Japanese Garbage Truck

Here's the garbage truck video I promised in the previous post.

Taking Out the Trash...Japanese Style!

First, I finally changed my blog to a format that pleased me. I like the bright colors and I think the posts are easier to read. Hopefully there will be no more changes :)

Second, I write today to talk about the delight of garbage pick up in Japan. In the next post, I'll post a You Tube video of a garbage truck in Japan. They are pink, have flowers on the side, play a delightful jingle and the drivers are friendly....

That aside, conservation starts in your house. As stated by this article in the New York Times, the residents of Yokohama (the nearest city to Yokosuka) were provided a 27 page manual on how to separate their trash for the garbage truck.

The sorting was so overwhelming for some residents, they would take their garbage to local parks and dump it in the trash there. The Yokohma government sent out watchdogs to sort though this dumped household trash to find the name of the people doing this. Then, they would go to their houses and attempt to train them on how to dispose of their trash. Apparently, it has caused all sorts of uproar.

As Americans, we are certainly not exempt from sorting our trash. I hear in Yokosuka there are five bins in each home in which to sort trash. If you do it wrong, the garbage people will bring all of your trash to your front door and leave it there until next time, which you hope you can get it right.

I read somewhere about one American woman who tried to cheat and stuffed all her trash inside empty milk jugs and then just left the jugs in the correct plastic bin. She woke to find the jugs of trash lined up on her front porch.

Ramen Girl

At the suggestion of my friend, I decided to watch Ramen Girl. It's on Netflix Instant Streaming, so if you have access to Netflix and some free time, it's a cool little movie to check out. It's cute, funny, and has the late Britney Murphy, who is just as cute as a button. However, in a way, it awakened some of my worst fears.

One of the things I absolutely want to do is learn Japanese. Not being able to understand simple things like time of day would be frustrating. To my understanding, the base offers survival Japanese courses you can take upon your arrival. I'm sure this combined with the total immersion will go a long way to helping me learn my way around the language.

Second, being an outsider is going to be tough. There's a lot of things the Japanese population can do that a Gaijin (outsider aka American) will not be allowed to do. Apparently, it's common to pull to the side of the road and take naps in your car. If you're caught napping in a "foreigner" marked car, it's also a good way to be arrested. Not that napping in my car is something I long to do, but it's just an example.

Oh, and a mistake in this movie....Japan's taxicabs have doors that open automatically so you don't have to touch them. People say part of the culture shock in returning to the US is that you stand outside a taxi door expecting it to swish open for you.

And lastly, smoking inside establishments in Japan is very much allowed. I think almost all states in the US have banned smoking indoors. So, this will be something that is difficult to get used to. When we lived in Virginia, four years ago, smoking was still allowed indoors. However, since being in California, I'm glad I'm not forced to be inhaling cigarette smoke while eating a meal. Hm. It's so odd that as technically progressive as Japan is, they haven't banned smoking indoors and it doesn't look like that's something they're interested in pursuing.

Just some random musings tonight. Everyday I think of the upcoming move. I just can't wait to have my hands on those plane tickets so we can have some firm dates to start working backwards from............(ending this blog post on a preposition...deal)

What's Really Stressing Me Out

The thing that is top on my stress list is selling my car. It's a 2005 VW Beetle convertible, black interior, black exterior, 70k miles....

Here's the good:

• It's a convertible..what a better place to sell a convertible than sunny San Diego.
• One owner - myself.
• Drives well - I would drive it across country without worrying about it.
• A/C is cold as ice
• Standard sound systems is pretty rockin'
• The inside leather is in good condition.
• I'm selling it for only $9k, which is a real steal. A five year loan on that would be about $200 a month.
• All oil changes have always been on time. All maintenance has always been done on time.
• It has a lo-jack car theft security system.
• It has all it's auxiliary parts, like the convertible top cover, the wind break, etc.
• Brand new tires and back shocks.

Here's the bad:

• The bank still holds the title. Although this doesn't make the care unsellable, it means the new owner and myself have to hassle the bank about sending the title ASAP. And if the person is getting a loan, their bank might want the title to secure the loan.
• It has some scratches. One where I ran over a rock in the mountains and one where I backed into a pole in a parking garage...they're not un-fixable, but they're definitely noticeable.
• The A/C smells like feet, but John assures me that can be corrected before we sell.
• That stupid flower vase that goes in these Bugs is missing (okay I threw it away because it grossed me out).
• The back windows don't roll down. But to be fair these are TINY windows.
• When the car first starts it can't tell the difference between a hot and cold engine, so it always tells you the engine is overheating...which is just annoying more than it is anything else.
• It's been in one accident, which insurance completely fixed everything, but the passenger's side window has been rattly ever since.
• The used car market is bottomed out. Not many people out there looking for luxury cars.

Okay, that's all. My intent with this post is to kind of grasp how I want to go about marketing this car. My planned "start" date for selling it is Feb 14th, the day I give my two week notice at work. We have to have it out of our hands by March, otherwise I don't know what to do. A lot of people have told me to go to Car Max, but I know they'll give me a quote of $5k or less, when I need to pay off the entire loan (which is at $9k).

Oh, did I mention we have to sell John's truck too? Which I'm not too worried about as he's already received two offers. We only owe $5k on his truck and it's a pretty sweet truck with a sweet custom sound system. So I know it'll go pretty fast.

I might try eBay. I'm not a huge fan of Craigslists, as you get many looky-loos and no one who ever bothers to get back to you after viewing the car initially. Or you get a lot of dumb questions like, "Can I take over your loan?" Sure....let me let you pay me every month even though I don't know you....no thanks, plus many banks won't even do loan takeovers anymore.

Okay, that's my biggest stress. I can do this.

Donating Old Books...

One of the things I don't want to carry to Japan with me is my collection of trashy mystery novels. I'm known for buying $1 books whenever the opportunity pops into my life. I always buy novels with tag lines like, "This is the case he never thought he'd solve.....until his heart was involved..."

I've tried using paperbackswap.com, a site where you can list your used books and someone can choose to "buy" it from you. The only problem is, you have to ship the books one by one as people request them. I don't have the level of time to make daily trips to the local shipping place, even if it's to drop off a single book. Plus, once you tell paperbackswap.com you're shipping a book, they send you nearly daily e-mails to remind you...or at least it feels that way. While I think it's a great service, it's just not a good way to unload a bunch of books at once.

I looked at other donation programs (prison donation programs, international programs, rural library programs, even local library) and they only accept specific types of books and that type is never "trashy mystery novel." Instead it's only textbooks or non-fiction books.

So now, I'm left with what to do. Do I just box them up and leave them in front of the dumpster? I don't want to do craigslist as there has been a string of people coming to see things you have listed on craigslist and then violently robbing you. While I understand this is paranoia on my part, I can never be too careful when John's away most of the time. I want to list on freecycle, but I feel like people will come over and pick through the books one by one when I need them ALL gone at once.

So, now I'm going to box all of these books up and then mull this over. I'm not a person who reads a book more than once and now that I have a Kindle, I might never read a real bound book again.

Hmmmm......

Doctor's Visit!

As you can see, my blog has taken on a slightly new look, which I approve of...I have been inspired by my dear friend, Whitney, who has an absolutely amazing looking blog. So, here's to her for being an inspiration!

Today I went to the doctor's office and got my tetanus shot and my tuberculosis test.

This is the tetanus shot. The nurse looked confused when I wanted to take a picture.

That red spot is the "tb" test in action. I think all is good so far..

Well, next steps...aside from all the cleaning I'm continuing to do. I need to collect all my medical records from all my doctors. Wednesday I get the tb test read and Friday I have an eye doctor appointment. I think Friday I will try to gather all my medical records. We can't move forward until we finish our medical screenings.

KOTATSU!

Today, readers, I learned about a nifty little invention called a Kotatsu. Japanese homes are built virtually without insulation. This allows the walls to "breathe" in the summer so mold doesn't form in the walls. Japan can get humid in the summer. However, as you can imagine, it means it gets very cold inside the home in the winter. Running the heater can get really expensive as all the heat escapes through the walls.

The Japanese have an invention called a Kotatsu, which is a low table with a heater underneath. In the winter, you attach a blanket around the table and sit underneath the blanket. In the summer, the blanket can be removed and the table can be used as a normal table. Here's some pictures of this interesting item:

I must have one. The look extra cozy and I imagine Wylee would love cuddling up in one.

Even Driving is a Culture Shock

In Japan, they drive on the left-side of the road. The steering wheel being located on what I commonly think of as the passenger side. The interesting thing about the US is that (and forgive my generalizations, but work with me here): a) we like our vehicles big and powerful, b) our vehicle is something to personally identify us as a person, and c) we will go $20k or above in debt (heck, some people even rent their cars) to prove to the world that we're an important VIP in our black BMW...

While in Japan, I'm not trying to say that "impression via vehicle" doesn't exist, it's just less common. Their public transportation system is very good, very fast, very clean, and very much used. It's my plan to live within walking distance of a train station. There's trains that go directly to base, Yokohama, and Tokyo...what more could you need?

Back to the cars....my plan is to get something small and sensible. Something I can pay for out of my pocket and be done with it. Even upon my return to the US (if that ever happens), I never want to make a car payment again. My car will from here on be just a car in which to transport me from Point A to Point B.

So, browsing the web to get a feel for price and availability, I found this cutie:

This little guy is called a Dihatsu Mira Classic Parco. It's from 1997 and going for $800. The yellow license plate denotes you as a foreigner and also allows you access to the Navy base. Besides Navy base access I'm not sure if there's any advantage. Do the police leave you alone if you have a yellow plate? Things to figure out.

While I won't get this exact car, I do want something similar. Additionally, before any military personnel can buy a car in Japan, we must go through a week long "cultural understanding" course. It covers driving, to eating out, to house etiquette. After you complete the course, you can apply for your international driver's license on base. Then you're cleared to own a car.

We also will have to purchase Japanese insurance, which functions very similar to American insurance. The only difference is, it will not cover a driver who is not listed on your policy. Sometimes in the US, your car is covered regardless of whether or not it was you or your best friend who was driving the car. In Japan, your friend should absolutely not drive your car unless they're on your insurance policy.

That's all for today....tomorrow..I get my tuberculosis test and tetanus shot...hopefully I can also start collecting my medical records.

The to-do list continues...

Luckily, we don't have to pack up our own stuff. The Navy movers will come in and do it all in a few hours and then we'll be sitting in an empty apartment later in the evening. Easy peasy. However, this means they also see all of your stuff and will pack all of your junk, even your trash if you don't keep an eye on them.

So today, I took an entire bag of trash out of the house (mainly stuff that hadn't been used in 1+ year(s) and had no resell value....like nail polish, hotel-sized toiletries, tea lights, etc). We also can't take any food or liquids, so all of it has to be eaten or thrown out. I feel like I could still fill at least 2 more trash bags.

I still need to get rid of the following items:

- both cars (1 truck, 1 car)

- surfboard

- upstairs TV (36" old style)

- TV in storage (13" with VHS player built in)

- old coffee maker

- 2 bikes (one working, one trash)

- patio furniture (including fire pit)

- pet rabbit (so sad, but he can't come with us)

- upstairs desk and chair (? - not sure about this one, have to talk to John)

- mattress (mattresses in Japan are a lot thinner and fit easily in their small doorframes)

- couch (once again too big for a Japanese house)

- charcoal grill

- random items in closet

- plants

- all alcoholic beverages, including are incredible wine collection with 7-10 year old wines

Okay. What I can't sell, I can set out near the dumpsters and people will come and take it for free. I know it sounds gross, but the dumpsters are our apartments are jackpots. Everyone puts their free items out there and people just come and grab the things they like.

Tokyo Anime Fair 2011!!

This will be happening right before I move there. I'll have to catch it in 2012.

Can't wait!

Japanese Gangsters

When my Japanese grandmother found out I had tattoos, she smacked my hand and told me that was "Yakuza stuff." Turns out, it's true. If you have visible tattoos, the Japanese don't like to let you into their "spa" facilities, which are really communal bath houses (who really wants to go to those anyway?)

Additionally, the Yakuza also have a very strong presence throughout Japan. They are half gangsters and half mafia. Men in suits will often stand outside high-end bars, which US people have been told to avoid.

It's a little scary, but maybe more scary if you're a Japanese business owner.

There's a site here. It explains what the modern day Yakuza are like.

Security Deposit is Cultural

While rent in Japan may be comparable to rent in some of the big cities in the US (around $1800 a month for a decent place), the security deposit/up front costs are culturally driven.

The information I have been reading says that you need to come to Japan expecting to pay around $10k upfront for your apartment or house rental. Usually required upfront is: 2 months worth of rent, 1st month rent, reiken fee, realtor fee, and any pet deposits.

The reiken fee is a gift for your landlord and is not returned at the end of your lease. It is usually the equivalent of the deposit, but can also be upwards of three months rent.

Additionally, if you live in an apartment building, you will also be charged a monthly maintenance fee.

All of these costs add up quickly, not to mention they charge a lease renewal fee every time your lease comes up for renewal and a parking fee for your parking spaces.

Whew. Sounds like a lot. Luckily the Navy has worked out a plan in which you can take out a no interest loan of up to $10k and pay it back as your time in Japan wears on. While being in debt is no fun, all the material I'm reading is saying "Go for the loan!" so you can spend your money on household items, groceries, buying cars, and buying car insurance.

The loan, afterall, is no interest, so you pay back exactly what you borrow and most people said they didn't even notice the loan payment coming out of their paycheck every month.

To-do's today and cheating

I've been on vacation since last Friday, but it doesn't feel like vacation. Every day brings something new to do for the move. My motto is, "A little everyday and it'll get done." I am trying to avoid getting down to the wire and having so much to do it becomes overwhelming.

Today I need to:

- make an appointment with the military medical center to do my overseas screening

- make an appointment with my regular doctor to do my yearly physical, get a tetanus shot, get a terberculosis test (all required before I can attend my overseas screening)

- go to the military bank and get account activated, order debit cards

John is also going through the medical screening process. As soon as he completes it, we will be able to go to the military travel office and work with them to get our plane tickets. Which means, in the next few days we'll have an actual day we move!! Ahhhhh!!

Also, I broke my cardinal law, "Don't read about other people's experiences in Japan!" Part of the reason for this is because I want to discover it all for myself.....but part of it stems from not wanting to work myself into a nervous frenzy over other people's bad experiences.

I found a forum of military people living in Japan who share all their experiences good and bad. Of course, I focused on the bad and freaked out. It's like being pregnant and watching the show "I'm pregnant and my fetus has rabies!" Our brains latch on to these "Worst Case Scenarios" for some strange reason. Nevermind that there hundreds of military families who are already in Japan and living happy as clams.

Oh well, off to start my day! Here I go!

Buyer Beware - Hidden Transaction Fees

One thing I'm painfully aware of is that Visa and Mastercard charge extra money for each transaction you make outside the US. Usually it's 1-3% of the purchase. On top of that, your bank may charge additional fees.

I found this great website here. The website has a chart at the bottom that shows exactly how much you will pay in foreign transaction fees while using your debit or credit card overseas (or in Canada and Mexico sometimes as well).

So, how do I avoid this? Well, first, we're going to get debit cards attached to our account at a military specialty bank. Then, we're going to go to the bank in person on base and withdraw the necessary amount of cash needed for each pay period.

It sounds like a pain in the butt, because it is.

The 3 Phases of Moving

Phase 1: Get rid of things (we're only allowed to bring so many lbs of stuff, plus we have amassed entirely too much stuff during our three years in San Diego.)

Phase 2: Quit my job, sell our cars.

Phase 3: Move out of our apartment, move to Japan.

Well, that's a simple version. Today I cleaned out my shoe collection and the picture is what will be going to Goodwill...

Kamakura

So the Buddha now on the top of this blog is located in Kamakura a 30 minute drive from Yokosuka. From 1185 to 1333 it was the political capitol of Japan. It houses so many temples and ceremonies and seems like an all around beautiful place. Can't wait to visit...

Wiki Travel Site Here

Movies to Set the Mood

Here's my movie list to set the mood of my Japan move:

Lost in Translation - not the best movie, but it's beautifully shot

Shutter (with Joshua Jackson)

Kill Bill

Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift

Any other suggestions? I'm specifically looking to watch movies in which Americans move to Japan or visit Japan.

I'm also want to re-watch Samurai Champloo an anime in which Japan is just as much of a character as the actual characters.

Off-base Housing Process Yokosuka

One of the things the military pushes is living in off-base housing in Japan. The on base housing is limited. Surprisingly, many American families move to Yokosuka with no intention of ever exploring outside the base and with frequent trips planned back to the US. I can't imagine not wanting to take everything in.

So, many families scramble to live on base and be surrounded by their cushy McDonald's and hundreds and thousands of other American families. If that was the experience I wanted....well, I just would have stayed in the States.

Here's a VERY good video on what to expect from the housing office on one of the first days you get there. It takes about three weeks to find a house as everything is very official and the paperwork takes time. Luckily, it looks like they walk you through everything.

WHEW!

We got so much done today. I applied for my official passport thingee and should have that in mid-March. I got my overseas medical packet so I can start working on that (have to get a few shots...boooo...) and Wylee got his first set of two rabies vaccines.

Even though Wylee will have to be in quarantine until August, at least we will have him over there with us. Plus we'll have a home to bring him to when he gets out of jail :)

Now, going to lay down with a glass of wine and revel in my productive day.

We Don't Want Your Stinkin' Passport

So, I thought all would be good. Both John and I have valid passports and my thought was "Thank goodness we don't have to deal with the stress of getting a passport."

WRONG.

John brought home paperwork last night for us to get special "no-fee" passports. These passports somehow will identify us as traveling on "official government business." I work in immigration, so the best I can figure is that it acts as something between a work and visitor visa, allowing us to stay in Japan for three years without being subject to returning after six months. Also, it seems like it is less paperwork than trying to obtain a work visa.

I asked John if he had mentioned we both had valid passports. His answer was "Yes and they didn't care."

So that's that. Probably going to go up to the travel office on base this week and get this taken care of...

It's Under Control

Let me jut say if you are even THINKING of moving abroad and have pets, start looking at the export process now. I wish someone would have told me that months ago and we could have avoided the quarantine altogether.

Japan hasn't had a single case of rabies since the 1950's and their goal is to keep it that way.

To start the process your pet needs to be microchipped with a microchip that is readable in Japan (luckily, Wylee is), then your pet needs to have had at least two rabies shots AFTER the microchipping (Wylee only has one). Then after the second rabies shot, which can't be more than one year from the date you arrive in Japan, you need to have your pet's blood levels tested for rabies immunity. The 180 day quarantine period starts from when the laboratory receives the blood sample. Currently, there are only two labs in the US that are certified by Japan to provide the results. So, clear communication with your vet is a must.

Also, you must forward an Advanced Notice to Import an Live Animal form to the airport you will be arriving at in Japan 40 days before your arrival. The airport the forwards you an approval form which you must keep with you during your travel.

There's other forms involved, but we haven't gotten that far yet. One step at a time and I'll get Wylee over there.

Also, I've found these websites helpful:

How to import your dog to Japan

Military Veterinarian Offices in California - Military Vets seem to understand the process

Japan District Veterinary Command - Provides a Good Checklist

First Freak Out

I'm in the midst of my first freak out. Wylee might have to stay in Japanese quarantine until July or August....and my vet knows nothing about exporting a pet. The military vets are seriously overbooked and only open two days a week.

I will get through this. I will figure it out. And if Wylee has to be in quarantine that long, then I'll visit him every day.

Also if he gets deported for some strange reason, I guess I send him to my parent's house? I have no idea.

Freak out on. Can't breathe. Going for a walk.

Overseas Medical Screening...Yech

As part of an overseas move with the military, you are subject to an overseas medical screening. They are mainly interested in if you have any pre-existing medical conditions for which the military medical facilites overseas may not be equipped to handle.

I'm never one for doctors and especially not military doctors. So I hope my yearly physicals done by my civilian doctor and my twice a year dental visits prevent me from having to go to the military doctor...

I was reading online that the command you are going to will "sponsor" the military member and their spouse, but getting the necessary visa work done, making sure the medical screenings are complete, getting the plane tickets, etc.

Oh yeah, the Navy pays for our plane ticket to Japan....I mean, why not....we're moving there for work.....

SUMO!!

Firstly, this blog (for now) is only a list of things I am finding out about Yokosuka. I have kind of refused to read anyone else's musings on their time in Japan simply because I want to discover everything for myself. Kind of like unwrapping a present. The good comes with the bad :)...

But when I get to Yokosuka, rest assured I will update with all my wonderful (and even not so wonderful) adventures.

Now, on to SUMO!!!! Yes, wrestling, two big men, one ring.....possibly the national sport of Japan. They have a sumo tournament that tours around Japan and ocassionally comes to Yokosuka, but you can definitely take the train to Tokyo to catch a match.

Here's a site with the Sumo match information: http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/

But the coolest part is, you can get Tatami seats, which are ringside and slightly more pricey. Tatami is a grass mat that you take your shoes off and sit on.

Here's a ticket buying link here: http://ent-sumo.pia.jp/en/sumo01.php

If you scroll half way down, it shows you how to properly situate yourself in the Tatami box. Or, if you notice, you can also reserve a four person Tatami box for two (romantic!).

I want to spend some time in Tokyo and catching a real live Sumo match is on my to-do list!!

Japan Culture Shock

I could go on all day about the custom differences between the US and Japan. The Japanese are very stand-offish and not as touchy feely as us Americans.

However, today I found out (and confirmed through the internet) that tipping in any form (cab drivers, bar tenders, waitresses) is not customary. As a matter of fact, if you try to tip you are dishonoring yourself and them by suggesting they need the extra money.

Of course in Western style hotels and restaurants, it's probably okay and encouraged.

I found this link with hundreds of custom considerations: http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Manners.html

How am I ever going to remember them all? Be polite, not loud, and observe....I think that'll get me through the first month until I start learning.

Navy Curry!

Mmmm.....Navy Curry is a speciality in Yokosuka and I can't wait to try it. It's actually named after the British sailors who landed in Yokosuka in the 1800s. It's traditionally served with a glass of milk and a salad.

Also, the Curry Festival happens several times a year in Yokosuka.

Some small info: http://kanto.stripes.com/blogs/navy-curry-spices-japan%E2%80%99s-culinary-history

Bringing a Pet to Yokosuka

Parting with Wylee is not an option. He's our dog-kid. Unfortunately, they don't make bringing a pet to Japan easy. It costs about $1,000 and your pet is subject to a one month quarantine. Japan has never had rabies and is careful to keep this trend.

Growing up with a Japanese grandmother, I know the Japanese view towards dogs is that they are "icky." However, Japan seems to be adopting a more western view of dogs and it seems to be easier to find off base housing that accepts dogs than it has been in the past.

Here's some musings on bringing pets to Yokosuka (about halfway down the page): http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+61465

Stress Island, here I come!

3 BR House in Yokosuka

This is probably very similar to a place we will be living. Off base housing is a must.

Wiki Travel Entry for Yokosuka

Found this on Wiki Travel: http://wikitravel.org/en/Yokosuka

Look at all the cool things to do there! I want to try Navy Curry (named after the British Sailors who landed in Yokosuka in the 1800s). I also want to go see a baseball game there. I love minor league games in the US. I have a friend living in Yokosuka now who says the baseball games are a little different than what we're used to in the US....wonder what that means...

Finding out...

Well, today was the first day we found out. We are 99.9% assured to go to Yokosuka. Yokosuka is pronounced Ya-kooo-ska, not Yoko-suka as I've been trying to say it. We have to report by the end of April 2011.

Haven't told many people yet, but will do as time wears on. I will also update this blog along the way, so maybe someone out there can find help from it :)