Message 2 settling in

I’VE GOT MAIL:

          I’VE GOT DIALUP AT HOME AND EXPECT DSL IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS: topgum@sunny-net.ne.jp

MY KADENA.AF.MIL ADDRESS IS A GOVERNMENT COMPUTER!!!!!

That means it is subject to monitoring of my incoming and out going mail and is primarily to be used for official business. Please censor your jokes to eliminate any obscene matter or anything that denigrates anyone’s race or gender.

Speaking err writing of addresses, my mailing address is:

            Colonel Raymond Klein

            PSC 80 Box 14563

            APO AP 96367-0048

This address works best from the US because it is treated like domestic mail and doesn’t require additional postage. If you write to me from outside the US my Japanese address is:

            Raymond M Klein

            Yamauchi House #2F

            343 Uza Yomitan-San

Japan

I’d check rates and if it’s cheaper to send things to the US then I would use the APO address and put United States or USA on the bottom.

My phone number is 098 (area code in Japan) 958-6355. Watch out the zero’s are tricky.

To call from the US dial: 011 81 98 958-6355

To call from Germany dial 00 81 98 958-6355

Well, I got the house. I was notified that my stuff (what little it is) got here two days ago. I am buying my sponsor’s car so, if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to move in on Valentine’s Day.

The car is a Toyota Trueno. Cars here come in different models than in the US. It’s a sporty green-grey two-door thing that more than does the trick: new tires good A/C, essential in the summer. Radio needs work. Cars here are sold with a compulsory insurance-inspection sticker that’s good for two years. Some think it’s a bit of a racket with the cost being more reflective of your ability to pay (rank) than the needs of the vehicle. It’s tough to pass the inspection and it keeps clunkers off the road. The cost of a used car is often determined by how much of the two-year period is left. You can even find a car for free if the sticker is near expiration, mine is good until Sept 04.

Japan has left-hand driving. It was surprisingly easy to get used to because the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. However, it took a few days to not to use the windshield wipers to signal a turn. Roads are very narrow. It’s good that you can’t go fast on the island. You also have to pay attention to the three-car rule. Three cars will zip through the intersection after the light turns red.

The weather has been mainly overcast with temperature in the 50’s. The last two days it’s been in the 70’s, very much like a February back home.

After I signed the lease, I went to the house and did the walk-through. After a second look I realize how lucky I got. The drive to/from work is about 20 minutes long and winds along the ocean a great way to enjoy the commute. The house is on Cape Zanpas it’s actually surrounded by water on three sides. The Japanese lease is written in plainer easier to understand English than leases in California. It actually has a clause that says you can’t wear shoes in the house.

I was at the house for sunset, great view of the sun kissing the ocean good night. Did I mention I have a lighthouse?

By now you should realize I’m writing this incrementally. Each day is filled with triumphs as I surge toward felling at home here.  Today I moved in. My stuff from arrived just as the truck with the government furniture flung its doors open. They ask you not to schedule deliveries on the same day to avoid these conflicts. It only took 20 minutes to move the furniture in and everyone was gone in a few hours, leaving me to organize and find homes for all my things.

The house has four bedrooms so I’ve turned one into an office. I got two desks just because I asked nicely. A second bedroom became a dining room. The got the table in trough the window because the hall is too narrow. I would have taken the legs off, but they popped the window out in seconds. The third bedroom is still full of boxes but I’ll get a futon soon and it will be the guest bedroom.

Being a colonel has its perks. I got all new furniture and a new refrigerator. I even got to pick colors. It’s far nicer than I expected: Thomasville no less. Tomorrow I’ll look for curtains.  

I sprung Falstaff from kitty jail and brought him to the house the night before. He stayed locked up in the bathroom until the movers left. He explored everything quite cautiously at first. Eventually, the light went off in his mind and he realized that we’re living here. The last month has been traumatic for him. He’s not used to a kennel and was really depressed and wouldn’t eat. He lost some weight but his appetite seems to be returning now that he knows what’s happening. I’ve lost some weigh too.  Falstaff isn't out of quarantine yet, that happens next week but it’s acceptable for him to be under house arrest until then. It will be easier for Cleo because she can come straight to the house.

It’s night now and I’m in the study watching the lighthouse wink out its welcome and warning. I think I’m going to like it here.

Here are some photos. More after I get organized

Ray