Excited!!

Sooo excited!!!

We have a few ITT trips scheduled for May.  I'm especially excited because they cancelled lots of them after the earthquake/tsunami.  And since we moved to Japan, we took full advantage of all the tours the base has offered.  But then there wasn't any new ones, we had been to them all!  Was disappointing, but now they are making up for it.  :)

Kokeshi Museum Painting Tour 

Saturday, 7 May 
Visit Kuroishi City to see the Tsugaru Kokeshi-kan, or Kokeshi Doll Museum. There are over 5,000 traditional kokeshi dolls on display. Local craftsmen will demonstrate the making of these iconic dolls. Following that, you will have the opportunity to paint your own kokeshi.

*Very excited for this one!  I fell in love with kokeshis since we've been in Japan.  And to be able to see lots of them all at once in a museum is perfect.  CAN'T wait!  :)

Tony Roma's Taste of the Town Tour

Saturday, 14 May 
Perfect for date night or to hang out with friends from work, you will enjoy a special dinner menu at Tony Roma’s in Aomori City. The meal includes three appetizer plates, Mexican Chicken Salad, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Fried Shrimp and all-you-can-drink beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks.

*We've been to here before, but its worth it to us not to have to navigate there.  Our friends drove before and it was lots of winding streets, and we were lost for a good 45 minutes!  I'd rather haver peace of mind without being lost!*

Omazaki and Hotokegaura Cruise Tour

Saturday, 21 May 
Omazaki is located on the northern tip of Honshu, Japan. It is most famous for its pole-and-line tuna fishing practices. You will also take a cruise out to see the Hotekegaura, which are natural rock formations. These cliffs are believed to resemble Buddhas, and have been designated a national monument.

Sapporo Tour

27 - 30 May 2011 

*THIS TOUR IS PENDING.  Gilberto needs to get a request chit approved.*  Cross your fingers!!

Points of Interest: Otaru city tour & Shopping in downtown Sapporo. Tour includes, roundtrip transportation, side trip to Otaru city, three nights hotel accomodation, dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden Restaurant, three breakfasts and an english speaking tour guide.

*This would be a great getaway vacation.  I would rather go over to Hokkaido for a beer garden and shopping than snow festival and cold!  :) *

Misawa Port over a month later

Update :)

I said I would update, so here I go!  :)

We had another kinda big earthquake on Thurs/Fri morning.  That's one thing that does trouble me, a late night earthquake.  Just the thought of being half in a dream state and shook out of bed to the house shaking is no bueno!  I was watching a movie in the living room, while Gilbert was in bed.  The power immediately turned off.  This quake seemed to go on and on.  Since the big 8.9, we have had hundreds, and I mean well over 900+ aftershocks.  Some are so small, we don't notice, others have been more powerful but still don't really phase us. I started my way to the bedroom in the pitch black, didn't even think to grab my phone for light.  Was actually pushed around from the shaking and had a hard time walking the path to the room.  Gilbert of course was awake and on his way to me.  Our first thoughts were of the last quake.  But we knew it wasn't as strong as "the big one".  We wondered how long the power would be out.  Maybe 10 minutes pass, and Berto went back to sleep.  :)  We are ole' veterans at this earthquake stuff!  I was too wired now and was wide awake.  Then we hear honking at our driveway.  Our friend, Arsenio came by.  His wife and son are in Florida on the voluntary evacuation.  He ended up sleeping on the couch. 

Now, just so everyone knows.  I do not fear another big quake.  I don't think one will happen, I am not under stress about it.  I had a voluntary evacuation available to me, but chose against this.  I had a few reasons for my decision.  Mainly, I didn't want to be away from Berto.  (We have spent many months of deployments away from each other over the years.  I just couldn't go, willingly.)  I had also already spent a month in MN back in November, it just seemed too soon to go again.  I love my family and would love to see them.  But it's somewhat difficult to live out of a suitcase and not be at home for a whole month.  Another issue I had was that they would extend the month long voluntary evacuation.  And now because of this last quake, they WILL be extending.  Two months is way too long, and exactly what I thought might happen.  I'm glad I stayed with my hubby!  I would have gone crazy without my Berto! 

We're pretty prepared when an earthquake happens.  We have enough bottled water,  candles, food, etc.  On Friday we automatically thought about getting our friends together like we did last time.  Last time it was a tough experience, but I'm not gonna lie, we had a lot of fun despite the situation.  We grilled and made delicious foods, pulled together and entertained each other.  There was cards, Monopoly, some music until our sources drained of power.  So, we talked about getting together again.  The power ended up kicking on in the mid afternoon.  But we had already planned to get together.  So, we grilled "Stevie Special" Bertos famous chicken, hot links, my grilled seasoned potatoes and veggies.  Brats, Velvetta shells, rice.  Simple food that the guys would like, they're NOT fancy!  HA!  The guys played Playstation then we broke in to two groups for Taboo.  Never played before but realized I am GREAT at this game!  And also was glad Berto was NOT on my team because he is NOT great at it!  HA!  :)


We're fine.  Please don't worry about us.  Misawa still isn't the same, but is trying to get back to normal.  We can't travel more than 15-20 miles, but that is just a precaution.  We had a GREAT day out today!  The first time that we have been out to eat since the big earthquake.  It had been over a month.  We had a wonderful  day and I will write about it tomorrow with some pictures.  

If I'm leaving anything out, please let me know!  :)

Missing my familia and friends!  Special love to my M-O-M, Ana and Lisa.  xoxo


Kristina & Gilberto