First Impressions

On Saturday evening, our sponsors took us to a Japanese restaurant out in town. It was a more casual restaurant that served a variety of Asian dishes with sushi making up much of the menu. Chris and I have tried a few things and while they weren't disgusting, I have yet to grasp the appeal of those who crave it. Before dinner we walked through a typical Japanese grocery store and I was much more impressed than the commissary. I am so intrigued by the town and can't wait to really get out and explore it more. Many people wear those hospital masks to prevent getting sick and spreading sickness. I felt like an abomination as all of my kids are coughing and I am still perplexed to where these masks come from. It must be as common for people to carry and have as kleenex. They have a 7-11 outside the main gate, so you know it's civilized, haha.

There are vending machines everywhere with a variety of beverage options but the most valuable to me are the canned lattes that are hot. Chris and I were thrilled to be in a country that values fresh and lean food only to be stuck eating from the fast food court on base and unable to venture off base until we have a car and Chris has his liberty card to go off base. 

Monday was a long day with a very typical military "death-by-powerpoint" presentation about all of the basic newcomer information. The last presentation was in preparation for the driving test and after a few minutes, we got to take our 100 question, multiple-choice test. Both of us passed with 100%. On Tuesday we went to the military version of the DMV and got our license cards. Our main mode of transportation has been walking and fortunately the base isn't too big. We were able to knock out school registration papers, housing, medical, mail, and licenses in one day. Finley was able to be seen at the clinic that same day and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. Now that he's on antibiotics, he's doing so much better. We're trying to stay inside the hotel as much as possible because the cold, thin air aggravates the coughing for all of the kids but as you can imagine, we're going a bit stir-crazy being cooped up in the hotel room.