Craig skipped the lanterns and headed straight for the squid on a stick. It left a little to be desired. Although, he got his money's worth as it took hours to chew the darn thing.
We have had many other adventures as well. We visited the aquarium, which had dolphins, turtles, lobsters, and some crazy Pacific creatures. That said, while looking at a number of exhibits and admiring tropical fish, we were surprised to see a fish suddenly turn into a crab! The Japanese love 3D computer animation and I must say I was fooled by numerous "tanks" as they were simply filled with projections of fish. Strange. I guess it is cheaper that way.
It is also interesting to see what your kids will actually eat. We visited a "sushi-go-round" where a long thin conveyor belt traces its ways through the restaurant. On the belt are numerous plates of mystery sushi. You snag one of interest as it goes by and are charged by the height of the pile of plates that you accumulate at the end of the table. Then, to order a beer or something special, you type your request into a touchscreen computer mounted at the table. Needless to say, it is an experience, particularly when you mistake dried green tea for wasabi and wonder why your soy sauce isn't getting spicy no matter how much you put in, but instead, you can feel your caffeine addiction being sated. They are both green right? At one such restaurant, Caitlin decided she loved bubbles (salmon roe)!
Driving is yet another adventure. I purchased a car, a flaming red Honda fit that we zip around in. Only in Japan can you call a dealer, request a car sight unseen and not test driven, meet the unknown dealer and car at a park, and pay her with an envelop full of cash. A perfect car drug deal. I am truly impressed that the thing drives. The brakes are questionable, but I am so desperate, I am willing to ignore certain things. Once the car was purchased, then came the task of learning to drive on the left hand side, deciphering road signs written in Japanese, and avoiding the express toll lane where you get stuck and an angry little man jumps out of nowhere waving a bright orange flag in your face yelling something in Japanese as you drop a questionable amount of yen in his hand and wait until he lifts the gate for you to pass. His angry yelling has since changed to hysterical laughter.
Among all of our embarrassing stories, we had time this week to see the Imagination Movers and the girls had a great time dancing to all of the songs. I can't express how much I appreciate performers, particularly in children's theater, who make the time and take the effort to visit overseas bases. We do not have access to these things, and I truly thank them for making a hard situation more bearable for our children by distracting them and giving them joy, even just for a couple of hours.
Beyond our many adventures, I have been diligently working on creating a home for me and my children. School was a disaster for Caitlin, so both kids are home with me and we are chipping away at the never ending process of unpacking. Here is what the apartment looks like so far!
That about wraps up our month. I am looking forward to a routine and some calmer days, but who I am kidding!? I hope everyone stateside is doing well. We sure do miss you all!
