panic again. I toss him my last 20 pesos because I think he's about to flip out on me for not tipping him. I grab my bag and haul it to the chaotic "line" that is outside the building. A security officer must have seen my face because he ushered me to a shorter "line" that led me inside to the airline counters. I checked in with Japan Airlines, checked my bag and was off to go through customs and immigration. Before that, I turn the corner...and walk straight towards the sign that reads "INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL TAX GATE 750 PESOS OR $16.00USD"....and I think to myself....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????? NO WONDER WHY THAT CABBY JUST LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS CRAZY! I just paid him almost $30 for a $3 cab ride. Not only that...but I'd just spent my last pesos on it. So I went to the ATM, my card is rejected...in all three ATM's in the terminal. Soooooooo I empty my wallet...$4USD and plenty of Yen. THANK GOD! I went to the currency exchange counter and while I get screwed with the exchange rate, I get enough to pay the darn international terminal tax...for real this time. I felt like a complete moron, but I made it on the flight and "home" to Zama w/out any other issues. Will I ever go back to Manila if the boat pulls in there again? Not likely. Oh well. We live (and travel) and learn. :)
This past weekend I went into Tokyo for the first time. I went with 5 other girls (four of which live in Zama within walking distance of our place). We went to the New Sanno Hotel http://www.thenewsanno.com/. It's a hotel that is designed (and caters to) military personnel and their families. We had a blast. Saturday night there was an End of Summer Celebration Escoffier Dinner it was an 8 course wine pairing dinner. We really had a great time. Afterwards we went to a rooftop bar called Two Rooms. One room outside, one inside. We hung out outside. I met a bunch of people who work at the Apple Store in Shibuya (in Tokyo). It was a really fun night. We came home yesterday (Sunday) afternoon and I took a two hour nap....all in all, a great weekend!
Today I went to class with a friend of mine because I'll be taking over this class in two weeks to start teaching English! My friend is headed back to the states because their tour here is over, so I'm picking up where she left off. The pay is 12,000 yen so about $130 USD give or take. I really liked it a lot. It is one small group of 4 3rd graders during the first hour, one group of 5 5th graders in the 2nd hour and the last class is 2 8th grade girls. All of them know a lot of English already and their Japanese teacher is there with them and she speaks English very well, so it's a great set up. I'm also taking over a conversational English student starting next week. She is a 20 year old fashion student at a college in Tokyo. She just wants to keep up with her English conversational skills and you all know I LOVE to talk...so it should be a match made in heaven. PS...we're meeting in Starbucks...ummm....how perfect is that?!? That one pays 4,000 yen, so about $45 USD or so based on the yen rate for the day. Regardless, I'm PUMPED to get to teach again and super excited to get out there and meet people! (Not to mention having some spending money!). :)
Nick is getting back into the swing of things on the boat (or so he says). I'm still working on getting the house all set up - I only have to put things up on the walls and then it's DONE! I'll post pictures as soon as I am completely done.
I hope all is well and everyone is having a great week so far back home. We do miss you all very, very much. Keep the e-mails (and mail) coming! We received a really sweet card from Patrick and Emma Walsh - LOVE IT! It's on our fridge. :) I love getting mail! I've gotten packages from my mom and my sister too! It makes being away from home (and Target and Trader Joe's) a little easier. :)
Write soon and call often! I love you all! I'm attaching a link to a couple of pictures from Tokyo. (We only took one picture in Manila, in our hotel and I look tired...so it's a non-postable picture. Sorry! )
Love,
Janelle First Tokyo Trip Pictures- The New Sanno September 11, 2010 <-------- (click here)
I was in Manila for a few days when Nick's ship pulled in. We basically stayed around the hotel area because the surrounding areas weren't so nice. We spent some time in a mall that was close by...and went to dinner in a few places but the taxi ride to get to the restaurants in the other part of the city (while only $1USD) weren't for the faint of heart. So we only did that twice.
It was of course so great to see Nick. We went to the pool, hung out with his fellow squadron members and just enjoying being together. Unfortunately, the internet at the hotel wasn't great. It took forever for pages to load and neither Skype or MagicJack worked while we were there, so we didn't get to call anyone. :( Sorry about that one. Hopefully his next port will be better and he'll be able to call home.
The boat pulled out the night before I left so I had to take a taxi to the airport on Wednesday morning...it was interesting...and to make a long story short...I was sweating it big time. Mind you, the first time I took a taxi by myself in my life...was in Singapore three weeks ago. I'm a scaredy cat and you all know it...so this was no different. Other than, I had no choice, I needed to get to the airport on time so I had to get over it. To make a long story short (which I am not good doing...ever) I was told by our hotel front desk that in addition to the 300 pesos cab fare, there would also be an additional "international terminal tax" of 750 pesos to get to the international terminal. I had 500 pesos on me. So, I walked to the ATM (scary) before getting in the cab and heading to the airport. When we got to the airport it was CHAOS. There were lines and lines of people wrapped around the building, people shouting. I expected to see random chickens and roosters roaming the parking lot. Security was everywhere. Mr. Filipino Cabby asks me "How much you pay?" I asked him "How much on the meter?" No meter. Of course not. He started asking over and over, "How much you pay? How much you pay?" Security came to the window telling him he had to leave and he could not be parked there any longer. So I panic. I calculate in my head "Ok, 300 pesos + 750 pesos for international terminal..." and I toss the guy 1,060 pesos because I didn't have a 10 I only had it in 20's. He looks at me like I'm crazy and I panic again. I toss him my last 20 pesos because I think he's about to flip out on me for not tipping him. I grab my bag and haul it to the chaotic "line" that is outside the building. A security officer must have seen my face because he ushered me to a shorter "line" that led me inside to the airline counters. I checked in with Japan Airlines, checked my bag and was off to go through customs and immigration. Before that, I turn the corner...and walk straight towards the sign that reads "INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL TAX GATE 750 PESOS OR $16.00USD"....and I think to myself....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????? NO WONDER WHY THAT CABBY JUST LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS CRAZY! I just paid him almost $30 for a $3 cab ride. Not only that...but I'd just spent my last pesos on it. So I went to the ATM, my card is rejected...in all three ATM's in the terminal. Soooooooo I empty my wallet...$4USD and plenty of Yen. THANK GOD! I went to the currency exchange counter and while I get screwed with the exchange rate, I get enough to pay the darn international terminal tax...for real this time. I felt like a complete moron, but I made it on the flight and "home" to Zama w/out any other issues. Will I ever go back to Manila if the boat pulls in there again? Not likely. Oh well. We live (and travel) and learn. :)
This past weekend I went into Tokyo for the first time. I went with 5 other girls (four of which live in Zama within walking distance of our place). We went to the New Sanno Hotel http://www.thenewsanno.com/. It's a hotel that is designed (and caters to) military personnel and their families. We had a blast. Saturday night there was an End of Summer Celebration Escoffier Dinner it was an 8 course wine pairing dinner. We really had a great time. Afterwards we went to a rooftop bar called Two Rooms. One room outside, one inside. We hung out outside. I met a bunch of people who work at the Apple Store in Shibuya (in Tokyo). It was a really fun night. We came home yesterday (Sunday) afternoon and I took a two hour nap....all in all, a great weekend!
Today I went to class with a friend of mine because I'll be taking over this class in two weeks to start teaching English! My friend is headed back to the states because their tour here is over, so I'm picking up where she left off. The pay is 12,000 yen so about $130 USD give or take. I really liked it a lot. It is one small group of 4 3rd graders during the first hour, one group of 5 5th graders in the 2nd hour and the last class is 2 8th grade girls. All of them know a lot of English already and their Japanese teacher is there with them and she speaks English very well, so it's a great set up. I'm also taking over a conversational English student starting next week. She is a 20 year old fashion student at a college in Tokyo. She just wants to keep up with her English conversational skills and you all know I LOVE to talk...so it should be a match made in heaven. PS...we're meeting in Starbucks...ummm....how perfect is that?!? That one pays 4,000 yen, so about $45 USD or so based on the yen rate for the day. Regardless, I'm PUMPED to get to teach again and super excited to get out there and meet people! (Not to mention having some spending money!). :)
Nick is getting back into the swing of things on the boat (or so he says). I'm still working on getting the house all set up - I only have to put things up on the walls and then it's DONE! I'll post pictures as soon as I am completely done.
I hope all is well and everyone is having a great week so far back home. We do miss you all very, very much. Keep the e-mails (and mail) coming! We received a really sweet card from Patrick and Emma Walsh - LOVE IT! It's on our fridge. :) I love getting mail! I've gotten packages from my mom and my sister too! It makes being away from home (and Target and Trader Joe's) a little easier. :)
Write soon and call often! I love you all! I'm attaching a link to a couple of pictures from Tokyo. (We only took one picture in Manila, in our hotel and I look tired...so it's a non-postable picture. Sorry! )
Love,
Janelle First Tokyo Trip Pictures- The New Sanno September 11, 2010 <-------- (click here)
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