Carmen E. Richards

You never know who you are going to meet!

We were sitting at the navy base movie theater, where we saw The Hunger Games with 600 other people for only $3 each, and met a couple from Oregon that are Calvary Chapelites. They introduced us to the Calvary Chapel Kamakura, just a fifteen minute train ride from Yokosuka. We planned to visit the tourist town on Easter Sunday–the start of their annual spring festival, so we went a week early and after church, spent Palm Sunday exploring Kamakura.

We discovered a crowd gathered around this early blooming cherry tree–

–You can see why!

Kamakura Cherry Blossoms

After Church, we browsed through shops, tasted honey juices, spicy nuts and chocolates. Dewayne bought me that scarf, I just could not live without. LOL

It wasn’t until I arrived at home that I found the large tear in the fabric. Oh well, the LORD used it to remind me–nothing is ever perfect and to pray for the hands which made this scarf instead of wishing them ill–which is my vengeful Cuban side coming out! I repented, stitched the scarf–and it now bears a scar as reminder some things in life are not whay you expected.

We walked through the typical RED Gate to enter the shopping street. Dewayne almost turned around when he saw the crowd. Pavement is scare, but the crowd moves along well.

Typical Shopping Crowd at Onari Dori Street

We pulled over to a side street when we found one of our favorite things to eat–stone roasted sweet potatoes!

  Before Roasting – the last of this season’s crop

Carmen paying the man near his cart

Dewayne: while Carmen is paying--YES his mouth is full!

There is so many people out and much to see as you wander through Japanese towns on sunny Sunday afternoons–especially near their temple shrines.

See the RED entrance gate in the distance above the roof line of the Edo period building.

There are always lots of steps to climb to reach the shrine itself–this religion takes work to reach the place of worship.

I counted 60 steps--that's about 4 flights of stairs! Whew!

We roamed through gardens, crossed bridges over Koi ponds, walked near a lake and came to this spectacular tree.

I don't know what kind or how old, but it was LOVELY!

Dewayne bought a treat at one of the food booths–they are LARGE round candied grapes on a stick–oh yeah–YUM!

Candied Grape--100Yen

At the temple/shrine there is always activity and usually at least one wedding ceremony going in with all the public standing by to get a glimpse of the bride and groom!

Bride and Groom sit inside a temple building while priest waves a branch over them

Posing on the rickshaw under the traditional RED umbrella

Check this photo out–I (along with about a hundred other people) got the whole family portrait!

The Wedding Family Portrait

Next week starts the Kamakura Spring Festival–the locals tell me it will be crowded then! HA HA! We hope to see Shizuku no mai dancers at this temple and on the 15th they will host the Yabusame–Archers on Horseback. We anticipate more food booths and lots of music…

A Temple Taiko Drum

Entrance to a lakeside restaurant

The center street in Kamakura is planted in cherry blossom trees and lined with Japanese Lanterns — I hope we can see them lit up next week!

Cherry Blossom Walk Way - Hope its full next time I am on it

Lanterns will be lit and trees will be covered in blossoms soon

Flowers are everywhere

We headed back to the train station feeling our tired feet, but dared not complain when the man pulling the bride and groom left us in the dust!

Bride & Groom head off for the honeymoon

“What are you talking about Mom?”

“Haven’t you heard there was a terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan?”

Minutes later, my sister called with the same concern in her voice.    

It took a couple of days for me to receive confirmation that my husband, Dewayne, who was working in Yokosuka, about three hundred miles away from the tsunami affected area, was indeed okay. I was to join him in a matter of days, but our plans changed.

After the massive earthquake, tsunami, and failure of the Fukushima power plant, the country was in chaos with electricity and communication down. Much needed disaster relief began arriving but caused congestion of all ports in and around Tokyo. Shipyard supplies went on the back burner, so that work almost came to a halt. All civilian DOD family members were evacuated within a couple of days, and soon after, DOD workers remaining in Japan packed up their equipment and were sent to sea onboard the very carrier that was their work site.

Dewayne had his first experience as a pseudo sailor with the US Navy. He slept in a metal bunk where his nose was inches from the ceiling. He woke to fifty caliber guns firing in the mornings and went to bed only after all-hands drills in the evenings. He ate in the mess hall with all the sailors, except once, they were treated to a barbeque on the flight deck. The ship remained at sea for four weeks until the necessary work was completed.

The inconveniences we suffered are less than nothing compared with the devastation from the deluge, which rolled over the people and villages of northern Japan. One year later, much of the area is still uninhabitable. 326,000 people are still displaced—including 80,000 people from the areas closest to the Fukushima plant. People are rebuilding homes, but it is a slow process. In the city of Sendai, which prior to disasters, boasted about one million people, CNNj reported, builders cannot work fast enough to keep up with the demand. Hotels are booked and the local economy is booming because many of the displaced have relocated to the city where supplies and housing are readily available.  CNNj interviewed one young lady asking her to explain the shopping boom in Sendai. She said this, “We used to wait to buy something we liked, but after the tsunami we say, why? It is no use to wait.”

Her comment revealed her realization of her own mortality. When I heard it, the word TODAY popped into my head and made me think of the phrase, “Today is the day of salvation.”

This week I’ve seen photo displays, a music concert and impromptu dance performances as memorials. Television programs highlighted various survivors or people working to help them, like the man who works cleaning and restoring damaged family photos. He had innumerable stacks of recovered photographs stacked all around his workspace. He said he works non-stop to get as many photos done as he possibly can. Revealing the smiles in the photographs made him think of the smiles the people would have when they saw the picture of their loved one again. “I work very hard to bring back the smiles,” he said.

A group of men who used to compete against one another now work together to grow NORI (seaweed for consumption) because all their individual businesses were destroyed. The complicated process requires special machinery, boats, nets, winches and more. Working together they were able to grow a crop for this year’s market. It took them nine months to grow their first crop.

Another group were attempting to rescue forgotten animals that survived near Fukushima and roam wild without adequate food.

Dewayne and I were on a sightseeing tour and visited the Asakasa Shrine. We encountered a group of people in costume with distinctive, down-turned straw hats, which covered their faces and symbolized the loss of life from their prefecture. The group soon started a dance march through the streets of the marketplace to raise awareness for northern Japan.

Awareness of tragedy is good because it motivates us to action. In the same way, being aware of our own mortality should move us to action. Not to shopping or any other type of self-centered overindulgence, but to a serious consideration of the great gift of salvation provided for us by the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Just as this Japanese girl understood in her simplistic example that there is no use in waiting to have the things she wanted because, for her, tomorrow might never come; we too should understand, today is the day to make the most important decision of my life. Today, I should accept the free gift of salvation by grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I should determine to follow Him all the days of my life and into eternity. Today, I should not neglect this great salvation or the amazing Savior who cares for all humanity and for me. Today, I should decide to follow Jesus, and never turn back from that decision.

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Psalm 95:6-8a)

“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3)

Today was quite the somber day in Japan. Bells tolled and moments of silence occurred. We prayed, not only for physical and emotional restoration, but for spiritual revival as well.

Looking for Cherry Blossoms in Yokosuka, Japan

It’s a monumental day. It’s a day that only happens every four years – it’s Leap Day!

Okay, well Leap Day is not an official holiday. No one gets the day off or receives holiday pay, but it is a novelty for sure. It is an extra day in February that has something to do with keeping up with the lunar calendar and the seasons. Well, we had some seasons pop into Yokosuka today for sure.

This Leap Day I planned to celebrate by going to the naval base gym and library, which requires a several mile walk in the elements. I did a weather check, to make sure I wore the appropriate clothing, and with just one look, changed my plans.

Outside, the Zumba wind thrashed at my small bamboo garden. Snow followed. The slender stalks were not only falling over, but were aged by the white mantle covering their promising spring-like green leaves. I think there are two cherry trees in my little garden and each day I check for buds. This morning, the spindle branches glistened as if tiny stars had dropped down from heaven to rest.

Dust of snow beginning to show in my garden

Needless to say, I stayed home, indoors. I did fifty sit-ups and walked to the water cooler at the entrance of the building to fill my water bottles, twice. I may do some jumping jacks later.

A cold day…a good day to study, so I read my Bible. Then I made coffee to go with my oatmeal, papaya and yogurt breakfast. A surprise Skype call brought sunshine into my day. My grandson said “Hi,” waved and smiled. My daughter gave him a really cute, short, boy haircut. He brought books to his mom who read them while we were onscreen. He was upset when we had to say goodbye. Me too… Later, I showered, played Words With Friends on facebook and started feeling hunger pains. OMGoodness, it was past lunch-time.

Packaging in Japan is a Fine Art

I think living in Japan has really affected my economy. Not that I’m broke, rather I don’t like to waste anything. I think, to some degree, I have always been like that. I remember talking with my friend Audrey, who lived through the depression years in the US. They never wasted anything and to her dying day, she could not bare to throw perfectly good coffee out, even if it had grown cold. She would microwave it, and so do I. The Japanese also seem to be very thrifty, in their living space, in how much of anything they use, except for packaging. They package every little thing so beautifully that sometimes it feels wasteful.

Papaya’s are wrapped in paper, then placed on a Styrofoam tray and wrapped in plastic. Postcards and stationary are wrapped in plastic then in decorative paper bags. Even chocolate that is already sealed in a box is wrapped attractively. I always used to tell my kids, the wrapping is what sells the package. Japanese seem to hold to that same philosophy.

I had a little leftover coffee in the pot and leftover coffee grounds in the filter. They were cold. I had leftover oatmeal with raisins on the stove; also cold. As I scraped the oatmeal into my bowl for some microwave action, I suddenly remembered I had leftover black beans in the fridge from last night’s dinner. So, you guessed it. I added a little bit of fresh grounds to the filter, added water to the pot and voila, hot coffee. Then I scooped the black beans over the top of the oatmeal and raisins, covered them with plastic wrap and popped the bowl into the micro for a couple of minutes, while I washed the pot that I need to use later for preparing dinner. Voila, Lunch.

Black Bean Oatmeal w/Raisins and Salsa

I topped the black bean mixture with a little salsa, and then I ate it. I have to tell you it tasted really oishii delicious. The coffee was a little lite, admittedly—but hey, it was hot. Maybe when you are Cuban, you really can eat black beans with just about anything!

You are probably thinking, “Couldn’t you just have made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?”

Well, yeah…but where’s the fun in that?

How are you celebrating LEAP DAY? I am watching LEAP YEAR – see the trailer of this cute flick - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216492/

Irish Magic Happens on Leap Day!

Let me know if you decide to watch too!

Ueno Park is home to Tokyo National Museum of Art–the third largest museum in the world. This museum houses a collection of Japanese art including Hokusai’s most famous work, and one of my personal favorites since childhood.

Hokusai - A View of Mt. Fuji (The Great Wave) circa 1830

The French impressionist, Claude Monet, collected Japanese art. Aside from his personal studio, Japanese art was the only art displayed inside his Giverney home. I plan to see Hokusai’s paintings this spring when the cherry trees are blossoming.

Ueno Park was the first public park opened in Japan and reminds me a little of the DC Mall area. It has a lake for boating, shrines, several museums, a huge ferris wheel and has attracted visitors for centuries since Japan’s Edo period.

During the Meiji period, various expositions were held at Ueno park and Ukiyo-e artists drew inspiration for their work from the lively park scenes.

Today, the park features an outdoor festival “Ueno Hana-Touro Ukiyo-e Andon” to celebrate not only the flowers (Hana) but also the street lantern display “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” art prints begun and largely-completed by Utagawa Hiroshiga (1797-1858). These art prints are replicated on the park’s street lanterns and light-up the main walkways in the evenings.

BTW1 – The town of Edo is known today as Tokyo

BTW2 – The Edo, Meiji, Showa and other Japanese periods speak of times during the rule of different emperors. The Showa period was the time of Emperor Hirohito, the longest ruling Emperor in Japan’s history to date.

Hirohito in Coronation Dress 1928

“The Showa Period (1926-1989) refers to the period of Emperor Hirohito’s rule, which extended across the better part of the 20th century. Showa means “Enlightened Peace”—an ironic name for a player in one of the most violent episodes of world history—World War II.” Read more at link which follows….(http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=584&catid=16&subcatid=111)

Pictures from Ueno Park

Ueno Park Map

Dewayne and I decided it would take two or three days to see everything at this park. So, I plan to try in the next few months to make several return trips. Stay tuned.

The trees, the non cherry blossom trees were spectacular.

Ki wa takai desu (This tree is tall)

Ki wa Okii desu (These trees are big)

Did you notice? In Japanese the same work for tree (Ki) can signify plural or singular. Omoshiroi – very interesting.

Bare branches will be covered in pink come Spring

In honor of famous scientist outside the Science Museum

Tokyo National Art Museum

Kuroman - The Black Gate

This gate was built during the Edo period, was used for a private residence and then became the gate of the crown prince. If you look carefully through the opening in the center, you will see the National Art Museum in the background. It was closed on this day.

D stands in the courtyard of the Modern Art Musuem

Valentine Garden behind us didn't work - sorry!

Next Post: Ueno Tea House

Last Sunday, Dewayne and I, armed with backpacks, took our first Lou’s Tour. Lou is a charismatic character who is perfectly placed in his position with the hospitality department. Each week he organizes an optional tour for co-workers free of charge. We all have to pay our own way to wherever we are going, but he acts as an expert tour guide, teaching us about which train line to take to get here or there (Koko or Soko in Japanese respectively).

Densha from Tokyo to Home

We were a group of about thirty very nice people, some from Bremerton and some from Norfolk Virginia. You can easily tell them apart because the Virginians say “yes maam” while the North Westerners use a lot of “yeah” in their sentence structure. Anyway, we snuggled into three different trains, each from three different train stations before we arrived in Tokyo, at Ueno Station. The trip was about an hour and a half and 900Yen.

One of the Crossings at Ueno Station

Here (Koko), near Ueno Station, Lou pointed out the busy shopping area and encouraged us to scatter and enjoy before meeting for the return trip. We only had two and a half hours. This was somewhat of a bummer, but we decided this would just be a Tokyo looksie to prepare us for next time. Ueno Station is joined to Ueno Park – the first public park built in Japan. (See Next Post)

Vendors in Close Quarters on Multiple Streets

It was a cold day in February, but the sun shone and we stayed in its light. We walked up and down the shopping streets and I admit I expected to find quaint Japanese treasures such as tea sets, kimonos, dolls and chopsticks. Instead, we passed shoes, clothing, produce, more shoes, more clothing, more produce, and then some. In fact, most of the clothing was what I would call “bad” western fashion—not as in cowboy boots and chaps, but as in funky and rank t-shirts, unattractive jeans – is that possible – yes, and other items I would never buy in America. But here, they seemed to be popular or at least available. To be honest, I did not see many people buying, except for food items, but they were certainly out looking.

Droves of Sunday Shoppers

These Stands are the Norm

Buying Seaweed and Other Strange Things

Starfish Anyone?

Tokyo is home to 35 million people. They were not all out on Sunday, thank goodness, but still, traincars were crowded, cement crosswalks were blurred by the barrage of people and shoppers strolled in and out of crammed vendor spaces. It was like an outdoor Walmart with too much stuff, which made me feel dizzy. D&I stayed within the flow of foot traffic and eventually did find a few things to try.

Dewayne at the Taiko Japanese Drum

This fresh pineapple on a stick was OISHII – Very Delicious!

We found a fun zone that was three floors of claw games. If only our son Taylor had been with us, we could have scored some fun toys, or at least we would have known where to find him for several hours!

Three Floors of Claw Games Galore

Bad picture, but this place was packed with people in line and eating. The front-man explained they sold pancakes! So we obviously had to try one….

Popular Eatery!

They were making pancakes to order, but not your average Betty Crocker recipe. These were filled with a red bean mixture.

Pouring Batter into Molds

Ready for Trimming

Ready to East

They were scruptuous. Who would have thought to find fish formed pancakes, with red bean filling? It just needed the rice and andouille sausage. Pancake treats are very popular and also served with other fillings but no maple syrup! The Japanese don’t know what they are missing.

See Next Post Tokyo’s Ueno Park

“

Remember in the film, Dr. Zhivago; Yuri comes home from the war to find about 100 people living in his former mansion, with his family occupying only one of the upstairs areas? He comments to the socialist house manager, “Yes Comrade, this arrangement is more just.” Later, his brother Yevgraf finds Yuri, illegally, pilfering wood for a fire but chooses not to arrest him? Well, Yuri and Tanya’s place is twice or possibly three times the size of our Yokosuka apartment! And yes, the actor playing Yevgraf is Alec Guiness — OB1Canobi of episodes IV, V, VI — those who know will understand.

Anyway, our Yokosuka apartment may best be classified as a 24′ motorcoach, encased in cement and without wheels. It does have an engine however, and requires a key to get the motor runnin.

Without the key, you cannot open the door or enjoy the comforts of electricity.

Washer/Dryer in One Unit

This machine is relatively quiet, washes and drys one small load of laundry in about 2.5 hours – but if you overfill or leave your clothes sitting in it for too long – they emerge permanently wrinkled – can’t even iron the wrinkles out!

READ MY Kanji - Do not touch ANY of these buttons!

I read and obey. 1-1-1 Keeps laundry very simple. One load or whites + one of darks = once per week.

Storage Above W/D

Most of these staples Dewayne bought at the commissary on base. Because I am not military, I am not allowed to purchase anything at the Commissary or Navy Exchange (NEX). I even have to show my passport and Sponsor ID (meaning an expiration dated document with Dewayne’s info) to even enter the NEX. It’s like going into a foreign country. However, the other day, Dewayne and I went in and bought new running shoes. NIKE Airs for him and ASICS Gels for me – we spent $145 tax free. That was nice!

Kitchen (Lowers = 2-24"s and 1-12" in Cabinet Speak)

The dish rack holds our two plates, bowls, cups, forks, spoons and knives. The 2 cup coffee maker is just enough for D to get started each morning before going to the hotel and having breakfast. The same two ladies fry eggs for every customer, one at a time, in one single 8″ pan, from 6:00-9:00 a.m. 7 days per week. There is no griddle but sometimes we have French Toast. There is always lots of seaweed to garnish with, and we get little surprises, like chicken wontons, or fish cakes, cold french fries-which we skip, broccoli & carrots, shredded salad with Japanese dressing, miso soup and varied other things, which are always accompanied by steamed, white rice every morning. My son-in-law would be in eating heaven.

Where the Magic Happens

My home office – where I spend a good part of my day writing or reading or, yes, playing solitaire! No wireless here so we are fixed, but can skype. Cannot watch Netflix or streaming video from ABC etc. Although, iTunes works great for downloads etc. So, I did find a way to watch Season 2 of Downton Abbey and I am hoping for Season 2 of Once Upon A Time soon!

The Flowers Are Extra (315Yen)

Maids come in and change our towels and empty our one trash can each afternoon. On Mondays, they change our sheets and I have to say, we think it’s wonderful crawling into the expertly tucked, crisp, white sheets on Monday nights–and since it is USA Sunday Night, we get to watch football in bed!

Fridge Door Exterior

The top section is our refrigerator, the middle section is the freezer and the bottom is a vegetable drawer which keeps everything cool and really fresh. The size is about 2′W x 5′H. It works great and I don’t think it turns off when the key is out. So far, all none of our food has spoiled.

Fridge Door

We fill our water bottles each day from the dispensers in the lobby. You have to be a bit of an early bird because the water runs out before breakfast is over. If you are not the early bird, you have to wait until afternoon to refill. Thankfully, Dewayne gets up at 4:30 each morning to read. He does his two chores, make the coffee and fill the waterbottles. He’s a good guy to have around.

Learning Japanese Using Sticky Notes

Japanese is not as complicated as you might think. Again, watch Shogun because the grammar lesson Mariko gives Anjin san is actually correct, constant and very helpful.

His & Her Closets

It’s not walk in, but here in Japan a walk-in closet might actually be a bathroom or another bedroom.

His & Her Drawers

Lowers are 2 x 18″. Dewayne has the three on the left and I get the three on the right. The DVD player is in one slot on D’s side. The TV is nice, with only 6 channels. English movies on 2 channels – but they are often weird sci-fi things – not like Star Wars or anything. Japan Discovery and History share the same channel with lots of  interesting documentary shows, some in English. Japan MTV is funny – all the Japanese pop stars are so cute. Ecology Image Channel – which shows still camera shots of landscapes and scenery from around Japan and some of the rest of the world with relaxing music background. AFN Sports is always on with something in English. CNNJapan reports world news and weather, but not much USA News. We don’t watch TV much, but when we do, it’s nice to find something decent in English. The funniest thing, besides Harry Potter dubbed over in Japanese, are the Chinese movies with Japanese subtitles–I really can’t understand a thing when that happens!

His & Her Japanese Queen Bed

It’s smaller than a Queen, but bigger than a Double. It’s fine. It came with two pillows that are flat and hard. I asked for a third pillow one morning and found it waiting for me when I returned that afternoon.

Door on Right Opens to Bathroom

This room is only big enough for one person to stand in front of the sink.

Great Water Pressure

Water pressure is a priority in our lives and this shower head gets an “A”. The best part of this bathroom is the HEATED toilet seat. It is wonderful to sit on this pot – if we had these in the states, children would probably potty train a lot quicker and without the use of M&Ms. They would just be happy to feel the warmth on their behinds. I’ll say no more. But the master controls as seen below are also amazing!

Magic on the Pot

HIS and HERS options!

Afternoon SUN w/a Flip of the Switch

This light is 2′ in diameter and it is instantly 2:00 in the afternoon sun when you turn it on. Pitch black at night which is good for sleeping. There is even a floor night light for those of us who just need a minute on the heated toilet seat.

It's Not Lazy Boy, But It Works!

We have been reading some good books which I check out from the Library on base. Recent: NEARING HOME – Life, Faith, And Finishing Well by Billy Graham. We highly recommend for everyone. It is wonderful to read Billy Graham’s reflections about getting older and maintaining a heart for God.

Separated by 1m Table

While I sit at my desk and Dewayne sits in his chair, we are only separated by a 1 meter table. Now, that is what I call togetherness.

Being here, with Dewayne in Japan this time, has really given me an appreciation for how difficult is must have been for him to be here alone. While I was going to Disneyland and enjoying the company of our children and our grandson last year, he was here alone, in the routine or work, eat and sleep. After the earthquake, meltdown and evacuation to four weeks on-board ship, he was in even tighter quarters. I have a greater and deeper appreciation for those who serve in our military after being here for just three weeks. It is one thing to experience a new culture and feel somewhat adventurous about it all, as I do, but being a young person, on foreign soil, where you don’t speak the language and you are really disconnected from family and friends, is more lonely than I realized.

I see the service people everyday. We pass on the street or sit at the same coffee shop and although they may engage somewhat with their friends, they still seem conditioned to be distant and isolated. On the street, they seldom make eye contact. I have decided to smile at everyone and greet as many as make eye contact with me – it has not been often.

All this to say, pray for the young men and women of our military. I am sure they enjoy their time to a certain degree, but there is also, sorry for the cliche, no replacement for family and no place like home.

Today, I was feeling adventurous. I decided to explore the upper floors of one of the shopping buildings here in Yokosuka. Have I mentioned there are many buildings to shop in? The locals I’ve met have given me wonderful advice on where to and where not to shop.

I entered the building at a shoe store on the first floor. I was being a lookie-lou and here in Japan, the sales people do not bother you unless you ask for help. I actually did need a pair of black shoes that were not boots, so I continued through the store and climbed the stairs to the next level where I found the clearance sale area. Many shoes at 30 percent off were made in Japan and some were made in China. All were in European shoe sizes, which was like Greek to me. So, I failed to try any of them on. In the back of the store I saw an elevator. I wonder where that goes? Suddenly, LIGHTBULB went on, adrenaline coursed through my veins. I climbed aboard and pushed the buttons.

The second floor door opened to a friendly Japanese lady standing behind a cash register in a room filled with ball room dancing costumes. The sparkles and sequins shone atop satiny fabrics everywhere. On the floor, fantastic gold and red shoes lined up waiting for users. It was stunning, but I didn’t stay long enough to try any one since the costumes were intimidating with their tiny waistlines. In retrospect, I should have tried one on – just for fun. Anyway, I stepped back into the elevator and hit the up button.

On this ride, I perused the walls, which were plastered with flyers in Japanese, so I couldn’t really read them. But, there was one picture of a ball room dance couple and the format looked like it might be a flyer for dance lessons. When the door opened to the third floor, I saw this….

And this….

As I stood transfixed by the sight and sound of the Tango, the elevator door closed behind me. When the song was over a gentleman invited me to sit at a bench near the dance floor. You know I did. Then a waltz played and the gentlemen invited the ladies to the floor. They were all ages, shapes and sizes, but they were all dancing in perfect form with heads tilted up and back and frames in tact. I applauded at the end of the waltz and a gentleman invited me to dance the next.

Oh, I am such a coward. I smiled shyly and said no thank you…indicating that I was a klutz compared to his previous partner. However, I stayed to watch. Then it happened.

They played my song….”When marimba rhythms start to play, dance with me, make me sway…” My feet started involuntarily tapping. My shoulders started moving and I knew I was in trouble. My jacket, scarf and hat came off. My purse found its place near them on the bench and soon I was standing, giving the signal that I would love to be asked to dance. Before that could happen the song ended. But, when the next song played another gentleman asked me to dance and I did. It was a tango – dang it – I am a klutz at Tango, but he tried to instruct me and I did a few steps before retreating and allowing his actual partner my place.

Observations: having taken Tango with my husband, Dewayne, in the states, I noticed the hold from the Japanese was very polite. I could hardly feel I was being held. Perhaps that is the more formal competition style hold or it is just like everything else in Japan, polite and unimposing. I don’t know, but it was fun.

Afterwards a gentleman, whom I think might have been the owner, because I recognized his picture from the flyer inside the elevator, tried very much to explain the lesson times and costs to me. He offered me Japanese dance lessons and pointed to the ballroom times for only $2000 yen, which I think is less than $25. I kept exclaiming “oh, hai” and nodding my head while understanding very little of what he said.

Eventually, I gathered my things and pushed the down button this time. Everyone smiled, waving goodbye as I left. I am sure I caused a spectacle in my black pants and boots when all the lovely women were in dresses and dance shoes. Perhaps I need to return to the second floor next time before moving up.

Beginning Japanese

I attended my first Japanese Language Class yesterday, and I have to say, I did quite well. But, I think perhaps it was because I had already been studying the book “Everyday Japanese” on my own. This of course, after watching Shogun, which was my first real Japanese language Master. However, the beginning class was useful, even though it lasted only 45 minutes. There must be a universal understanding amongst teachers about the workings of the human brain. My friend and teaching professional, Wendy Brown, explains people have about a 40-minute attention span before they need to move or do some other activity to restart the juices flowing. So, there you go, 45 minutes in Japanese class and out.

My juices were flowing pretty well, but one problem I was encountering was thinking French. Whenever I wanted to translate a word, French came first. That’s weird because French is my third language. Spanish, of course is my native language and English my predominant language, so this French thing was a real conundrum. Until today that is, when I made the French connection-not the drug kind-but the French with living here in Yokosuka connection.

In a previous post you may have seen my hat – very French. You may have read about the multiple French bakeries I have encountered – they even sell café crème – very, very French. And, perhaps because I have been re-reading “A Moveable Feast” by Hemingway about his writing life in Paris, I am just, as they say, dans la lune, in my subconscious at least.

Regardless, this has been a persistent problem, where my brain searches for words in French when I am trying to learn and speak Japanese. Dewayne thinks it’s because my brain is accessing the translator neurons that have French embedded in them. Up until now French was the language I had to work the most to acquire. Oh who knows? Perhaps he is correct. I think, j’aime la France, or all things French anyway, and I find it tres interesent / (omoshiroi-JP) that God has placed me here in a Japanese city with strong French influences.

At times in Yokosuka, I feel I am wasting the days away. I hide from the cold on some days, and brave it on others. The day before yesterday, I have lost track of what day it is…I think today is Thursday here and Wednesday in the states. That is another thing I am doing, keeping time USA wondering what all my children, family and friends are doing and looking for them on Facebook or Skype. By the way, those previous sentences, the off-subject writing tangent, is very much in keeping with the style of Victor Hugo—very, very, very French writer. Anyway, I went to a local park, and wouldn’t you know, it’s a French park named after Francois Leonce Verny born 2 Dec 1837 in Aubenas, Ardeche, France. There was even a Verny Commemorative Museum, so I went to find out why this French memorial in Japan.

Francois Leonce Verny

Mons. Verny was a shipbuilding engineer educated at L’ecole Polytechnique in Paris and the Marine Shipbuilding Academy. He worked in China for a time after receiving his Shipbuilders Qualification and was invited to Japan at the end of the Edo period. The Tokugawa Shogunate and France decided Japan needed to strengthen its naval forces in order to catch up with other leading nations. Mons. Verny came to Japan and supervised the construction and operation of the Yokosuka Arsenal. He held an active role as head of the Yokosuka Arsenal for 12 years before returning to France in 1876. He died at the age of 71 in his hometown of Aubenas in 1908.

Yokosuka Train Station opened in 1899

Mons. Verny’s purpose at the Yokosuka Arsenal was not only to build the Japanese Navy, but to help usher in the industrial revolution. The Yokosuka Arsenal influenced the entire city including the character of high school education, and attracted many talented individuals during the Meiji era. These French, Dutch, German, British and American minds helped introduce industrial technology including the Naysmyth Steam Hammer and the Gantry Crane which was used in boat launching. This modernization also brought the JR Yokosuka and Keihin Kyuko train lines, which conveyed people and culture to Yokosuka from Tokyo and Yokohama. Along the train lines, private hospitals and western style communities developed. Yokosuka City and this one man, Mons. Verny, were at the center of Japan’s explosion into modernization.

Japanese Subs fly the Red Zero Flag docked at Yokosuka

It has been over 130 years since Mons. Verny walked the streets of Yokosuka and yet, his French influence still exists. If he were alive today, he might say the city has changed dramatically. But the work he did in shipbuilding remains. The Navy base, albeit under USA control, is still a working facility. The city where he lived and breathed still has the footprints of his French influence upon it. This leads me to the question; what am I doing with my life, time, resources and talent that will leave a lasting footprint on the world I live in?

In a broad sense and in the narrow, most immediate sense, I want to leave traces of the only good within me—God’s love. I am not an engineer, or spectacular anything really. I am an average person who holds within me the greatest treasure ever known to mankind, the Spirit of God. I will never be instrumental in building ships or growing cities, but I can build relationships with people and help them grow in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing HIM is the only thing that will truly last throughout eternity.

Today, as I went out to brave the cold winds, I made my first Japanese friend at Verny Part – Takako – a Japanese lady who speaks English. She worked at the naval base for 14 years, she walked through Verny Park each day to and from the train station, but she had never been to the Verny Museum until today.

Dewayne, jokingly, keeps asking me, “What are you doing here in Japan?” He is very glad I am here, and now, I can understand to a greater degree why he would be. But, that is another post.

I have asked the same question of the LORD–what am I doing here? Perhaps you have asked that question as well. What are you doing wherever it is that you find yourself? The only answer, which keeps reverberating in my brain, is thinking French—being so far out of my element, that I must rely on HIM to make sense of everything. And, since HE is the Creator of the universe, the one who holds all things together, perhaps that is not such a terrible thing to be doing. Perhaps it is not so strange that I am thinking French after all.

Lastly, I am reminded of the song lyrics sung by the great Larry Norman way back in the day, “Jesus is the answer for the world today, above Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.” Jesus is what I have to offer. The knowledge of Jesus is what I have to pass on to others and the only thing, which will leave a lasting influence. Perhaps I can’t share about Jesus just yet, but I can be an influence by praying for the people I know and will soon come to know.

Are you thinking French? How are you managing to rely so completely on Jesus to lead and guide you, that you forget the language of doubt and defeat, that you hear only the enduring promises of HIS word? Jesus loves you and has a great plan for your life. HE will never leave nor forsake you. Let me know how you are relying on Jesus in your everyday. He is the all in all.

Takako is a Catholic Church member. She invited me to see her choir performance at the “old people’s home” in two weeks.

On the walk home I took this picture of the street where I live.

The Street Where I Live

A gentleman, who also spoke English, stopped me to ask why I took the picture. Masao Imai is the second friend I made in Japan. He was an English teacher in Vancouver, WA – small world. He asked for my phone number. Since I didn’t know it, He gave me his number instead and made me promise to call him. We are meeting for coffee soon.

Imai san is 75 Years Old

Vimeo videos: Click the link or paste link into browser address field, after watching click back button to return to this page.

Meet Takako san // http://vimeo.com/carmenerichards/masaosan

Meet Masao san // http://vimeo.com/carmenerichards/takakosan

WATCH THIS VIDEO GREETING – ENTERTAINMENT & LEARNING / Then click BACK to return to this page! (allow QUICK TIME PLUG IN to Play the Video)

Today I walked downtown to my favorite coffee (kohii) shop and ordered a chocolate croissant with my American Kohii-very delicious. Besides the chocolate on the inside of the flaky pastry, after the first bite the chocolate powder on the outside spread everywhere – even into my coffee….triple yumness!

Choc Cro Delight

I had 3000 yen burning a hole in my pocket and fortunately for me, I came across a 100 Yen Store. This is comparable to our $1 Store in the US. So, I bought a few things Dewayne and I desperately needed.

Items for Everyday

After about an hour in the store I had a basketful of necessary things. At the bottom far right of the picture you will notice the handy hair barrette. It has been very windy here in Yokosuka so, this will help keep my hair in order when I go out. Women here always appear in good order. The bamboo skewers and chopsticks were fun to buy and I can’t wait to use them for a recipe that seems to be very popular here in Japan, Chicken Balls on a skewer. More to come later….

I desperately needed knee high stockings to go under my boots. Here I see these cute little school girls in their uniforms, which remind me of the Catholic school uniforms we are familiar with in the States. But, I tell you, skirts here in Japan seem shorter than acceptable and you always see the girls with their short skirts and knee high stockings with loafers. I don’t know how they stand the cold.

I found a nice little tea pot for 100 Yen – just perfect for my evening ritual. Tea is very important here. I am going to a Tea Ceremony class soon to learn all the intricacies of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. I was in a Tea shop today and found lots of beautiful things but (sore wa watashi ni wa taka sugimasu) too expensive for me. The 100 Yen teapot, I discovered when reading the label, was Made in China…oh well, the Chinese are everywhere and so, I bought it anyway.

I found pencils, a sharpener, tape, scissors and sticky notes. All of these are useful for our learning the language, as I am sticking notes everywhere in the apartment in preparation for Japanese Language Classes next month, and for our entertainment – SUDOKU. Each evening I work at least one or two puzzles while Dewayne unwinds watching CNN–as if that were possible. Later we play Scrabble on the iPad and watch an episode or two of SHOGUN on DVD. Very helpful indeed.

Lastly, I have been a little sick this week. Haven’t gone out much but the next time I do, I want to be sure and respect the culture and environment so, I bought some hypoallergenic masks. Here in Japan people wear them out to keep others from becoming sick…it is very considerate of them really. I just hope they don’t make me stand out more than I already do.

WATCH THIS DEMONSTRATION VIDEO – The MaskClipped

Sayounara Loved Ones

With 3000 Yen in hand, I went grocery shopping.

Five blocks from our apartment is a large shopping mall with a beautiful local grocery store at its center.

We had nothing in the fridge, but Dewayne had bought us a George Foreman Grill at the  Navy base and we decided we would eat some of our meals at home so, I planned to cook. On the menu for tonight, hamburgers, salad and whatever else I could find.

When entering the grocery store in Japan, a shopper picks a cart or a small basket. The baskets are much greater in number as it seems Japanese people shop in small amounts on more occasions than Americans. I grabbed a basket and walked in – so far so good. I had a small list and even though I could not read the signs, I walked down each aisle to see what there was to see. Everything was very neat and colorful. Fortunately, Japanese use a lot of artwork on their items, so sometimes you can figure out what you are buying without really knowing how to read the label. ie: these sauces. A BBQ Marinade, Chinese Dressing and Soy Sauce. Kikomann is a large label here, but I picked La Choy because the bottle said LITE – I assumed that meant low sodium. The marinade label was Bull Dog – it looked and moved like BBQ so what the heck. It was good for our hamburgers.

Sauces Purchased by Sight

Next, I needed hamburger buns, perhaps some cheese and finally some mayonaise and vegetables.

There was a lot of bread at this store. Who knew the Japanese love bread as much as Cubans? They don’t serve it at every meal out, but they seem to sell a lot of it and they must consume it, but I haven’t quite figured out when or at which meal.

Anyway, I found some soft, round, wheat looking rolls. I actually found some hot dog buns and (hotodogu) in the meat area. Someone pointed them out to me already prepared and garnished, but I passed. When we opened the rolls at home, we were both surprised to find the butter already inside. They still worked great as buns for our burgers.

Bread Purchased by Sight

Already Buttered Bread for Heat and Serve!

The Japanese seem to have a thing for all things French. I noticed in the grocery store, French cheeses, bread and “Beurre PRESIDENT Gastronomique” – Butter. I recognized the brand from the time my mother took Katie and I to Paris. So of course, I bought the delicious French butter here in Japan. Julia Child would be proud.

Tempura To-Go

Tofu To-Go

I decided to purchase something that looked like yellow squash, some broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, raddichio and cabbage. Then I spent entirely too much time looking for something that resembled mayonaise and mustard. I failed there. Dewayne will have to buy those things at the base commissary.

At the checkout, I watched the lady in front of me go through the system. When it was my turn, I gave my usual Konichiwa greeting with a short bow. The checker began pulling my items from the basket and when she lifted the yellow squash out, she spilled out some commentary while holding the beautiful yellow vegetable up to me. I imagined she was saying the squash was very delicious and good for you. So, I smiled and simply replied HEI – meaning Yes. She transferred my groceries from the green basket to a red basket. She placed a couple of neatly, folded plastic bags in my basket and from watching the people in front of me, I learned to take the red basket to the table ahead and bag my own groceries. BTW, I did pay in YEN. That system is not to difficult to understand. 1000 Yen is approximately $10US – easy math for me. My basket full of groceries cost me $2100 Y and from it we made three dinners and several lunches.

I also bought something that looked like Peanut Butter and Orange Marmalade. The Peanut Butter included some honey – bonus – and the marmalade tasted superb. I enjoy it on toast each morning at the hotel as well. That is for another posting.

So speaking of POTS. We only have two – actually one pot and one frying pan, but we are making due. There is a rice cooker in our apartment and we are making use of it almost every night. We also have a toaster oven and an electric coffee maker and an electric teapot for hot water. There are exactly two forks, spoons and butter knives. There are two sets of dishes that include a coffee mug, a bowl, teacup, salad and dinner plate. There is one cutting board, knife, one ladle and one spatula. It is not much, but it is enough–exactly what we need to make meals work here. We have so much in America, we are used to having so much. Our way of life is such a striking contrast to almost everywhere else in the world. I feel humbled by our riches and I want to learn from the economy of this culture.