Today, we started becoming a part of the life here at Yokosuka. The first thing that any new arrival to Yokosuka is required to do is attend what is called an AOB (area orientation brief). It must be the military's sense of humor to add the word brief because it is anything but. The AOB lasts 5 days with each day lasting 8 hours. Today was really interesting - lots of information about the ins and outs of how Yokosuka works, from expectations for dress and behavior to housing to who has jurisdiction for crimes and punishment. A couple of things that really stood out was how easy it is to obtain alcohol (you can buy it in vending machines) and certain types of illicit drugs (which you can actually buy in Japanese pharmacies. Hence, military personnel are not allowed to go into these pharmacies). Another interesting thing we learned about was that when you ride a bicycle in Japan, you can get tickets and have a point system just as if you were driving a car.
We had about 15 different speakers - mostly military but some civilians and Japanese - presenting information. The itinerary for tomorrow looks like another day of information and presenters. Wednesday is going to be devoted to Japanese customs and culture - I know that I will have a lot to write about on that day. Then on Thursday, we get to go on a field trip outside the base and visit the city - it is something that we are really looking forward to. I am sure that I will have lots to write about and pictures to post of our first trip into the city. On Friday, we will be introduced to driving in Japan and have the opportunity to take the written part of the driving test. Mona and I are already studying.
I forgot to add that the room was completely packed with all walks of life - from military and their spouses to civilians and their spouses. When I said that everyone has to attend AOB - that means anyone new to the base (even if you had been stationed here before).
I asked Alex about the flow of traffic on base and he said he thought it would be the same as on Japan's roads, after watching Macie and Mona's video and message I saw that he was right. So much to lean and what a way the broaden your horizons. The new clerk t Walmart is from the Philipines and she courteously bows,with folded hands to each customer! She speaks Tagalog and said the word for thank you ws 'salam at' very similar to Arabic and I am not sure the connection. An exciting world me live in if we look through questioning eyes!
ReplyDeleteAlso might add an interesting place to be on Pear Harbor Day!
ReplyDeleteWhooaaa.. I didn't even think about Pearl Harbor. That is crazy to think about.
Delete