Showing Off My Sea Legs!

I couldn't have been luckier that a friend of mine had just the right connections to get me aboard the USS George Washington, an American super carrier. Since I moved here, I had been super excited to get my chance to tour it. Not only did I get the grand tour, I, along with about 1200 other excited folks got to cruise Tokyo Bay and experience an air show on board! We had to be onboard by about 6:30, but I was so excited that I just didn't care. Here I am before climbing aboard. Keep in mind, that I have no Navy experience, so I am trying to recall all the facts...if I am mistaken about some, I apologize in advance.

Since this was a big event for the ship and its crew, they had lots of activities, food, and displays set up. We started out taking every opportunity to get pictures, so this is right at the beginning of our tour. We climbed up to the flight deck while we were pulling out of port to get the best view. I was amazed to learn that this deck is more than 4.5 acres. It is 1,092 feet long, 257 feet wide, and 244 feet high. Just the sheer size was breathtaking. The bridge and island is where the control stations are located...just look for the towers with antennae and flags. Can you believe that this ship can accommodate 80 aircraft?!Our sailers have to man their battle stations during the times that the ship is vulnerable, such as when entering or exiting ports. I must say that it was a little unsettling to learn that while cruising. I think this picture helps show just how huge the flight deck is...this was only one small little section...not even the runway!After cruising out into the bay, we wandered around checking out the different aircraft aboard. Everything was so amazing, I couldn't stop smiling!This was my favorite plane...It had these cool propellers and the top folds up to make it take up less space. I wish I could remember what the names of all these planes were, but you know me, I don't take great notes.Another highlight of my day was the firefighter...he was wearing a special suit and looked like an astronaut. Here he is posing with us on his flight deck fire truck. What a hottie! This is one of the aircraft elevators. You can see the flight deck on top, and below is the hangar bay. During this cruise, they had the hangar bay set up with all the food, drinks, and entertainment, but usually it is used to house planes. There are four elevators on the GW used to move the aircraft back and forth between the two areas. They were giving rides on the elevator and I had a blast riding up and down...I think the sailors had more fun listening to the screams of surprised passengers as it jolted and then fell quickly to the deck below. Before starting the air show, all the sailors go to one end of the deck to begin the FOD walk. In other words, they are looking for Foreign Objects and Debris which could damage planes and affect take-offs or landings. They walk shoulder to shoulder the entire length of the deck, which takes awhile, but this is one job where keen observational skills is highly valued. Once in the control center, this was my view from the Commodore's chair. I had a great time just watching us cruise from up here...it's so relaxing...the perfect place for a mid-afternoon nap. Once the air show began, we went outside the bridge onto the balcony...I'm sure there's a more technical term...but it was really just a balcony. It offered the best views and it sheltered us from the crowds and heat. First, the helicopter took off...Then, they started testing the equipment used to catapult the planes...there is a long track with a shuttle that travels the length of the track. Each time they tested it, there was this stream of steam...it provided a surreal aspect and some really good photos. The pilots started climbing in the planes, and then started them up...I couldn't believe how long the planes were left running before they actually took off. Seriously, it was like 45 minutes or more. I was baffled, but later found out that they have to burn off a certain amount of fuel before take-off. First, they have to be a certain weight according to the formula for the weight and speed of propulsion. And, you wouldn't want to take off over the side of a ship with a heavy tank of gas...point made. There are just some things that I would have never thought of, but that make perfect sense once explained. You thought I was exaggerating...I know, I usually do, but this time I wasn't. It seriously took at least 45 minutes of planes running before they even lined up to take off. This girl had had enough...I would love to know how she slept through the roar of the jets burning off their fuel. I told you that I was avoiding the crowd by hanging out on the balcony...not everyone was allowed up that high, but thankfully we were. I felt really lucky to have to view that I did without the crowds around me. It was pretty exciting to see the sailors and their families. I loved to see their pride in showing them around and sharing their expertise. The children's excitement was also apparent, which makes me even happier. Here they are...finally ready to take off...I have some exciting, but loud video of the take-off's and touch downs. They will be on youtube shortly, so just watch for the link. And, hopefully you noticed the ship creeping up beside us...it's the USS Mustin, a guided missile destroyer that also had a ship full of guests. I thought this was an interesting shot of some sailors...especially carrying around those chains. No thank you.Here was a good shot of a touch and go...it only touched down for a moment and then took off again. It was seriously the loudest sound I have ever heard. I had earplugs in and still couldn't take it. I did get some video of this too, which will also be posted on youtube. I am amazed at the skill it takes to do this. What an awesome job!Here's a closeup of the Mustin...they also gave demonstrations of their cannons and guns. Wow! This is cruise was like a testosterone filled smorgasbord. I wish my hearing wasn't damaged from the planes, because I could have heard all the grunting as the guns went off. The inside of the ship was interesting. It seemed never ending...we would walk down hallways like this, being careful not to trip or hit our shins on the door frames, and they would all look the same. I think if I lived here, I would play hide and seek A LOT or make a really cool flash mob...or maybe both. Here are the chains that are attached to the anchor. Each link of this anchor weighs 360 pounds. Wow!Down near the living quarters were these pieces taken from the World Trade Centers. It's amazing that this ship has exhibits and displays such as this. In fact, this ship is so large that it has its own post office, store, and enough space to house 6,250 crew members. That's bigger than the town I came from...12 times bigger! It's one thing to live in a small town with that many people, but in a ship...no thank you!Here's a look down a hole...it keeps going and going...I was lucky to get this shot. It was making me nauseous just peering down it. Here I am outside the Brig...I mean, what can really go on while aboard a ship? Never mind...I don't want to know!These are the stairs that we went up and down all day. Needless to say, it was a fabulous workout!While entering and exiting port, the Japanese Coast Guard followed closely beside us. I thought they were just being friendly until someone told me that they are there to monitor the nuclear levels near the ship. They are really concerned about having a nuclear carrier in Japan, so they constantly monitor it and they have lots of rules and regulations regarding how the military uses it.This is a view from our lunch table. Above is the aircraft elevator and we are sitting in the hangar bay below the flight deck. It was a nice view out the side, but the ride was pretty bumpy. I really enjoyed the rocking back and forth, but my friend was turning a little green. I was told that when your eyes see the ocean and ship moving, then you tend to feel better. But, when you feel like you're moving and can't see it, then you tend to get sicker...interesting.Here are the sailors getting the ropes ready to tie us to the dock. It sounds so simple, but wait until you see the size of the ropes!Here's a jet engine that was on display...it was really interesting to see all these things close up. I especially loved that my sailor friends were willing to share their knowledge with me...there's nothing better than a guided tour by experts!As the tour was wrapping up about 9 hours later, this was the view pulling back in to Yokosuka. You can see all the towers, which are on base, and even some of the town homes. I joke that the base is a lovely shade of oatmeal, and now you see why. It looks huge, because it is. Yokosuka Base is home to over 23,000 military and civilian personnel as well as, 1 command ship, 1 aircraft carrier, 2 cruisers, and 7 destroyers and is the largest Naval base in the Pacific. I am lucky to call it home. Here are some enormous cranes that are placed alongside the GW while it's in port. This is the view as we're pulling in. Here are some other ships just hanging out. And some others...These are the flags on the GW...I'm not sure what they mean, but they identify the ship and tell some other important information. Here we are standing in front of the tower on the flight deck. 73 is the GW's ship number. I love when I drive by it at night and it's lit up...it reminds me of Christmas lights. Here are the dock-side sailors taking the ropes and hooking us up to dock. Some bumpers...boy, those are large!Heave....Ho....Heave....Ho....Heave....Ho....This is the flag that is always flying on the dock end of the ship. And of course, I loved that these sailors were wearing their white uniforms at the end of the cruise. After spending just 9 hours or so aboard, I have developed an even deeper respect for the sailors assigned to the GW. It must take some adjustment to live in such impersonal quarters and be away from loved ones for so long. Thank you for allowing me to explore your ship, learn about your way of life, and have a once in a lifetime experience...it's not everyday that a teacher from Illinois gets to cruise Tokyo Bay aboard a nuclear super carrier!

Kim in Kamakura

Kamakura is a fantastic, quaint city near my house. It's only one train hop from my local station, so it's really easy to get there and explore. During the Shogun Era of Japan, it was the capital. The Shogun period is memorable, because that's when the country was under the military dictatorship of the samurai. Now, Kamakura is more of a fun, beach town with lots of little unique shops and restaurants. My good friend had visitors from the States, so I tagged along for some excitement. Our first stop was the beach, just to see the beach shacks and say hello to some friends. Then, we were on a mission to find some great food. The general consensus was that we wanted a good burger. Rumor has it that the best burger in Japan is from Hawaiian Burger...roughly translated to Kua Aina burger. It's funny that this burger chain is actually from Haleiwa, Hawaii, which is one of my favorite towns there. So, obviously, I had to take a picture of the cup!

I ordered the avocado burger with fries. I was amazed that it came with almost an entire avocado on top. By most standards in the States, it was really small, but boy did it fill me up! The burger really was delicious, and so far, the best one I've had here so far. You'll have to make a trip just to sample it and give your opinion too.

After eating, we set out on a mission to see the Hase-Dera Temple. Legend has it that in 736, a statue washed ashore near here and because it sent out rays of light, a temple was constructed here to honor it. Now, this temple is known as the 4th station among the 33 holy places in the Kanto area. The Kanto area is the area that I live in...it's like a county in the US. Here I am in the Benten-kutsu Cave. It's like a cave, literally. I had to walk all stooped over the entire time, and make sure that I didn't rub against the walls...I was scared of the geji-geji's. Don't worry if you visit I can guarantee that you see one...it's not a mythical creature! Inside the cave, there are 16 children and a Benzaiten chiseled out of the walls. She is a sea goddess and the only female of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. She is the fine patron of music, fine arts, and good fortune, and is usually seen carrying a mandoline or lute. The caves are lined with thousands of these little statues, to comfort the souls of unborn children.

Here I am outside the cave mimicking this adorable statue. I have no idea what it represents or who it is...but it sure is cute!This is the Benten-do Hall where there is a statue of Benzaiten with eight arms. Rumor has it that Kobo Daishi carved it himself while in seclusion. He spread Buddhist teachings when they were heavily regulated in Japan. He is considered a Grand Master of Buddhism and founded the True Word School of Buddhism around the year 800. The whole temple was filled with beautiful flowers, pools, and statues...this is just one serene landscape. The temple grounds were filled with these little statues...seriously everywhere I turned, they were lined up. I just love this picture because it seems like they go on forever, and if you visit, you will understand that they do. Here I am in front of more statues. Some looked new (I'm sure they are only a few hundred years old) and others like these looked aged...you know a thousand years or older. Either way, it was magnificent!Last year, I explained how temples have statues outside depicting the beginning of life or the first sound in the Japanese Language, Ah. The first pictures I showed were of lions one with an open mouth and the other with a closed mouth symbolizing the end of life and the final sound in the Japanese language, N. I thought it was interesting to see the foxes below instead of the usual lions. After visiting Illinois this summer and seeing the shells of thousands of cicadas, I was surprised that Japan was on the same 13-year rotation. Apparently, I missed the swarms in the States, but returned to Japan just in time for them to take over the trees in my yard. The sound was deafening at twilight and they even dive-bombed me several times while I was outside on my balcony. When I saw this cicada skin at the temple, I just had to capture a photo of it. Never did I think that the songs of cicadas would make me homesick and remind me of the midwest.Not only were the temple grounds filled with small statues, there were also large ones such as this. I can only guess that this is reminiscent of the Shogun Era of Japan when they governed from Kamakura. Behind one of the halls was this garden of bamboo. Now, I've tried growing this myself, and it's never quite flourished such as this. Apparently, I don't have the magic touch.Here's my cute little guy again...this time joined by two friends. My friend and I standing on a balcony overlooking Zushi beach, which is near my house. Actually, you can probably see my local beach from here...it was pretty overcast when we were there, but on a clear day, I would bet it would be visible. With all the Japanese carrying around their umbrellas to shield them from the sun, we thought it would be fun to pose with our own. She just happened to have these gorgeous ones in her car and we just happened to carry them around in case of rain. Instead, they came in useful for our impromptu photo shoot. The locals swarmed around us and couldn't get enough of our poses. It's funny, because they do the same thing...they must not be used to girls as cute as us!On our way out, we saw this girl dressed in Kimono. She just looked beautiful and she agreed to pose for a picture. Our next stop was The Great Buddha of Kamakura. This is actually where President Obama came during his visit earlier this year. Construction of this National Treasure began in 1252 and it was complete after 10 years. It is almost 44 feet tall and weighs more than 200,000 pounds. The inside is hollow, so you can actually go inside and look up. It was closed while we were there, though, so I will have to make the trip there again. These are the Buddha's slippers. They are hanging on the wall near the statue and seriously could probably fit the feet of the statue...and I thought I had big feet!

It was the perfect day to visit, because there was hardly anyone touring the grounds. Of course, we took advantage of that and conducted our own photo session. We got some interesting looks, but all of us got tons of great pictures...including the ones with props like the umbrella. We even had time to pose and adjust without being trampled by tourists or locals. It was great! Instead of senior portraits, I'm going to call this the, "Thirty and Thriving" album!