Off to see the birds

This weekend we finally found the Mall.  Took the expressway which cost 400 yen to go about 10 miles.  After getting off the exit you sit in traffic to get into the Mall for about an hour.  There was only one way to get into the parking and it was 10 times worse than any Mall I have seen in America at Christmas.  Once in it is a huge mall with shops and restaurants.  I liked it, Jeff, not so much.  We left around 4:00 and there was no traffic.  Note to self, go to the Mall around dinner time.

Next was the Bird Sanctuary.  This was very cool.  Almost all the birds are free to fly around and you can buy food to feed them.  They land on your and eat the food out of your hand.  Julia was a crazy baby at first and then she was just memorized.  This of course was also very crowded.  They also have bird shows.  I will definitely visit this place again.  We tried Pizza La.  Very expensive - about $15 dollars for a small which is the size of an Atlas personal pizza.  It was OK but not worth the cost.  I also figured out with the help of Miko how to cook the meat and what sauce to use.  It turned out very good and despite the cost, we will be eating this several times a week.

Trip to the Beach

We took a trip to the beach down by the plant.  There are a lot of access points but not very many places to park.  We found a little place, unfortunately it was a like a dumping ground from every one's garbage.  I guess other people are not found of the garbage policies.  The beach was OK, some garbage and I am not sure it is the best location for swimming, but we did see several surfers and some fisherman.  They has a really nice path that goes all along the path and we walked about 3 miles.  I would definitely like to go back when it is a little less humid.  Then we found a little shop where we stopped for snacks.  Julia of course had a blast.  I wish we could have let her go swimming.  Maybe next time at another beach.  We also have to find out when the sea turtles are laying eggs.  I would love to see those.

A visit to Kakegawa Hospital

To start, no one is sick or hurt.  We had to get Julia her MMR shot that most U.S. babies get around a year old.  We thought we had things in order by getting all the forms translated and filled out.  We were told by a few people that at a hospital they can read English but will have trouble speaking it.  First off, that is pretty much false.  We got to the hospital, found the location.  There is a big room where you wait your turn in line.  At the first desk you hand over your book (which we did not have or did we know we had to have) then they give you a thermometer where you are suppose to take your child's temperature under the armpit.  OK so far, except we didn't have the book so they kind of ran around and found us someone who spoke a little English.  The room is filled with other Mothers and babies.  There are rows of chairs with signs stating which vaccination your are suppose to get.  You sit behind that chair and wait your turn.  When your name is called you got to the front where they have a nurse and doctor.  They check her heartbeat, use a tongue depressor to look in her mouth and then tell you how to hold the child so they can give the shot.  This one was given in her arm.  There was screaming the whole time.  Julia was great!  She cried a little and then wanted to play.

They then asked for our insurance card.  We gave them our International SOS card.  No they need Japanese insurance.  I do have to say that they were very patient and helpful as they could be.  They let us have the vaccination for free even though I am pretty sure we were suppose to pay.

They also told us we should have brought an interpreter.  Yes, that would have been a good idea.

Lesson Learned:  If you can't get the shots you need in the U.S. Bring an interpreter.  Also, don't get sick here, it is complicated.

Unsuccessful Trip

Well we tried to find a mall today that was about 7-10 miles away.  Drove around for 2 hours and still no mall.  But at least the weather cleared up and we went to Jolly Pasta for some pizza and pasta.

I am officially over the garbage situation.  Garbage in one, plasic in another, cartoons in another.  I spend half my day sorting garbage.  I think the easiest solution might be to eat out or not eat at all. 

Saw a video on MTV with a Japanese boy band, then I had nightmares about them. 

My sling box is not working and my movie app is not working either.  Time to drink beer and try to watch a DVD.  Maybe we can end this night on a good note.

Our first trip to Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture Japanmaps

We took Julia to Hamamatsu which is about a 45 minute car ride (25 by train) because they have a big Toys R US.  The store was very cool and we bought her a little walking/riding toy for her birthday.  She has been playing with it every since we got home. 
Then we went to Hamamatsu castle and gardens.  Very cool!  Before you ask, yes I did forget my camera so we will have to go back again.  They had a big open area like central park for playing and picnics, lots of paths, ponds with fish and ducks, waterfalls, etc.. The best part was all the little dogs that were being carried and wearing little coats even though it was 80 degrees out.  We also saw two people with there rabbits on leases and the rabbits were wearing burberry coats.  I was wonderful.  They also have a play area for kids that we never even got to.  Then we walked around the city and found a pizza place that had really good pizza and played old school 80 hits in the background. 

Came home and went out for dinner with Jeff's co-worker and his family at the Indian restaruant which was excellent!  When we came home we had our neighbors stop by and welcome us.  They asked all sorts of questions about birthday, blood type, etc.  Not sure what that was all about but I think they are the place to go in case of an emergency.  All and all it was a good week.  Very long since Julia is still getting up at 4:00am.

We made it!

The flight was good and my 11 month old did so well.  Bringing the car seat was a huge pain but worked for sleeping.  I brought way to much, so lesson learned don't bring so much.  One carry one was good. 

Now I am trying to flip Julia to this time zone.  We are on day 5 and it is slow process.  She is getting up around 2:00am but now I can at least get her to sleep again until about 4:30am. 

Tips for moving.  Take measurements for the house, things are so much smaller here.  We ordered a washer and dryer.  I really can't do the hang drying of all the clothes.  I need to have a dyer for some things.

Keeping really busy so I don't get sad, so far this is working.  We are going to try and walk to the store today. 

The slingbox is a great add and having the fiber optics installed today.  Then we should be able to get some TV. 

Two and Half Weeks to go

Well it looks like May 27th is the date to leave.  I have stalled enough and now I have to face the music and get the move on.  Some things to keep in mind:  Getting internet takes about a month or longer and you can't get it until you move over there so prepare for it and bring a wireless card for your computer.  You can rent one from the Tokyo airport and mail it back later.  I got some excellent advise from TripAdvisor.com  Great site!  It also took some time to get the garbage situated.  It helps if you can have someone go over there before you arrive.  We also set up a slingbox so we could watch TV over there.  There is not much of a choice to get TV unless you want to watch Japanese only.  This is all stuff we had to do ahead of time.