USS Stethem DDG 63, First deployment...

I walked to the ship one day while Dave was at work, before the deployment so everyone could see what it looks like.

Dave has been gone since Tuesday. I have had many e-mails from him telling me that he has not been sick yet. I do know that he is feeling very woozy. He told me that he has to go to the top of the ship to see sky to get that feeling to go away. Unfortunantlly, his job takes place in the hull of the ship. Only a few more days though! He'll make it. I miss him already!!!

China Town in Yokohama...

We went to China town and got to see some very neat things. We met up with our friends Christina and Mark in Yokohama at the train station. Here are a few pictures...

Whole Duck anyone?...

Our first dinner out in town...

Tonight Dave and I met up with some friends and went to dinner. We went to a place were you cook your own food in the center of the table. It was a great meal. Yummy, Yummy! If I have family in town I will take you. It is a must. Here are a few pictures.

We got to see the Great Bubbha...

Today, Dave and I went to a little village called Hase in the town of Kamakura. This is were the Great Buddha is sitting. I have to say, it is a very spiritual place. This was our first train ride in Japan. What a confusing thing at first. We found our way with no problems. At the end of our trip, after shopping in the town of Kamakura we got hungry. I have to say it is very hard to find something to eat when you can not read the menu. Some Japanese women lead us into a resturant to eat. She kept saying, "We have english menu!". What a great thing to hear when you feel like you could chew your own knuckles off. I had a pizza and Dave had chicken and rice with an egg broken over the top of it. A lot of the pizza's here consist of tomato, egg, mayonaise, meat and cheese. I was pretty luck to find a somewhat normal pizza today. Here are some pictures of our day:


The drink is called Calpis (pronounced: cal-piss) funny!

....Don't even ask, I waited until I got home! Yes, this is the womens toliet!

Talking to the fam...

So...this is how I talk to the family. I love being able to see everyone. This is my Aunt Dawn and Cousin Harrison. From NC to Japan! To Jennifer, Allison, Dawn and Joey, Linda M., Karen, Amy Cathey and my daddy...Thank you, it's like you are right here with me. Thanks for the support. Love you guys!!! Allison and Daddy... GET A CAMERA!!!

Kendo demonstration...

Dave and I attended a class that explains Japan's culture and customs. We have learned a lot from this class such a bowing to the Japanese, chop stick manners, religions, temple and shrines, language and sports. One of the sports is Kendo. We were given a brief demonstration of this sport. It was pretty cool but Dave and I are still deciding if we want to sign up for a class.

Hale and Farewells...

Last night was the hale and farewell for Dave and the guy he is replacing, Danny Ewing. Hale and farewell is a way of introducing the new guy and saying goodbye to the old. Dave and I were introduced and welcomed by the captain of the USS STETHEM DDG 63. A lot of the members of the wardroom showed up at TGI Fridays off base to say hello and goodbye. It was nice to meet people that Dave has been working with for the past week. Everyone was very nice that we met and one girl was actually born and raised in Raleigh, NC (North Raleigh area). It was a little touch of home. She asked me how to make sweet tea! Here are a few pictures.


Top: Capt. Lions introducing Dave to the crowd.
Bottom: Danny Ewing and Capt. Lions

Our new apartment...

Here is the place we are going to be living on base in Yokosuka, Japan.

Top left: Kitchen

Top Right: Our view from the

fire escape balcony (Tokyo bay)

Below: Living roomView from living room balcony below