A Change of Scenery

We had just had it with our temporary lodging on base. We had one room and a living room with a pull out sofa. The pull-out sofa was ripped beyond belief and when open we couldn't even move around in the living area. This morning we found a bug in our bed and some bed bug on the sofa bit Chris -  that sealed the deal!

We thought we'd just grab a rental car and move off base - how wrong we were. There were no cars available to rent anywhere nearby until September 2. We tried every nearby base, then had the rental lady at a marine base call off base for us since our Japanese is a little rusty. No luck. Eventually we found one 30 minutes away at another marine base called Hansen. Chris had an airman assigned to drive him around today so he very kindly drive us to that base. Finally, 4 hours later we had a car.

We picked up our belongings and made our way back to our base lodging to collect our things then navigated the roads to a used car lot. We didn't find anything right for us so we left without committing to anything. I want a really Japanesey car - something compact and boxey and colorful with enough trunk space for my double stroller - I am trying to blend in here. Haha. We are going car shopping tomorrow!

After car shopping we headed to our new temporary digs. We have no idea what we actually signed up or what is included in our stay because the staff spoke hardly any English, but holy moly this place is amazing.

We have three bedrooms with two beds in each room - apparently the Japanese don't like sleeping in the same bed as someone else. It is right on top of the beach - as in if I spat over the edge of our massive balcony, it would land on the beach. It is spacious, clean and very Japanese. It's perfect temporary lodging.

We decided to take the kids to play on the beach late this afternoon. They loved it and loved all the coral and shells they found on the beach - Natalie loved all the Hermit crabs she collected - the beach was full of them. We went there after 5.30pm and they both got slightly red so we will have to be really careful with the UV index here.

It's really exhausting and stressful to move countries, especially when that country speaks an entirely different language - we can't figure out the remote controls, air conditioning and communicating with the locals is a challenge. However we love it and I think we will be really happy here when we are settled.

View from the Parking Lot

View from Parking Lot

Our balcony

Wearing the outside shoes

Entrance with slippers for all

Enjoying the breeze

Little dinner spot next to our hotel

Sunset

hmmmmm....

Japanese Yo Gabba Gabba

Our toilet does stuff...we have no idea what these buttons do but I think they shampoo your butt.

It took me forever to write this blog because this is what I am dealing with...

I have no idea what this spout is for...it's randomly sticking out the wall with no basin or anything under it.

More of our balcony view...

mmmmm fish flies, my favolit!